Port Wallace

The Port Wallace development is adjacent to the historic Montague Gold Mine in Waverly, Nova Scotia. Barry’s Run is a robust stream that runs from the wetland and fen within the old gold mine site and into Lake Charles. This lake is part of the historic, culturally important and ecologically sensitive Shubenacadie lake chain and river system, which are significant for both the Mi’kmaw Nation and settler communities.

Nova Scotia Lands, Acadia University, Saint Mary’s University and others have been studying Port Wallace and the Montague Mine property for a number of years. A study commissioned by the NS government and released on July 4, 2022 rated Montague Mines as the #1 most contaminated lands in the province (CBC report here). NS Lands strongly recommended the sediments remain undisturbed until closure studies were completed. Just walking through the area would release contaminated sediment into Lake Charles and kick up arsenic-laden dust. HRM commissioned a study tabled in August 2019  that concluded the same and warned that stormwater flows and the stability of the fen will be crucial factors in considering any development on the property. In March 2022, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, John Lohr in the Progressive Conservative government of Tim Houston used the housing crisis in the city as his pretext to add Port Wallace to the “Special Planning Area” that would serve to accelerate housing development in the area. Clearcutting began in September 2022, before remediation of the historic gold mine could begin. The development project was approved for 4900 units. In addition, a new sewer connection through the Shubie Park utility corridor will be used to service the proposed new community.