In Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia, residents are calling for a halt to new development projects due to safety concerns stemming from a wildfire in 2020 that destroyed over 150 homes and forced 16,000 evacuations. The community group Pockwock Corridor SAFE argues that the planned construction of 1,609 new multi-unit dwellings would significantly increase local housing without addressing critical safety issues. Patrick Wheaton, a member of the group, emphasized the need for improved fire suppression systems and evacuation routes, noting that current infrastructure lacks essential features like fire hydrants. Curtis Wiley, founder of the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust, echoed these concerns, stating that the ongoing development is not meeting community needs, particularly for affordable housing and essential services. Halifax Regional Municipality is conducting a study on traffic and egress challenges, with resident engagement planned to inform future recommendations. Local councilor John Young acknowledged the need for strategic infrastructure planning but cautioned that implementing a moratorium is complex. Residents feel unsafe with the current development pace and lack of evacuation options.