Halifax kickstarts major plan to improve the Dartmouth waterfront

The Halifax Regional Municipality is planning major improvements to the Dartmouth waterfront that could lead to new development, public spaces and cruise ships.

Council recently greenlighted work to create a plan for the area to include pedestrian access and new connections across the CN Rail line, which has cut people off from most of the waterfront for decades.

"This is city building, is what we're talking about," area Coun. Sam Austin said during last Tuesday's council meeting.

The plan will consider a new multi-use emergency access route from the bottom of Ochterloney Street to Atlantic Street near the Woodside Ferry Terminal that could handle vehicles and would be the foundation of a better-connected waterfront. It would closely follow the existing Trans-Canada Trail that is now broken up by dead ends and buildings.

"I think it's tremendous and long overdue," said Bea MacGregor, CEO for Alderney Landing.

Alderney Landing's board was among the parties that requested the plan last year, alongside the Halifax Port Authority and Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission.

MacGregor said this plan will help Alderney Landing figure out how, and where, it could expand. She said the building's theatre, gallery, and events are usually full and they want to offer more.

Having a new emergency route open up the waterfront for housing development is key, MacGregor said. 

"The influx of residents have been a cornerstone in rejuvenating downtown Dartmouth. So more of that is actually quite critical," MacGregor said.

A staff report said Halifax Fire would prefer overpasses or other options across the CN rail rather than more ground-level crossings, given that trains often block the current one at Alderney Landing.

The port is also looking to expand its cruise traffic. They will create a new tendering location off George's Island this summer, where ships will anchor and then bring passengers to the dock via smaller boats.

Paul MacIsaac, senior vice-president for the Halifax Port Authority, said they hope to put removable, floating docks on the Dartmouth side of the harbour. Passengers would then walk through an extendable gangway, similar to ones used in airports, to get to shore.

MacIsaac said they haven't yet decided on an ideal location.

"It really depends on the infrastructure that's over there, and the acceptance by the community. We certainly wouldn't want to put in any more than are wanted," MacIsaac said.

MacIsaac said the Port could likely start with 25 ships a season in Dartmouth and grow from there.

Christine Bower, co-owner of the Wooden Monkey restaurant in Alderney Landing, said she'd love to see cruise ships bring more tourists to Dartmouth.

"You can't state enough how great it would be, because really it's kind of slow at different times of the year down here," Bower said.

After dealing with lengthy wharf repairs in Dartmouth — and years of construction for Nova Centre and Argyle Street upgrades around their downtown Halifax location — Bower said she knows these changes can be painful for businesses.

But she said getting through to the other side is worth it.

"I think this is such a beautiful place. We've sunset views like you can't even believe and you really need to show it off," Bower said.

"There's a lot that can happen down here and I think it would be fantastic when it's done."

Provincially-owned Dartmouth Cove lands will also be considered in the plan, which is a future growth area where the city would eventually like to build a new neighbourhood.

It's also the site of a separate infill proposal currently in front of Transport Canada, which has been opposed by nearby residents like David Jones.

"I think there are a lot of people that really care about this place and care about how we look to the future, especially with sea level rise and climate change," Jones said.

"I think our waterfront is a great asset. I hope it's treated with respect."

The COVE marine tech hub and King's Wharf housing development are also partners in the plan. The report said although municipal staff explored whether the new emergency route could serve as access for King's Wharf, the risk was "too great" and developer Francis Fares will have to build a new overpass across the rail line.

The city will soon hire a consultant to create the waterfront plan, which will include public consultation.