RP Submission | Sandy Lake - Sackville River Regional Park Coalition

HRM Submissions (other than Regional Plan)

Main issues with background studies on Sandy Lake SPA - long version

In 2023, HRM commissioned background studies for 4 areas that could become Future Serviced Communities in HRM, including Sandy Lake. In May 2025, the final background studies were completed for the Sandy Lake Special Planning Area (studies are avialable on HRM's website). Although there are insights to be gained from the background studies, they have a lot of missing information too. Our longer analysis of the background studies, and a shorter, top issues summary, are linked below.

We always share our feedback on studies with HRM staff and Provincial staff working on the Sandy Lake Special Planning Area.

Top issues with background studies on Sandy Lake SPA - short version

Before the final version of the background studies came out, a draft report of some of the land suitability studies was released for public feedback. We provided comment on that to the consultant, HRM, and the Province.

Comments on the Sandy Lake draft LSA by the SLSR RP Coalition

Regional Plan Submissions

To implement our vision of a fully realized, ecologically healthy Regional Park at Sandy Lake and Sackville River, we need changes to the Regional Municipal Planing Strategy in Halifax Regional Municipality (called the Regional Plan for short). The Regional Plan is now being reviewed and updated, and the time to request changes is now (starting March 2020, going until 2024). Below are our Coalition's submissions to the stakeholder and public consultations on the Regional Plan review.

Regional Plan Submission 1 (2020):

Sandy Lake - Sackville River Regional Park Coalition - Regional Plan submission (full)

Regional Plan submission - Cover letter only

Regional Plan submission - Appendices only

Regional Plan Submission 2 (response to Themes & Directions, 2021):

Second Submission to the RP+10 Review from the Sandy Lake - Sackville River Regional Park Coalition (main text)
Second Submission Appendices

Regional Plan Submission 3 (response to draft Regional Plan, 2023):

Response to the draft Regional Municipal Planning Strategy of June 2023

We encourage everyone who cares about Sandy Lake and Sackville River (and nature, and outdoor recreation, and sustainable cities) to send in their own regional plan review submission. You can also talk to city councillors, and candidates running for city council, about your views on a good future for Sandy Lake and Sackville River. The following Coalition groups have already sent in letters supporting the requests made in the Coalition's submission: