Chocolate Lake

Photo: Chocolate Lake is a beautiful, small lake in the Armdale neighbourhood (March 2004, September 2004).

August 20, 2007

Update

This afternoon I was at the Bedford office of the Department of Environment & Labour, meeting with the department's freedom of information co-ordinator. My objective was to find out as much as I could about the department's involvement with Chocolate Lake over the past number of years. We spent three hours going over files, and discussing which documents I would like to get copies of. I will be posting more information to this website as I receive it from the department.

I also learned that, during the "swimming season", the water in Chocolate Lake is tested weekly for bacterial levels by the Department of Environment & Labour, under the authority of the Medical Office of Health. The water is tested more frequently if elevated levels of bacteria are found. Any decision to close or re-open the swimming beach is made by the Medical Officer of Health, on the advice of the department. If the beach is closed, it can be re-opened only if two samples, taken on different days, show that bacteria levels are back under acceptable levels.

How did "Chocolate Lake" get its name?

Many people assume Chocolate Lake got its name from the colour of the water. But it's actually because there was once a chocolate mill on the lakeshore. This area saw a variety of manufacturing operations in the 18th and 19th centuries, including a spice and snuff mill; a flour mill; and a nail factory. Source: John W. Regan, Sketches and traditions of the Northwest Arm (Hounslow Press, 1978).

I've been told by a longtime local resident that Chocolate Lake is not a natural lake, but rather the result of an early quarry.

The Chocolate Lake Community Association

In March 2004, a group of interested residents formed a Chocolate Lake Community Association. (Long-time residents may remember the West Armdale Residents' Association which existed up to the early 1980's.)

The most recent Annual General Meeting of the Chocolate Lake Community Association was held Tuesday, June 14, 2005 Chocolate Lake Recreation Centre.

Unfortunately, the prime mover behind the assocation moved away in 2005, and the Association has (as far as I know) resumed its hibernation.

Text from the Founding Meeting's Minutes

The following information is taken from the minutes of the Association's first meeting (May 24, 2004).

Why a Chocolate Lake Association, and why now?

• Within the larger Halifax Harbour Watershed Restoration Coalition, Chocolate Lake has no representation. [Some local residents] are members of this Coalition, and felt that it was time to spearhead the formation of a Chocolate Lake Association.
• It is an opportune time to form such an Association as a vehicle for input into the developing Regional Plan.
• An Association can apply for funds (HADD projects (DFO), foundations that support stewardship efforts).
• An Association can strengthen individual efforts (stormwater diversion, heritage designation for dam etc.).

Summary of Issues Raised at First Meeting

• Stormwater discharge directly into lake - There is a perception that water quality is deteriorating.
• There is a perception that a 'bloom' of milfoil is occurring due to deteriorating water quality.
• The old 'Keddy's Hotel site'… residents are uneasy about the condition of the site and possible re-development… what are the options? If there are development plans afoot, residents need to have a say.
• The sediment deposited in the lake from the townhouse development on Coronet Drive has never been removed.
• Concerns were expressed regarding introduction of contaminated runoff from Butler Bros. subdivision development which is within the watershed.
• There is concern about the condition of the public beach and the activities that occur there. Is there an issue of ownership (Province) and responsibility (Municipality)?
• There is concern regarding the loss of public access to lakeshore (Fenwood Road), an issue that has been pursued by several attendees.
• The residents need input into regional planning process.
• There is infilling of shoreline… what are the rules and policies?
• The status of motorized boats and vehicles as users of the lake is unclear. If these users are allowed on the lake, attendees felt that this must be addressed, following the lead of the Dartmouth Lakes group.

Objectives of the Association

The objects of the Association are primarily educational and benevolent, to wit:

1. To promote an understanding of the historical, aesthetic, recreational and ecological significance of Chocolate Lake.
2. To preserve and enhance the natural character of Chocolate Lake and environs and to protect the amenity of Chocolate Lake in order that it may be enjoyed by future generations.
3. To promote safe, healthy, clean, happy, educated and friendly neighbourhoods around Chocolate Lake.
4. To safeguard and preserve historical public access to Chocolate Lake.
5. To ensure that the impacts on Chocolate Lake and on surrounding neighbourhoods, of land use changes and development activities in Halifax are fully examined.
6. To communicate with all levels of government, with the membership and with the public regarding Chocolate Lake and surrounding neighbourhoods.
7. To become involved and to participate in planning activities affecting Chocolate Lake directly and indirectly.
8. In general, to carry out such activities which are not in conflict with the above.