Latest news with #HalifaxPortAuthority
CTV News
17-07-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Concerns about Morris Street bike lanes ‘should not be ignored': Halifax mayor
Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore says turning Morris Street into a one-way for vehicles could affect public safety, and those concerns 'should not be ignored.' Fillmore's comments come after Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston sent an open letter to the mayor, saying his government would be 'forced to act' if Halifax council doesn't reverse its decision to turn Morris Street into a one-way as part of a bike lane project. 'Eliminating one lane to add bike lanes will contribute to traffic congestion, create unnecessary public safety risks and potentially jeopardize port activity,' said Houston in his letter, which he made public Wednesday. 'In addition, the Halifax Port Authority and PSA Halifax have raised concerns that should be respected. Simply put, it is irresponsible to prioritize bike lanes over a key economic driver for the province, which is exactly what the port is.' Fillmore echoed the premier's concerns in a statement to CTV News Thursday, adding that Emera, Ambassatours and local residents have also spoken out against the plan to transform Morris Street. Fillmore said Emergency Health Services recently warned that pre-hospital care delivery and public safety could be compromised if the project goes ahead. 'These types of interventions should not be ignored. They're data-driven warnings about operational impacts and public risk,' said Fillmore. 'As Mayor, I will not ignore threats to our economic competitiveness, risks to public safety, or alarm bells about dramatic cost escalations.' In his letter, Houston cited the recently-passed Bill 24, which gives the provincial government authority over transportation projects in Nova Scotia municipalities. As Premier, I have a responsibility to stand up for Nova Scotians who are concerned with ever-worsening traffic problems in Halifax. I won't stand by as decisions are made that will make their lives worse. If HRM Council proceeds with increasing congestion by making Morris a… — Tim Houston (@TimHoustonNS) July 16, 2025 In his statement Thursday, Fillmore noted the CAO cautioned council that the province could intervene if it proceeded with the plan to turn Morris Street into a one-way. 'It is not surprising that the Premier has asked the municipality to reverse its recent decision to make Morris Street one-way to accommodate new bike lanes,' said Fillmore. 'The province had made it clear that provincial intervention would be an option if municipal actions are inconsistent with broader goals of economic growth, easing congestion and enhancing public safety. 'Halifax, home to half of Nova Scotia's population and more than half of its economy, is growing faster than ever. It is a shared responsibility of municipal, provincial, and federal governments to ensure our city functions and our infrastructure keeps pace.' The premier has asked council to reverse its decision by Aug. 6. Halifax bike lane controversy The Morris Street East Connection is a proposed bicycle network that would connect Morris Street, University Avenue and segments of South Street, Cartaret Street and Oakland Road via bike lanes. Halifax council approved the 53-kilometre cycling network in 2017. Sixty per cent of it is complete and costs have gone from a projected $25 million to an estimated $90 million. 'In June, after learning that costs had dramatically escalated and realizing that some bike lane plans could worsen traffic congestion, I proposed that HRM Council pause the roll-out of the bike network,' said Fillmore. 'This would allow time to consult with key stakeholders and ensure that the bike network wouldn't compromise public safety and economic competitiveness.' Fillmore put forward a motion in June to pause the construction of new bike lanes in the municipality entirely, but it was defeated 12-to-five. The mayor made his case again during a council meeting last week, this time calling on council to halt the Morris Street segment of the network and consider alternative cycling connections for Morris Street. That motion was defeated 13-to-four. -With files from CTV News Atlantic's Sean Mott For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CTV News
17-07-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
N.S. premier says government ‘will be forced to act' if Halifax council does not reverse bike lane decision
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says his government 'will be forced to act' if Halifax council does not reverse its decision to turn Morris Street into a one-way for vehicles as part of a bike lane project. In an open letter to Mayor Andy Fillmore, chief administrative officer Cathie O'Toole and the council, Houston said he has 'great concern' over the plan to transform Morris Street. 'Eliminating one lane to add bike lanes will contribute to traffic congestion, create unnecessary public safety risks and potentially jeopardize port activity,' the letter reads. 'In addition, the Halifax Port Authority and PSA Halifax have raised concerns that should be respected. Simply put, it is irresponsible to prioritize bike lanes over a key economic driver for the province, which is exactly what the port is. 'To say that I find it disappointing that public safety and economic impact concerns have been dismissed with a simple shrug of the shoulders would be a serious understatement.' The Morris Street East Connection is a proposed bicycle network. It would connect Morris Street, University Avenue and segments of South Street, Cartaret Street and Oakland Road via bike lanes. A motion to consider alternative cycling connections for Morris Street was defeated 13-to-four at council last week. 'I feel strongly that Morris is the best location for this cycle path that's been designed since 2017,' said Coun. Laura White in a previous interview with CTV News. 'It's a design that has been well-researched and consulted.' In the letter, Houston cited the recently passed Bill 24, which gives the provincial government authority over transportation projects in Nova Scotia municipalities. 'If HRM Council proceeds to make Morris a one-way street, the provincial government will be forced to act,' Houston said. Houston asked council to advise if it will reverse its decision by Aug. 6. Bike lane controversy Last week, Houston, talking about the ongoing discussions of possible 'strong mayor powers' in the province, said the recent debates over bike lanes is a point of disconnect between voters and the Halifax council. 'I think everyone in HRM is concerned with traffic at the moment,' Houston said at the time. 'The only people who don't seem concerned are the people on council. Those are the types of things that give me pause for thought.' Last month, Fillmore put forward a motion to pause the construction of new bike lanes in the municipality entirely, but it was defeated 12-to-five. 'Bike lanes do not cause congestion,' said Coun. Sam Austin during the debate over the motion. 'What does cause congestion is a municipality that has not done the work to provide alternatives. Delay makes it worse.' Halifax council approved the 53-kilometre cycling network in 2017. Sixty per cent of it is complete and costs have gone from a projected $25 million to an estimated $90 million. In late June, Deputy Mayor Tony Mancini put forward a motion that sought to have the chief administrative officer write a staff report on all AA bike network capital projects from 2026 to 2029. The motion passed 11-to-four. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
Cision Canada
16-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Celebrating the opening of Halifax's new Marine Container Examination Facility
HALIFAX, NS, July 16, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, along with senior officials from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Halifax Port Authority and the Africville community, celebrated the opening of the new Marine Container Examination Facility (MCEF) in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This new examination facility, constructed by the Halifax Port Authority with funding from Transport Canada's National Trade Corridors Fund and funding from the CBSA, represents an investment into Canada's future, and a commitment to the safety and security of Canadians. In addition to allowing for improved flow of supply chains and secure trade, it enables Canadian businesses to compete and grow in international markets, improves efficiency and safety for CBSA employees and operations, and contributes to continued growth for port operations in Halifax. Halifax's new Marine Container Examination Facility is home to the CBSA's Container Examination Team and Waterfront Cargo Inspection Unit, and is located on the shores of the Bedford Basin, adjacent to the PSA Halifax Fairview Cove Terminal near the former Africville community. The 2,700 square-metre Envision-Verified Certified building replaces the former MCEF warehouse located in the Burnside Industrial Park, which required shipping containers to be transported across the MacKay Bridge for examination. The work taking place at the new MCEF is critical to protecting Canadian communities and trade partner communities from the impacts of transnational organized crime, while facilitating the smooth flow of Canada's critical supply chains via the Port of Halifax, one of Canada's most vital marine gateways. High-risk shipping containers are referred for examination at the MCEF by the CBSA's National Targeting Centre, as well as the CBSA's Waterfront Cargo Inspection Unit in Halifax. CBSA officers based at the facility then conduct comprehensive examinations of the containers and cargo to look for drugs, weapons, stolen vehicles and other dangerous contraband being imported to or exported from Canada. Officers also ensure compliance with Canada's food, plant, and animal regulations. Large quantities of illicit drugs and stolen vehicles are regularly intercepted by CBSA officers at the Marine Container Examination Facility. From March 1, 2024 to July 1, 2025, CBSA officers at the Marine Container Examination Facility intercepted 189 stolen vehicles, 1957kg of cannabis leaving Canada, and $208M worth of narcotics. The facility's name, Africville Seasides, honours the history, vibrancy and resiliency of the people of Africville. Africville community members selected the building's name in honour of their hockey team, the Africville Seasides, which played in the first and only all-Black men's ice hockey league in Canada and won two championships in the early 1900s. Quotes "Through investments in facilities like this one, our government is strengthening the integrity of Canada's borders, our economy and our communities, while reaffirming our commitment to stand firmly against organized crime. Canada's ports must never be entry points for violence, addiction, or fear. They must be gateways for opportunity, trade, and prosperity that benefit all Canadians." - The Honourable Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth---Cole Harbour, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety. "Investments in infrastructure like this facility make our economy more resilient and keep our communities safe. Our ports are vital to our economic growth, and this site will strengthen enforcement and support the efficient movement of legitimate goods that drive Canada's economy." - The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade "CBSA officers working at this facility carry out vital, intelligence-driven work while facilitating the smooth flow of Canada's critical supply chains via the Port of Halifax, one of Canada's most vital marine gateways. With the collaboration of both the Agency's National Targeting Centre and the Waterfront Cargo Inspection Unit, they intercept narcotics, stolen vehicles, and other dangerous, prohibited goods before they reach Canadian communities or are exported to foreign ports. This new examination facility allows our officers to build on the incredible work they've been doing for years, to continue keeping Canada and Canadians safe." - Jennifer Lutfallah, Vice-President, Commercial and Trade Branch, Canada Border Services Agency "Through the cutting-edge work happening right here in Halifax at the Africville Seasides Marine Container Examination Facility, the CBSA is disrupting the activities of transnational criminal organizations and playing a vital role in keeping Canada safe and prosperous." Quick Facts Construction of the new Marine Container Examination Facility began in summer 2022 and was completed in early April 2025. Operations started on April 7, 2025. The Government of Canada invested $7 million under the National Trade Corridors Fund and $879,000 via the CBSA'S Fit Up and Funding Accountabilities.
CTV News
16-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Marine Container Examination Facility celebrates new opening in Halifax
The Africville Seasides Marine Container Examination Facility celebrated its official opening July 16, 2025. (CTV Atlantic/ Jonathan MacInnis) The new Africville Seasides Marine Container Examination Facility (MCEF) celebrated its official opening in Halifax on Wednesday. The construction of the facility, which began in summer 2022, finished in April 2025. Operations started on April 7. Benefits of the new facility include: improves the efficiency, safety, security and operations for Canada Border Services (CBSA) employees reduces port congestion through operational efficiencies allows continued growth for the Halifax Port Authority increases supply chain effectiveness enables Canadian businesses to compete and grow in international markets reduces container truck traffic and emissions as the new MCEF is located directly on Port of Halifax property Africville Seasides Marine Container Examination Facility Jennifer Lutfallah at the Africville Seasides Marine Container Examination Facility official opening July 16, 2025. (CTV Atlantic/ Jonathan MacInnis) The 2,700 square-metre facility, located on the Bedford Basin, is operated by the Halifax Port Authority and is used by the CBSA. The CBSA has 10 examination bays for officers to examine high-risk shipping containers. 'Large quantities of drugs and stolen vehicles are regularly intercepted by border services officers,' a release from the CBSA said. Africville Seasides Marine Container Examination Facility The Africville Seasides Marine Container Examination Facility celebrated its official opening July 16, 2025. (CTV Atlantic/ Jonathan MacInnis) 'From March 1, 2024, to July 1, 2025, CBSA officers at the Marine Container Examination Facility intercepted 189 stolen vehicles, 1957kg of cannabis leaving Canada, and $208M worth of narcotics,' a release from Darren Fisher, member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, said. The Halifax Port Authority along with the Government of Canada spent around $25 million on the facility. Transport Canada funded $7 million towards the project under the National Trade Corridors Fund. The CBSA invested $879,000 for CCTV hardware and installation. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CBC
19-06-2025
- Business
- CBC
Imports and exports up at Port of Halifax last quarter: report
These are busy days at the Port of Halifax. Amid uncertainty around tariffs, first quarter exports are up 13 per cent, while imports are also up almost 24 per cent. Watch Tom Murphy's interview with Paul MacIssac of the Halifax Port Authority.
