Stormwater System Funding for Dartmouth

Funding from the Province will help replace a stormwater system and surrounding infrastructure in downtown Dartmouth.

“This is a landmark project for downtown Dartmouth that we’re very excited to be supporting,” said Timothy Halman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and MLA for Dartmouth East, on behalf of John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “It will make a huge difference, both in improving the aging stormwater system and in improving an area of downtown Dartmouth where people walk, bike and drive every day.”

The funding will advance work to replace the existing stormwater sewer from Starr Park to Dartmouth Cove, helping to prevent floods and ready the system for the impacts of climate change. There will also be upgrades to the surrounding corridor and the intersection of Prince Albert Road, Portland Street and Alderney Drive – used by many pedestrians.

The project includes a small pool in Starr Park, which will be a resting place for fish swimming between Halifax Harbour and Dartmouth’s system of lakes, as well as a habitat for birds and small amphibians.

The Province is investing nearly $14.1 million, with an additional $14.1 million from the municipality, and more than $4.3 million coming from the Halifax Water Regional Development Charge.

This investment is part of the Municipal Capital Growth Program, a one-time $102-million investment in projects across Nova Scotia – a historic provincial investment in municipal infrastructure.

Quotes:

“This welcome funding will help us meet our commitments to the community and to the environment, building upon successful Sawmill Creek daylighting efforts that will improve flood mitigation, improve the area for community enjoyment, and further enhance safe fish passage.”
— Mike Savage, Mayor, Halifax Regional Municipality

“The daylighting of Sawmill Creek is an integral part of our stormwater management strategy for Dartmouth. As the first phase of our work at Sullivan’s Pond demonstrated, critical infrastructure can be built harmoniously with the surrounding community. This funding helps protect against the increasing risk of climate change, restores a waterway to a more natural habitat for fish and wildlife, and creates a place that everyone in the community can enjoy.”
— Kenda MacKenzie, acting General Manager, Halifax Water

Quick Facts:

• the Municipal Capital Growth Program, announced in February, was designed to respond to the infrastructure needs of municipalities and addresses critical issues such as housing, climate change, accessibility and growth

Additional Resources:

News releases about the Municipal Capital Growth Program and projects are available at https://news.novascotia.ca/search/all?field_topics=293

Information about the Halifax Water Regional Development Charge is available at: https://halifaxwater.ca/regional-development-charge