On a cold but clear January day, Dartmouth Cove remained quiet amid uncertainty around whether a local construction company would begin work.

Atlantic Road and Construction was recently notified by HRM, they did not have permission to cross land near Skokomul Street to access the site, according to Councillor Sam Austin, who said if they did try, residents should call the police.

The company is allegedly planning on building a service road while they wait for permission from the federal government to infill the Cove.

They were expected to start Monday, however, by mid-afternoon, no work had begun and barricades remained.

Not surprising

Sandy MacLeod has been a resident in the neighborhood for over 42 years.

After coming off the walking trail, he told Acadia News he was not surprised there was no activity just yet.

“It’s too soon,” he said. “I think the lawyers are still fighting it out, but I think you’re going to see some activity and there will be some conflict here.”

MacLeod said he comes to the trail frequently to admire the view.

“It’s a great view of Halifax which will be gone in five years’ time with the high rise they want to put up there,” added MacLeod.

Hot topic

Infilling Dartmouth Cove has been a contentious issue in the community for years.

HRM recently passed a bylaw that would ban that as well as water lot development but is still waiting on the final approval from the province.

In a letter to Mayor Andry Fillmore over the holidays, Minister John A. MacDonald said HRM needed to prove the area is within the city’s boundaries and that it does not infringe on federal jurisdiction.

Fillmore responded that he believes those conditions were met and does not expect a formal response from the justice department.