2022-05-30
FISHER: Dartmouth shouldn’t be a dumping ground for someone’s fill. All orders of government play a role in supporting our communities.
As you may have heard, there is another infill project pending for Dartmouth Cove: https://nwar-rlen.tc.gc.ca/files-dossiers/2022-206446
This is a water lot that predates Confederation, and as such, it is currently subject to very limited restrictions and regulations between all orders of government. With increased construction across HRM, we are seeing an increase in infill activities within the municipality, and an increased need to ensure our communities are better protected.
To be clear, Dartmouth shouldn’t be used as a dumping ground for someone’s fill.
From what I am seeing, there doesn’t seem to be a plan in place from the proponent, other than dumping pyritic slate and quarry rock into Dartmouth Cove over multiple years.
Federally, these projects only require approval through the Navigation Protection Program (Canadian Navigable Waters Act), focusing on whether the infill would impede navigability, and if the project could impact fish habitat in the watercourse, it would require assessment through the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Federal jurisdiction does not include any other assessment, or the planning/developing of these lots beyond this. Members of Parliament do not have the ability to interfere with the approval process.
Although federal jurisdiction for infill activities is limited to navigable waters and fish habitat, all orders of government have a role to play when it comes to supporting our communities. Especially when it comes to ensuring the livability of our communities!
For example, should the Halifax Regional Municipality wish to regulate this infill activity, they can do so by introducing a by-law. This by-law would be assessed once HRM submits their draft.
I want you to know that Transport Canada already expressed this directly to HRM, and Transport Canada also expressed their willingness to work with the municipality, and review any draft by-laws once submitted, to ensure that they do not interfere with federal regulations.
I think we can all agree that Dartmouth is growing, and that Dartmouth is flourishing. And with this growth, with this bright future, we need to make sure that we are all listening to residents, and that we are doing everything we can to work together to support our home.
I encourage you to reach out to all orders of government to make your voice heard on this. And should you have concerns surrounding the navigable waters in Dartmouth Cove from this infill project, please take part in the open consultation through Transport Canada. It is posted publicly, and the commenting period is currently open until June 10, 2022, 4:00 a.m. EDT.
https://nwar-rlen.tc.gc.ca/files-dossiers/2022-206446
—Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament
Dartmouth—Cole Harbour
