Environmental groups are rallying against a planned housing development near a Dartmouth wetland.
They’re concerned about the environmental impacts of stormwater flowing into the bog, which is home to at least 45 species of birds, among other wildlife, said president of the Protect Our Southdale Wetland Society, Bill Zebedee.
“It’s a large piece of nature that’s right in the middle of the city,” he said. “People driving on Highway 111 will look at it and say ‘it’s just a swamp,’ but there’s so much more to it.”
Mount Hope Village design. Photo: Clayton Developments Limited
The Protect Our Southdale Wetland Society is one of two groups speaking out against the development. The other is Defend Eisner Cove Wetland.
Zebedee said the multi-building project would be better suited for a different area that doesn’t require clear cutting or infilling a marsh.
“The defend group is saying ‘Stop and Swap’,” Zebedee said. “By all means stop what you’re doing and make a deal with the government to move it somewhere else.”
Clayton Developments Ltd. plans to build an 875-unit housing project called Mount Hope Village on the 45 hectare property between Woodside Industrial Park and Highway 111, according to the company’s website. The project, which was fast-tracked by the provincial government, is set to have 40 per cent of the units earmarked as affordable housing.
Halifax Regional Police arrested four people trying to block clear cutting at the site Tuesday.
A peaceful rally will be taking place on Mount Hope Avenue from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
