Councillors, advocates say premier's blockage of Halifax bike lane about strong mayor powers
CBC
Citing safety concerns, Premier Tim Houston says his government will overturn Halifax council's decision on a local bike lane, but some councillors and advocates say the move is likely about setting the stage for strong mayor powers.
On Wednesday evening, Houston posted a letter to social media addressed to Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore, regional councillors and chief administrative officer Cathie O'Toole.
Houston said he had great concerns about council's vote last Tuesday to move ahead with a bike lane design for Morris Street that would eliminate a vehicle lane and make the stretch one-way for car traffic.
The premier wrote that the move will "contribute to traffic congestion, create unnecessary public safety risks and potentially jeopardize port activity."
"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," Houston wrote.
Houston said he remains hopeful that "common sense will prevail," and asked council to reverse their decision by Aug. 6. Council's next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 5
If that does not happen, Houston said "the provincial government will be forced to act" and use Bill 24 for the first time. The bill was passed this spring and allows the public works minister to override decisions by municipal councils related to transportation.
Coun. Kathryn Morse said while Houston's letter was disappointing, she thinks it's not really about one bike lane in Halifax.
"I think it's more [of] an excuse to go after council and to strengthen a position for strong mayor powers," Morse said Thursday.
"I'd like to see the premier stay in his lane — and it's not a bike lane."
Houston has said he is open to giving the Halifax mayor powers to make decisions without a majority of council and veto some bylaws.
Halifax council debated the Morris Street design for more than an hour and a half last Tuesday, and asked municipal transportation planning staff multiple questions.
Many councillors said the chosen design of a two-way bike lane on Morris was the best option for cyclists in an east-west connection across the peninsula that kept most of the parking spaces and mature trees intact.
Mayor Andy Fillmore voted against changing Morris Street to one-way, but was overruled by a majority vote.
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