PLANAPP 2024-00435 - Port Wallace Special Planning Area, 220 Portage Du Avenue, Dartmouth

Request

Application by Clayton Developments Limited to amend the phasing and subdivision requirements of the development agreement for the Port Wallace Special Planning Area, 220 Avenue Du Portage, Dartmouth.

Proposal

The applicant is seeking to amend the phasing and subdivision requirements of the development agreement for the Port Wallace Special Planning Area. The applicant requires this adjustment to better align with construction and development logistics and timelines. The major aspects of the proposal are as follows:

• Allow for concept subdivision to occur through three separate applications, rather than one, and allow these to correspond with property ownership;
• Revise the phasing plan to reflect ownership and the preferred sequence of development based on construction and development logistics (see below the proposed phasing plan);
• Allow for greater flexibility in the development agreement regarding the parkland dedication security provisions. (No changes to the amount, location, or type of parkland are proposed).

No changes are proposed regarding the land uses, road layout, parkland dedication, or environmental protection provided for in the original development agreement. No changes are proposed to the existing policies or regulations of the Secondary Planning Strategy or Land Use By-Law for Port Wallace. Rather, the application relates to logistical aspects of the development agreement pertaining to subdivision requirements, including concept application requirements, phasing, and parkland security provisions.

The Development Plans (provided below) outline the development proposal in detail, and include information related to phasing, subdivision, and the application rationale.

Process

In accordance with the Housing for the Halifax Regional Municipality Act and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for the Province of Nova Scotia, Port Wallace has been designated as a Special Planning Area. In accordance with this Provincial Act, planning decisions for these areas inclusive of changes to policy, zones, or the application of Development Agreements to these lands will no longer be considered via the Public Hearing process and a Council decision. Instead, applications will be seen by the Executive Panel on Housing in the Halifax Regional Municipality and decided upon by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Once made, this decision will then be posted to this website. 

Status

The public consultation stage has ended. Thank you to all who provided feedback.  Staff are conducting a detailed review of the proposal with all information received through public consultation.  Further negotiations will take place between the applicant and HRM staff as they continue their analysis of the proposal prior to sending a recommendation report to the Executive Panel on Housing. The website will continue to be updated as the file progresses and any resubmissions based on staff and public feedback are provided.

Documents Submitted for Evaluation

The applicant has submitted plans and studies required by HRM staff to properly evaluate the application. The documents are also available for review at the Planning Applications office in Downtown Halifax.