Let’s pretend for a moment that the Morris Street bike lane controversy is actually about traffic.
Everyone hates traffic.
It would be great if we were having mature and nuanced conversations about solutions to traffic congestion based on evidence and best practices.
Moving people and goods in a finite space is complex. Our population is increasing. We need evidence-based decision making and real leadership to help us create a more efficient and affordable city.
The Regional Plan is the most important land use planning document for the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).
Today, the Province of Nova Scotia announced plans to take full control of planning and development in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). By announcing unprecedented changes to the Halifax Charter and the Housing in the Halifax Regional Municipality Act – the same legislation that created the Executive Panel on Housing – the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, John Lohr, now has absolute power and discretion over all planning and development in Halifax.
Improving the housing crises will take creative solutions and collaboration between all levels of government. The Ecology Action Centre acknowledges there is a legitimate need for new and more affordable housing in Halifax Regional Municipality and we do not oppose well planned and sustainable development projects. However, we’re consistently frustrated and alarmed by the Province of Nova Scotia’s announcements to change established and democratic planning processes.