Existing Chocolate Lake Dam
Last updated: Sept. 11, 2025
Project overview
Chocolate Lake is a human-made lake with an aging dam that is approaching the end of its useful life.
To protect public safety and ensure continued enjoyment of Chocolate Lake, the Halifax Regional Municipality and the Province of Nova Scotia are undertaking a joint project to replace the dam.
The municipality is leading this project and will own and be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the dam upon completion.
Project status
The Chocolate Lake Dam replacement project is currently in the preliminary design phase. The municipality is working with a consultant to complete technical studies such as geotechnical surveys and hydrological assessments.
A tender for detailed design has been issued. Once design work is complete, a construction tender will follow.
Project timeline
Major construction is not expected to begin before spring 2027. More details will be made available as the project progresses.
Project impacts
More details about project impact and what to expect during construction will be provided when the project approaches the construction phase.
Project updates and communications
Traffic impacts and other related Public Service Announcements (PSAs) will be shared with media, posted on halifax.ca/news and on the municipal Bluesky account: @hfxgov.bsky.social
- Recent project-related PSAs:
- July 15, 2025 - Chocolate Lake geotechnical survey work
Common questions
- Why does the dam need to be replaced?
Chocolate Lake is a human-made lake with an aging dam that is approaching the end of its useful life.
To protect public safety and enable residents to continue to enjoy Chocolate Lake, the municipality and the province are proactively undertaking a joint project to replace the Chocolate Lake Dam.
- Who is funding the project and what is the cost?
The project is led by the municipality and funded by the Province of Nova Scotia. The dam will be owned and maintained by the municipality after completion. Project costs will be available once the design phase is complete, and the construction contract has been awarded.
- How does this project impact or relate to the Herring Cove Road multi-modal corridor project?
The Chocolate Lake Dam is located approximately 10 metres from the edge of Herring Cove Road near its intersection with Purcells Cove Road.
Due to the short distance between the dam and the road, the municipality intends to complete the Chocolate Lake Dam construction work, beginning as early as spring 2027, before work begins on the Herring Cove Road multi-modal corridor project, beginning as early as spring 2028.
With the knowledge that the Herring Cove Road project will be taking place soon after the Chocolate Lake Dam project is complete, the municipality will work with engineers and contractors to ensure that the work on the dam sets up future work in the same area for success. Staff will look to find efficiencies during the design and construction of the Chocolate Lake Dam project that will support the upcoming Herring Cove Road project.