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.