Bedford residents raise concerns about density, traffic at waterfront project open house

Concerns about density and traffic were among the topics discussed during a community open house for the Mill Cove and Bedford Waterfront project in Bedford, Nova Scotia. The project, which will redevelop the area and include an electric high-speed ferry service, was met with mixed reactions from residents.

The Mill Cove area has been designated as an Urban Local Growth Center and a Suburban Opportunity Site by the municipality and the province of Nova Scotia. Along with the ferry service linking Bedford to Halifax, the revitalization will also feature a new public library, housing, and park improvements.

Dali Salih, a senior planner with HRM's Planned Growth and Strategic Projects division, stated that the combined elements of the project make it a strong case for studying the area and implementing transit-oriented development or community-focused planning. Some residents, however, expressed reservations about traffic and the proposed density of housing, emphasizing the need to identify proper areas for high-density development while still accommodating those who prefer single-home dwellings.

Kelly Bentham, president of the Fernleigh Park Homeowner Society, noted that addressing coastal hazards and enhancing the waterfront are also key objectives of the project. Jacqueline Levert, another resident, stressed the importance of ensuring equal access to the waterfront for all community members and emphasized the need for the ferry service to begin promptly.

Salih encouraged residents to share their ideas and concerns to help shape a plan that reflects the community's values and priorities. The Mill Cove ferry, scheduled to operate with zero-emission ferries, is expected to begin service in 2030, reducing travel time on the Bedford Highway and easing demand on existing corridors. The project received funding commitments from the federal government ($155.7 million), the province ($65 million), and the municipality ($40 million).

Residents interested in providing feedback can submit comments online at engagehalifax.ca/mill-cove.