From City Hall to Urban Development: Stephen Adams' Journey Through Halifax Politic

Stephen Adams represents a rare breed in today's political landscape—a city councillor who served for 29 consecutive years representing the Spryfield area of Halifax. His transition from politics to becoming Executive Director of the Urban Development Institute provides a uniquely informed perspective on the challenges facing our growing city.

During his nearly three decades in public service, Adams witnessed Halifax transform through amalgamation, development booms, and the recent housing crisis. As he explained during our conversation, his political career began when community members approached him about running for office. "I always said I just wanted a sign to say it's time," Adams recalls, noting that despite his initial reluctance, he felt called to address how Spryfield was being unfairly portrayed in the media. This mission to defend his community's reputation became a cornerstone of his political identity.

The misconceptions about Spryfield particularly frustrated Adams, who pointed out how media would label positive news as "Halifax" while negative events were consistently branded as "Spryfield." He recounted confronting reporters with actual crime statistics showing that Spryfield had lower crime rates than Halifax's South End in several categories. This data-driven approach to challenging preconceived notions exemplifies Adams' practical approach to governance and advocacy.

Perhaps most revealing were Adams' insights into what made him successful over such a long political career. "Never hold a grudge and always take the high road, because there's far less traffic there," he shared. He emphasized the importance of returning constituents' calls and treating people with respect, even when disagreeing with colleagues. The ability to leave heated debates in the council chamber rather than carrying them into personal relationships proved crucial for long-term political survival.

Adams' transition to the Urban Development Institute positioned him to address Halifax's current housing crisis from the development side. He offers critical insights into obstacles facing housing development, including regulations that add substantial costs without necessarily providing proportional benefits. For instance, he pointed to requirements that every parking space in new developments be EV-ready—adding thousands per stall—when market forces might better determine the appropriate allocation of such amenities.

The conversation illuminated the complex relationship between government regulation and the practical realities of building housing during a crisis. Adams advocates for reasonable approaches that balance environmental and social goals with the urgent need to increase housing supply. His experience on both sides of the development equation offers valuable perspective on finding practical solutions.

As Halifax continues to grow and face unprecedented housing challenges, voices like Adams' remind us that effective governance requires balancing idealism with pragmatism. His career demonstrates that true community service often means making difficult decisions, communicating openly with constituents, and maintaining personal integrity throughout decades of public scrutiny. The wisdom gained from nearly 30 years of public service offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in how local politics shapes our communities.