Beginning in winter 2026, the municipality will launch the Mill Cove Land Use Planning Project. This project will include planning and community engagement processes to create a Conceptual Development Plan for the Mill Cove area, including the Bedford waterfront.

The Mill Cove area is currently underdeveloped for a higher-volume transit destination. However, the future Mill Cove Ferry Terminal, along with a commitment to co-locate a new public library, present a unique opportunity to support the development of a mixed-use and transit-oriented community in the area. One that serves not just as a departure point but also as a destination.

Through collaboration with rights holders, residents, and interest groups, the project will develop a shared future vision for the Bedford Waterfront as a connected and vibrant community. The plan for the area will provide recommendations to guide future policies and decisions related to housing, land use, public space and parks, transportation, water and wastewater servicing, climate adaptation, and other priorities identified through the process.

The key objectives of the project are to:

• establish urban design direction, including building heights, land uses, built form, view corridors, and parking;
• address coastal hazards and sea level rise through resilient and nature-based solutions;
• create welcoming, pedestrian-friendly public spaces;
• enhance waterfront access and amenities, including parks and natural areas;
• improve walking, rolling, and cycling connections;
• identify mobility network upgrades needed to support ferry service, transit, public amenities, and connections to surrounding communities;
• promote accessibility and inclusion along the waterfront; and
• recognize, protect, and celebrate cultural landscapes.

Halifax Transit is implementing a new ferry service between Mill Cove and Downtown Halifax. Funding for the detailed design and construction for the Mill Cove Ferry Terminal and Regional Halifax Library branch was announced on March 4, 2024 as a joint investment between the Government of Canada, Province of Nova Scotia, and Halifax Regional Municipality. The Mill Cove Ferry Service project includes electric fast ferries, two terminals, a bridge connection to the Bedford Highway, a maintenance facility, a Halifax Public Library space and a breakwater for safe harbour as well as pathway connection to DeWolfe Park.

When complete, the new route will transport passengers between Mill Cove and Downtown Halifax using zero emission fast ferries to significantly reduce travel time by vehicle using the Bedford Highway. The ferry route integrated with the regional transit network, including future rapid transit and the active transportation network will help alleviate the daily demand placed on existing corridors, namely the Bedford Highway and Hammonds Plains Road.

On October 3, 2025, the Province issued new orders to support housing growth, including designating the municipality as an interim planning area to enable suburban growth policies and developments. The Minister of Municipal Affairs also identified nine (9) suburban growth opportunity sites and enabled policies to help unlock development potential in these areas while the Municipality advances the Suburban Plan. One of the identified sites is the Mill Cove area.

The study area includes the waterfront, the area surrounding the future ferry terminal and extends approximately from Lindsay Hill (west) to Fern Avenue (east). The overall process will refine the project’s geographical scope and boundaries.

How can I participate in the process and provide feedback?

Feedback and input from residents, rights holders and local interest groups is critical to the success of this project and welcome at any time throughout the process. There will be opportunities in each phase of this project to get involved and share your ideas including surveys, community events and more. To stay informed about updates and future community engagement opportunities, please visit this webpage and contact the planner who’s listening at the top of this page.