‘It shouldn't be touched': Opinions split on Halifax bike lane change on Morris Street
Noah MacDonald, who works on Morris Street, hopes the project doesn't become a reality.
'I'm not a big fan of that. Neither are any of my coworkers. (There's) not a lot of places to park and not a lot of space there as is,' says MacDonald.
On Wednesday, Premier Tim Houston said he would intervene if Halifax council didn't scrap its plan to change Morris Street into a one-way in favour of bike lanes.
'I agree, it shouldn't be touched. I think it's going to be even more of a hazard as a one-way,' says MacDonald.
Mayor Andy Fillmore says he understands the concerns voiced by the premier.
'I think it's really important that the premier is paying attention to the decisions of council that affect our ability to move residents and business around the community, to keep our economy rolling through the streets of Halifax, especially when it impacts an economic generator like the Port of Halifax,' Fillmore said.
'I'm not at all surprised that the provincial government has involved themselves here. We had signals that they would.'
Deputy Mayor Toni Mancini told reporters Thursday that everyone had been on board with the project during its planning stages.
But Fillmore says their stance shifted from the initial consultations made in 2018.
'The city is different. The world is different than it is now. Our population is growing like it's never grown before. Congestion is record-breaking. The staff report was very clear that that consultation is stale,' he says.
Fillmore also denied speculations about the timing of the polarizing issue, after some claimed it was being used to advance strong mayor powers.
'That's not it at all,' says Fillmore. 'In fact, the reverse is true. As the council struggles with some of these important decisions, I think the provincial government is watching a council get some things wrong, and they're wondering if maybe now is the time to help the mayor with some enhanced abilities.'
Fillmore says he would rather Halifax council make the 'right decision' on Aug. 5 when they meet again.
'It's within their power to do the right thing for the residents of HRM. If the wrong result comes out of the council that day, then I have to support the premier in his intervention. He has got the best interests of the local economy and the safety of our residents at heart,' Fillmore says.
Morris Street
A section of Morris Street in Halifax is pictured. (Source: Vanessa Wright/CTV News Atlantic)
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THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors But the future of Trump's policy also rests on shaky ground, and the tariffs could come crashing down even if Canada can't reach a deal at some point. 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National Post tmoran@ Read More Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our newsletters here. News News Tennis Columnists Vancouver Canucks
