Release:

Dear Mayor Fillmore, CAO O’Toole, HRM Councillors,

It is with great concern that I write to you regarding HRM Council’s plans to turn Morris Street into a one-way street.

Eliminating one lane to add bike lanes will contribute to traffic congestion, create unnecessary public safety risks and potentially jeopardize port activity.

We should all be moved by the letter from Emergency Medical Care Inc. (EMCI) and their concerns about the impact on providing emergency services in the area. Their letter should be taken seriously.

In addition, the Halifax Port Authority and PSA Halifax have raised concerns that should be respected. Simply put, it is irresponsible to prioritize bike lanes over a key economic driver for the province, which is exactly what the port is.

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.

As you’re aware, this spring our government passed Bill 24, which provides order-making authority with respect to transportation projects in municipalities. If HRM Council proceeds to make Morris a one-way street, the provincial government will be forced to act.

I remain hopeful that common sense will prevail and Council will reverse this decision. Please advise by Wednesday, August 6th if Council is prepared to do so.