A regional councillor from Halifax is hoping to extinguish a smoldering debate that has flared up again.
A sign in Dartmouth’s Sullivan’s Pond ignited the debate. The park is in Dartmouth, however, the sign is clearly marked as Halifax.
Some residents say they aren't happy with the rebranding initiative and it's another step toward having their community identity swallowed up by amalgamation.
“As far as I'm concerned, it will always be Dartmouth no matter what the signs say,” says one resident.
A petition has been circulating online, but Wayne Mason, councillor for District 7, says residents have nothing worry about and he wants to set the record straight.
“It’s always said HRM, all that changed was the logo and because the logo is so visually striking and prominent and it doesn't say regional municipality, people did not like that. Some people felt it was taking away the name, but it never said Dartmouth up there,” says Mason.
Hello Dartmouth blogger Kate Watson says the sign is merely a catalyst. The petition and social media buzz are because the sign change opened old wounds post amalgamation.
“People got their minds around HRM and so for them, it brings it up again,” says Watson. “When we drop regional municipality common language it feels like something smaller is eating up something bigger.”
Councillor Mason admits more work needs to be done to gain trust.
“I grew up in Dartmouth and yes, it’s frustrating,” says Mason. “It kind of hurts my feelings, this idea that anybody on council wants to wipe out Dartmouth, nothing could be farther from the truth.”
Mason says the shopping core will continue to be known as Downtown Dartmouth, mailing addresses will not change and voter registration cards will also remain the same.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Marie Adsett
