PLANAPP 2025-00923 - Lake Loon Golf Centre Redevelopment

Request

An application has been submitted for a development agreement to enable a comprehensive, mixed-use, master planned community on lands off Main Street and Golf View Drive in Dartmouth. 

Proposal

This application proposes a master plan development that seeks to repurpose a driving range and surrounding lands into a compact, mixed-use community. The applicant is seeking to establish a new neighbourhood including residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, with supporting infrastructure such as new roads, trails, parks, and stormwater systems.

Key elements of the proposal include:

• Approximately 15 new buildings ranging from 1 to 8 storeys in height
• A mix of residential and commercial uses (~1,770 residential units)
• Parks, trails, and recreational spaces
• New public streets and pedestrian connections
• Stormwater management and municipal servicing
• A new public street accessed from the existing signalized intersection at Main Street and Ridgecrest Drive

Process

The application is being reviewed through the Development Agreement process[DM1] , which is a formal planning mechanism used in HRM to enable developments that may not conform to existing zoning, provided they align with Dartmouth Municipal Planning Strategy policies and are publicly reviewed.

The Lake Loon site is subject to new planning policies—H-3BA and H-3BB—adopted through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). These policies are designed to support municipal housing objectives through the creation of mixed-use, higher-density communities close to existing roads, services, and infrastructure. Under these policies, Council can consider a broad range of building types and land uses through a development agreement process. However, any proposal must first demonstrate how it addresses environmental concerns, traffic impacts, and service capacity.

As the subject lands fall entirely within the Lake Lemont and Collin’s Park-Bomont drinking water supply area, the policies intend to support complete and compact communities while protecting sensitive natural features. This includes setting buildings back from wetlands and watercourses, limiting development in certain areas, and providing direction on building design, density, and green space. To inform the planning process, applicants are required to submit several technical studies, including a Land Suitability Analysis, a Traffic Impact Statement, and input from Halifax Water regarding water supply protection and enhanced stormwater systems. These studies help determine how the site should be developed, where natural areas should be preserved, and what infrastructure or public improvements may be needed.

Please note, wetlands are regulated by the Province of Nova Scotia. The applicant has applied to the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change for wetland alteration permits. The wetland alteration application is currently under review by the Province. To date, HRM has not received a decision from the Province on these permits.

If Community Council approves the application, a development agreement would be signed. This legal document sets out all conditions under which the development can move forward.

Status

This application is now in the public engagement stage. Municipal planning staff are seeking your feedback on the proposal. Your participation is important, and we encourage all members of the public to get involved.

Learn more about the proposal and the application process:

• Review the application documents below.
• Read the FAQ.
• View the slides of a PowerPoint presentation.

How to provide comments, questions, or feedback:

Complete the survey 

Please complete and submit a survey at the bottom of the Engage Halifax webpage. 

Contact the Planner

• Any questions, comments, or concerns can be sent directly to the Planner managing the application, Dean MacDougall, at dean.macdougall@halifax.ca or 902‑240‑7085.

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 Planning Applications office in Downtown Halifax.