It is what many would consider a big win for the community of Dartmouth.

Halifax Council voted ahead a motion Tuesday evening, that would change bylaw amendments to restrict water lot development and infilling in Dartmouth Cove.

The vote was 12-3 with Mayor Andy Fillmore, Councillor David Hensdbee and Councillor John Young, opposed.

Fillmore said there are still many unanswered questions surrounding the legal, environmental and planning related matters around this motion.

“It’s the staff recommendation that makes the most sense to me, which is to delay the adoption of any bylaw for Dartmouth Cove, until the Downtown Waterfront revitalization is complete,” said Fillmore.

This was voted against, last month.

Meanwhile, Councillor Sam Austin, who tabled the motion carried Tuesday, said Council’s job was to make the best decisions with the information they have.

“We can’t govern based on tea leaves when other orders of government haven’t made their intentions clear,” said Austin.

He added that the province could say no, and the feds may not back them up, but the municipality needs to push forward.

“The situation is not going to change unless we propel it to,” stated Austin.

A local construction company has applied to the infill the Cove but is waiting on federal approval.

Transport Canada gave the green light but rescinded it last June.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has not yet given the thumbs up.