Defenders who fought for protection Dartmouth Cove welcome Halifax council's decision to limit infill in this part of the waterfront.
Council passed a motion Tuesday night that would only allow infill for public infrastructure or shoreline protection.
“Very pleased with the results last night. Very, very pleased to see that the council listened to the public's concerns and made the right decision,” said Jill Brogan of the group Friends of Dartmouth Harbor.
There were concerns that development and filling in the area would impact fish habitat and the ecosystem.
Graph. Sam Austin, who represents the region, asked staff to return Sept. 9 with recommendations for bylaws that would consider limiting occupancy — similar to the bylaws in effect in the northwest bayou.
After a lengthy public meeting Tuesday night that received feedback from residents and landowners, the council passed the proposal 12-3.
“I think it makes for good planning,” Austin said.
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“I think if you're going to plan, it needs to be supported by the community and have integrity that people can look at and say, 'Yeah, that's my plan. This is my vision. This is my embankment.” They need to see it.”
Bruce Wood of Atlantic Road Construction and Paving Ltd., the company proposing to fill part of the cove, said the results of the public hearing were disappointing.
“We had a plan that we felt would really revitalize the area. We understand the passion of the people in the area. Good. But really the council has to make decisions based on science,” Wood said.
“And we think they really missed the mark on this.”
He adds that the company is taking a step back to reassess its options.
The company's proposed project initially involved dumping 100,000 cubic meters of rock and received approval from Transport Canada. However, last year the federal government withdrew its approval for the controversial project.
The Minister of Transportation said at the time that the Halifax Regional Municipality had the opportunity to adopt municipal infill bylaws similar to those existing in the Northwest Fork.
As for next steps, provincial municipal services officials must now review the proposed amendments to the law and have 45 days to make a decision.
Brogan says she's concerned about the province's response, but is trying to remain optimistic.
“We hope that they will see no reason to interfere in this matter. And they have had an understanding of what is happening for more than a year,” she said.
“We really hope they stay away and leave the public alone and let the bay be protected.”
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