What is the Imagine Bloomfield Society?

Imagine Bloomfield is a non-profit organization of interested citizens, groups and initiatives who are working to ensure that the Bloomfield Centre (located at 2786 Agricola Street) fullfills its potential to be an integral, creative and viable part of Halifax's North End community.

Who are the members of Imagine Bloomfield Society?

The Society members are a diverse group of tenants, former tenants, users, neighbours and other citizens and businesses who are interested in seeing the Bloomfield Centre prosper as a sustainable centre for community use into the future.

Why is Imagine Bloomfield doing a feasibility study for the Bloomfield Centre?

Imagine Bloomfield launched an initiative to create a sustainable development proposal as a way of demonstrating to the city that the Bloomfield Centre has a future and sustainable role for the North End neighbourhood and citizens of HRM.

What is HRM doing about the Bloomfield Centre?

HRM has completed two stages of a three stage process to review the facility. During this process, some tenants have been removed from the Centre for various reasons. A multi-service centre, such as the Bloomfield Centre, does not fit easily into existing HRM frameworks. However, HRM has recently adopted a draft Cultural Plan where there is potential for increased flexibility for HRM owned properties.

Is the Imagine Bloomfield process a duplication of HRM’s review process?

No. The Imagine Bloomfield feasibility study is an arm’s length, citizen-driven process that seeks to be open and inclusive to all interested parties. To date HRM has not publicly explored development options for future sustainability of the facility. The Imagine Bloomfield initiative resulted from a perceived lack of transparency and inclusivity in the HRM process. Furthermore, the agenda for the HRM process has not been made completely clear. Imagine Bloomfield hopes that it’s efforts and community visioning will enhance HRM’s process, and that HRM sees this initiative as a partnership in community building.

When will the Imagine Bloomfield feasibility process take place?

The feasibility study has begun. Students from Dalhousie University’s School of Planning are consulting with current and former tenants now. On November 8, 2006 there were two Visioning Workshops open to everyone interested in participating. These workshops sought input on what citizens, tenants and users think the Bloomfield Centre might look like in the future.

With the input from tenants and others, the Planning students will create an inventory of users, uses and space requirements. It is hoped that in January, 2008, a design Charette / workshop) will take place, at which time those interested will discuss what the future Bloomfield Centre might look like, and what might be included in and on the site.

Following that consultation, the Planning students will compile all information gathered and put it together with a development proposal and business case. This will be presented to HRM as the desired option for development of the Bloomfield Centre by the citizens.

What is the history of the Bloomfield Centre?

The Bloomfield Centre has a history as a community recreation centre over 20 years. During that time it has come to house physical recreation activities, social, environmental and arts and cultural activities. In 1996, when the former City of Halifax was amalgamated into HRM, some social mandates were dropped from the role of the new Municipality. In addition, the nature of the municipality’s arts and culture mandate is not clear. These issues, complied with infrastructure decay of the Centre’s buildings has lead HRM to question the feasibility of maintaining and operating the Centre.

Where is Imagine Bloomfield carrying out its activities?

The Imagine Bloomfield Society Steering Committee usually meets bi-weekly. Public consultations have been carried out at the Bloomfield Centre. For further information as meetings are planned, please go to our website or ask to be placed on the Imagine Bloomfield e-mail list.

Imagine Bloomfield’s Annual General Meeting will be held in December 2006. At that time we encourage all current members, and other citizens wishing to become members, to attend, learn more and consider taking an active role in the Society.

How do I become involved?

To become a member of Imagine Bloomfield Society, the cost is $5, and you should contact Steve Hart, Membership Coordinator.

To participate in the consultations, you may send us your e-mail address to receive updates, or please watch for announcements on this site and in the local media.