Like Halifax peninsula itself, the central heart of Halifax (the Commons area) is long and thin

While some cities like Edmonton and Paris are free to expand ever outwards in concentric circles , many cities are constrained geographically.

Both Manhattan and peninsular Halifax are basically long and thin and surrounded by wide deep waters.

So their central centres are long and thin like the island or peninsula surrounding them, rather than round or square as in cities like Edmonton or Paris.

Despite this, both still function successfully as city centres : giant "Concerts in Central Park" are as famous in New York as giant "Concerts on the Garrison Grounds" or "Concerts on the North Commons" are in Halifax.