Protesters make last push to stop infilling at Dartmouth Cove

Protesters spoke against plans to infill a part of Dartmouth Cove on Wednesday.

A vocal group of residents and supporters rallied at Alderney Landing Tuesday, urging the Tim Houston government to uphold a Halifax bylaw that would temporarily block a controversial infilling project at Dartmouth Cove.

Protesters with the community group “Save Dartmouth Cove” have been fighting Atlantic Road Construction and Paving’s plan to dump roughly 100 cubic metres of pyritic slate and other rock into the cove for nearly three years now.

Transport Canada gave amended approval for the construction company’s proposal to infill a section of the waterfront they own, despite environmental concerns raised by residents and the Save Dartmouth Cove group.

Halifax Regional Council passed a motion earlier this year that would halt any infilling, with a new bylaw that would protect the cove’s waterfront.

But the final decision rests with the province.

Municipal Affairs Minister John A. MacDonald has until Nov. 28 to decide whether to approve the bylaw or strike it down or send it back.

Rally organizers say the province should not amend or alter the bylaw in any way but let it pass.

“This isn’t NIMBY, this isn’t just a few people who are worried about their yard,” said Save Dartmouth Cove member and nearby resident Jill Brogran. “This is an entire community. The greater community of Dartmouth and beyond who want this bylaw brought in so Dartmouth Cove could be protected.”

With the deadline approaching, protesters say they will continue pressing the province to keep Dartmouth Cove protected.

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