Article content“It’s not too late sir, for you to change your mind on how you see this matter.”Article contentLater in council debate, Fillmore reiterated his stance that he would vote against the infilling protections because he agrees with the staff recommendation and out of concern for legal action resulting from “spot zoning.”Article contentClaudia Chender, NDP Leader and MLA for Dartmouth South, told council that both the federal and provincial governments have poured money into the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE) and infilling risks that investment.Article content“Infilling would imperil the waterfront trail, the community use of the surrounding space and the economic and safety roles of the neighbouring Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship,” she said, adding that it would evict Maritime Search and Rescue Operations, which leases docks on the north end of the cove.Article contentArticle content“It would also represent a clear violation of community trust.”Article contentThe opposition voiceArticle contentBruce Wood, Tom Hickey and Brad Hickey with ARCP signed up to speak.Article contentWood said pyritic slate is a reality of construction, and the safest way of dealing with it is to deposit it into saltwater.Article content“The hard substrate provided by the end of our infill will create a rockweed beach that will act as a fish habitat for the migratory fish that we hope will one day return to that creek,” he said.Article contentArticle contentBruce Wood, CFO of Atlantic Road Construction and Paving, speaks to reporters at city hall in this file photo from September.And since the city needs affordable housing, council can’t make decisions that directly lead to increased costs of building housing, he said.Article contentBrad Hickey said they’re major employers of over 600 people and contributors to the community.Article content“We’re not bullies or the bogeymen we’re made out to be. Some even blame us for COVID, I think,” he said.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentHe said they consulted with scientists and the members of the Mi’kmaw community on their plan, yet the community and local politicians turned on them.Article contentTom Hickey said the issue with COVE was resolved over several meetings “like adults,” and ARCP agreed to pull back the infill zone to give COVE more room. He said he’d be willing to look at options for the site and plans to build housing there.Article contentWe’ll see, says municipal affairs ministerArticle contentWith the approval from council in a 12-3 vote – Fillmore, Hendsbee and Coun. John Young (Hammonds Plains-Upper Hammonds Plains-Lucasville-Middle and Upper Sackville) voted against it – the bylaw changes will be shipped off to the province for their review. The provincial government can kill it, approve it as is or make changes and has a total of 45 days to decide.Article content Municipal Affairs Minister John Lohr answers questions from reporters at One Government Place on Oct. 1. Photo by Ryan Taplin /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentArticle contentIn an interview last week with Municipal Affairs Minister John Lohr, he said he’ll have to look at the bylaw when it lands on his desk.Article content“What I can say is that this is the area of jurisdiction of the federal government, and I understand the municipality is considering putting in a bylaw, but until I see that bylaw, if they do in fact do that, then I really don’t have any other comment.”Article contentHendsbee expects the province will shoot it down, resulting in “another black eye” for Halifax council.Article content“It’s a no-brainer. It’s dead in the water,” he said.Article content
What a moment: Halifax approves anti-infilling protections for Dartmouth Cove
