Halifax mayor advocates for cost-saving measures as bike network estimate balloons

Halifax council is returning to its ongoing debate over bike lanes.

Halifax’s mayor is giving an update on the soaring cost of the municipality’s bike network.

The entire project was originally estimated to cost $25 million, and the province and federal government committed $20.8 million towards it.

But by last year, the total projected cost of the program increased to $85 million and more than $66 million in work still needs to be done.

The municipality expects federal and provincial funds will be exhausted after next year and the outstanding costs will fall on the municipality.

On Tuesday, Mayor Andy Fillmore said municipal staff should consider further cost-saving alternatives, even if they do not meet the design standard of the bike network, adding it would be “irresponsible” not to.

“We need to create a cost-effective transportation network that works for everyone. But during an affordability crisis, we can’t limit ourselves to the most expensive solutions,” he said in a statement.

“The total projected cost of the current bike network design has gone from $25 million to $85 million - an increase of $60 million. I cannot support that while families are struggling with rising utility rates, grocery store bills, and childcare costs.”

Councillor Sam Austin said if Halifax adds another 300,000 people to its population, the roads will become overcrowded.

“We’re not getting anymore space for roadways,” he said. “This is going to be a very unsustainable place to live that will not be enjoyable for many and the only solution to that is transit and active transportation.”

Fillmore added other cities have safe cycling routes at a fraction of the cost.

“This is not about scaling back the bike network. It’s about quickly and responsibly delivering a cost-effective, complete system,” he said.

In the past, some councillors argued for forging ahead with the plan, noting a number of routes are already complete and encouraging active transportation has been a council priority since 2014.

Proponents have also said it will help traffic by cutting the number of cars on the road.

-With files from CTV Atlantic’s Bruce Frisko and Jonathan MacInnis

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