News release

Amendments to Protect Dartmouth Common

Premier's Office
Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

Dog walkers, joggers and sports enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the Dartmouth Common for generations to come, if amendments to the Halifax Regional Municipality charter are passed.

The amendments, introduced today, May 9, will ensure that future development does not encroach on Dartmouth Common land. The Dartmouth Common extends from Victoria Road to Boland Road, Park Avenue to the Halifax Harbour.

"I am delighted to announce these amendments, which will better protect and define this important green space in the heart of Dartmouth," said Premier Darrell Dexter, who chaired the Dartmouth Common committee when he was a Dartmouth city councillor.

"The Dartmouth Common is an important part of our heritage, and our future. These amendments will allow families to enjoy the Common, and better define what can be done with the parts of Common land that have been developed to date."

Amendments to the legislation will:

  • allow new amenities typical for a park, such as adding trails or lighting
  • ensure buildings that exist on the Common can remain, but cannot expand without approval from HRM and Cabinet
  • prevent construction of new parking lots, or expansion of existing ones, on Dartmouth Common land.

"We do have a very urban setting downtown. Having a place to walk and to enjoy nature is so important in our busy world," said Elizabeth Ann Macdonald, a long-time Dartmouth resident and supporter of the Dartmouth Common.

A proposed expansion to the Dartmouth bus terminal will not be affected by these changes to legislation.