The Halifax Convention Centre's Annual Report was a topic of discussion at Halifax Regional Council on Tuesday.

The Halifax Convention Centre does business under the name Events East, which is the special purpose government agency responsible for the management and operations of the Convention Centre and the Scotiabank Centre.  CEO Carrie Cussons presented the corporation’s year-end financial statements to council. 

The 2022-2023 year in review saw a combined $105 million in economic impact for business in Halifax and Nova Scotia. 

“I think you’ll agree it was an incredible year of event activity here in Halifax,” Cussons says. The centres facilitated 270 events and saw around 680,000 attendees. Cussons says it was a record setting year for Events East.

The revenues from this year covered operating expenses and some of Events East’s building costs, Cussons says. The convention centre revenues were $14.55 million as opposed to the budget of $7.6 million. 

“Last year it looks like it broke even and it looks like this year it actually made some extra money,” Coun. Shawn Cleary said. Although events took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, the centres saw a recovery this year. 

The National Black Canadian Summit, Deloitte events and the World Ocean Tech and Innovation Summit were held at the Convention Centre. Scotiabank Centre saw its regular seasons for Mooseheads and Thunderbirds games as well as 16 entertainment shows and concerts. 

“The convention centre has filled an important role that the old centre simply couldn’t do,” Coun. Waye Mason said. 

For 2023-2024, Events East is budgeting for a deficit of $6.5 million with a $3.25 million payment due from HRM.

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