‘No scenario’ where egress is created in Westwood Hills before wildfire season: HRM councillor

A Halifax councillor is expressing skepticism about the possibility of creating an emergency egress in Westwood Hills before the onset of the 2025 wildfire season. This concern comes in the wake of mounting pressure from residents for the establishment of an exit route following a devastating wildfire that ravaged the Upper Tantallon subdivision in May 2023, where the lack of multiple access points posed a significant challenge.

Residents of Westwood Hills have been waiting anxiously for nearly two years for a connection to Highway 103 that would provide them with a crucial emergency exit route. Councillor Nancy Hartling, who oversees the district encompassing Westwood Hills, acknowledges the grim reality that completing the egress route in time for the upcoming fire season seems unlikely.

The traumatic experience of evacuating during the 2023 wildfire still haunts Westwood Hills resident Nick Horne, who vividly recalls the chaos and fear of being trapped in the neighborhood with no viable escape route. With only one road leading in and out of the subdivision, Horne and his family were forced to sit in their car for over an hour as they witnessed the flames draw nearer.

Following the catastrophic events of the wildfire, Halifax regional council presented three potential options for establishing an emergency exit route to facilitate future evacuations. However, one of the options involving the construction of a bridge was ultimately ruled out. Councillor Hartling revealed that confidential deliberations are ongoing regarding the remaining options, with funds allocated in the 2025-26 budget for a comprehensive study on egress routes in suburban and rural communities.

The urgent need for emergency exits in communities like Westwood Hills is underscored by the escalating threat of wildfires exacerbated by climate change. Hartling emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of residents by ensuring adequate evacuation measures are in place.

In the meantime, Horne is calling on the municipality to implement temporary emergency egress solutions to safeguard the community until a permanent exit route is established. Despite the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the timeline for completing the egress route, any progress towards enhancing emergency preparedness is seen as a step in the right direction. Residents like Horne remain hopeful that proactive measures will be taken to mitigate the risks posed by future wildfire events.