​Halifax regional councillors are urging people to take a close look at proposed development corridors that are part of a new centre plan for the municipality.

"People probably don't really understand it," said Coun. Gloria McCluskey, who represents Dartmouth Centre.

"I don't want people to be scared or upset, but I do want them to pay attention."

Planners made this map to show future development in the central HRM area. (Halifax Regional Municipality)

33,000 more people

Halifax Regional Municipality planners are recommending a target of 33,000 more people for peninsular Halifax and parts of Dartmouth over the next 15 years.

To reach that goal, six corridors have been identified for taller buildings, seven storeys or higher.

Those corridors are located on:

Agricola Street, Gottingen Street, Spring Garden Road, Quinpool Road and Young Street in Halifax.

Wyse Road in Dartmouth.

Population density to increase

There are also a dozen corridors on both sides of Halifax Harbour where medium-sized buildings — four to six storeys — would be permitted.

"In some areas we need to densify," said Coun. Jennifer Watts, who represents Halifax Peninsula North.

"These are the areas we are identifying. Look carefully at these maps."

The municipality recently posted maps of the corridors on its Centre Plan website.

Balance between high and medium density

Planners hope to provide more detailed versions within a week. Decisions about the balance between high and medium density also have to be made.

"We're open to considering shorter buildings," said senior HRM planner Jacob Ritchie.

"But if we're going to hit the growth targets, we might need to build more of those buildings."

The public will be able to comment on the proposed development rules until early August.

A draft version of HRM's centre plan is expected in September.