Dartmouth Cove Cannot Wait for Bylaw Action

HRM staff recommend deferring any bylaw changes to protect Dartmouth Cove.

Today brought two pieces of news that underline just how much is at stake for Dartmouth Cove, and how much work remains to be done.

First, HRM staff released their long-awaited report on potential bylaw amendments to protect Dartmouth Cove. Despite nearly a year of review, countless hours of public input, and overwhelming community support, staff have recommended no bylaw changes at this time.

This is profoundly disappointing. When it came to the Northwest Arm, HRM acted decisively. Strong bylaw protections were put in place, with full support from the Province, the Federal Government, and then-MP Andy Fillmore. Those protections ensure that one of Halifax’s wealthiest residential waterfronts is shielded from harmful infill.

However, Dartmouth Cove, a public, working-class waterfront used daily by walkers, cyclists, paddlers, commuters, and world-class marine researchers at COVE, is left exposed.

The 2021 Census makes the disparity even starker:

Median income along the Northwest Arm: $204,000

Median income around Dartmouth Cove: $74,000

One of the city’s wealthiest enclaves received proactive steps from HRM Council to help protect the area from infilling. Dartmouth Cove, where residents have far fewer resources but much greater reliance on public space, is told to wait.

Meanwhile, in AllNovaScotia this morning, a new article (“Hickeys Claim Feds Ghosted Them in Dartmouth Cove Infilling Talks”) paints a picture of frustrated developers being ignored by Ottawa. But let’s be clear: this isn’t about being “ghosted.” This is about due process. The Hickeys and ARCP have already seen approvals rescinded, legal challenges mounted, and overwhelming public backlash. The fact that Transport Canada and the Department of Fisheries aren’t rushing to rubber-stamp a smaller version of the same harmful project is not ghosting, it’s governance.

The contrast couldn't be clearer: on one side, a community asking for protection of a shared public resource. On the other, a well-connected company using threats, blockades, lawsuits, and lobbyists to push through a project the public does not want.

The question before HRM Council is simple: Will they stand with the public good, or will they bend to private profit?

What you can do:

📅 Join our Public Meeting – Monday, Sept 8, 7:00 PM @ Micmac Aquatic Club.

✉️ Email your HRM Councillor – Demand the same protections for Dartmouth Cove that were given to the Northwest Arm.

✉️ Email the Department of Fisheries and Oceans – Urge Minister Joanne Thompson to reject ARCP’s infill proposal once and for all.

Dartmouth Cove deserves more than delay. It deserves protection.

Full Email Council List: cathy.deaglegammon@halifax.ca, david.hendsbee@halifax.ca, becky.kent@halifax.ca, trish.purdy@halifax.ca, sam.austin@halifax.ca, tony.mancini@halifax.ca, Laura.White@halifax.ca, Virginia.Hinch@halifax.ca, shawn.cleary@halifax.ca, kathryn.morse@halifax.ca, cuttelp@halifax.ca, Janet.steele@halifax.ca, nancy.hartling@halifax.ca, john.young@halifax.ca, billy.gillis@halifax.ca, jean.st-amand@halifax.ca, mayor@halifax.ca