What to Expect at the Dartmouth Cove Public Hearing

Halifax Regional Council has scheduled a public hearing on Dartmouth Cove for Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 6:00 PM. This is the most important opportunity for residents to make their voices heard on the future of our harbour.

What is a Public Hearing?

A public hearing is a formal part of the Council process where community members can speak directly to Regional Council before a decision is made. It is your chance to share your views, in your own words, on the proposed bylaw changes that could restrict infilling in Dartmouth Cove.

How to Participate

• Speak in person: Anyone can register to speak by calling the Municipal Clerk’s Office at 902-490-4210 or emailing clerks@halifax.ca by Monday, October 6 at 4:30 PM.

• Send a written submission: If you can’t attend, you can still have your comments included by sending an email or letter to the Clerk by the same deadline.

• Attend and show support: Even if you don’t speak, being present in Council Chambers sends a strong message. Council takes note of the turnout for contentious issues.

What Happens at the Hearing?

• The hearing begins with a staff presentation outlining the report and recommendations.

• Council may ask clarifying questions of staff.

• Members of the public who registered will then be called up, one by one, to present their remarks (usually a 5-minute limit per speaker).

• Councillors may ask you questions after your remarks.

• Once public input concludes, the hearing is formally closed. Only Councillors and staff may speak after this point. Council will then deliberate and vote.

Tips for Preparing Your Speech

• Speak from the heart: Explain why Dartmouth Cove matters to you and your family.

• Keep it focused: Aim for 2–3 clear points that you can deliver confidently in five minutes.

• Highlight key community values:

  • Preserve research and innovation: Emphasize how Dartmouth Cove is home to COVE (Centre for Ocean Ventures & Entrepreneurship), where vital marine research and testing takes place. Infilling jeopardizes this unique hub.

  • Protect our green space: Remind Council that the Cove is one of the few accessible stretches of waterfront for residents who don’t have private access to nature. We need to keep it open and healthy.

  • Plan inclusively, not privately: Stress that the future of Dartmouth Cove and the Dartmouth waterfront should be shaped by the community and the City, not by private opportunists looking to profit from dumping fill.

• Be respectful, but clear: Council responds well to firm, thoughtful messages.

• Practice aloud: Run through your remarks a few times to feel comfortable with the time limit.

Why It Matters

This is not a done deal. Council’s decision will shape the future of Dartmouth Cove and could set a precedent for how water lots are managed across Halifax Harbour. Public pressure has already gotten us this far — now we need to show up and be heard.

📅 Public Hearing: Dartmouth Cove 

🗓️ Tuesday, October 7, 2025 – 6:00 PM 

📍 Halifax City Hall, 1841 Argyle Street

To register: call 902-490-4210 or email clerks@halifax.ca by October 6 at 4:30 PM.