Dartmouth Cove
HRM blocks access - an update on our Trail Agreement with HRM
Dartmouth, NS – March 19th, 2026
One Dartmouth Cove Updates Public on Cancellation of Trail Agreement by HRM
One Dartmouth Cove is saddened to provide an update regarding the rejection of recent request for access to our property, the only remaining undeveloped privately owned shoreline property in Dartmouth Cove.
In December, One Dartmouth Cove requested access to our property in accordance with a long-standing, collaborative agreement with the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). This agreement, which has been in place for 20 years, allows the public to enjoy the Waterfront Trail across our private land while ensuring property owners can access their land via HRM property.
This arrangement has served the community well.
Despite this, HRM denied our request for access. Furthermore, HRM has issued of a Protection of Property Order on our ability to access our property via Skokomul Street.
As we are being prevented by HRM from accessing our property as provided for in the Trail Agreement, we have no choice but to protect our property from any unauthorized use. Effective immediately, we have installed No Trespassing signs on our private property. Any access must be approved in advance. This new Protection of Property Order applies to all. It is being actively monitored and will be enforced.
Our goal has always been to work collaboratively with HRM to protect public access while respecting private property rights and ensuring the safety of all who use the waterfront.
Safe, proven infilling is the only plan to save Dartmouth Cove
We believe access to the Dartmouth Waterfront Trail is for everyone
Simply put, our role is to enhance the trail experience and create the opportunity to finally unite the trail from Alderney Landing to Woodside.
A DARTMOUTH COVE FOR EVERYONE
One Dartmouth Cove
Top Frequently Asked Questions
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No, not even close.
This project proposes adding a strip of land along the shoreline that will create approximately 18,250 m² (4.5 acres) of usable land available for private and public use. There is a proposed exclusion zone of 56 metres along the COVE facilities to avoid any navigational impacts to their important work.
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How long will this project take to complete?
Infilling at the project site will take less than two years and may be done as quickly as one year.
The complete duration of the project, including environmental monitoring, may be up to six years.
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The water lot is in an area of Dartmouth Cove with a 100-year history as a disposal site for raw sewage and industrial sludge on its seabed. This makes it of very poor quality to support significant populations of marine life and unsafe for direct human interaction. Nevertheless, our project is committed to mitigating any environmental impacts to marine life by:
Creating enhanced marine habitats to support fish and other marine life
Further enhancing the area's ecological integrity, with the creation of an intertidal Rockweed Beach along the new waterfront, aiming to restore the shoreline to a high-productivity marine environment.
The addition of Reef Balls (artificial reefs), strategically positioned along the project site's slopes, fostering marine vegetation growth and serving as a habitat for various aquatic species, including fish.
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HRM Council knows it can’t consider views when making bylaws so they’ve created a bylaw for infilling.
One they have no jurisdiction to enact.
Will it save Dartmouth Cove?
No, but it will save the view - for a select few.
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HRM Council has already spent $800 000 of your tax dollars on an unfinished plan to improve access to the Dartmouth Waterfront.
A plan we fully support.
The new bylaw ensures a united Dartmouth Waterfront from Alderney to Woodside will never be completed.
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HRM Council knows the bylaw ist has passed is outside their jurisdiction.
In fact, HRM staff recommended against such a bylaw.
It may be good short term politics to bypass existing law to save the view for a select few - but the long-term cost will be shared by all taxpayers.
SAVING DARTMOUTH COVE
ONE DARTMOUTH COVE starts by saving Dartmouth Cove for the future enjoyment of residents, visitors and all the people of Dartmouth.
MAKING HOUSING AFFORDABLE
Excavation costs often include a major investment in hauling away pyritic slate - contributing to the high cost of building in the City. Saving Dartmouth Cove will also save serious costs.
UNITE ACCESS TO DARTMOUTH WATERFRONT
Everyone deserves safe and continued access to a healthy, clean Dartmouth Cove - everyone. ONE DARTMOUTH COVE will unite the waterfront trail.