Canadian Taxpayers Federation launches petition to scrap Halifax bike lane project

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation says the bike lane project in Halifax needs to be scrapped.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is calling on Halifax Regional Council to scrap its current bike lane project.

The CTF, a non-profit organization that describes itself as a taxpayers advocacy group, said in a news release the project is “over budget” and “behind schedule.”

“Halifax city hall has turned this bike lane project into a bottomless money pit,” said Devin Drover, the Atlantic director of the CTF. “It’s time to slam the brakes on this bike lane boondoggle.”

Halifax council agreed in 2017 to have the 53-kilometre bike lane network completed by 2022 at a cost of $25 million.

“Halifax taxpayers can’t be on the hook for a project if it’s not working. Clearly something’s going wrong. Something doesn’t go from $25 million to $93 million overnight. So, until the city can show that they’re able to develop responsibly, they shouldn’t be developing these type of projects at all,” said Drover in an interview with CTV News.

Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore tried to put the project on hold last month due to concerns over traffic congestion, but council voted the motion down.

Councillors Laura White, who is in favour of bike lanes, acknowledges work still needs to be done.

“So, if we were building a bridge, would we stop with the bridge 60 per cent built? That would be foolish. It would be a waste of everything we’ve put into it. So, completing the network gives people options to actually use it,” said White.

The taxpayers federation said the average homeowner in Halifax is now paying $302 more than they were two years ago due to a 6.3 per cent tax hike that happened last year.

“Council needs to stand up for all taxpayers,” said Drover. “Residents are paying more in property taxes year after year, but they’re getting delays, excuses and broken promises in return.”

The CTF has launched a petition calling on the municipality to cancel the bike lane expansion project.

“People are struggling to afford groceries so city hall can’t afford to waste another dime on this failed vanity project,” said Drover. “It’s time for city council to listen to taxpayers and scrap this failed bike lane project for good.”

“Affordability is super important to myself and to HRM council,” said White.

“But affordability through what you pay in your taxes is one minute part of, well maybe not minute, but it’s one part of affordability in general. And what we’re looking at is, the alternative to cycling and driving is by far the most expensive thing for people.”

The Halifax Cycling Coalition is defending the goal of keeping bikers safe.

“The whole cycle network is so important because it’s about the safety of people on our streets. It’s also about providing viable transportation options for people who need to get around the city,” said David Trueman, Halifax Cycling Coalition co-chair.

“Every person that rides their bike means one less car on the roads. So, it’s actually a solution to congestion.”

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