Halifax Council to Vote on Year-Round Pedestrian Closure for Argyle Street
Halifax Regional Municipality council is set to vote on a bylaw making Argyle Street pedestrian-only year-round, expanding the current seasonal closure. The proposal includes automated gates costing approximately $230,000, but faces mixed reactions regarding safety, business logistics, and accessibility.
Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) council is scheduled to vote on Tuesday regarding a new bylaw that would make Argyle Street pedestrian-only year-round. This proposal seeks to expand the current seasonal closure, which typically runs from mid-April to mid-November each year to accommodate patios and street events.
The proposed permanent closure would span two sections of Argyle Street: from Prince Street to Sackville Street, and between Sackville Street and Blowers Street. To manage vehicle access for deliveries and emergency services, staff have suggested installing automated gates. These gates could be programmed to open at specific times, such as 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., to allow for deliveries.
Katherine Peck, an HRM landscape architect, recommended an automated gate system similar to those found in parking garage entrances, which would include access fobs for emergency services. The estimated cost for installing four automated gates is approximately $230,000, plus design fees.
Public and business opinions on the plan are mixed. Jon Whitton of the Stubborn Goat supports the change, citing improved safety and business benefits. He noted that pedestrians often forget the street is open to vehicles during winter months when it is not seasonally closed. Coun. Laura White also stated that permanent infrastructure would be safer and clearer than the current floppy signs and moveable barricades used for seasonal closures.
However, some business owners oppose the plan due to reliance on large trucks for loading products and pallets. They argue that losing loading zones would be devastating to their operations. Additionally, a resident with mobility issues who lives and works on Argyle Street opposes the change, describing it as "ageist and ableist" because it limits their access to their apartment and office.
Halifax Regional Police have indicated potential challenges, noting that officers have had trouble accessing calls for service when large crowds are present in the downtown entertainment district. The debate highlights conflicts between improving pedestrian vibrancy and addressing concerns about traffic impacts, delivery logistics, and accessibility.