The North End neighbourhood in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is witnessing rapid development of mixed-use buildings driven by a smart growth-oriented development policy. The four most recently developed commercial spaces now contain high-end boutiques, cafés, and health services, replacing industries such as auto repairs, and transforming this historically blue-collar neighbourhood. With the absence of evidence showing higher investment risks, developers will likely continue to produce commercial spaces to meet the prospective demand. Community planning strategies must consider possibilities of gentrification and impacts on transportation needs arising from smart growth, not only at the community level, but also at a regional scale.