Infill grows on the Northwest Arm as wheels turn in Halifax’s investigation

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeAtlantic CanadaNewsNova ScotiaHalifax Infill grows on the Northwest Arm as wheels turn in Halifax’s investigation ‘So is Halifax going to stand up for its laws, or is it not?’ challenges neighbour Author of the article: By Jen Taplin Published Sep 24, 2026 Last updated 1 hour ago 4 minute read Rocks and a stone wall on Andrew Metlege's property with a view of the Northwest Arm on Monday. PHOTO BY RYAN TAPLIN /The Chronicle Herald Article content Allan Shaw looked out his second-storey bedroom window and was discouraged. Article content “It’s a defining moment,” Shaw said. Article content Article content He’s talking about the city and perceived inaction and mixed messages when it comes to the infilling going on next door. The infilling has grown — about doubled, said Shaw — since July, when Halifax Regional Municipality issued an order to remove it. Article content Article content Shaw said it’s time for HRM to enforce its bylaw. Article content He lives next to Andrew Metledge, head of development and property management firm Templeton Properties, on Birchdale Avenue. Construction has been underway for a while on his new home with views of the Northwest Arm, the same body of water that was protected from infilling when the federal government granted HRM special permission to create a bylaw that came into effect in 2024. Article content Allan Shaw on his dock on the Northwest Arm on Monday. He said the infilling on his neighbour’s yard has doubled since July. PHOTO BY RYAN TAPLIN /The Chronicle Herald Article content About 10 metres of rock was dumped in the water starting in March. HRM issued a notice to comply to remove the infill and apply for a permit on June 22, with a deadline of July 22. A permit application was submitted on July 14 for a waterfront dock and support structure. Article content Since then, several metres of rock plus more of the stone wall were added. Article content Sarah Brannen, HRM spokesperson, said the property owner was given the opportunity to apply for a permit so that city staff can fully assess the work. Article content She said this week that both the investigation and the review of the permit are still underway. Article content Article content “This review can take some time. In some cases, the review of a permit application identifies a path for the property owner to achieve…