For the first time ever, there are no tolls on Halifax bridges. Why now?

It has been a week since tolls were officially removed on the MacKay and Macdonald bridges between Halifax and Dartmouth, marking the end of 70 years of paying to cross the harbour. However, the timing of this decision has raised questions among some Nova Scotians.

Christine Saulnier, the director of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives-Nova Scotia, expressed her skepticism about the necessity of removing the tolls. She stated, “I don’t know who was asking for this. I don’t think it was top of mind for most people in terms of affordability.” Saulnier believes that there are more pressing issues, such as lack of public housing, rent subsidies, and eviction rules, that require attention and funding.

Progressive Conservative MLA Tim Outhit shared Premier Tim Houston’s reasoning behind the toll removal decision. Houston had heard from residents outside of Halifax who were puzzled by having to pay tolls while traveling to essential places like hospitals or work. Outhit emphasized that the removal of tolls was a promise fulfilled by the government and aimed at benefiting drivers and speeding up commutes.

Despite the government’s stance that removing tolls will alleviate congestion, Saulnier remains skeptical about whether it is the most efficient use of taxpayer money. She suggested that investing in public housing, rent subsidies, and eviction regulations would have a more significant impact on people’s lives.

In Cape Breton, Sydney-Membertou MLA Derek Mombourquette expressed concerns about the toll removal, especially considering the revenue generated from tolls that could have been used for necessary infrastructure projects. Mombourquette stated that the Liberal Party never supported the removal of tolls and did not receive significant support for the decision.

Transit advocate Douglas Wetmore criticized the toll removal as a short-sighted move that contradicts efforts to prioritize sustainable transportation options. Wetmore highlighted the importance of investing in the municipality’s rapid transit strategy to reduce congestion and encourage alternative modes of transportation like walking, cycling, and public transit.

As the province grapples with the aftermath of toll removal, the discussion around Bill 24, which grants the government significant powers over transportation decisions, continues to unfold in the legislature. The decision to remove tolls has sparked debates about the allocation of resources and the long-term implications for transportation and sustainability in Nova Scotia.