Next steps in preventing infill. What is for the public good?

“What is right? What is just? What is for the public good?” – Joseph Howe

These are the questions that should guide decisions at every level of government, and yet, they are the very questions Bruce Wood and the Hickey’s have continually ignored in their pursuit to profit from Dartmouth Cove.

It’s been nearly one year since 4197847 NS Limited executed their blockade of the Trans Canada Trail along Dartmouth Cove and threatened HRM Council (in writing) that they would do this if Council were to bring in bylaw amendments to protect Dartmouth Cove from infilling. Despite not having approvals for infill from any of the necessary governing bodies (Transport Canada, Department of Fisheries, HRM, Build NS), they attempted to block trail access and violate a standing easement for the public walking trail. They were asked almost immediately to remove the blockade by both the province and the city.

This stunt was a dangerous, egregious attempt to bully HRM, Build Nova Scotia, and the wider

community into giving in to their selfish demands. Demands that have consistently been wrapped in a false narrative, spinning their project as an enhancement to Dartmouth Cove and a way to help with the housing shortage. It has absolutely nothing to do with enhancing waterfront access and the marine habitat of Dartmouth Cove, improving public infrastructure, or creating affordable housing. To be clear, the only needs this company has any interest in are their own, driven by profit and backed by those few who stand to benefit financially. Their actions on August 21st 2024, showed their true colours, and disregard for public process.

The company has since hired a professional lobbyist to further their cause and they continue their legal battle in court against the neighbouring Centre for Ocean Venture and Entrepreneurship.

Bylaw recommendations aimed at protecting Dartmouth Cove are expected to come before HRM

Council soon based on the time line Council shared in January. These proposed bylaws will shape the future of Dartmouth Cove and we, the public, must ensure they reflect the values of this community. Council and then MP Andy Fillmore, acted swiftly to protect the Northwest Arm from infilling, even though most of that shoreline is privately owned by wealthy individuals who use the Northwest Arm as their private, ocean playground. A not so subtle, example of private interests versus public interests.

Dartmouth Cove is different. It is an active transportation route used everyday by people walking,

cycling, commuting, exercising and connecting with nature. It’s not just a water lot on a map, it is a

shared space, a green lung in a growing city, and a piece of public coastline that must remain accessible to all. Furthermore, it is home to the non-profit Institute for Ocean Research Enterprise (Center for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship COVE). COVE is a world-renowned facility dedicated to the advancement of marine technology. It hosts a variety of important ocean related businesses, including the prestigious DIANA project (Defence Innovation, Acceleration for the North Atlantic) and the underwater sub sea platform “Stella Maris” which rely upon the waters of Dartmouth Cove daily. COVE has been backed by tax payer money to the tune of 40 million dollars since 2018 when it was established after the Coast Guard was relocated! Such a significant public investment must not be overlooked for the benefit of a few.

Mayor Fillmore has been silent with regards to his ideas around Dartmouth Cove. We must urge HRM to apply the same, strong, principled protection here. The public good must come first!

Contact your councillor. Let them know Dartmouth Cove matters – anything less than full protection is not good enough. Stay tuned to find out when Council will be debating these necessary bylaws.