At high tide on a calm day, the water in Old Quay sits about a metre below the top of the seawall. During last January’s storm it came over the top in three places, flooding the basement of the maritime museum and closing Harbour Street for four days.
Among council members, the calculations are complicated. Two members represent districts that would see little benefit, and several have hinted publicly that they want amendments.
Not everything in the seawall project is disputed. Members on both sides praised the expanded youth programmes, which represent about $23.0 million in spending.
Who pays
At the heart of the dispute is a question of priorities. Its champions on council want to start with the projects that are ready, while opponents want to fix existing problems first.
Skeptics on the council argued that the seawall project leaves too many questions unanswered. “Every year we say next year,” said Wen Haverford, a spokesperson for the city’s Public Works Department,. “At some point the bill comes due.”
The staff report found that 5.0 percent of the affected households rent rather than own. This is significant because programmes designed to help them are already oversubscribed.
- Requires quarterly progress reports to council
- Funds a 2-year pilot in the Riverside flats
- Delays a planned property tax increase by one year
- Sets aside $92.4 million for emergency repairs
- Commits $29.4 million to street resurfacing
What residents said
Ezekiel Marsh, an organiser with a local residents’ group, described the mood bluntly: “We are not trying to stop anything. They want the same consideration other parts of the city got.”
A spokesperson for the city’s Public Works Department told the Dispatch that the department had followed every required step, and that anyone with concerns can submit comments online until June 17.
None of this started recently. In 2007, the city’s Public Works Department adopted a long-range plan that identified the same problems. That plan sat on a shelf as costs rose.
Documents obtained by the Dispatch show that consultants told the city’s Public Works Department as early as November 2025 that the costs were likely to rise. That assessment did not appear in the summary given to council.
| Line item | Current year | Adopted | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public safety | $24.6M | $26.8M | +9.0% |
| Parks & libraries | $45.5M | $48.6M | +6.9% |
| Streets & transit | $22.6M | $22.4M | -0.8% |
| Stormwater | $115.4M | $120.2M | +4.2% |
| Housing programmes | $101.2M | $109.6M | +8.3% |
| Administration | $32.9M | $32.6M | -0.8% |
| Debt service | $96.8M | $92.1M | -4.9% |
What the plan actually does
Marsh has a shoebox of letters from the city going back to 2000. “I could wallpaper my kitchen with these promises,” Marsh said, setting it on the table.
Under the proposal, the Old Quay seawall repair project would cost roughly $19.4 million over 4 years, with about 51 percent of that coming from state and federal grants. Budget analysts estimate that the typical household would see about $26 more per year as a result.
Underneath it all is a question of trust. A Dispatch reader survey this year found that fewer than 34 percent of residents believe the city delivers projects on time.
Residents of Tanner Heights turned out in large numbers. At a meeting in the community centre last April, roughly 178 people filled every folding chair, and the question session ran past ten o’clock.
I would be suspicious of anyone who told you this is solved.
Rufus Abernethy-Cole
The view from Mill Hollow
Looking at neighbouring cities suggests Brindlemoor is not unusual. Hollis Bay, a city of about 80 thousand, spent about $10.3 million on its version.
For Haverford, that argument has a long memory. She has lived in Eastgate for 30 years and can still describe when the last major project was promised. “I am patient, but I am not infinitely patient,” Haverford said.
The timeline from here is a second reading expected in September. If approved, the first phase could start as early as next summer.
What happens next
Turnout at the online survey was lower than organisers hoped: 3726 responses, most of them from residents over 50, according to figures released this month.
One evening last week in Ashby Cross, the corner was quiet except for a delivery van: cracked pavement, a faded sign promising improvements.
State officials must sign off. A funding audit is expected to take 5 months, after which new conditions might add time.
Timeline
- April 2017: Funding of $28.7 million is awarded.
- April 2019: Estimates rise to $94.9 million.
- September 2021: the city’s Public Works Department announces public outreach on the seawall project.
- January 2023: A neighbourhood group lobby for a hearing.
- November 2025: Costs are revised to $26.1 million.
- February 2026: Funding of $69.2 million is approved.
The fine print
A handful of speakers asked the city’s Public Works Department to go further. The case they made was simple: the problem is getting worse, not better.
Disability-rights groups asked for a binding commitment that no one will be displaced. Officials said such a guarantee would be added.
Upkeep is the overlooked line item. Cutting a ribbon is easy to fund; paying staff for the next 30 years does not, Rufus Abernethy-Cole said.
Abernethy-Cole said the compromise was “the best we could do with the money we actually have.” Reached by phone, Abernethy-Cole added that the numbers could shift again before spring.
A glance at neighbouring cities indicates Brindlemoor is behind. Penhallow, with a similar tax base, finished a comparable project in 2022.
From the city's Public Works Department filing, May 2026
A long history of delay
A coalition of neighbourhood groups called on staff to publish an analysis of alternatives. The motion passed without debate, though Abernethy-Cole warned that “we have studied this enough.”
The vote came after months of community meetings, during which the city’s Public Works Department heard from more than 265 residents. Many of them wanted the same thing: whether the city could afford to wait any longer.
It is worth stepping back, and a pattern emerges: decisions made in the next few months could define the city’s finances well into the 2030s.
This article drew on several weeks of reporting, among them residents, officials and outside experts.
Where the money comes from
Expect more coverage of the seawall project as it develops. Anyone with knowledge of the issue can reach the reporter directly through our tip line.
At a glance: 3 public meetings, $83.1 million in estimated costs, and a vote that could still be challenged.
Reporters asked the city’s Public Works Department to provide a breakdown of the figures. A spokesperson sent several pages of documents saying that the numbers were preliminary and subject to change.
We will keep reporting on the seawall project in the coming months. If you have experience with this can reach the reporter directly by email.
Mara Ellison can be reached at mara.ellison@brindlemoor-dispatch.example. Have a tip? Use our secure tip line.
This is why local journalism matters. Subscribed again after letting it lapse.
Thank you for actually putting the numbers in a table. Most coverage just says "millions" and leaves it at that.
The part about the west side is the real story. Nobody on council lives over there and it shows.
I have lived here for thirty years and I have seen this exact plan announced at least three times. I will believe it when I see the crews.
Good piece, but I think the headline undersells how bad the seawall situation really is.
The heat pump rebate website crashed on me three times. Glad to know it was not just me.
Good question. The documents we reviewed did not say, and the agency has not responded yet. We will update the story if they do.
The fee change makes sense for big vendors and is terrible for small ones. Simple as that.
I would love a follow-up on what happens to the workers at the old plant.
The heat pump rebate website crashed on me three times. Glad to know it was not just me.
Thanks for reading. We are planning a follow-up and would welcome tips at the address above.
Copper Row Records is a treasure. Theo once spent twenty minutes helping me find a record I could only hum.
Thank you for actually putting the numbers in a table. Most coverage just says "millions" and leaves it at that.
My kids went to Larkspur. It breaks my heart to read this but I am not surprised.
The heat pump rebate website crashed on me three times. Glad to know it was not just me.
I would love a follow-up on what happens to the workers at the old plant.
This is why local journalism matters. Subscribed again after letting it lapse.
Went last Friday on the strength of this review. The sardines were exactly as described. Dessert was also exactly as described, unfortunately.
I have lived here for thirty years and I have seen this exact plan announced at least three times. I will believe it when I see the crews.
Thanks for reading. We are planning a follow-up and would welcome tips at the address above.
Made the apple cake twice now. Second time I used a mix of tart and sweet apples and it was even better.
Went last Friday on the strength of this review. The sardines were exactly as described. Dessert was also exactly as described, unfortunately.
Fair point, and thank you. We have added a line clarifying that.
Made the apple cake twice now. Second time I used a mix of tart and sweet apples and it was even better.
Good question. The documents we reviewed did not say, and the agency has not responded yet. We will update the story if they do.
Can we please stop calling everything a "smart" something? It is a streetlight with a sensor.
The ferry is great. Took it with my dad on Sunday and he talked about the old boats the whole way across.
Fair point, and thank you. We have added a line clarifying that.
The part about the west side is the real story. Nobody on council lives over there and it shows.
The ferry is great. Took it with my dad on Sunday and he talked about the old boats the whole way across.
Good piece, but I think the headline undersells how bad the seawall situation really is.
Thanks for reading. We are planning a follow-up and would welcome tips at the address above.
This is why local journalism matters. Subscribed again after letting it lapse.
Thank you for actually putting the numbers in a table. Most coverage just says "millions" and leaves it at that.
Good question. The documents we reviewed did not say, and the agency has not responded yet. We will update the story if they do.
Copper Row Records is a treasure. Theo once spent twenty minutes helping me find a record I could only hum.
Can we please stop calling everything a "smart" something? It is a streetlight with a sensor.
Went last Friday on the strength of this review. The sardines were exactly as described. Dessert was also exactly as described, unfortunately.
Went last Friday on the strength of this review. The sardines were exactly as described. Dessert was also exactly as described, unfortunately.
The part about the west side is the real story. Nobody on council lives over there and it shows.
Does anyone know if the public comment period is still open? The city website is no help at all.
My kids went to Larkspur. It breaks my heart to read this but I am not surprised.
The part about the west side is the real story. Nobody on council lives over there and it shows.
This is why local journalism matters. Subscribed again after letting it lapse.
The heat pump rebate website crashed on me three times. Glad to know it was not just me.
Fair point, and thank you. We have added a line clarifying that.
Good piece, but I think the headline undersells how bad the seawall situation really is.
Made the apple cake twice now. Second time I used a mix of tart and sweet apples and it was even better.
I have lived here for thirty years and I have seen this exact plan announced at least three times. I will believe it when I see the crews.
Copper Row Records is a treasure. Theo once spent twenty minutes helping me find a record I could only hum.
Thanks for reading. We are planning a follow-up and would welcome tips at the address above.
Good piece, but I think the headline undersells how bad the seawall situation really is.
Can we please stop calling everything a "smart" something? It is a streetlight with a sensor.
Grocery prices are absurd. I drive to the store on the east side now because it is consistently cheaper.
Thanks for reading. We are planning a follow-up and would welcome tips at the address above.
The ferry is great. Took it with my dad on Sunday and he talked about the old boats the whole way across.
Good question. The documents we reviewed did not say, and the agency has not responded yet. We will update the story if they do.
The heat pump rebate website crashed on me three times. Glad to know it was not just me.
Does anyone know if the public comment period is still open? The city website is no help at all.
Fair point, and thank you. We have added a line clarifying that.
Made the apple cake twice now. Second time I used a mix of tart and sweet apples and it was even better.
The ferry is great. Took it with my dad on Sunday and he talked about the old boats the whole way across.
Made the apple cake twice now. Second time I used a mix of tart and sweet apples and it was even better.
Good question. The documents we reviewed did not say, and the agency has not responded yet. We will update the story if they do.
Grocery prices are absurd. I drive to the store on the east side now because it is consistently cheaper.
The heat pump rebate website crashed on me three times. Glad to know it was not just me.
Made the apple cake twice now. Second time I used a mix of tart and sweet apples and it was even better.
As a nurse at St. Aldric I can confirm the override part. The software is a tool, not a replacement for judgment.
Good question. The documents we reviewed did not say, and the agency has not responded yet. We will update the story if they do.
Went last Friday on the strength of this review. The sardines were exactly as described. Dessert was also exactly as described, unfortunately.
The part about the west side is the real story. Nobody on council lives over there and it shows.
The ferry is great. Took it with my dad on Sunday and he talked about the old boats the whole way across.
Can we please stop calling everything a "smart" something? It is a streetlight with a sensor.
Good question. The documents we reviewed did not say, and the agency has not responded yet. We will update the story if they do.
This is why local journalism matters. Subscribed again after letting it lapse.
The ferry is great. Took it with my dad on Sunday and he talked about the old boats the whole way across.
Does anyone know if the public comment period is still open? The city website is no help at all.