Premier Tim Houston speaks to reporters at One Government Place in Halifax on Feb. 25, 2025. (Jacob Moore/Acadia Broadcasting)
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has issued a strong warning to Halifax council over its decision to turn Morris Street into a one-way route for vehicles as part of a bike lane project, saying the province “will be forced to act” if the plan goes ahead.
In an open letter addressed to Mayor Andy Fillmore, Chief Administrative Officer Cathie O’Toole, and all councillors, Houston said he has “great concern” about the plan to eliminate a lane of traffic on Morris Street to accommodate new cycling infrastructure.
“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. “It is irresponsible to prioritize bike lanes over a key economic driver for the province, which is exactly what the port is.”
Houston’s letter comes after Halifax council rejected a motion to reconsider the Morris Street route, voting 13-to-four to proceed with the plan. The proposed Morris Street East Connection would link Morris Street to parts of University Avenue, South Street, Cartaret Street, and Oakland Road as part of the city’s broader 53-kilometre bike network, originally approved in 2017.
The Premier cited concerns raised by the Halifax Port Authority and PSA Halifax, which he said should not be ignored. He also referenced the province’s recently passed Bill 24, which gives the provincial government power to intervene in municipal transportation decisions.
“If HRM Council proceeds to make Morris a one-way street, the provincial government will be forced to act,” Houston wrote, requesting that council advise him by August 6 if it intends to reverse its decision.
Last month, Councillor Fillmore put forward a motion to pause all new bike lane projects in Halifax, but it was defeated 12-to-five. During that debate, some councillors argued the bike lanes were not causing traffic problems, but rather that the city’s lack of alternative transportation options and delayed infrastructure upgrades were to blame.
So far, about 60 per cent of Halifax’s planned bike network has been completed. The project’s estimated cost has grown from $25 million to $90 million.
Houston previously raised the Morris Street debate while discussing possible “strong mayor” powers. At the time, he suggested a disconnect between council decisions and the views of residents, saying, “The only people who don’t seem concerned [about traffic] are the people on council.”
Council has not yet issued a formal response to the Premier’s letter.
