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2mo ago

Nova Scotia Threatens to Override Halifax’s Morris Street Bike Lane Plan

Premier Tim Houston has given Halifax council until August 6 to rescind its Morris Street one-way conversion to avoid provincial intervention under unproclaimed Bill 24

FILE - Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has threatened to overrule Halifax city council if it doesn't reverse its decision to create a new bike lane.

Overview

  • Halifax Regional Council voted 13-4 last week to convert Morris Street into a one-way roadway with a two-way bikeway as part of its active transportation agenda.
  • In a July 16 open letter to Mayor Andy Fillmore, council and CAO Kathie O’Toole, Houston warned that failing to reverse the decision would force the province to act under Bill 24.
  • The premier cited letters from Emergency Medical Care and port operators warning that the redesign could worsen traffic congestion, delay emergency response and hinder Halifax Port Authority operations.
  • Bill 24, passed by the legislature this spring but not yet proclaimed, grants the Nova Scotia government authority to direct municipal transportation infrastructure changes.
  • Halifax council is scheduled to reconvene on August 5 to consider rescinding the Morris Street plan ahead of the province’s August 6 deadline.