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Architectural Design Services Selection for HRM Central
Library Moves Ahead
Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) announced today the engagement of Creative Class Group, who will provide expert advice to the selection committee as they review proposals to choose an architectural design firm for the Central Library.
Creative Class Group was founded by Richard Florida, one of the world’s leading experts on economic competitiveness, demographic trends and cultural and technological innovation. Mr. Florida was in Halifax in 2004 to help HRM articulate its vision of enhancing its image as a creative city. While in Halifax, Mr. Florida inspired residents and HRM Regional Council to imagine the best that downtown Halifax can be. The involvement of his Creative Class Group in the Central Library project brings us one step closer to realizing that better Halifax.
Creative Class Group incorporates two disciplines - urban planning and architecture. They will work with the selection committee, made up of HRM and Halifax Public Libraries staff, providing a written report on how each of the proposals relates to sound urban design and architectural principles. Their advice will be used to inform the work of the selection committee in determining which of the proponents best addresses the requirements outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP).
“We are looking to passionate leaders in the field of good urban design to help us apply best practices and foresight as we move forward,” said Phillip Townsend, HRM’s Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management.
“Building a central library is a significant undertaking,” said Townsend. “Public input has guided the project from the beginning because this facility will not only be a beautiful building, it will contribute to the vitality of our downtown and serve as a cultural magnet and community gathering place for the residents of HRM.”
An Economic Impact Assessment Study of the Central Library done in 2009 shows the library will build a strong urban core, provide economic infrastructure for developing HRM’s creative economy and revitalize the business district where it is located.
In the coming weeks, the selection committee will review the proposals from the four architectural design firms and make a recommendation to Halifax Regional Council. Once the contract for architectural design services has been awarded, an in-depth public consultation and architectural design development process will begin.
Profile
Debbie Hum was first elected to Regional Council in a November 2003 by-election in District 16 (Prince's Lodge-Clayton Park West). In October 2004, Debbie was re-elected by acclamation to represent residents of District 16, now known as Rockingham-Wentworth.
Debbie has lived in the metro area for most of her life. From 1978 to 1991, Debbie was employed in several finance positions at the federal government level. In 1991, she left employment in the public service to spend more time with her young family, returning to work on a part-time and contract basis as an event logistics planning consultant and also as a constituency assistant for the Halifax-Bedford Basin MLA from 1999 to 2000.
Debbie has a strong interest and background in event management, environmental health, sport, recreation and health promotion. In addition to a Bachelor's degree in Recreation from Acadia University, Debbie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in addressing provincial, municipal and community issues. A well-known community advocate and dedicated volunteer, she has worked tirelessly on behalf of many school, community groups and organizations. In November 2002, Debbie was awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for "Outstanding Volunteer Contributions to her Community and to the Province of Nova Scotia."
Boards & Committees
Current HRM Committees:
- Chebucto Community Council
- Community & Race Relations Advisory Committee
- Energy & Underground Services/Harbour Solutions Committee
- Solid Waste/Resource Advisory Committee
- Volunteer Award Recipients Committee
- Youth Advisory Committee
Past HRM Committee memberships:
- Audit Committee
- 2011 Canada Winter Games Bid Planning Committee
- Commonwealth Games Bid Committee - Councillors' Advisory
- Halifax Regional Library Board (Vice-Chair)
- Mainland Common New Recreation Facility Committee
- Program and Service Review
- UNSM 2007 Fall Conference Organizing Committee
- Volunteer Award Recipients Committee
Community Committees:
- Active & Safe Routes to School - ÉGWPS School Travel Planning Committee
- Bayers Lake Business Association (ex-officio)
- Centennial Arena Commission
- Condo Owners of NS (C.O.N.S)
- Friends of Hemlock Ravine Society
- Halifax Northwest Trails Association
- Mainland North Addiction Awareness Committee
- Mainland North Volunteer Recognition Committee
- National Advisory Team - Bella Rose Arts Centre
- Rockingham Community Centre Volunteer Board of Management (Ex- Officio)
Contact Information
You can contact Councillor Hum at the Councillors' Support Office or by any of the following means:
Mail:
Councillor Debbie Hum
PO Box 1749
1841 Argyle Street
Halifax, NS
B3J 3A5
Cell:
(902) 476-7212
Office:
(902) 490-6807
Fax:
(902) 490-5124
Email:
humd[at]halifax.ca
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