ITMP 2030 Dashboard

August 2026

Since the last update, the project team and consultants have completed Phase 2, including analysis and concept design development that refined four preliminary waterfront scenarios into two preferred development concepts.

Phase 3, which examined mobility and emergency-access implications in greater detail, has also been completed.

The emerging concept is intended to reconnect Downtown Dartmouth and the waterfront through improved rail crossings, active transportation connections, accessible public spaces, and waterfront amenities. It will also help advance the waterfront as a year-round cultural and tourism destination through programming, events, public art, wayfinding, and improved harbour access.

The next phase of public engagement has been rescheduled for late November 2026. Following this, the preferred concept will be finalized with cost estimates, phasing, planning-policy, and zoning considerations. The project is now expected to conclude in first quarter of 2027.

January 2026

The Downtown Dartmouth Waterfront Revitalization Project has successfully completed its first major milestone, and is now advancing through early stages of concept development. The project is multi-phased, and will include a planning and public consultation process that will culminate in a Conceptual Development Plan to guide the long-term revitalization of the Downtown Dartmouth waterfront.

What has been accomplished to date:

• Project team established: In February 2025, Fathom Studio, O2 Planning and Design, CBCL Limited, and Cultural Resource Management Group were retained to lead the planning, design, engineering, and cultural heritage components of the work.
• Phase 1 (Existing Conditions Review and Visioning) completed: Phase 1 ran from March to June, 2025, focusing on understanding current conditions and establishing a shared vision for the waterfront.
• Public engagement delivered and documented: Phase 1 engagement was completed in July 2025, resulting in a What We Heard report that clearly documents community values, priorities, and concerns.
• Strong community value established: Engagement confirmed the Downtown Dartmouth waterfront is viewed as a cherished community asset, valued for its natural beauty, scenic trails, and direct access to Halifax Harbour.
• Key challenges clearly identified: Community input consistently highlighted gaps in trail connectivity, accessibility and safety issues, limited amenities and activities, and the need to balance growth with environmental protection, cultural heritage, and climate resilience.
• Shared future vision articulated: A strong and consistent vision emerged through engagement, emphasizing a waterfront that is safe, accessible, green, inclusive, welcoming, connected, vibrant, and reflective of Dartmouth’s culture and natural setting.
• Program and experience ideas gathered: Community members provided detailed ideas to support this vision, including green spaces and parks, passive leisure areas, multi-use paths, food and beverage offerings, arts and cultural installations, heritage interpretation, and year-round programming.

Status and next steps:

• Phase 2 (Concept Design) underway: The project is now into Phase 2 (August 2025 to February 2026), where the vision and engagement findings are being translated into concept design options.
• Future phases defined: Phase 3 (March to May 2026) will focus on functional design development and evaluation, followed by Phase 4 (June to October 2026), which will deliver the final Conceptual Development Plan and implementation recommendations.

This work establishes a strong, community-informed foundation for revitalizing the Downtown Dartmouth waterfront and positions the project to move confidently into detailed concept development and evaluation.