Line Drilling Underway
Line drilling has officially begun on site. This phase involves drilling a precise series of vertical holes around the perimeter of the project area. These holes establish the clean, vertical faces of the excavation and guide the shape of the cut as work progresses downward.
Each hole is drilled to the full depth of the planned excavation, reaching the future foundation and footing elevations. Creating this controlled boundary in advance supports a smoother excavation process, greater accuracy, and a higher-quality final outcome.
Updates will continue as excavation advances. More progress to come soon.
Preparing for Rock Blasting
United Gulf is working closely with HRM to obtain the necessary rock blasting permit for the Skye Halifax site. Before blasting begins, several key preparatory steps are being completed within the defined project boundary:
- Pre-blast surveys of all affected properties
- Structural inspections of designated heritage properties
- Development of a detailed blasting plan by a third-party consultant
- Installation and continuous monitoring of blast equipment
Once the permit is approved and blasting is scheduled, notices will be hand-delivered to all property owners and businesses within 300 metres of the site. These notices will be distributed at least four days in advance and will include the blasting company’s contact information, the anticipated start date and time, expected duration, and location details.
A First for Halifax: Bike Lane Tunnel Keeps Cyclists Moving
When the project’s temporary site office needed to occupy space along Halifax’s downtown bike lane, the team faced a unique challenge: how to maintain safe, uninterrupted access for cyclists while continuing construction activity.
Instead of closing the lane, Skye Halifax introduced an innovative solution by elevating the site office using stacked shipping containers and routing the bike lane safely beneath it. The result is a first-of-its-kind tunnel in Halifax that allows cyclists to travel through the area while work continues above.
This creative approach reflects the project’s broader commitment to thoughtful design, community access, and support for active transportation in the downtown core.
Preliminary Site Work Underway
Early preparation is now in progress at the Skye Halifax site as the project moves toward full construction. Crews are completing initial surveying, fencing, and utility coordination to prepare the area for upcoming excavation and foundation work.
These preliminary efforts mark an important first step in transforming the site, ensuring all existing conditions are properly documented and essential infrastructure is safely managed. The work also includes establishing clear boundaries for pedestrian safety and maintaining access around the project perimeter.
As activity increases, the project team remains focused on minimizing disruption, maintaining communication with nearby businesses and residents, and ensuring all work aligns with city requirements and safety standards.
Stay Informed
For inquiries, media requests, or project feedback, please contact the Skye Halifax team. We welcome questions and input as planning progresses.