Atlantic Road Construction & Paving (ARCP), the company at the center of the Dartmouth Cove infill controversy, is once again making headlines—and not for the right reasons. From hiring a provincial lobbyist to push their agenda to damaging a Halifax heritage property with reckless construction practices, ARCP continues to demonstrate a disregard for both regulation and public interest.
Lobbying for Infill at Dartmouth Cove
ARCP is continuing to move forward with their controversial plan to infill Dartmouth Cove. The company has now hired a provincial lobbyist to advocate for their interests within the Nova Scotia government. ARCP CEO Tom Hickey is looking to reinforce already well-established footing with the Provincial government. He was chosen by current Premier, Tim Houston to be CEO of Invest NS in 2022. Hickey declined the offer shortly after following public backlash. He was described by Houston as a “personal friend”.
In a recent AllNovaScotia article, it was reported that Noel Sampson of Public Affairs Atlantic Inc. is now representing ARCP and its affiliated numbered company, which owns the pre-Confederation water lot in Dartmouth Cove. Their application to fill 6.7 acres of water with nearly 100,000 cubic metres of pyritic slate has faced significant public and political backlash—and rightfully so.
This new lobbying effort raises serious concerns:
What deals are being made behind closed doors?
Will provincial decision-makers put corporate interests ahead of community needs?
Is ARCP trying to bypass public opposition with political maneuvering?
At the same time, ARCP remains entangled in multiple Federal Court cases as they attempt to force approvals for their project. Their legal battle against the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE) and the federal Minister of Fisheries & Oceans highlights the extreme lengths they are willing to go to push forward their destructive plan. At this time, a lobbyist for the Provincial government is presumptuous given that they still do not have the approvals to move forward from the required Federal departments.
ARCP’s Disregard for Halifax’s Heritage
While ARCP fights to destroy Dartmouth Cove’s shoreline, they’ve also damaged one of Halifax’s most significant heritage properties—the historic Henry House.
During blasting for a Universal Realty apartment development, ARCP’s crew failed to warn nearby businesses before setting off a blast so powerful that:
Chunks of granite fell off the Henry House building
New cracks appeared in the walls
Employees thought the building had been hit by a vehicle—or even bombed
Despite being legally required to notify nearby property owners before blasting, ARCP neglected this duty, causing serious damage to one of Halifax’s most historically important buildings.
After city officials halted the work, Halifax imposed stricter blasting conditions—ones ARCP quickly tried to appeal and avoid. Their request to lift protections for Henry House was ultimately denied.
This situation only reinforces a pattern of disregard for the communities they disrupt. If ARCP is willing to risk heritage destruction in Halifax, why should we trust them with Dartmouth Cove?
What Can You Do?
Stay informed & speak out! ARCP’s lobbying efforts mean our elected officials need to hear from us loud and clear—this project does not serve the public good.
Demand accountability. If ARCP is allowed to proceed with infilling Dartmouth Cove, what precedent does that set for future reckless development?
Support stronger regulations. While we need to ensure thoughtful and critical development continues to move forward as quickly as possible for the city, heritage properties and natural spaces alike need firm protections against developers who ignore community concerns.
The fight for Dartmouth Cove—and for responsible development across HRM—is far from over. We need to keep pushing back against corporate interests that prioritize profit over public good.
Stay tuned for updates, and let’s continue working together to protect our community.
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