What is being proposed?
A developer affiliated with Atlantic Road Construction and Paving (ARCP) has applied for a permit to fill in Dartmouth Cove with pyritic slate and quarry rock from local excavation sites. The project sponsors are saying this will last 2 years but their original proposal suggested 6 years.
The resulting moonscape is not for the benefit of the community, but only as a means of getting rid of excavation materials.
Trucks and heavy machinery for several years
Using access from Maitland Street, the proposal outlines using dump trucks over a period of 2-6 years to bring in pyritic slate and other fill.
10,000 Truck loads of contruction debris
The developer has applied to infill this water lot with 99,700 cubic metres of material from local excavation sites, or the equivalent of 3 football fields.
Environmental Impact
Years of industrial silt sitting in a neutral state at the bottom of the cove will most likely be stirred up and wreak havoc on the fish and other wildlife within the cove. This includes fish, lobster, seals, river otters and over 100 species of bird that have been observed in the Cove.
Future Development?
While the developer’s proposal states that the newly created land could be used for future development. under the current rules it would be zoned for parkland only. So there is no clarity on what would become of the property beyond being a mass of rubble and rock.
Updates
JANUARY 2025
After lengthy discussions with Halifax City Council, HRM is currently seeking public feedback on proposed bylaw amendments to restrict water lot infilling in Dartmouth Cove. These changes aim to safeguard the Cove’s natural beauty, ecological value, and role as a prized community space. While these amendments are a step in the right direction, your voice is essential to ensure they go far enough to truly protect this vital area for future generations. The deadline to provide feedback is January 31st, 2025.
We encourage all residents to share their thoughts with the Halifax City Planner, Rhys Burnell, at Rhys.Burnell@halifax.ca. This is our chance to speak up for thoughtful, sustainable development that benefits the entire community—not just a select few. Together, we can ensure Dartmouth Cove remains a treasure for all to enjoy.
The proposed infill area
The infill area outlined in the proposal would stretch from just past Maitland Street all the way to Parker Street next to The Cove facility.
What can be done?
Make our community's voice heard
If you are a resident of the Dartmouth Cove area, a user of the trail and the waterfront, or just someone who is interested in preserving our natural habitats, there are steps that we can take to prevent this infill.
The infill project has wide reaching impacts for the surrounding community. To better understand how the project affects these areas, and who to contact regarding these concerns, please reference our communication guide to help make our voices heard.
Federal Contacts
The proposal is currently under federal review. You can contact the Member of Parliament for Dartmouth - Cole Harbour to let him know your opposition.
Let the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
know that this coastline is too precious to lose.
Transport Canada has approved the application, but you can still express your disapproval with the decision. You can reach out to them directly by contacting the Minister.
Dartmouth Cove is home to various fish, birds, otters and seals. Let the Minister of Environment and Climate Change know that habitat shouldn't be infilled.
Your local officials
Get in Touch
If you have information that you'd like to share, or you'd like to stay up to date with developments, please let us know.
