A Heritage Conservation District (HCD) is a defined area recognized for its historic or architectural value, designated under the Heritage Property Act of Nova Scotia. HCDs are protected through the adoption of an HCD Plan and By-law, which establish regulations governing matters such as demolition, exterior alterations and new development to ensure changes respect the area’s character. Incentives may be available to support private exterior conservation efforts and programs that enhance both the built environment and public spaces. A HCD Plan and Bylaw can be implemented alongside other development control tools, such as a municipal planning strategy and land use bylaw.

To explore other HCDs in the municipality, you can visit the municipality's Heritage Conservation Districts(External link). A map of active and proposed HCDs is also available here(External link) for reference.

The municipality will host the first public information meeting for the Downtown Dartmouth HCD on Oct. 2, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Alderney Landing Farmer’s Market (External Link).

(External link. Throughout fall 2025, staff will also connect with key stakeholders and the public to gather input and feedback.

A second public information meeting will be held in winter 2026 to share the draft HCD documents. Afterwards, the final version will go to the municipal Heritage Advisory Committee and Regional Council for review in spring or summer 2026.

On May 13, 2025, Halifax Regional Council initiated a process to establish a new HCD in Downtown Dartmouth through the approval of the Downtown Dartmouth HCD background study (download the Background Study (External link)(External link)).

Downtown Dartmouth is a historic area with deep cultural roots. Known as Punamu’kwati’jk by the Mi’kmaq, it later became the site of the colonial Town of Dartmouth in 1750. Today, it’s valued for its diverse communities, historic buildings, places of worship and open spaces. The area includes many heritage properties and has seen significant development in recent years. A HCD plan is being developed to guide future growth while preserving the area’s unique character.

The proposed HCD boundaries include both registered and unregistered historic buildings, parts of the original town grid, Victorian-era suburbs and historic open spaces. Public input and careful planning will help shape how these areas are protected and developed for future generations.

The general objectives of an HCD typically include: 

• preserving the unique character and identify of the area.

• guiding future development to ensure alterations, additions and new construction are in keeping with a district’s heritage features.

• enhancing community identity and sense of place.

• supporting economic development and local investment.

• encouraging sustainable development practices such as adaptive reuse of existing buildings.