Case 19514 - Mixed-use Subdivision Development, Halifax

Request

Southwest Properties proposes to amend the Halifax Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) and Halifax Mainland Land Use By-law (LUB) to establish a mixed-use subdivision development on the Motherhouse lands, Halifax.

The Motherhouse lands are within the Halifax Plan Area and partially within the Bedford Highway Secondary Plan Area. It is designated “Institutional-University”, with a small portion off Lacewood being “Residential.” It is within the P (Park and Institutional) Zone, with a small portion off Lacewood being R-1 (Single Family Dwelling) Zone.

Proposal

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The Motherhouse lands are approximately 73 acres in size. (see inset map)

Southwest Properties proposes a mixed-use subdivision development on 63.6 acres of the Motherhouse lands. This will include a road connection (Seton Road), between the Bedford Highway and Lacewood Drive, and new local streets. Proposed land uses include single detached dwellings, townhouses, and mixed-use residential and commercial buildings that range from 6 to 20 storeys in height. A total of 1,803 dwelling units, 6,400 square metres (68,890 square feet) of retail, and 600 square metres (6,458 square feet) of community centre space, and park areas are proposed.

Shannex intends to develop the remaining 10 acres of the Motherhouse lands. It proposes a Seniors Residence Complex with approximately 500 beds along with support staff, within buildings that would be a maximum of 10 storeys in height. Shannex currently owns an existing seniors facility building, the Caritas Residence, at this location, which has been in operation since 2008. The Shannex proposal is permitted under the existing zoning for the Motherhouse lands, but has been included as part of the review of the MPS policies and LUB regulations.

See the initiation report below for an overview of the Southwest and Shannex lands.

Process

This application is being considered under the municipal planning strategy amendment and development agreement process or a municipal planning strategy amendment and rezoning process. The amendment process will be determined as the review of the lands proceeds, but it will include public consultation and a public hearing.

Status

A public information meeting (PIM) was held on Monday, May 30, 2016 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Mount Saint Vincent University (Rosaria Student Centre, Multi-Purpose Room), 166 Bedford Highway, Halifax, (second access off of Seton Road).

Regional Council initiated the municipal planning strategy and land use by-law amendment process at its meeting on October 7, 2014 following consideration of an initiation report.

Documents Submitted for Evaluation

Southwest has submitted plans in support of the application. These materials are also available for review at the HRM Planning and Development office in Dartmouth (link).

• Seton Ridge Development Primer
• Traffic Study

 Notes:
 1.    HRM has noted that the traffic study requires additional information.
 2.   Shannex does not have a proposed layout of its expected development at this time.