A redevelopment in partnership with the Millbrook First Nation
Location of the Canada 150 Trail and Lookout
Canada Lands acquired approximately 34 hectares (86 acres) of this former military site in 2014 from the Department of National Defence (DND). The property includes a French immersion school. Large portions of the site have significant water frontage and offer a large, relatively flat area suitable for development. Steeper areas around the edge of the site offer views of the harbour.
Indigenous Services Canada retained approximately 3.6 hectares (nine acres) of the site for transfer to the Millbrook First Nation. Although Canada Lands is Shannon Park’s master land developer, the Company is working collaboratively with the Millbrook First Nation to redevelop the property.
In 2017, the company built the Canada 150 Trail and Lookout, a pedestrian pathway and boardwalk. The private trail is opened seasonally and provides visitors access to the Halifax Harbour and its beautiful views.
Canada Lands undertook an extensive public engagement process, which resulted in the preparation of a preferred development plan in 2016. More recently, Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) sought community feedback to finalize the plan and work with Canada Lands to prepare a development agreement. The plan evolved during the HRM planning and consultative process, with a focus on creating a community that provides opportunities for mixed-use development. Although the majority of the plan will be focused on residential development, commercial and supporting professional services will be integrated. The final designs will provide a mix of housing types as well as supporting public open space. The design of the community includes strong pedestrian links throughout with connectivity to the future shoreline park. The development of the future parks will provide both active and passive green spaces. Public Transit is also an integral part and consideration throughout.
In January 2023, Canada Lands Company concluded a development agreement with HRM that will govern how the site will be developed over about a decade. A public hearing was held on February 2, 2023, during which theHarbour East-Marine Drive Community Council approved the development agreement. Since February 2023, Canada Lands has been working on the detailed engineering, the preliminary subdivision package, the urban design guidelines, and a comprehensive communications and engagement plan. Community engagement will continue in 2024.
For more information, here is a link to the Harbour East-Marine Drive Community Council Public Hearing held on February 2, 2023.