Update on Access Request and Trail Agreement with HRM
An older (likely 2019) aerial view of Dartmouth Cove, Kings Wharf and greater Downtown Dartmouth.
Dartmouth, NS – January 19, 2026
One Dartmouth Cove is saddened to provide this update.
In December, One Dartmouth Cove requested access to our property - the only remaining undeveloped privately owned shoreline property in Dartmouth Cove.
The City of Halifax (HRM) denied our request.
We requested access in accordance with a longstanding, 15+ year old collaborative agreement with HRM. The agreement allows the public to enjoy the Waterfront Trail on our land and that we, the property owners, can access our land over HRM property.
During the December Holidays we watched with growing concern and confusion - fears were stoked, protests planned and uncertainty spread in our own community as a result of our straightforward access request. HRM officials, knowing our intent, made no attempt to calm or clarify the situation.
Instead, HRM chose to inflame it.
For some reason HRM has seen fit to ignore its own access agreement, one that has served the community well for over 15 years.
We remain open to engaging constructively with HRM to resolve this issue. However, we must be realistic about the safety risks and liability concerns associated with the general public using the trail on private property.
Our goal has always been to work collaboratively with the municipality to protect public access while respecting private property rights and ensuring the safety of all who use the waterfront.
Situation Timeline:
October 8th, 2025: Halifax Council passed the bylaw amendments restricting infilling at Dartmouth Cove.
October 26th, 2025: Transport Canada approved amended application for One Dartmouth Cove.
November 26th, 2025: The Province denied the HRM bylaw, unless HRM could clearly meet three conditions.
November 28th, 2025: HRM submitted its initial response addressing the provincial conditions on the proposed bylaw.
December 12,2025: One Dartmouth Cove sent a letter to HRM asking for permission for access to cross HRM property to get to their own property.
December 15, 2025: HRM Responded to One Dartmouth Cove denying access and gave notice of Protection of Property prohibiting access to the property despite the agreement with HRM that allows a multi-use trail on our private property in exchange for access to our land.
December 22nd, 2025: Province sent a letter to HRM requesting them to provide direct confirmation from Justice Canada that the proposed bylaw does not infringe upon federal jurisdiction, such as navigation or the Fisheries Act.
January 2nd, 2025: HRM filed a notice of judicial review of the NS Government regarding its consideration of the proposed Dartmouth Cove bylaw.