Dartmouth residents hold rally to protect Southdale wetlands from development
Global News
The wetlands have been designated as one of nine special planning areas in HRM. The province is looking to build over 22,000 new residential units in the nine areas.
A group of Dartmouth residents gathered together just off Mount Hope Avenue in front of a wooded area to hold a rally to protect the Southdale Wetlands. Their concern is that newly announced housing developments could have permanent impacts on the environment.
“Wetlands are great storers of carbon,” said Bill Zebedee, president of the Protect Our Southdale Wetland Society.
READ MORE: Nova Scotia designates 9 areas in Halifax for accelerated housing development
The wetlands are in the Southdale-Mount Hope area, which has been designated as one of nine special planning areas in HRM. The province is looking to build over 22,000 new residential units in the nine areas, with about 1,200 new units slated for where the wetlands are found.
The province says the special planning area designations were created to speed up the development process. Construction in Mount Hope is already planned to start this fall for an 875 unit development that includes 373 affordable units.
“There are deer, there are fox … and other animals back there that are going to be displaced,” said Zebedee.
On Friday, Housing Minister John Lohr said that all projects, including the Mount Hope development, will still follow all environmental assessment and permitting processes, but the environmental considerations aren’t the only concerns being raised.
The special planning area designation means the housing minister will assume authority for developmental approvals — taking away all roles from the municipality.
Randy Boissonnault is out of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s federal cabinet after months of controversy surrounding his former business.
A volunteer group has donated $60,000 to KHSC’s KidsInclusive as it winds down after 119 years, ensuring support for children’s care over the next five years.
Queen’s University will install North America’s first carbon-sequestering field turf at Nixon Field, enhancing sustainability while supporting sports and research.
Gerry Lichty, North Frontenac mayor, was elected 2025 Frontenac County warden. He aims to tackle rural challenges, with Bill Saunders as deputy warden.
Quebec Premier François Legault says the Sûreté du Québec, the province's police force, will 'conduct visual investigations at the borders.'
When people pass by the white-pillared Beaverbrook Art Gallery starting this weekend, they will be greeted by one of Fredericton's most famous sculptures.
The Toronto Santa Clause Parade faces financial challenges but, with public and government support, they are working hard to secure its future and keep the magic alive.
Governance in Yukon's second-largest municipality has been at a standstill since its newly elected mayor and council refused to pledge allegiance to King Charles.
The Ontario Provincial Police say they are searching for multiple suspects after a vehicle was struck from behind on Highway 410 and the man inside was robbed.
A new poll by Leger suggests Canadians are supportive of government intervention in the labour disputes at ports and at Canada Post.
The science centre was closed just hours after an announcement on Friday, June 21. The rush, the government, was due to the urgent safety issues plaguing the building.