Premier Tim Houston said there is no difference between the province’s approval on banning infilling at Dartmouth Cove and the Northwest Arm.

His comments to reporters came after Minister of Municipal Affairs John A. MacDonald approved a bylaw proposed by HRM to ban infilling and water lots at the site – with amendments.

In 2024, the city along with the federal government, approved a plan to protect the Northwest Arm from infilling.

Community members have been fighting for years to have the same protection for Dartmouth Cove, with many comparing the two.

According to Houston, the Northwest Arm was never given to the minister because the staff were satisfied, along with Ottawa, they had everything in order.

“The difference on this one is, not only could staff not satisfy themselves the legal advice, we don’t know where the federal government stands on this,” said Houston. “We’ve seen them approve the transportation permit, so that’s maybe an indication that they don’t agree with the by law.”

Just weeks ago, the premier had called the proposed bylaw by HRM ambiguous and that it needed a second look.

But now, with this provincial approval, Houston said, if the city can show that the feds are on board, they’ll be fine.

“I assume they’ve done that work, but there’s actually no difference in the process whatsoever,” explained Houston.

Atlantic Road and Construction has applied to infill the Cove and is waiting on approval from Ottawa.