PLANAPP 2023-00942 - 1262 Bedford Highway, Bedford

Request

Application by Fathom, on behalf of the property owner, requesting to enter into a heritage development agreement on the lands at 1262 Bedford Highway, which would allow an 8-storey (plus penthouse) multi-unit residential mid-rise.

Background

This development agreement is being sought in accordance with Policy CH-7A of the Regional Municipal Planning Strategy (Regional Plan), which permits Council to consider a development agreement on any lot containing a registered heritage building to encourage the conservation and adaptive re-use of registered heritage buildings.

Heritage Significance

1262 Bedford Highway, known as ‘Honeycote’, was registered as a heritage property in 2021. Honeycote contains a one-and-a-half storey classical vernacular building constructed between 1855 and 1858. The property has historical associations with the merchant Harry G. DeWolf [Sr.] and his spouse, Kate A. DeWolf, parents of Vice Admiral Harry G. DeWolf [Jr.]. Character-defining elements of the home include, but are not limited to:

• Original 1.5-storey Classical Vernacular building;
• Two single-stack brick chimneys located just inside the end walls;
• Decorative clay chimney pot on left (southwest) chimney;
• Wood shingle siding;
• Gable roof with classical returns at eaves;
• Window fenestration with double hung six-over-six windows;
• Two hipped dormers with coupled windows in sets of three; and,
• Enclosed porch with hipped roof, original side doors, and pilasters with inverted fluting.

A circa 1920s addition was added to the rear of the building and is not considered to be a character-defining element. 

Proposal

New Construction

The applicant is proposing the construction of an eight-storey (plus penthouse) multi-unit residential addition, located on the lands to the rear of the heritage building and connected to the heritage building by a small “breezeway” (entry corridor). Underground parking is proposed to be provided with access from Meadowbrook Drive.

Heritage Building Rehabilitation

A key element of the proposal is the rehabilitation and continued use of the registered heritage building. A non-original (1920s) addition to the rear of the building would be removed, with the original building to be rehabilitated. The proposed work includes substantial and non-substantial alterations as outlined in the HRM Substantial Alterations Report (PLANAPP-2023-01467), which was approved by Regional Council on November 12^th, 2024, which are summarized as follows:

• removal of a circa 1918 rear addition and associated reconstruction of the rear wall and roof;
• replacement of existing windows with replacements of wooden construction, appropriate muntin arrangement, and hung sash operation;
• repair and repainting of existing cladding, or where necessary replacement in-kind with new wood shingle cladding;
• repair or rehabilitation of existing doors on either side of the front porch/vestibule;
• replacement of the non-original front door with a new door of appropriate materials and design to complement the Heritage Building's existing doors;
• repair or replacement in-kind of mouldings where deteriorated;
• removal of the existing skylight and repair or replace in-kind roofing;
• replacement of front deck/stairs with appropriate materials and design to complement the Heritage Building.

The heritage building is proposed to have a small-scale commercial use in keeping with the intent of the Mainstreet Commercial (CMC) zone.

Process

A Heritage Development Agreement (HDA) is a discretionary application, meaning that it requires review and approval from Community Council (approval of concept), before applying for permits.

Details of the proposal have been published to the municipal website, and a sign was posted on-site. Public feedback was solicited via Public Information Meeting (PIM) held at Bedford United Church on April 25, 2024. Notices for this meeting were mailed to residents within an 80m radius of the site.

Staff have also processed an associated application for Substantial Alterations to the municipally registered heritage property (1262 Bedford Highway), which was reviewed by the Heritage Advisory Committee and approved by Regional Council on November 12, 2024.

When processing HDA applications, municipal staff produce a staff report for review by the Heritage Advisory Committee (HAC) and decision by Community Council. Community Council will hold a Public Hearing prior to rendering their decision. This Public Hearing will be advertised on the municipal website and through mailout notifications (see below). 

Status

TAKE NOTICE THAT the North West Community Council did, on Monday, June 22, 2026, refuse the following application for a heritage development agreement:

PLANAPP 2023-00942 - Application by Fathom Studio, on behalf of the property owner, for a development agreement on the registered heritage property located at 1262 Bedford Highway, Bedford, known as Honeycote, to allow for an eight-storey (plus penthouse), multi-unit residential addition to the rear of the heritage building. 

This notice was posted to this site on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 in accordance with the requirements of the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter.

Documents Submitted for Evaluation

The applicant has submitted plans and studies required by HRM staff to properly evaluate the application. The documents are also available for review at the HRM Planning and Development office in Downtown Halifax (5251 Duke St, 3^rd Floor).

Documentation

A - Site Plan, Elevations, Prelim Landscape Plan

B - Staff Report and Draft Agreement

C - Site Servicing and Stormwater Management Schematic

D - Traffic Impact Statement

E - Heritage Impact Statement

F - Approved Substantial Alteration Report HRTG-2023-00201

G - Heritage Registration Report