‘It shouldn’t be touched’: Opinions split on Halifax bike lane change on Morris Street

Halifax residents talk about the possible bike lane on Morris Street.

The fight to make Morris Street in Halifax a one-way continues, with many Haligonians offering differing opinions.

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.

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