Does a vision for how the Stanfield Airport exist? Over the past number of years we have witnessed a constant renovation and refurbishment project which in my view has done little to improve the ‘look’ of the airport either inside or out and minimal to the functionality of the airport. In my view, an airport is not only a key part of our transportation infrastructure, but, can also say a lot to visitors about the place where they are arriving. Halifax is the only city I have ever visited that has models of landmarks on our luggage conveyors. Why do we have this? I suppose to promote a touristy feel. I view these like lawn ornaments ~ unnecessary and hallmarks of poor taste and design sense by the owners of the houses that put them out. Take a look at the view driving out of the Halifax terminal next time you leave there and compare it to Ottawa, Toronto, even St. John’s ~ cities we are competing against for businesses, immigrants and retirees as investors, workers and citizens. I say STOP the Renovations and Flip this Terminal as soon as possible! As I write this, I’m sitting in the Ottawa airport where crews have been ripping down an older part of the terminal building for at least several weeks (at least since the last time I was here). Even if it takes 10-15 years, we need to start planning as a community how we can create a new facility with clean, modern lines including exterior exits and spaces. Seriously, this should be a design competition, including where a new terminal could go, so that the exit has less of an industrial feel to it and invites people to our world class city versus makes them feel like they are arriving in a place that is more focused on tourism than business and welcomes them to a world class city versus feeling like they are driving out of a construction zone or cargo terminal!
This article appears in Apr 17-23, 2008.
There’s a reality show I would watch. Paint: $8000, Pavement: $1,200,000, Projected profit: 1 million tourists per year.
Shit, the airport may look dated, and they built it in one of the foggiest areas of the province, and thry built it about as far away from Halifax as humanly possible but… I’d settle for a Metro Transit link bus that connects the airport to the bridge terminal in Dartmouth and Scotia Square in Halifax. I suppose that would be too much to ask lol.
I know the airport is a little way out there, but to provide some context that always makes me feel a little better about it, It only takes about 30 min to get to the airport from downtown (~40Km) whereas the Toronto Airport is only 20Km away from downtown, but can take 30-60 minutes to get to by highway (depending on traffic) and 45 min by subway/bus. So, even though it is farther out, it is still a little easier to get to than some airports. But I agree an express bus to downtown (metro transit bus that is) would be a great idea.
It would be a great idea to have an express bus to the airport. Many sities have a van service that is far superior in the sense that it picks you up from home. Robert Q isnta cab service as it is only for the airport and only on reservations. It operates anywhere west of Pearson. Unlike abus that is restricted by routes and having me go to a direct stop, it goes exactly where. It only costs like $20 bucks or so to go straight from your home. Robert Q also doesnt have to leave on a schedule. They check to make sure your flight is in.Miles, where is the thread about the games that we were talking in? I had a WONDERFUL article to link you to and dont want to carry this from thread to thread.
Are you kidding? At least it now looks like an airport that has some amount of international traffic flowing through it. You should have seen it 20 years ago, or 5 years ago for that matter. Models of landmarks aside, at least now you can buy a frigging magazine somewhere or maybe have a beer or three.
This will be argued about in this province for the next 20 years. While the airport’s demands will increase, the traditional way to do things here is talk about a new one for years, let the public have a say, then they will fight about it for a million years, all the while, tossing money at the current structure that really looks second rate like OP says. IT is an improvement from the past, but it will never be anythng close to them other mentioned spots
What do mean by ‘and even St. John’s?’ Ahhh the stereotype that other places in Canada being better than Newfoundland lives on. Faaaaaantastic.
You are a very”up” person homie :)The Halifax airport is an international award winning airport. It is big enough to meet its capacity and is serving our city well. All the construction the OP is complaining about is because they are trying to solve some of the exterior issues. And it’s not any worse than some other airports. You walk out of the terminal buildings at pearson in Toronto (terminal 1 or 3 ) and you end up facing a giant parkade across from the busy roadway where you are choking on exhaust fumes. The first thing I notice walking out of the airport in Halifax is the smell of fresh air. I’ll take that anyday.
no no… i am agreeing…. but look how long it took for the inside to change. I agree the toronto thing is sorta nasty… however, that is because there is something to do within a few minutes and space was consumed by business. It used to be nicer. 100 years from now when they build out to make that part of the city here, the same will occur. But when i first drove up to that airport…. i was thinking someone played a joke on me when they announced “international” airport. It looks like a bus terminal.
Personally, I just want to see the OP pitch the “Flip this Terminal” idea to HGTV.
I usually get dropped off at the airport but can only imagine what an extreme cost and inconvenience it is to take the bus from halifax to the airport. In Montreal 5 minutes after getting off the plane I’m on a 13 dollar 20 minute ride to downtown, and a few drop off locations to boot. Not to mention that super efficient ‘metro’. Sigh.