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Downtown Dartmouth Waterfront Revitalization Project

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Latest Project Updates

The Downtown Dartmouth Waterfront Revitalization Project is underway. Fathom Studio, O2 Planning and Design, CBCL Limited, and Cultural Resource Management Group were hired in February 2025 to undertake the project. Stay tuned to this space for upcoming opportunities to get involved.

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

A community workshop will be held in May (Date TBD). Stay tuned for details.

Project Overview

Beginning in Spring 2025, the Downtown Dartmouth Waterfront Revitalization Project is a planning and public consultation process that will result in a Conceptual Development Plan for the Downtown Dartmouth Waterfront. The process will include consultation with rights holders, residents and interest groups to establish a vision for the Dartmouth Waterfront and recommended strategies to:

  • provide emergency access and safe rail crossings along the waterfront
  • enhance active transportation connectivity along the waterfront
  • enhance connectivity between the waterfront and Downtown Dartmouth
  • create enjoyable, pedestrian-focused gathering spaces
  • improve waterfront amenities
  • improve landscaped areas that offer access to nature
  • identify, preserve and celebrate cultural landscapes
  • promote accessibility and inclusion along the waterfront
  • mitigate the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise

The overall process will identify the project’s geographical scope, coordinate the goals and objectives of community and external partners, and align with municipal plans and priorities. Staff will then present the conceptual development plan to the Community Planning and Economic Development Committee for recommendation and then Regional Council for budget approval to undertake more detailed designs to advance construction.

Background

Interest in developing an open space plan and enhancing connectivity along the Dartmouth Waterfront has recently intensified in response to the growing demand for housing, potential for cruise facilities and efforts to revitalize the Dartmouth Waterfront as an active cultural destination. Past planning and development efforts have also highlighted the benefits and needs for building an access route along the Dartmouth Waterfront that can be used for alternative emergency access.

Presently, access across the railway occurs in several at-grade locations, and if occupied by a long train, emergency response can be impacted. Developing a continuous multi-functional emergency access route on the water side, including new grade-separated (overpass) rail line crossings, would support emergency access and could serve as a multi-use trail connection. This multi-functional route would benefit residents, landowners, the municipality and be a catalyst for revitalizing the waterfront, unlocking the potential for enhanced waterfront amenities, programming and tourism and development potential.

On March 5, 2024, Halifax Regional Council endorsed the Downtown Dartmouth Waterfront Revitalization Project in support of improving access, connectivity, cultural activity and future development opportunities along the Dartmouth Waterfront.

The Waterfront Study Area

The study area encompasses the area of the waterfront from Macdonald Bridge to the west and Woodside Ferry Terminal to the east.

Map of the Halifax Harbour showing the study area extending from Macdonald Bridge to the west and Woodside Ferry Terminal to the east.

The map above shows the preliminary emergency access route that was identified in a previous study running from Ochterloney Street to Atlantic Street. The present study will investigate the feasibility of options and recommend the appropriate extent and location of a route.

How can I participate in the process and provide feedback?

Feedback and input for residents and local interest groups is critical to the success of this project. There will be opportunities in each phase of this project to get involved and share your ideas including surveys, community events and more. Please see the project timeline on the right-side panel or the latest project updates box at the top of this page for information about upcoming opportunities. Your feedback is welcome at any time throughout this process by contacting the planner who’s listening at the top of this page.

Latest Project Updates

The Downtown Dartmouth Waterfront Revitalization Project is underway. Fathom Studio, O2 Planning and Design, CBCL Limited, and Cultural Resource Management Group were hired in February 2025 to undertake the project. Stay tuned to this space for upcoming opportunities to get involved.

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

A community workshop will be held in May (Date TBD). Stay tuned for details.

Project Overview

Beginning in Spring 2025, the Downtown Dartmouth Waterfront Revitalization Project is a planning and public consultation process that will result in a Conceptual Development Plan for the Downtown Dartmouth Waterfront. The process will include consultation with rights holders, residents and interest groups to establish a vision for the Dartmouth Waterfront and recommended strategies to:

  • provide emergency access and safe rail crossings along the waterfront
  • enhance active transportation connectivity along the waterfront
  • enhance connectivity between the waterfront and Downtown Dartmouth
  • create enjoyable, pedestrian-focused gathering spaces
  • improve waterfront amenities
  • improve landscaped areas that offer access to nature
  • identify, preserve and celebrate cultural landscapes
  • promote accessibility and inclusion along the waterfront
  • mitigate the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise

The overall process will identify the project’s geographical scope, coordinate the goals and objectives of community and external partners, and align with municipal plans and priorities. Staff will then present the conceptual development plan to the Community Planning and Economic Development Committee for recommendation and then Regional Council for budget approval to undertake more detailed designs to advance construction.

Background

Interest in developing an open space plan and enhancing connectivity along the Dartmouth Waterfront has recently intensified in response to the growing demand for housing, potential for cruise facilities and efforts to revitalize the Dartmouth Waterfront as an active cultural destination. Past planning and development efforts have also highlighted the benefits and needs for building an access route along the Dartmouth Waterfront that can be used for alternative emergency access.

Presently, access across the railway occurs in several at-grade locations, and if occupied by a long train, emergency response can be impacted. Developing a continuous multi-functional emergency access route on the water side, including new grade-separated (overpass) rail line crossings, would support emergency access and could serve as a multi-use trail connection. This multi-functional route would benefit residents, landowners, the municipality and be a catalyst for revitalizing the waterfront, unlocking the potential for enhanced waterfront amenities, programming and tourism and development potential.

On March 5, 2024, Halifax Regional Council endorsed the Downtown Dartmouth Waterfront Revitalization Project in support of improving access, connectivity, cultural activity and future development opportunities along the Dartmouth Waterfront.

The Waterfront Study Area

The study area encompasses the area of the waterfront from Macdonald Bridge to the west and Woodside Ferry Terminal to the east.

Map of the Halifax Harbour showing the study area extending from Macdonald Bridge to the west and Woodside Ferry Terminal to the east.

The map above shows the preliminary emergency access route that was identified in a previous study running from Ochterloney Street to Atlantic Street. The present study will investigate the feasibility of options and recommend the appropriate extent and location of a route.

How can I participate in the process and provide feedback?

Feedback and input for residents and local interest groups is critical to the success of this project. There will be opportunities in each phase of this project to get involved and share your ideas including surveys, community events and more. Please see the project timeline on the right-side panel or the latest project updates box at the top of this page for information about upcoming opportunities. Your feedback is welcome at any time throughout this process by contacting the planner who’s listening at the top of this page.