Our community is facing a major shift with the proposed  Lane development proposal that aims to transform our area into something we no longer recognize. The developers plan to overturn the current R1 zoning to construct four six-storey buildings under the undefined concept of "shared housing." This change will irreversibly alter the essence of Kingswood, introducing increased traffic congestion, environmental hazards, and vague classifications of senior and shared housing. The introduction of multi-storey campus is utterly contrary to the natural environment that makes Kingswood unique.

Moreover, the vague promise of shared and senior housing lacks specificity, making it unclear who exactly benefits from this project. Without concrete plans, the community can't envision how this development will truly serve Kingswood. These ambiguities and lack of transparency only fuel concerns over the effects the development will have on property values, the local economy, and the overall quality of life for current residents. 

We advocate for development that respects and enhances the existing character of Kingswood, addressing genuine housing needs without compromising on environmental sustainability, traffic safety, and community integrity. We seek alternative solutions that genuinely address housing needs, perhaps through smaller developments or community input-driven projects that can supplement our community without overwhelming it.

Where the Application Currently Stands
The proposed Development Agreement remains under review by HRM Planning staff. During this stage, municipal staff are evaluating the application, reviewing technical studies, and collecting public feedback. Once the review is complete, staff will prepare a recommendation report for the Community Council. If the application advances, a Public Hearing will be scheduled where residents will have an opportunity to speak before the Community Council votes on whether the Development Agreement should be approved.

This stage of the process is especially important. Public comments submitted now become part of the record considered by planning staff as they prepare their recommendation, rather than waiting until the Public Hearing stage.

Community Resources
We have created a Google Drive where residents can access and share information related to the proposed development, including:

Template opposition letters;
Community pamphlets and outreach materials;
Reference and planning information;
Information that may assist residents in developing their own personal impact statements and letters of opposition; and
Relevant correspondence or responses received from officials.
Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UHT7Zv4tzxt2uymeKA1leGC1ZE0k9pve?usp=drive_link

The Drive is open to the community, so please feel free to add relevant documents, references, correspondence, or other information that may be helpful for everyone to review.

How You Can Help
1. Sign and Share the Petition
We also encourage all residents who share concerns about the proposed Terradore Lane development to sign and share the community petition. The petition is another way to demonstrate the level of community concern and support for ensuring these issues are carefully considered as part of the review process.

Please share the petition with your neighbours, friends, and other members of the community who may be affected by or concerned about the proposed development.

2. Write to Decision-Makers
Community participation is important at this stage of the HRM planning process. We strongly encourage residents to submit their own personalized letters or emails outlining their concerns. The attached templates can be used as a starting point, but adding your own experiences and concerns helps demonstrate the breadth of community interest.

Please send your letters to the following individuals:

HRM Planner: Maureen Ryan | ryanm@halifax.ca
Mayor: Andy Fillmore | mayor@halifax.ca
MLA: Rick Burns | info@rickburnsmla.ca
North West Community Council Members:
District 1: Cathy Deagle Gammon | cathy.deaglegammon@halifax.ca
District 13: Nancy Hartling | nancy.hartling@halifax.ca
District 14 Councillor: John A. Young | john.young@halifax.ca
District 15: Billy Gillis | billy.gillis@halifax.ca
District 16: Jean St-Amand | jean.st-amand@halifax.ca
If time is limited, at a minimum, please ensure your comments are submitted to the HRM Planner so they can be considered as part of the application review.

3. Get Involved

We also encourage everyone to:

Talk to your neighbours and help spread awareness;Share or distribute community pamphlets;
Submit an individual letter or email;
Share useful research or information through the Google Drive; and
Share any responses you receive from HRM staff, elected officials, or other relevant parties with the group so we can keep everyone informed.
Given the short timeframe to coordinate information and supporting documentation, everyone will continue to be included on group correspondence unless you advise otherwise.

A Reminder Regarding Community Activities
Finally, as our group grows and community interest increases, please remember that our efforts should remain respectful, factual and professional. Please respect private property and engage respectfully with the developer, HRM staff, elected officials, neighbours, and others involved. Keeping the discussion focused on the planning, technical, environmental, traffic and community impacts of the proposal will help ensure our concerns are taken seriously.

Thank you again to everyone who has taken the time to become involved. Please continue spreading the word to friends and neighbours. The more informed and engaged our community is, the stronger our collective voice will be.

Sincerely, 

Terradore Lane Community Group
TerradoreOpposition@gmail.com