HRM Release:

The Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting residents to help shape the future of two pilot watershed management plans for the Dartmouth Lakes and Nine Mile River watersheds. Public engagement has begun and will continue through early October. 

As residents, many people have a strong connection to the lakes, rivers and coastlines that shape their communities. The municipality is seeking local knowledge and lived experiences to help ensure future watershed management plans reflect community priorities and values. 

Residents are encouraged to participate in online surveys and other engagement opportunities to share their experiences, priorities and perspectives on local lakes, rivers and surrounding lands within the two pilot watersheds. Feedback collected through the engagement process will help inform watershed-specific management plans currently under development by the municipality. 

Approved by Regional Council in 2024, the Municipal Watershed Management Framework provides a coordinated approach to watershed planning that brings together residents, Indigenous partners and other key stakeholders to support healthy, resilient watersheds. 

Managing watersheds as connected systems can improve water quality, support healthy ecosystems and strengthen climate resilience. Watershed management planning also helps identify opportunities to address environmental challenges early, protect natural infrastructure and support the long-term sustainability of local communities. This work supports the municipality’s climate action strategy, HalifACT. 

Residents can learn more about watershed management planning, complete a survey and find upcoming engagement opportunities by visiting our website