Dartmouth group fighting to protect last remaining wetland from housing project
As Bill Zebedee looks over the swath of trees removed from the construction site at Eisner Cove Wetland, he explains his concerns the housing project — meant to address the city’s lack of affordable places to live — may do more harm to the environment than it should.
As president of the Protect Our Southdale Wetland Society, Zebedee says he’s seen several reports done over the past few years that describe the cove as a possible home to species at risk, such as wood turtles, various bats and the black ash — a tree on Nova Scotia's endangered list.
“We believe, because of our independent specialists that have come in here,” says Zebedee. “They've come in and said, ‘I’m 95 per cent sure that you probably have black ash.”
But he says city council didn't have that information when it approved Clayton Development’s proposal for 700 "attainable" housing units at the site in January, a plan that was fast-tracked soon after by the province to address the continuing housing crisis.
With tree-clearing at the site underway, Zebedee has launched an appeal against the developer’s planned road cutting through the wetland, a road he says was originally proposed as a bridge.
While he agrees Halifax needs rapid housing solutions and finds the design proposed appealing, he thinks it should go elsewhere.
“There's a number of spots in HRM that are empty,” he says. “Build it there.”
A spokesperson for the province's Department of Environment, says the work being done won't disturb a large enough portion of wetland to meet the criteria for an official environment assessment, which would only be required if two hectares or more of wetland is affected.
“The developer did submit a request to the department for a wetland alteration for a road...The department reviewed the application with respect to sensitive species of concern,” the spokesperson said.
“No evidence of Black Ash, Wood Turtles or any other endangered species was found within the wetland area.”
Even so, Zebedee isn’t convinced that the assessment was thorough, and plans to bring in independent experts to be sure.
“It’s basically been a steam roller,” says retired biologist and society supporter David Patriquin.
He says he’s worried most about the effect on the entire watershed area.
Patriquin predicts any changes to the wetland and surrounding area will have consequences.
“And it could change the wetland from being a carbon-storing and sequestering system, to one that emits carbon,” he says. “I’m certain, I’m dead certain, that all the species there are going to change and it’s not going to be a good system.”
The wetlands specialist at the Ecology Action Centre says Eisner Cove Wetland is a significant area worthy of protection as the “last remaining wetland in Dartmouth,” even as the province experiences a housing crunch.
“That’s not to say you can't live in near wetland. But there does need to be the proper distance away from the development to the wetland, and the development shouldn't interact with the wetland,” said Mimi O’Handley, explaining buffers must be created to properly protect the flora and fauna that depend on it.
Several inquiries by CTV News to Clayton Developments went unanswered Tuesday.
A request to interview Nova Scotia’s Minister of Environment, Timothy Halman, was declined by the department in light of the society's appeal.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.