Halifax Council Votes Unanimously to Make Argyle Street a Permanent Pedestrian Zone
Halifax council has unanimously directed staff to draft a bylaw making the blocks of Argyle Street between Prince and Blowers streets pedestrian-only year-round, expanding on a seasonal no-car policy in place since 2015.
Halifax council passed a motion on Tuesday directing chief administrative officer Marnie Cluckie to draft a bylaw that would make the blocks of Argyle Street between Prince and Blowers streets a permanent pedestrian-only zone. The vote was unanimous.
Coun. Laura White introduced the motion. Since 2015, Argyle Street has operated as a no-car zone, or pedestrian mall, from April to November. Supporters say removing car traffic increases safety for pedestrians and could improve the nightlife and interpersonal feel of the area.
During deliberations, Coun. Janet Steele expressed concerns about how delivery trucks would access delivery doors in the downtown area under a year-round restriction. A staff report included anonymous comments stating that delivery, loading, and waste collections could be detrimentally impacted by street access restrictions. However, another comment in the same staff report noted that suppliers currently handle deliveries with no impact during the existing summer closure months.
Hanita Koblents, who is responsible for the city’s streetscapes program, stated that future reports will include recommendations to mitigate delivery concerns.
The motion also directs staff to provide recommendations regarding accessible patron drop-off, parking, and options to increase awareness of pedestrians crossing Sackville Street at Argyle Street.