For Public Release - HRM Council acts beyond jurisdiction

Today, Halifax Regional Municipality Council chose to advance a new bylaw limiting infilling on the One Dartmouth Cove property. 

Once again, HRM Council has acted where it has no jurisdiction. Infill permitting for Halifax Harbour is under the authority of two Federal departments, Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Transport Canada. Despite being repeatedly advised by HRM’s professional staff that infilling authorization was not in HRM’s jurisdiction, HRM Council chose to create a new bylaw in the working Halifax Harbour where it has no authority.

The property owners are disappointed in Council’s decision.

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.

We will consider all our options to protect and manage our property going forward.