NDP leader wants Halifax transportation study released

Halifax, the capital city of Nova Scotia, is facing challenges with traffic congestion and high cost of living, drawing comparisons to Canada’s largest city, Toronto. NDP Leader Claudia Chender is calling for the release of a government report on transportation in the Halifax region to address these issues.

Chender’s call comes after a CBC News report highlighted that housing and transportation costs in Halifax for 2024 are similar to those in Toronto. While the Progressive Conservative government has taken steps to boost housing stock, Chender believes more needs to be done in that area.

One major concern for Chender is the lack of action on public transit in Halifax Regional Municipality. She emphasized the importance of having a reliable public transit system to help commuters save money and reduce congestion on the roads, which has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The government had established the Joint Regional Transportation Agency, now known as Link Nova Scotia, to address transportation issues in HRM. A report was produced by the agency outlining options to improve transportation in the Halifax area. However, despite receiving the final report earlier this year, it has not been made public.

Chender criticized the government for not releasing the report, suggesting that it may contain recommendations for improving active and public transportation that the government is hesitant to act upon. The report includes proposals for expanding highways leading to and around HRM and exploring a commuter light-rail system, both of which were mentioned in the Progressive Conservative platform during the last provincial election.

Public Works Minister Fred Tilley has not provided a timeline for when the report will be released, citing the need to take action on the recommendations before sharing the report publicly. Despite the frustration over the delay, Tilley assured that the government is working on implementing the report’s findings in a timely manner.

In conclusion, the public eagerly awaits the release of the transportation report to address the pressing issues of traffic congestion and high living costs in Halifax. The government’s commitment to improving public transit and transportation infrastructure will be crucial in alleviating these challenges and enhancing the quality of life for residents in the region.