It’s both hard, and not so hard, to believe that after months of aggressive pressure and tactics, Atlantic Road Construction and Paving (ARCP) has now crossed yet another line—this time, with complete disregard for community safety and public access. Without explicit project or property owner approval, ARCP took the drastic step of blocking the waterfront trail—a vital thoroughfare for many HRM residents. This reckless action has prompted widespread outrage and calls for the immediate removal of these barriers from both Build NS and HRM.
A Disturbing Pattern of Behavior
ARCP’s latest move is just the most recent in a series of troubling actions that have escalated since the community and our representatives began pushing back on their plans to infill Dartmouth Cove. From sending cease and desist letters to officials, to taking legal action aimed at fast-tracking federal decisions, to threatening Halifax City Council over their commitment to exploring bylaw amendments—ARCP has shown that they are willing to go to any lengths to get their way.
But Wednesday’s events marked a new low.
Disregard for Public Safety
With no prior notice to the community, or to those already entering the trail at the specific time, ARCP moved in to block the waterfront trail—a critical route for many HRM citizens who rely on it for transportation. The supposed “public safety” justification for this move quickly lost all credibility when residents witnessed the reckless manner in which ARCP carried out the blockade. Temporary fencing was hastily thrown up, only to be torn down by outraged community members.
What followed was an awkward confrontation requiring police intervention. Despite claiming that they wouldn’t try to re-establish the blockade that day, ARCP later returned with heavy machinery to install large cement barricades, showing blatant disregard for pedestrian safety in the process.
No Accountability, No Transparency
ARCP has claimed that blocking the public trail was necessary because of work they intend to carry out on their property over the next two weeks, but they have refused to provide any clear details on what that work is. This lack of transparency only adds to the growing mistrust that the community feels toward the developer.
The community of Dartmouth Cove is keenly aware of what stands to be lost if ARCP continues to push forward with its plans. Unfortunately, Brad and Tom Hickey of ARCP seem unwilling to acknowledge the legitimate concerns of citizens. Instead of engaging in constructive dialogue, they continue to insist that the community is simply “poorly informed” about the supposed benefits of their project.
In past conversations with HRM Councilor Sam Austin, ARCP’s reluctance to engage in good-faith planning was evident. When asked about their intentions should they receive approval, ARCP refused to even commit to basic steps, such as putting sod down on the lot once it was infilled. This lack of willingness to show any signs of compromise or community commitment only reinforces the community’s concerns that ARCP is not interested in thoughtful, intentional development but is instead focused on exploiting a political loophole to create a lucrative piece of high-end real estate.
MP Darren Fisher, Dartmouth Councilor Sam Austin, and provincial NDP leader Claudia Chender were all present at the Cove on Wednesday. Both Councilor Austin and MLA Chender specifically called out the reckless actions of ARCP’s Tom Hickey and Bruce Wood. Their irresponsible behavior is not only dangerous but also indicative of the complete disregard they have for the people of Halifax and Dartmouth Cove.
Safety or Self-Interest? The True Motives Behind ARCP’s Actions
ARCP’s decision to block the trail under the guise of “community safety” rings hollow, especially given the dangerous manner in which the barriers were installed. Temporary fencing was hastily removed by residents, only for ARCP to return later in the day with large cement barricades and heavy equipment. Videos captured during the incident show a complete disregard for pedestrian safety and a reckless approach to placing the barriers. This is not the way to do business in HRM.
This latest stunt raises serious questions about the true motives behind ARCP’s actions. While they may claim this is about safely disposing of pyritic slate, the reality is that ARCP stands to make a quick profit on the initiative. This is not about pyritic slate disposal alone—it’s about creating a new piece of high-end real estate that the developer can capitalize on, but with no guarantee of zoning, no development plans, and no services in place. Any development that happens here will likely come after years of additional bullying and legal maneuvering by ARCP.
A Call to Action
Dartmouth Cove is more than just a piece of land; it’s a cherished natural sanctuary in the heart of our community. It’s a place where people come to enjoy the outdoors, where wildlife thrives, and where our city’s natural beauty is on full display.
ARCP’s actions are an affront to everything that Dartmouth Cove represents. To assume that their business interests outweigh the government, community, and ecological concerns is not just arrogant—it’s delusional.
The community is rightfully outraged by these developments. We cannot allow ARCP’s self-serving and exploitative tactics to prevail over the public good.
We urge everyone to continue voicing their concerns to HRM and Build NS as well as reaching out to Transport Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans who are actively reviewing their proposal. Let’s ensure that Dartmouth Cove remains a space that serves the community, not the narrow interests of a developer unwilling to compromise or listen.
Original source : https://www.savedartmouthcove.com/post/atlantic-road-construction-blocks-waterfront-trail