Updated:
Request
A request by Fathom Studio, on behalf of the property owners, requesting substantive amendments to the existing development agreements known as Seton Ridge, at the former Motherhouse Lands, Bedford Highway, Halifax.
Proposal
Substantive amendments are being proposed to the existing Development Agreement for the 73-acre site commonly known as Seton Ridge (PIDs 00137802, 41282724, and 41469602). The current agreement permits the development of a high-density, mixed-use neighbourhood within Mainland North.
The key elements of the proposal include:
- Updates to the Development Agreement to permit additional building height and revised design elements (such as stepbacks), aligning the project with updated building typology definitions and standards introduced through the Housing Accelerator Fund amendments, along with other built form refinements;
- Changes to the design of a local road connection between the Southwest lands and Shannex lands
- An increase in residential density of approximately 1,000 units or 2,250 people.
- This would bring the total permitted density from approximately 2,500 units (or 5,625 people) to approximately 3,500 units (or 7,875 people).
- Please note that density is regulated through the agreement by built form rather than by tracking individual units. Population density is estimated using Halifax Water’s standard assumption of 2.25 persons per unit.
The Development Plans (linked below) provide further detail on the proposal, including the project rationale, traffic impact analysis, servicing report, and building massing concepts.
Process
The application will be considered under the Substantive Development Agreement Amendment process.
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.
How to provide comments, questions, or feedback:
Attend the Public Open House
- On July 23, 2026 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, a Public Open House will be held at McCain Centre – Mount Saint Vincent University (166 Bedford Hwy, Halifax NS)
No formal presentation will be provided.
This event will be an informal open house format, providing an opportunity for residents to drop in, review information, and speak directly with staff.
Parking: Mount Saint Vincent University requires paid parking on campus. To avoid parking fees and the risk of receiving a ticket, attendees are encouraged to park near the McCain Centre, where parking is available without requiring a permit or payment.
Complete the survey
- Please complete and submit a survey at the bottom of the Engage Halifax webpage by July 31, 2026.
We encourage you to review all materials before completing the survey.
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 at 5251 Duke Street, Halifax, Suite 300.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact:
Dean MacDougall
Acting Principal Planner
Development Services
Telephone: 902.240.7085
Email: dean.macdougall@halifax.ca
Mailing Address
HRM Planning and Development
Planning Applications
PO Box: 1749,
Halifax,
Nova Scotia,
B3J 3A5
Attention: Dean MacDougall