Infill on Andrew Metlege’s property on Birchdale Avenue on the Northwest Arm in Halifax on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. HRM ordered it to be removed by July 22. Photo by Ryan Taplin /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentAn HRM-ordered deadline to remove infill on the Northwest Arm has come and gone, yet the rocks still remain.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentAndrew Metlege, head of development and property management firm Templeton Properties, is building a mansion by the water. His neighbour, Allan Shaw, chairman of the Shaw Group, a natural resources manufacturer and development company, noticed the 10-metre pile of rocks in the water and notified the municipality.Article contentArticle contentArticle content Allan Shaw, seen on his dock on June, 30, is opposing his neighbour’s infilling in the Northwest Arm. Photo by Ryan Taplin /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentThis ocean inlet by the Armdale roundabout has been protected from infilling since 2024 so HRM issued a notice to comply on June 22. That’s an order to remove the infill and return the shoreline to its natural state and had a deadline of July 22.Article content“I’m disappointed, I guess,” said Coun. Laura White (Halifax South Downtown) in an interview this week. “But not surprised. Anything goes around here. It’s disappointing that our bylaws wouldn’t be complied with.”Article contentThe Chronicle Herald asked Mayor Andy Fillmore if he thought HRM needs to provide a strong response to this infraction to deter others and, as someone who spearheaded the protections for the Northwest Arm, if he’s disappointed. He responded with a statement via email.Article content“I’m very familiar with this file, and as MP, I worked with community members to restrict infilling in the Northwest Arm,” he said.Article contentArticle content“There are municipal bylaws in place, and I expect those bylaws to be enforced. It is also my expectation that anyone undertaking work complies with all municipal, provincial, and federal requirements.”Article contentArticle contentWhat happens now?Article contentIt’s the first real test of these bylaw protections.Article contentGraeme Benjamin, a Halifax Regional Municipality spokesperson, said staff will determine the appropriate next steps based on the circumstances and the outcome of the ongoing investigation.Article contentWill HRM staff conduct an inspection?Article contentBenjamin responded: “Staff are continuing to investigate the matter and may conduct inspections as part of the investigation process.”Article contentHe said any legal action would depend on the outcome of the investigation. He gave the same answer when asked if HRM would haul away the infill and charge the property owner.Article content Infill on Andrew Metlege’s property on Birchdale Avenue on the Northwest Arm in Halifax on Wednesday. HRM ordered it to be removed by July 22. Photo by Ryan Taplin /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentMetlege has not responded to requests for interviews, but Benjamin said HRM has heard from the property owner though didn’t say what that response was.
Northwest Arm infill still there as deadline expires on Halifaxs order to remove it
