Dongdu International Proposes 189-Unit Residential Development in Bayside, Raising Wetland Concerns
China-based developer Dongdu International has applied to the Halifax Regional Municipality for a 189-unit residential project in Bayside off Prospect Road. The proposal would alter 34 of 68 wetlands on the site, which hosts species at risk. While the developer plans to conserve 74 per cent of the property and has received provincial approval for wetland alteration, local advocates warn the plan echoes a previous controversial development at Eisner Cove.
Dongdu International (DDI), a China-based real estate developer, has submitted applications to the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) for a 189-unit low-density residential development in Bayside off Prospect Road. 
The proposed project would significantly change 34 of the 68 wetlands located within the 3.5-hectare project area. A report by Strum Consulting identified species at risk in the Bayside wetlands, including blue felt lichen and frosted glass-whiskers.
Developers are required to conserve 40 per cent of the property under current regulations. DDI’s proposal plans to conserve 74 per cent of the site. Brynn Budden, a public affairs advisor with HRM, confirmed that DDI has submitted a wetland alteration application which has been approved by the province.
Local advocates have raised concerns about the project's potential effects. Bill Zebedee, president of Protect Eisner Cove Wetland, stated that the Bayside plan bears similarities to the Mount Hope Development Ltd. project at Eisner Cove. Mount Hope Development Ltd. previously began an 875-unit project on top of the Eisner Cove Wetland, which Zebedee claimed broke the province’s Environment Act.
Critics point to potential impacts from changing wetlands and redirecting water, including flooding or effects on local species. There are also concerns regarding the loss of natural environments that sequester carbon, filter water, and buffer storms, as well as fears that the project could set a precedent for wetland destruction similar to the Eisner Cove controversy. 
The public engagement period for the Bayside project ended on Oct. 9. HRM staff are currently reviewing the application.