Issues Facing District 4

The Integrated Mobility Plan:

 IMP_report_171220-WEB.pdf (halifax.ca) 

The IMP was enacted by Council in 2017. The most recent infrastructure changes in our district (Cumberland Drive intersection, Caldwell Road phase 1, and even the Forest Hills Parkway recapitalization) have been informed by the policy of the IMP - narrowing streets, removing right turn slip lanes, bike lanes, and narrowing of intersections to name a few. Although there are good ideas in the IMP and in theory, it sounds great- in reality it is creating even more traffic congestion especially with the increase in population and a lack of reliable and efficient transit. I believe a one-size-fits-all mobility plan is not wise in a municipality as diverse and as large as ours is. The infrastructure in the suburban areas should not be the same as in the urban core. Suburban areas are much more car dependent and amenities are further away. Amendments are needed to the policy informing the way streets are recapitalized. I have heard from hundreds of residents over these last four years who are very concerned, and I believe Council needs to take a sober second look at the IMP. 

Special Planning Areas:  

 Provincial Special Planning Areas (SPAs) | Halifax 

On August 6th the provincial government announced two SPA's in District 4 - 1226 Cole Harbour Road and the Westphal Urban Reserve Lands. This is significant because it removes the public and Council from the development approval process. I am committed to continue being the liaison between the public and the decision makers, bringing forward concerns, historical data, and infrastructure issues to the appropriate planning and utility staff on an ongoing basis. The contacts and relationships I have made during these first four years on Council will be beneficial to this process. 

The Housing Accelerator Fund: 

 Regional & Community Planning | Housing Accelerator Fund | Halifax 

In May Council approved the HAF with the addition of almost 200,000 as-of-right units approved for development across HRM. I did not support this and voted against it as I felt it was too sweeping of a change and not fair to our residents. Two provincial Land-For-Housing proposals were included in the HAF that are in District 4: 78 Sherwood Street (proposed 200 units), and the Broom Road Development (proposed 300+ units). I have been active in passing current and historical issues brought to me by residents to planners and Halifax Water to be flagged for the approval processes. 

Portland St/Cole Harbour Road Functional Planning Study: 

 Portland Street - Cole Harbour Road Functional Planning Study | Shape Your City Halifax 

In June 2024, staff initiated public engagement for the future planning of the Portland Street/Cole Harbour corridor. There were two options presented to the public for feedback purposes. We are currently waiting on the 'What We Heard' report which will indicate what the predominant feedback was. The next iteration of the project will be presented for another round of feedback and will make its way to Regional Council for a vote. As your representative and Councillor I will not be supporting any removal of vehicle lanes for any reason. 

Bissett Road Old Rehab Lands Potential Encampment Site: 

 Archived Video - Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) (isiglobal.ca) 

On August 6th, 2024, I brought forward a Motion of Rescission to have the Bissett Road location removed from the list of potential encampment sites recommended by staff.  Although the vote did not pass, I was able to publicly address the unsuitability of the site, and the many concerns residents had voiced to me. 

Transit

 Moving Forward Together with Halifax Transit | Halifax 

A reoccurring frustration is the lack of reliable and efficient transit in our district. We currently do not have cross-community connections, we start too late and end too early, and service adjustments have eliminated convenient routes without offering alternatives. The current Moving Forward Together Plan is coming to an end (it was passed by Council in 2016 and implemented in 2018). I am looking forward to being involved in the next iteration to help transit make better sense for the suburban commuter.