Halifax council rescinds Morris Street bike lane after premier’s threats

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins and Dan Ahlstrand

Regional councillors voted to rescind the recent approval of a bike lane that would have turned a downtown street into a one-way road after the decision drew the ire of the premier.

Councillors voted 11-5 in favour of rescinding the Morris Street bike lane on Tuesday, with several councillors saying they supported the rescission so they could then have more consultation with organizations that raised concerns about the impact of the bike lane.

Council voted July 8 to move ahead with the plan, which included converting Morris Street to one-way to accommodate the lane.

That decision drew criticism from Premier Tim Houston, who warned his government may be forced to intervene. He said the move could worsen traffic congestion, pose public safety risks and potentially impact operations at the port.

“As Premier, I have a responsibility to stand up for Nova Scotians who are concerned with ever-worsening traffic problems in Halifax,” reads a statement from Houston at the time. “I won’t stand by as decisions are made that will make their lives worse.”

Following the vote in favour of rescission council continued discussion on potential alternatives to connect the bike network through the downtown.

The motion also calls for Mayor Andy Fillmore to respond to the premier’s comments, directs the chief administrative officer to begin functional planning and public engagement for cycling infrastructure on Morris Street, and requests a review of plans for the University Avenue portion of the bike lane network.

Staff are also recommending a report exploring alternatives and cost-saving opportunities.