Protecting important public views is one method of preserving HRM’s cultural landscape.
Such views are generally identified as street corridor views or larger panoramic views from sites in public ownership. |
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The North West Arm is the location of several public parks including Point Pleasant Park, Sir
Sanford Fleming Park, Deadman’s Island Park, a burial site for American soldiers who passed away
while being held as prisoners of war on Melville island during the war of 1812, Conrose Park, Flinn
Park, and Regatta Point Park. In addition, the Northwest Arm provides gateway views of the
Atlantic Ocean and islands in the area from a variety of locations. It is a significant historical and
cultural area within the heart of HRM. Council has requested staff to undertake a study to consider
the formal protection of important public views of the North West Arm environs.
 
Equally as important as the water views are the City views– both from the water and across the
water. Views of significant buildings and landscapes will be evaluated as part of this project.
Information Report to Council - August 17, 2010
Proposed Work Plan
Staff has commenced a preliminary scan of North West Arm view plane opportunities and issues.
This has included a meeting(s) with District Councillors to determine the scope of the project,
numerous site visits, photographic inventory, relevant topographical mapping and LiDAR digital
elevation analysis.
Phase I: Preliminary Analysis - complete
Phase II: Public/Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Framework - underway
Phase III: Preliminary Report to Councils
Phase IV: Formal Process to Amend Municipal Planning Strategies
What is LiDAR?
LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) is an air-borne laser beam technology that can very precisely map ground
elevations and convert this information into DEM or Digital Elevation Models (bare earth) and DSM or Digital Surface Models (features above bare earth such as buildings and forest cover).
 
How was LiDAR used in this study?
A 1m DEM derived from LiDAR was used as the land-surface topography. Building heights and forest cover heights were extracted from the LiDAR for all building footprints and areas identified to contain forest cover, respectively. The buildings and forest cover locations with heights were combined with the 1m DEM to produce a DSM, which was used to generate the series of maps described below and listed in the Phase I: Preliminary Analysis section.
DEM |
Buildings Added |
Forest Cover Added |
 |
 |
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Maps 7 - 10
Using this information, all lands within the study area were analyzed to determine where water views of the North West Arm existed. The same process was used to determine areas that have a view of a significant building or landscape (Dingle Tower, Point Pleasant Park, Melville Island Prison), as well as a view of the water.
Map 11
Staff took the topography and the existing building footprint information and used this to model the impact that buildings would have on the water views of the Arm if they were 35, 60, 80, and 100 feet in height.
Map 12
To determine the impact that vegetation and tree coverage have on the views of the Arm, staff generated a map that indicated areas that have water views using only topographic and building height information, but excluded forest cover. This map was compared with Map 7 to identify areas that could have views if there was an appropriate vegetation management plan. For example, it was determined that year-round views of the water from Upper Flinn Park would be possible through the removal of trees along the CN rail right-of-way.
Phase I: Preliminary Analysis
This information will be used as a starting point for an initial round of public and stakeholder
engagement.
Study Area Map
Field Verified Mapped Views of Water - 2010
Map 1: Vulnerability
Map 2: Zoning
Map 3: Land Use
Map 4: Recreational Assets
Map 5: Historical Assets
Map 6: Sensitive and Restricted Areas
Map 7: Views of Water
Map 8: Views of Water and Dingle Tower
Map 9: Views of Water and Point Pleasant Park
Map 10: Views of Water and Melville Island
Map 11: Views of Water for Building Height Scenarios (excludes forest cover)
Map 12: Views of Water (excludes forest cover)
Maps 7 - 12 represent analysis from all land-surface points within the study area.
Phase II: Public/Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Framework
The purpose of this phase of the work will strive to achieve public consensus on those views which
are important to preserve (locations) and the methods by which such views should be protected
(policy/by-law).
North West Arm Heritage Association - November 18, 2010
Public Information Meeting - September 26, 2011
To learn more about the North West Arm View Plane Study contact Jennifer Chapman, Planner at 490-4949 or email chapmaje@halifax.ca
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