October 4, 2007

Fine Dining in Halifax

Lisa Brideau sends along some pics showing how they cleverly do sidewalk cafes on the narrow footpaths of Halifax:
Halifax 1
Halifax 2
Halifax 3
Thanks, Lisa!

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  1. Perhaps I’m alone in finding this solution less than optimal. They look cheap and jerry-rigged to me. I’d prefer to see the sidewalk space either fully widened or the seating area placed in the reclaimed parking space, leaving the footpath clear and continuous. Temporary fixes tend to become permanent. As Mike Holmes always advises us, “do it right the first time”.

  2. I think this solution in Halifax makes sense for the climate – they don’t need outdoor seating in winter while they do need more parking (fewer people walk when it’s 20 below). While it does look somewhat jerry-rigged, it’s also very eclectic and ends up being an expression of the personality of the individual restaurants. It lends a really organic, unique feel to the street because each place does it differently.
    The debate on whether seating should be next to the shop or the street will always rage on, I personally prefer not to sit next to moving traffic.

  3. I agree with Linda B on this one. I personally like the look of it (the extended patio, that is) — reminds me of a few coffee and watering holes in another town we’ve yakked about here, Nelson BC.

  4. As a realist, I think its better than many alternatives. It adds a lively dimension to the street, cafe societies are more fun I think.

  5. I remembered when I visited to Halifax in 2005.
    Halifax was great city and I loved this place.
    even I just stayed only 6 months but I have lots of good and sweet memoried while staying in Halifax.
    If have any chance to trip to Canada, I wanna visit Halifax again!

  6. The sidewalk cafes are a great idea, an idea which became popular in Halifax sometime during the ’90s. Certainly, people argue for & against the extended walkways, but no one can be pleased all the time. On the one hand, the cafes are profitable. On the other, parking in some areas is particularly restricted during the cafe season.
    When the tourist season closes each year, Halifax gets back to the realities of life in a North Atlantic Maritime climate. This is a climate in which the wind is bitter, the damp is pervasive and the roads repeatedly require clearing. Snow, rain, ice, repeat ad nauseum; snowploughs, heaved pavement and road salt. And to hammer home the point, let’s return to that North Atlantic wind which will very quickly change your perspective on life. During this time of year, outdoor cafes and temporary sidewalks are stored away until ‘balmy’ weather and tourists return.
    Quickly, I will address the construction of the temporary sidewalks:
    The side walks are not of shoddy, poor construction. As is standard across Canada, each sidewalk must meet safety standards. Failure to meet these standards can result in charges of negligence to the business which employs the temporary sidewalk, loss of operating licence, trade, etc. The solid construction of the sidewalks allows them to bear hundreds of thousands of footfalls each season, potential abuse from vehicular traffic and certain abuse from merry-makers. However, regardless of safety standards, for centuries into the past this is a region of ship-builders; we know how to lay a plank deck.
    I’m a Haligonian, though living in Toronto now. It’s always a pleasure to return to Halifax for the all-to-frequent need to recharge my batteries. Regardless of the time of year, Halifax is my Home Sweet Home.

  7. I was very impressed by these cafes (and their temporary sidewalks) when I was in Halifax. Has anyone seen anything like them anywhere else?

  8. I am from Brazil and wanted to now more about Halifax, for example, Paul Macartney making show at there. I live in Santos which is also a portcity. But as I could see this town is very charming with a lot to see.Thanks a lot.

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