Municipalities call for changes to ‘tremendously concerning’ N.S. transportation bill
The advocacy group for Nova Scotia municipalities has expressed concerns over the proposed Bill 24, which would grant the public works minister sweeping powers over transportation and transit decisions. The bill allows the province to charge towns and regions for new transportation infrastructure, a move that is causing alarm among municipal leaders.
Pam Mood, Yarmouth mayor and president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities, highlighted the fears of municipalities receiving bills they cannot afford, potentially leading to bankruptcy due to their inability to run deficits. The proposed legislation also raises concerns about the loss of municipal autonomy without prior consultation.
However, following a meeting with Municipal Affairs Minister John Lohr and Public Works Minister Fred Tilley, Mood expressed optimism that the government does not intend to impose drastic measures such as billing municipalities for project work. The ministers assured her that they are open to clarifying the wording of the bill to alleviate concerns and ensure cooperative decision-making with municipalities.
Mayor Elspeth McLean-Wile of the District of Lunenburg echoed the sentiment of discomfort with the bill’s wording, particularly in rural areas where most roads are provincially owned. She questioned the necessity of granting the minister the power to force municipalities to fund improvements to provincial roadways without collaboration or clear intent.
The bill also rebrands the Joint Regional Transportation Agency as Link Nova Scotia, expanding its mandate to cover the entire province. While Mayor Cecil Clarke of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality sees this as an opportunity for enhanced transit and infrastructure development, concerns remain about the alignment of provincial priorities with those of municipalities.
Coun. Kathryn Morse of the Halifax Regional Municipality raised issues about potential conflicts between municipal regulations and provincial plans, citing the removal of Halifax bridge tolls as an example. She expressed apprehension that provincial decisions may not always align with the needs of urban centers like Halifax, potentially impacting traffic management and congestion.
As the bill progresses through Province House, Mayor Mood emphasized the importance of ongoing discussions with the PC government to address the concerns of municipalities and ensure collaborative decision-making. The legislation, introduced in February, is yet to pass second reading or the law amendments committee, underscoring the need for continued dialogue and clarification to protect the interests of Nova Scotia municipalities.
