Province will step in if council moves forward on bike lanes, premier says

CITYnews halifax /By Mark Hodgins

Tensions are continuing to grow between Halifax councillors and the premier.

In a letter sent to Halifax Regional Council on Wednesday night, Tim Houston says his government will be forced to act if council moves ahead with a recent decision to make Morris Street in the downtown core a one-way street in favour of bike lanes.

Houston raises concern that the decision could worsen traffic congestion, create unnecessary 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 the statement on social media. “I won’t stand by as decisions are made that will make their lives worse.”

In the letter, Houston says Bill 24, passed this past spring by the provincial government, gives government order-making decisions over municipal transportation projects.

Related:

• Bike lanes back on council agenda with new motion from deputy mayor
• Mayor Fillmore proposes pause on construction of new bike lanes
• Advocate says more needs to be done for cyclists travelling between north end and downtown

“If HRM council proceeds to make Morris a one-way street, the provincial government will be forced to act,” he wrote.

The premier is asking council to advise on its decision by August 6, which is the day after the next scheduled council meeting.