Halifax Council Defers Downgraded University Avenue Bikeway Plan for Public Feedback
Halifax City Council has deferred a motion to proceed with a cheaper, downgraded version of the University Avenue bike network to committees for public feedback. The decision follows criticism from cycling groups who were not consulted on design changes that lower standards from All Ages and Abilities (AAA) to save approximately $3 million annually.
Halifax City Council voted Tuesday to defer a motion that would have approved a cheaper, downgraded version of the University Avenue bike network, sending the proposal instead to active transportation, transportation, and budget committees to gather public feedback.
The deferral followed sharp criticism from cycling advocacy groups, including the Halifax Cycling Coalition, who pointed out that the municipality listed stakeholders consulted on the revised design without including any organizations representing cyclists. Advocates described the exclusion as insulting and argued that downgrading the project from All Ages and Abilities (AAA) standards could discourage residents from switching from cars to bikes due to safety concerns.
Staff estimate the cost to construct the University Avenue bikeway at $3.5 million, or roughly $3,900 per metre for current segments. The proposed downgrade aims to reduce construction costs by $9.7 million to $11.4 million across seven segments, generating savings of about $3 million per year. Cycling advocates contend those savings are negligible compared to the municipality’s annual roads budget of $140 million.
Mayor Andy Fillmore and Councillor Trish Purdy voted against sending the issue to committee, preferring an immediate vote. They argued that the additional review process adds unnecessary time and administrative cost, noting that existing correspondence already provides sufficient public feedback.
Despite the referral, Transportation Planning Manager Mike Connors stated that sending the project to committees will not delay the scheduled 2028 construction timeline for the University Avenue bikeway.
The current debate stems from a previous controversy over the Morris Street bikeway last year, when council rescinded a one-way traffic plan following opposition from Mayor Fillmore and Premier Tim Houston. That reversal set the stage for ongoing tensions between municipal officials and cycling advocates in downtown Halifax and surrounding areas, including Cole Harbour – Preston – Westphal – Cherry Brook.