Frequently Asked Questions

Bedford Waterfront Development - Mill Cove

Vision Implementation Process

Why is fill being dumped in the Bedford Basin on the south side of Mill Cove?

There are two reasons.  Over the longer term, land being created is intended for development and to provide public access to the waterfront.  In the interim, this area serves as a disposal site which helps resolve a serious problem related to soils excavated in the process of other regional developments.

Much of this unwanted soil consists of a naturally-occurring, acid-generating slate which, if not managed in an approved manner, produces a toxic, acidic runoff that can severely impact ground water, adjacent watercourses and aquatic life.  Immersing the soils in seawater prevents the formation and release of damaging toxic acids.

Both the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Environment Canada approve of the disposal of this acid-generating slate in designated seawater areas.  The entire project was initiated by these two levels of government to provide a safe local disposal site for pyritic slate.  This procedure is universally-recognized as one of the most preferred methods to ensure the material does not pose a risk to aquatic life. 

The Waterfront Development Corporation Limited (WDCL), a provincial crown corporation mandated to develop the strategic potential of waterfronts in Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford and Lunenburg operates this facility with the required approvals obtained from Fisheries and Oceans Canada.  The corporation charges a tipping fee for the slate material deposited at the site and uses the revenues from the fee to place capping stone above the submerged slate. The fee also supports some of the on-going design and construction of public infrastructure for the Bedford Waterfront lands.

For more information, please go to:
www.my-waterfront.ca/development/project-highlights.

Why is development being considered here and what planning has been undertaken?

Planning for the development of this area was initiated several decades ago.  A chronology of activities is summarized as follows:

• In 1983, the Bedford Waterfront Development Corporation (BWDC) was formed to “promote the development of Bedford’s waterfront project area as an active, year-round, mixed-use urban waterfront area containing public spaces and activities with residential, commercial, cultural and institutional uses that, when developed, emphasize the waterfront project area’s location, heritage and environment”.

• A market analysis and Waterfront Development Plan were prepared for the BWDC in 1985.

• Policies for the development of the Bedford Waterfront for the Bedford Waterfront area were adopted under the Municipal Planning Strategy for the Town of Bedford in 1985.

• Infrastructure for the first phase of development began in 1987 and was completed in 1991.  Phase 1 encompasses developments along Convoy Run and Waterfront Drive, including DeWolf Park, which were built largely over silt dredged from the mouth of the Sackville River.  Development of this first phase is nearly complete.

• With the adoption of the Regional Planning Strategy in 2006, the Mill Cove area was designated as a growth centre.  The following year, a community-led visioning exercise was initiated. 

• A Vision Statement and Strategic Action Plan was prepared by the Bedford Waterfront Community Liaison Group and endorsed by Regional Council in 2007.

• In 2008, a consulting team was retained by the municipality and the Waterfront Development Corporation to assist in preparing a more detailed design plan and guidelines for the Bedford Waterfront study area.   A report was prepared with three alternative options in June 2009.  A final report was presented in June 2010 to the public.

What happens next?  Will there be further opportunity for community input?

The Bedford Waterfront Steering Committee, comprised of land owners and community residents, is currently reviewing the study recommendations.  Once completed, the committee recommendations will be forwarded  to the North West Planning Advisory Committee and the North West Community Council for review and then to Regional Council for direction.

After Council input, draft policies and regulations will then be prepared by municipal planning staff.  These will be presented to stakeholders and the community for input before being redrafted or finalized for final consideration by Regional Council.  It is important to note that Council is legally required to hold a public hearing before adopting any changes to its planning documents.

Is this just being developed for commercial purposes?

The multi-year design study is based on the premise that it be a financially, self-sufficient development. To achieve this, there is potential for up to 2,300 residential units, reflecting the requirement to generate revenues to offset the development costs of parks, boardwalks, open green spaces, multi-use buildings.  This also includes needs for non-revenue infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water, rest facilities, transit access, etc., that is required to support extensive public access.  An appropriate level of commercial and residential development is crucial to supporting these costs so as to avoid reliance on municipal funding or requiring possible increases in area rates.

When will development on this site begin to take shape and when will it be completed? 

The 2010 design report, developed from the 2007-09 comprehensive visioning, study and public consultation process, describes the broad concept of what the waterfront could look like in 25 or 30 years.  Development can only begin once the whole approval and public consultation processes are complete.  The anticipated 5 to 25-year timeline can be found at:  www.halifax.ca/VisionHRM/BedfordWaterfront.

The boundary for the Phase 2 Infill Project follows the infill boundary from the original 1985 Waterfront Plan. To date, over 60 percent of Phase 2 lands have been infilled.  Since the availability and extent of pyritic slate material deposited at the site is unpredictable, the completion date of the infill project is difficult to determine.  However, installation of the initial infrastructure could begin prior to the completion of the infill phase.

Has the community been consulted throughout the waterfront development process?

The Town of Bedford held a series of public meetings over 25 years ago.  At this time, policies were prepared around this issues which were vetted through a public hearing before their adoption in  1985. Before an agreement was approved for development of the Phase 1 lands, public meetings and a hearing were also held.

The Bedford Waterfront visioning process was led by the Bedford Waterfront Community Liaison Group (CLG) comprised of community residents.  The CLG engaged the community through questionnaires (by mail, E-mail, phone and on-line), workshops, including a youth session, public meetings and a web site.

In preparing the 2010 consultants report, a workshop and two public meetings were held with extensive notification.   For a complete timeline, which includes the opportunities for public input along the way, go to:  www.halifax.ca/VisionHRM/BedfordWaterfront.

Will there be green space on the new waterfront area for the public?

Yes. The new development will most definitely expand the amount of open green spaces and extensive public access areas such as boardwalks and marinas, as well as creating a multi-use ‘heart of Bedford’ building for all to enjoy.

In Bedford, there has not been general access to the waterfront for decades.  The waterfront lands have always been the property of CN Rail. Slowly, through the lead of WDCL, opportunities have become available and more access to Bedford’s shores have been opened to the public  Already development along the water’s edge has produced the South Jetty and extension of the harbour walk system, a children’s playground and DeWolf Park, as well as additional public marina infrastructure.

The current development process is helping all parties work toward having the area fully accessible by visitors and the community in order to take full advantage of Bedford’s beautiful waterfront.

What is being done to protect the western ledges and natural shoreline of the area?

The current design study is a vision of what a future waterfront development might look like in years to come.  It is flexible in its physical form and layout.  As a result, the WDCL will see how these natural features might be incorporated into more detailed conceptual development plans for the area.

Are traffic concerns being taken into consideration as part of the planning process?

The development of these lands will occur over the next 15 to 20 years.  During this time, it is anticipated that improvements in infrastructure will address any new development and associated increases in traffic.  The compact development form proposed, together with more efficient alternative modes of transportation and an extensive network of multi-use trails, is aimed at reducing the number of people using their vehicles during peak periods.

HRM is currently studying the feasibility and costs associated with other forms of transportation including a harbour link ferry, commuter rail service and additions to Metro Transit.  Facilities which could accommodate each of these alternatives have been incorporated into the concept plan for the Bedford Waterfront.

Is it true the new complex plan also includes a library?

The 2010 design report offers many public conveniences for the community of Bedford, including the vision of a multi-use civic building which could house facilities such as a new library, a theatre, etc.

Will this affect the views of residents in the area?

The rationale for the road pattern and building placement shown in the 2010 design study was based on maintaining what residents identified as being the most significant public view corridors overlooking the Bedford Basin.  These corridors include Hammonds Plains Road and opening up the water views between proposed buildings and at the ends of proposed internal roadways.

Does the design study recognize concerns as to the rise in sea level and storm surges?

The proposed finished grades put in place for the infilled lands address these climate-related concerns.  At the more detailed-level, planning stages, building designs would also be subject to sun and wind analysis to help determine the optimum placement, orientation and building form on site to protect against adverse natural conditions.

How will the long-range plans in the final report affect the close-knit community feel of Bedford?

Bedford has always been a destination community.  In the late 1800’s, Bedford was one of the province’s first resort areas. 

The community participants involved through this process have clearly expressed a desire for this area to be a “people-place” – a destination for the community of Bedford and the larger region.

Because of its attractiveness as a community, its population numbers have grown significantly and will continue to grow, as outlined in the Regional Municipal Strategy as approved in 2006.  While the community has changed in appearance over the years, what residents felt it began to lack was a real destination or “heart” of the community.  When this project is complete in 20 to 30 years, it may not resemble the 2010 design study, but it should provide coordinated, signature public amenity features and access to the water’s edge through the extension of the existing Bedford Harbourwalk Trail, event plazas, exhibition and performance space, playgrounds, and a range of active and passive recreation opportunities.  At the same time, there also will be a need for some residential and commercial development. 

For additional information on the Bedford Waterfront lands and the Bedford Waterfront Design Study, please refer to the following websites:  www.halifax.ca/VisionHRM/BedfordWaterfront or www.my-waterfront.ca/development/project-highlights.