Upper Tantallon neighbourhood where wildfire began getting new emergency exit
Nearly two years after the devastating wildfire in Upper Tantallon, Halifax council has given the green light to a new emergency exit that will provide much-needed support to the residents in the area where the fire originated.
The approved emergency egress route spans 500 meters between the southwest edge of Westwood Hills and Highway 103. According to a staff report, the city will commence the process of acquiring land and planning the route, with an anticipated completion date of 2026.
Coun. Nancy Hartling expressed her eagerness for the project to come to fruition, acknowledging the complexities involved in the process. The new route will be equipped with a locked gate, similar to the existing emergency exits in Haliburton Hills and Highland Park subdivisions, which can be opened by the city during emergencies.
The lack of adequate egress options in Westwood Hills became glaringly evident during the May 2023 wildfire, which ravaged homes in Upper Tantallon and Hammonds Plains. The new route aims to address this vulnerability by providing an alternative exit point for residents, particularly those at the back of the subdivision.
Furthermore, municipal staff will engage with residents to determine the feasibility of constructing another emergency exit or a full new road connecting Westwood Hills to Highland Park or Upper Hammonds Plains. Community input will be crucial in shaping the next steps of the project.
While some residents have advocated for an egress route off Wright Lake Run, crossing Nova Scotia Power lands and utilizing logging roads, transportation planning manager Mike Connors deemed this option unsafe due to its length and potential risks during emergency situations.
In addition to the approved emergency exit, council has tasked staff with conducting a comprehensive study of subdivisions facing egress challenges across the municipality. This initiative will involve developing a strategic plan to prioritize and address these issues, taking into account the financial implications and exploring opportunities to integrate infrastructure improvements into upcoming projects like the Melvin Lake wind farm.
As the community eagerly awaits the completion of the emergency egress route in Westwood Hills, the collaborative efforts of council, staff, and residents will play a crucial role in enhancing the safety and resilience of the neighborhood in the face of future emergencies.
