Transport Canada gives amended approval for Dartmouth Cove infill project

The Dartmouth Cove is pictured. (Stephanie Tsicos/CTV Atlantic)

Transport Canada has given amended approval for infill work at the Dartmouth Cove, less than a month after Halifax Regional Council voted to restrict water lot development in the area.

In a letter dated Oct. 23, Carl Ripley, regional manager of the Navigation Protection program with Transport Canada, said they have approved the amendment following a request from 4197847 Nova Scotia Limited, the company behind the infill project.

The initial approval for the project was issued in April 2024. Two months later it told CTV News Atlantic that it had started the process to rescind that approval.

“Based on information you provided, including updated plans, we understand that the footprint of the proposed development has been reduced to accommodate and maintain safe vessel navigation between the infill and the neighbouring property’s floating docks,” Ripley said. “The review of the file has demonstrated that, the nature of the proposed infill is typical of other infills in Dartmouth Cove including the previously infilled parcels upon which both the King’s Wharf Development and the COVE facilities were constructed.”

Earlier this month, Halifax council voted 12-to-three in favour of restricting development and infilling at the nine water lots that run from the Macdonald Bridge to the Woodside ferry terminal.

At the time, Coun. Becky Kent said their decision could prompt action from other levels of government.

“It’s us taking a stand and saying we want to protect Dartmouth Cove,” she said. “We are in the throes of making decisions and in most cases the province sits by. I’m hoping it will kickstart the other jurisdictions of government.”

Bruce Wood, who represents owners of a Dartmouth Cove property, said council “acted where it has no jurisdiction” with its decision on the water lots.

“It should send a chill to all private property owners that HRM council believes it can create bylaws that effectively take private land from its owner and rezone it solely for public uses,” he previously told CTV News Atlantic.

According to the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry, 4197847 Nova Scotia Limited is proposing infilling 2.7 hectares of the Dartmouth Cove with non-acidic quarry rock and pyritic slate, which can produce acidic runoff if exposed to air.

“The purpose of the project is for the infilled area to provide enhanced waterfront access and land that will eventually enable future development,” the registry reads.

The amended approval under the Canadian Navigable Waters Act requires the company to install three cautionary “Ottawa River Type buoys” along the leading edge of the fill area. The buoys can be removed when the fill placement is complete.

-With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Natalie Lombard

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