Candidate Survey Responses - Halifax Cycling Coalition

HRM 2024 ELECTION
Candidate Survey

On September 21, we sent a set of five questions to all declared candidates in the 2024 HRM election. Using the email addresses that HRM published, we sent it to 77 in total. Two reminders were sent. We received 52 responses, a return rate of 68%. All five questions required a yes or no answer but further explanation was invited. Yes answers were considered favourable and are indicated with a green checkmark in the charts. No answers are indicated with a red X. Non-responses are indicated with black dashes. Explanations are included verbatim with only format edits and spelling corrections. The questions themselves are included with each candidate response that you can see when you expand it by pressing the plus sign beside the name which follows the chart.

Elected Council, October 19, 2024

See below to read full responses of all candidates including those elected and including fact checks.

Select Mayoral or Your District

Mayoral Candidates

Questions and detailed answers below chart

Make sure you scroll down to read detailed questions and answers from all candidates who responded. Press the plus sign to expand and the minus sign to collapse.

Alex Andreas

Q1: Not everyone can ride a bike. Not everyone can drive a car. The city as a whole benefits in terms of congestion, climate impact, pollution, noise, health, affordability and equity when more people can use sustainable means of mobility — cycling, walking/rolling, and transit. Will you support sustainable mobility options to give residents of HRM attractive, affordable options?”

A: Yes. I think it is essential to do what we can for reducing congestion, air quality, and enhancing overall public health. By investing in cycling, scooters, walking, and public transit infrastructure, we create a more inclusive and accessible city, I think. This also adds value to helping reduce our carbon footprint.

Q2. In 2017, HRM Council unanimously adopted the Integrated Mobility Plan (IMP) which was lauded and applauded within HRM and more broadly. At its heart, the IMP is about focussing on moving people and goods rather than vehicles. Will you support the Pillars and Principles (page 30) of the IMP, applying this lens to your decisions throughout your term?

A: Yes. I support the Pillars and Principles of the Integrated Mobility Plan (IMP), as it is crucial to prioritize moving people and goods effectively, rather than just vehicles. However, I believe it’s essential to review each stage of growth to ensure that we’re making adjustments to match the evolving needs of our environment and community. Regular reviews will help ensure the plan remains adaptable and sustainable over time, balancing the needs of all residents.

Q3. The IMP has fallen badly behind in implementation particularly with respect to Action A72 “Deliver the Regional Centre all ages and abilities bicycle network by 2022”. Now, in late 2024, this network is less than 60% complete. Will you support development of a concrete plan with timely accountabilities and transparency and adequate funding so that we have confidence this work will be completed at the earliest possible date?

A: Yes. I do support the development of a concrete plan with clear timelines, transparency, and adequate funding to complete the bicycle and scooter network, at a reasonable timeline as possible. However, I also believe it’s crucial that we revise and monitor each stage of the plan to ensure we are doing things right the first time. This means allowing flexibility for adjustments and reviews at critical points, so the network is built to meet the evolving needs of our city while maintaining safety and accessibility for all.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: No. I do not support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community. While sustainable mobility is important, I believe we need a more measured approach that prioritizes areas with the highest demand and infrastructure readiness. Rural and suburban communities have unique needs, and it’s crucial we take time to assess and implement solutions that are suitable for these regions as I am not one to waist tax payers money. We need to complete the IMP downtown first, proving that it works and once deemed perfected, we then can duplicate at an accelerated rate in other areas, because we have a full understanding from data collected. This will also allow the public to get behind something that is proven to work well.

Q5. People inside motorized vehicles are experiencing lower injury and fatality rates in recent years. The trend for people cycling and walking/rolling is the opposite – getting worse. We know how to fix this. Measures under municipal control include lower design speeds for streets, automated enforcement (when the province allows), safer intersections, particularly on major roads, and addition of protected cycling lanes (proven to make streets safer for all road users including drivers!) Will you support measures for urgent improvements to community safety through updates to design standards to create safer streets and other measures to reduce the carnage of vulnerable people?

A: No. I do not support these measures as outlined. While I agree that safety is paramount, I believe we must approach these changes carefully. It’s important to ensure any updates to street design and safety measures are tailored to the specific needs of different areas, rather than implementing blanket changes across HRM. We should balance safety with practical considerations for all users of our streets, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, and review the effectiveness of each measure before full implementation. Again, collect the data, complete the task the first time around, so we don`t waist money and allowing us to gain public backing.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Andrew Goodsell

A: Yes.

A: No. I would like to talk to someone directly about this first.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Andy Fillmore ELECTED

A: Yes. HRM residents are frustrated by traffic congestion almost every day. Making other modes of transportation more attractive is good for everyone: it allows people more choice in their lives, allows people to save money, lead a more active life, and reduces congestion.

A: Yes.

A: Yes. I’ve heard from cyclists who are frustrated with the disconnected and disjointed network, and drivers who find it hard to understand the value of a bike lane that ends abruptly and puts cyclists back into shared traffic. A fully connected bicycle network should be the priority for HRM.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. People in suburbs want more mobility options. Not only do they want more options for reaching the regional centre, but they also want to be more connected with other suburban and rural communities. Everyone deserves to have mobility options.

A: Yes. Almost all traffic deaths are preventable, and we can make our streets and roads safer through design, data, and better maintenance.

Fact Check

Andy Fillmore supported those who opposed the Multi-Use Path on Coburg Rd. This MUP will form a key link in the eventual Urban Greenway project. He also wrote the Chief Administrative Officer to ask for a deferral on the project.

Darryl Johnson

A: Yes.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Greg Frampton

A: No. I will add bike and mobility lanes without reducing traffic lanes. In fact, I will add traffic lanes to speed up traffic.

A: No.

A: No. Many traffic lanes need to be restored to speed up traffic, it will cost a lot of tax dollars to fix this. This is policy error that will be reversed in the future at a big cost.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: No. I want more bussing to suburban areas as well as more paved shoulders for biking, sidewalks for pedestrian safety, and add sheltered bus stops. In the rural areas of HRM it is now horrible and unsafe.

A: No. I am not against bike lanes, I am against removing traffic lanes. I will add both.

Fact Check

Greg Frampton’s website states – “Bikes lanes not to displace car lanes – Remove bike lanes as needed. I am not opposed to new Bike lanes but not just to reduce flow of traffic as they have been installed for that purpose – they are designed to frustrate you into not using your car! HRM Council and the Planning Dept intentionally make it hard for you to drive to work – I want to end this so that your morning commute is as quick as possible. Traffic has become a nightmare in HRM and want to fix it!”

Dave Boyd

A: Yes. As a candidate for HRM Mayor, I am committed to supporting sustainable mobility options. This includes expanding public transit, creating more bike lanes, and improving pedestrian infrastructure. My goal is to provide residents with attractive, affordable, and eco-friendly transportation choices. By investing in these areas, we can reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and make our community more accessible and livable for everyone.

A: Yes. I fully support the Pillars and Principles of the Integrated Mobility Plan (IMP). As HRM Mayor, I will prioritize moving people and goods efficiently rather than focusing solely on vehicles. This approach aligns with my commitment to sustainable mobility and creating a more livable, accessible community. By applying the IMP’s lens to my decisions, I aim to enhance public transit, expand bike lanes, and improve pedestrian infrastructure. This will help reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and provide residents with attractive, affordable transportation options.

A: Yes. I will support the development of a concrete plan with clear timelines, accountability, and transparency to ensure the completion of the Regional Centre all ages and abilities bicycle network. It’s crucial that we allocate adequate funding and resources to meet these goals. By doing so, we can regain momentum and provide residents with safe, accessible, and sustainable transportation options.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. As HRM Mayor, I will champion an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community. It’s essential that all residents, regardless of where they live, have access to affordable, eco-friendly transportation. This includes expanding public transit routes, creating more bike lanes, and improving pedestrian pathways. By doing so, we can ensure that everyone benefits from a more connected and sustainable HRM.

A: Yes. I will support urgent improvements to community safety through updates to design standards. It’s crucial to address the rising injury and fatality rates among cyclists and pedestrians. Measures such as lowering design speeds for streets, implementing automated enforcement (when permitted by the province), creating safer intersections, and adding protected cycling lanes are essential. These changes will make our streets safer for all road users, including drivers. Ensuring the safety of vulnerable road users is a top priority.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Jim Hoskins

A: Yes. Public safety in mind of course.

A: Yes. I will review it with the new Council if elected and make some recommendations I think would be improving the plan.

A: Yes. Keep in mind I do have some recommendations but yes stronger focus needs attention for sure.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. They have to be adjusted for rural needs.

A: Yes. I would aim for off road bike lanes as much as possible and strategically placed.

Fact Check

Jim Hoskins states that if elected, he would put a moratorium on bike lanes.

Nolan Greenough

A: Yes. People need to get around, and there’s no one size fits all solution to that. We need to embrace the many different ways of transportation people use in HRM in order to make our city more habitable.

A: Yes. As well as supporting what the IMP stands for, I’d like to refresh the plan with new stats and new branding, in order to hopefully put it’s implementation back in gear.

A: Yes. I mentioned before that I want to refresh the IMP, and this is no small part of why. COVID threw a massive wrench in any and all plans set forward before the pandemic, and many haven’t really recovered from that. As part of the refresh, I’d like to make development of our cycling infrastructure as crystal clear to the public as possible timeline-wise, and ensure regular updates on progress are readily available.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. I live in a suburb and would love to have an easier cycle to work. Some may call it biased, but I call it motivated.

A: Yes. Bollards would be great. I don’t know that there’s a lot I can add to this aside from that. Protected and safe infrastructure seems like a no-brainer.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Pam Lovelace

A: Yes. I will transform Halifax Transit into a Capital Region Transportation Commission to work with all abutting municipalities and the province to increase opportunities for affordable and accessible mobility options.

A: Yes.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. Plan and build Light Rail.

A: Yes.

Fact Check

In a media release, Pam Lovelace made an unnecessary anti-bike culture statement, “The congestion caused by people driving into HRM will never be solved by bike lanes.”

Riley Murphy

A: Yes. Of course we would all like to see safer and more efficient transit. If transit was reliable, more people would use it, meaning less cars on the road, less pollution, and noise. Your safety is my priority. I will implement improved lighting, surveillance, and security measures at transit stops and on vehicles. Accessibility will be at the forefront, with every transit service and facility designed to accommodate people with disabilities. Sustainability is not just a goal; it’s a commitment. By investing in eco-friendly transit options and incorporating sustainable design elements into our projects, we will reduce our carbon footprint and protect our beautiful environment for future generations. Our transit infrastructure is the foundation of our system. I will ensure that we allocate resources to upgrade and maintain our bus stops, shelters, and transit hubs. Modernizing dedicated bus lanes and traffic signal priority systems will reduce delays and improve service efficiency. Promoting public transportation is about building a culture of use. Through public awareness campaigns, we will highlight the benefits of public transit and encourage more residents to take advantage of our improved services. Before we get there, we need to make sure transit is efficient and can handle the needs of our population.

A: Yes. It should be the goal of any municipality to give their citizens transportation options that are affordable, sustainable, healthy, and efficient.

A: Yes. Not only would I support this, but I would look into why it hasn’t been done already.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. Too often our rural communities are left out. As someone who grew up and still lives in a rural community, I know how important it is to have transportation options. If there were options, we would see more of our youth joining the workforce.

A: Yes.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Ross Rankin

A: Yes.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Waye Mason

A: Yes. Absolutely! Not only do I support different and more sustainable means of transportation (as my 12-year record on council shows and as is clear in my platform) but as Mayor I will continue advocating for investment in practical and accessible transportation solutions recognizing that biking, walking, rolling, and public transit must meet the diverse needs of our urban, suburban, and rural communities.

A: Yes. Absolutely. My platform includes a number of commitments that speak directly to the IMP’s pillars and the principles. My aim is to keep the development of sustainable, affordable transportation focused on integration and creating complete communities. To give just a few examples, as mayor, I propose that HRM:
Give residents better and cheaper choices for getting around by developing a Transportation Master Plan, integrating transit, land use, and traffic planning with the province’s transportation planning for the region.
Connect residents to main streets, commercial districts, universities, health centres, and transit hubs by completing the bike network in the Regional Centre and by adopting and funding a multi-year suburban bike plan.
Keep walkers, rollers, and cyclists safer by delivering on road safety policy changes and HRM Road Safety Strategy capital projects and by making safety and speed enforcement a priority for police.
Sustain complete communities in rural HRM by obtaining provincial and federal funding for rural walking, rolling, and cycling infrastructure and by ensuring the construction and maintenance is not funded through unfair area rates.

A: Yes. During the Art of City Building mayoral forum in September, I spoke directly about the deep need to complete the AAA bike network in the Regional Centre. This is a specific commitment in my platform, as noted above. I also think it’s important to remember that the IMP has led to massive change in our municipality. The scope of work required to transform transportation in HRM is huge — studying, planning, designing, and then building. It takes time to make big shifts on key transportation corridors like Herring Cove Road, Bedford Highway, and Portland Street to Cole Harbour. But that work is happening now, as a result of the IMP. This needs to continue, and ideally go faster, until all the goals are realized. I will work hard to ensure the AAA network is completed on or before the new timeline of 2028. Ideally 2027!

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. Connecting our rural and suburban communities to the urban centre is an important part of creating complete communities and also a stronger, more resilient, healthier HRM. It’s also important to ensure that rural and suburban communities are themselves set up for walking, rolling, and cycling. This is captured in my platform, as noted above, and borne out through my work as a councillor who has advocated for municipality-wide sustainable mobility options.

A: Yes. I walk, bike, and take the bus to work. I’m a driver, too. I think — not only as a councillor and mayoral candidate, but as a multi-modal road user — that we must do whatever we can to ensure that our roads are safe for everyone. HRM has strived to apply best practices around safety when it comes to the design and construction of road infrastructure, and when it comes to completing maintenance and re-design work on existing roads and intersections. HRM continues to advocate for change to both rules and roads the Province controls.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

District 1 Candidates

Questions and detailed answers below chart

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No one in District 1 responded to date

A:

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A:

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

District 2 Candidates

Questions and detailed answers below chart

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David Hendsbee

A: Yes.

A: Yes.

A: Yes.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes.

Fact Check

In 2022, Hendsbee voted against the MacDonald bridge flyover.

In a 2015 CBC article, Hendsbee is quoted: “I’ve talked in the past about bicycle registrations, bicycle licences or a bicycle tax. Should the bridge commission consider implementing a bicycle toll?”

District 3 Candidates

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Keith Morrison

A: Yes. Beyond the valid stated reasons above, I believe in Accessibility Measures and a huge part of Accessibility is providing reasonable options that are not cost-prohibitive. The more the city supports diverse options for mobility, the more likely they are to be appreciated and used. I also support expanding and diversifying our Transit Options as early as possible.

A: Yes. I do support the pillar and principles. They are all very logical and well thought out. There are absolutely some that are easier to implement based on the status-quo of our ‘car culture,’ the state of our infrastructure and current commuting needs. I see these difficulties, however, as things to work on changing rather than barriers that bring the IMP to a full stop.

A: Yes. I think that some of the IMP’s initial goals and timelines – including the bike network – were too optimistic based on the current state of roads, resources, people’s day to day practices, hesitancy to change habits and other unforeseen issues. This is not at all a condemnation of the bike network, but an admission that the plan may have been too optimistic. That all being said, I believe in re-evaluating ongoing plans – while not changing our ultimate aim – to account for such issues. I will support completion and ask for a reasonable time line rather than an end date that is a ‘best case scenario.’

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: No. I am voting ‘no’ because of the inclusion of the word ‘Every’ in the question. I certainly support quickly doing so for communities that have requested and/or need such consideration (i.e. Cow Bay.) Some areas, however, are in less need for the plan to be Accelerated. I support an expedient and vast over haul of the Transit System to account for some of this. Acceleration will have to be on case by case and evidence based criteria.

A: Yes. Most traffic deaths are entirely preventable and are the result of negligence, lack of enforcement and knowledge and/or inadequate infrastructure. I support Radar Speed Enforcement, protected cycling lanes and increasing visibility of crosswalks. I am absolutely in support of lowering speed limits on busy urban roads and mandates supporting lowering speed limits within a certain distance of busy intersections.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

John Paul

A: Yes. I will advocate for sustainable mobility options to provide residents of HRM with attractive and affordable transportation choices, including:
Public Transit (Halifax Transit)
Active Transportation
Car-sharing (Communauto Atlantic)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Incentives
Bike-sharing (HFX Bikeshare)
Sustainable development is crucial for aligning with the current Integrated Mobility Plan (IMP) and the HalifACT 2050 initiative, which targets a 75% reduction in emissions by 2030.

A: Yes. I’m fully committed to the Integrated Mobility Plan (IMP) adopted in 2017. This plan prioritizes people and goods over vehicles, which is crucial for building a more connected, sustainable, and accessible Halifax. By shifting our focus to mobility for all, we can reduce traffic congestion, improve public transit, encourage active transportation, and create a more livable city.

A: Yes. I’m deeply concerned about the delays in implementing the Integrated Mobility Plan (IMP), especially Action A72, which promised to complete all ages and abilities bicycle network by 2022. With less than 60% of the network finished, we need a more determined and transparent plan to ensure this crucial project is completed on time.
I strongly advocate for a detailed plan with clear deadlines, regular updates, and sufficient funding to expedite the completion of the bicycle network. Transparency and accountability are essential to regain public trust in this project. By prioritizing safe, accessible, and sustainable transportation options, we can create a healthier, more connected Halifax. Completing this crucial component of the Integrated Mobility Plan is a top priority.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes.

A: Yes. Absolutely, I would strongly support measures to urgently improve community safety through updates to design standards and other initiatives. The alarming trend of increasing injuries and fatalities among pedestrians, cyclists, and people with mobility impairments is a serious issue that demands immediate attention. It’s clear that our current infrastructure and transportation systems are not adequately protecting vulnerable road users. We could introduce a rating system that categorizes streets based on data such as vehicle speed, crashes, injuries, and fatalities. This rating system helps determine whether a street qualifies for traffic calming measures.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

District 4 Candidates

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Joe Colley

A: Yes. If elected, I will support sustainable mobility options for the residents as long as HRM has the space to provide safer lanes for all bikers, walkers and rollers. Clean air is necessary and having more bikes on the roads, will play a part in reducing green house gases.

A: Yes. Biking and walking will keep people healthy and families will save money when they realize the less vehicles they have more money to spend on other items.

A: Yes. If elected, this should be investigated ASAP to see why IMP has fallen behind. If the HRM set a date to have something of this nature completed in 2022 and still not completed as of 2024 there’s obviously something holding up the implementation.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. Mobility options should be extend to all areas of the HRM in rural and suburban communities.

A: Yes. Safety has to be a priority no matter which way you travel. HRM must do the best to make the roads safe for all it’s constituents.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Jamie Aalders

A: Yes. We need to make sure our infrastructure is solid and can handle the current and future mobility needs. Once that is in place I believe commuters will be more open to alternative options.

A: Yes. I will support it, but as I stated above, we need to fix our current infrastructure issues and once that is solidified we can focus on achieving the goals set out.

A: Yes. It is important to complete. As we catch up on our overall infrastructure issues we need to make sure this is part of the plan.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. We need to make these communities more accessible. People want travel to be easy and quick. Once that’s in place more people will chose to use it.

A: Yes. We need to create safer travel routes for everyone.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Trish Purdy

Fact Check

Trish Purdy did not respond to our survey but voted No on the South Peninsula project and has spoken out against the Integrated Mobility Plan repeatedly.

District 5 Candidates

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Michael McCluskey

A: Yes. I believe that the ferry should be free, so it acts as part of the trail system.

A: Yes.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes.

A: Yes. I read a recent report that proper ‘hardened’ bike lanes reduce all road users fatality and injury rates. I believe that we need to stop thinking that a white line and green pillars protect anyone.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Sam Austin

A: Yes. I fully support expanding active transportation options. Completing the minimum grid, and connecting the Shearwater Flyer and Harbour Trails are key planks in my platform. I fully support the need to make cycling safer and encourage more people to choose sustainable transportation options and have a track record from my time on Council of supporting AT projects.

A: Yes. Complete communities and sustainable transportation have been part of my record on Council and part of my platform going forward.

A: Yes. The delays in the Minimum Grid has been disappointing. I support the recrafted plan that staff presented to Council and will push for it to be delivered and not fall behind again.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. Yes in principle. HRM’s dollars and staff resources aren’t infinite. We have to do some picking and choosing of where to focus efforts. Would be easier to assess with an actual plan.

A: Yes. Street design is the most important thing the municipality can do for road safety. I have seen a marked change in how HRM has approached road design since the IMP came in. We need to continue and enhance that work.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

District 6 Candidates

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Lori Ogden

A: Yes! The more people that cycle or use alternate methods of transportation free up the roads for not only the commuters that need them, but allow commercial vehicles to get to where they need to be on time, keeping our city running!

A: Yes. The IMP was clearly a very well thought out plan, and I will definitely support it.

A: Yes. We desperately need this. As a fair-weather cycling commuter who used to travel from Spryfield to Burnside each day, I’ve seen how disjointed the current infrastructure is for cyclists (what is up with the bridge?!?) and will do anything I can to help get this fixed so everyone can get where they need to go in a timely manner.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. This will help keep excess traffic out of the core of the city, allowing the traffic that needs to be there the ability to move more freely.

A: Yes.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

District 7 Candidates

Questions and detailed answers below chart

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Andrea Hilchie-Pye

A: Yes.

A: Yes. The four principals (complete communities, move people, manage congestion, integrate solutions) along with the four pillars (connected, healthy, affordable and sustainable) of the IMP is one of many important frameworks I will use in making decisions throughout my term. These principals and pillars apply a population health/ healthy public policy lens in moving us forward towards a healthy community, economy and population.

A: Yes. Having a practical plan with deliverables, accountabilities, and funding is critical for the success of any plan, including the IMP. I would like to see this plan integrated with the other HRM plans to ensure we can examine potential opportunities where other plans can augment or align with the IMP plan and identify potential constraints. Meeting the objectives of the IMP funding sources will require continuous examination to ensure that every source of funding is fully realized. Of course, in any city there are always competing priorities. In addition, some of the short-term and medium-term priorities and projects outlined in the IMP may need to shift forward to accommodate the reality of current funding, while still staying true to the spirit and intent of the IMP.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. See my answer above as I would expect the same approach would apply.

A: Yes. Safer streets should always be a priority for HRM.
I would like further information on the specific changes to design standards, as well as, a prioritization listing with costs of the streets that require these changes.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Cathy Cervin

A: Yes. The major components of my platfrom after affordable housing include better transit, fewer cars on the roads, multi-use trails so everyone of any age or ability can walk, bike or roll and combatting climate change is an underlying principle that I will consider and advocate for in every Council decision and plan.

A: Yes. Same answer as above and the integrated mobility plan is an essential component of my vision for a green, healthy, safe, beautiful and welcoming city

A: Yes.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. Ideally we will have complete communities in key nodes outside of Halifax and Dartmouth that are connected to the major centres by efficient, low emission, transit options – I am in the process of learning more about the feasibility of rail option – I support trains and need to understand the cost implications

A: Yes. Pedestrian and cyclist safety is personally of great importance to me and is essential to encourage more people to use bikes

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Laura White

A: Yes. I am passionate about making this happen. I want to mitigate the climate crisis and provide safe transportation choices for residents. My family leads a car-lite lifestyle and enjoy it very much for the reasons you describe and more, like fun, independence, convenience, saving time, public health benefits, so isl interaction and community building.

A: Yes. The concepts in the IMP are all good! Why do we have so much trouble getting there in a timely manner? I think we are afraid to divert or take space away from personal vehicles, but I believe we must do this in order to improve our transit and provide space for Active Transportation. For example, we did an extensive revision to Bayers Road to accommodate bus lanes and AT, but we kept the same number of vehicle lanes, so the road is now 6 lanes wide and loud and uninviting. This is expensive and until we have complete cycling infrastructure and frequent and reliable transit, doesn’t contribute to a modal shift in a meaningful way.
We need to change our design standards and apply IMP pillars and principals to each road when it is due for major resurfacing.

A: Yes. The first iteration of the AAA network does not have to be perfect. We could use tactical methods to improve our network before building separated cycle paths like the nice block between Sackville & Spring Garden.
I would like to see tactical improvements to large, signalized intersections to make them protected. Longer term, I prefer protected roundabouts to 4 way stops and signalized intersections where possible.
I’d like us to update and improve the IMP by incorporating lessons learned and planning methods from other places that have succeeded in making space for people moving outside of vehicles (i.e. Montreal, Paris, Austin, Auckland etc.) The Dutch Cycling Embassy & 8 80 Cities are organizations that I know of that could help us envision and plan our network for the near term, mid-range and long-term time horizons.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. I think this is really important to help decrease congestion and build complete communities and believe that this is becoming even more important with the new electric micromobility solutions available. I also think having a protected rural cycling network would be something that would draw tourists. I’m looking forward to collaborating with the Province and the Joint Regional Transportation Agency on these ideas.
Here’s an article in The Engineer that I co-wrote about electric mobility.

A: Yes. I absolutely support measures being implemented to slow traffic to 30 kph on many streets in District 7. I think each time extensive repaving is required, street scape improvements should be considered to upgrade the walkability and safe cycling and rolling access to residents such as chicanes, strategic parking, bollards, bike storage, parkettes etc. Lessons learned and planning methods from other places that have succeeded in these conversions (i.e. Montreal) sold be sought out.
I want to see protected pedestrian crossing phases at signalized intersections, and protected intersections as I mentioned before, for cyclists and pedestrians and people rolling.
Please also see my talk to the TSC on the 20204 Road Safety Strategy.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Peter Sonnichsen

A: Yes. I am fully committed to supporting sustainable mobility options such as cycling, walking/rolling, and public transit. These modes of transport offer significant benefits in terms of reducing congestion, improving air quality, addressing the climate crisis, and improving public health. A more equitable transportation network that is accessible to all, regardless of their ability to drive a car, will benefit the entire community. I support the expansion of infrastructure that makes these options more attractive and convenient for residents across HRM.

A: Yes. I fully support the Pillars and Principles of the IMP, and will use them as a guiding lens for decision-making throughout my term. This means prioritizing active transportation, public transit, and ensuring that the infrastructure we build is accessible and sustainable.

A: Yes. I would push for regular public progress reports on the rationale for the delays.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. I believe that rural and suburban communities should not be left out of the shift toward sustainable mobility. I support the creation of an accelerated plan that brings cycling infrastructure, pedestrian-friendly streets, and enhanced public transit options to these areas in consultation and coordination with the respective communities.

A: Yes. The increasing rates of injury and fatality for people walking, cycling, and rolling are unacceptable. Public Safety is a major piece of my platform.

Fact Check

Peter Sonnichsen supported those who opposed the Multi-Use Path on Coburg Rd., expressing concerns with emergency response times and risk assessment for the neighbourhood. This MUP will form a key link in the eventual Urban Greenway project.

On the Atlantic News Podcast, he said that “the entire biking network needs to be revisited”.

William Breckenridge

A: Yes.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes.

Fact Check

William Breckenridge supported those who opposed the Multi-Use Path on Coburg Rd., calling for a greater consultation and “pause and review”. This MUP will form a key link in the eventual Urban Greenway project.

Make sure you scroll down to read detailed questions and answers from all candidates who responded. Press the plus sign to expand and the minus sign to collapse.

District 8 Candidates

Questions and detailed answers below chart

Make sure you scroll down to read detailed questions and answers from all candidates who responded. Press the plus sign to expand and the minus sign to collapse.

Anika Riopel

A: Yes. The movement of people and goods is key to a functioning city, as well as combating climate change and improve affordability, housing and accessibility. We need our streets to be safer and people need reliable and affordable and ATTRACTIVE ways of getting around outside of personal vehicles. With the drastic increase of people living in the North End this is an acute need – we need transit, walking and rolling to be viable and safe options. Transportation is also deeply connected to the affordability, housing, equity and accessibility crises, given the cost and ability of owning, maintaining and driving a vehicle.
I have a strong background in policy work and have spent years navigating the bureaucracy around this issue at all levels of government.
I have put the following forward in my platform:

Traffic Calming and Active Transportation Infrastructure:
I will continue to advocate the Province to allow municipalities to set speed limits below 30 km/h with photo radar for speeding and red lights.
I will advocate that HRM make the speed limit on the peninsula 30km/h as well as residential roads off the peninsula.
I will advocate for the investment of more traffic calming on residential streets – speed bumps, bump outs and street murals
I will advocate for the investment in safer major intersections.
I will advocate for investments in sidewalks, multi-use trails and cycling lanes as well as maintenance to keep them clear and usable in all seasons.
I will advocate for updated street parking strategies for snow storms and street clearing.
I will advocate for funding the walking and cycling access plans for Africville.

Transit:
According to the Transit Union – HRM need an additional 100 bus drivers to achieve the current service levels – let alone keeping up with population growth
Advocate for living wages and improved working conditions to increase recruitment and retention of bus drivers
In the North End, we need to get the express buses that don’t serve the neighborhood off Gottingen and onto Barrington. This means revisiting the turn radius on the bridge ramp and looking at reconfiguring the routes with HRM staff.
I will advocate the federal and provincial governments to provide operating (staff) and capital (new electric buses, terminals, ferries etc) transit funding.

A: Yes.The Integrated Mobility Plan was and is progressive with its vision to prioritize moving people and goods rather than just cars. The IMP uses the “inverted triangle” approach, prioritizing those most at risk—pedestrians, cyclists/scooters, transit users—and then cars. It was meant to help us rethink and redesign our transportation system and communities, a challenging but necessary endeavor that cities around the world are undertaking.
The IMP is significantly behind many of its timelines, partly due to COVID-19 and subsequent labor shortages. However, if HRM had been more ambitious and had stronger political will, the IMP could have been implemented much more quickly. Cities like Montreal and New York managed to complete ambitious overhauls in less time and with greater population challenges.
Council needs to be more ambitious and put more political will behind the IMP. People generally resist change. The IMP will make driving more difficult in the short term until we culturally shift towards alternative modes of transportation.

A: Yes. Absolutely! This information is semi-available only by digging through each individual plan – which isn’t useful to the public. It would be great to see a map of the full network with timelines on each project.
I will be a strong supporter of funding projects as they come to council. Many projects have the “cheap and bad” design and the “expensive, longer to implement and good” design. I think we need to do this right and invest in the network.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. Urban sprawl costs the city money. The sheer size of HRM due to amalgamation means that our municipal services (roads, water, sewage, waste collection, emergency services, etc.) need to cover a vast area. The more spread out a population the more expensive it is to provide services. The denser urban Halifax core subsidizes suburban and rural areas.
There are two ways to move forward – raise taxes or grow. Since we are growing, we should grow smart. That means building complete communities, with denser central areas, with amenities that are walkable and bike-able and connected via transit. This will help increase the municipal budget but not increase the cost of services exponentially.
I strongly support the regional plans goal for direction 90% of new growth into urban and suburban areas, which will help improve our infrastructure, reduce GHG emissions, and foster more walkable, sustainable communities. The RP’s focus on ‘missing middle housing’ is a step in the right direction, aiming to create dense, vibrant neighborhoods with diverse housing options, active transit, essential services, and access to nature. We need to establish firm standards for complete communities and make growth and development decisions based on these principles.
Cars also don’t pay their fair share. Building and maintaining roads, plowing, and policing are massive municipal expenses. Parking largely remains free and is subsidized by the general public. Our roads should be focused on moving people and goods, not individual cars. Cars contribute to wear and tear on roads, congestion, accidents and deaths, pollution, and general isolation and community disconnect.

A: Yes. As noted above, I have been and will continue to advocate for the Province to allow municipalities to set speed limits below 30 km/h with photo radar for speeding and red lights. I will then advocate that HRM make the speed limit on the peninsula 30km/h as well as residential roads off the peninsula. I will advocate for investing in safer intersections, on both major and residential roads, and bike lanes and sidewalks.
Car are getting bigger and heavier putting vulnerable road users more at risk. I recently to the lead on bringing in a speaker from Equiterre to present on this issue and the cost to society. I will continue to advocate for better national regulation on our auto-industry.
HRM could impose parking fees based on cars weigh and size as well as other measure to incentivize smaller vehicles.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

David Fright

A: Yes. As councillor, I hope in particular to be able to offer an alternative perspective on all these topics on ways in which we can do them better, cheaper, and faster. I have papers I have written on these topics available on my website under the “”further reading section.”” In relation to cycling, I would like to see existing infrastructure repurposed as active transportation “highways”. For example, Isleville, Fuller Terrace, and Maynard Streets run all the way from NSCC on Leeds Street to the Downtown via the Citadel. These are local access streets with very little on them in the way of motorized traffic. I believe that a better use would be as an “”limited access”” active transportation corridor.
Three out of four streets entering the Iseville/Fuller/Maynard active transportation corridor could be blocked off. Traffic calming measures could be used to slow and control the movement of automobiles along the corridor. In this way, local access could be preserved for residents along the streets, and active transportation users would enjoy a much safer, healthier, cleaner mode of transportation than provided by existing active transportation infrastructure by being almost completely isolated from motor vehicle traffic. I assume that many such similar opportunities exist across the HRM and represent a much less expensive means of developing such infrastructure.
I believe that the solution to congestion, transportation related climate change, as well as the effects of ill-health, wasted time, needless stress, can only be solved by creating a superior alternative to the private automobile. Private automobiles have many positive advantages and are a necessity for many for a variety of reasons. However, as commuter vehicles, they are less than ideal for the reasons listed above. This is true however the private automobiles are powered, be it gas or electric. I believe that a much more efficient, and positive, system would be to integrate the HRM’s taxi and public transit fleet to provide an on demand, very high speed, system for moving around this city in a stress-free manner with a great deal of comfort. By virtue of its high levels of energy efficiency, such a system would be completed sustainable evening using current combustion-based technology. As configured, public transportation will always be an inferior option to the private automobile: if I were to walk three minutes to the bus stop and arrive five minutes early to make sure I catch my bus in the steady rainfall that I see as I look out my living room window, I would be completely soaked by the time I arrived at my destination. I believe that if we can provide a superior alternative to the private automobile, most people will chose to use that instead.

A: Yes. I believe that the IMP is a well-crafted document with laudable goals around orienting development in this city in a transportation-centric manner. Recognizing the diverse needs of residents within the HRM, I believe that it is important to include a wide-range of transportation options with the municipal planning and development process. However, where these goals come into conflict with existing infrastructure and homes, as in the case of the Robie Street expansion that will see the demolition of a number of homes along the street, I will take a very careful and considered approach to such decisions, taking into account the very profound changes this will result in for the neighborhood and the people currently living there. It is not always about the choice of “yes” or “no, but rather is there a third option which we haven’t considered yet and could be better? Usually there is.

A: Yes, in the sense that the “earliest possible date” will include considerations around other crises this city is facing, especially in regards to homelessness. I recognize that active transportation is a less expensive and faster option than even public transportation within my district, so I see it as being key to overall affordability in this city. If there is by necessity delay in achieving the completion of the entire network, then I will focus on establishing the “functionality” of the existing infrastructure by prioritizing work that completes or connects route to allow for uninterrupted “start to finish” journeys.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. The IMP outlines a number of means of achieving this using a number of transportation options, including walkways and trails and planning new development around rapid public transportation options. However, I also think that it is important to allow for the time to follow a rational planning process given the magnitude of recent changes to how planning is conducted with the HRM due to the Housing Accelerator Fund and provincial involvement in areas of planning that were once exclusively municipal. Resources are scarce and the ill-effects of bad transportation planning can last decades.

A: Yes. I do not drive and tend to walk everywhere or take public transit. Simple steps, like changing the signaling at intersections to allow pedestrians to being to cross an intersection while the opposing light is still red, have made a positive difference. I believe that automated enforcement, like traffic cameras, would have a similar effect. I also think that protected bike lanes are important for encouraging more people to cycle.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Evyeneia Dexter

A: Yes. I feel that improving the transit system is a top priority to move people around.

A: Yes. There are lots of plans and strategies and it is impossible to look at one in isolation. Any plan is only as good as its implementation, the guarantee that the funding is available (which includes getting funds from other levels of government) where it integrates with other priorities. Many of the key principles and priorities in the IMP align with the broader regional plan, but like all things can’t be changed overnight, even with the best of intentions. Municipal staff are accountable for delivery when council makes the decision, so it is on council to ensure that implementation is adequately funded and that residents see the impact of the implementation.

A: Yes. There is room for improvement and regular public engagement will shed light on its success with information from the actual users.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes.

A: Yes. Absolutely agree that we need to support improvements for community safety. We are all better off when we share in a connected community that is accessible and safe for people and sustainable for the environment.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Jon Frost

A: Yes. A viable transit system for those off the Peninsula is vital to moving forward addressing current issues. A viable transit system will reduce traffic, increase cyclist and pedestrian safety, environmental impact, affordability and increases our potential density footprint. We have many priorities, but transit should be 1a.

A: Yes. It is a good place to start.

A: Yes. Then should we increase viable mobility options the better.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. These are the cars increasing o[u]r traffic, it is paramount to have suburban, and rural, transit options.

A: Yes. I have been knocking since June. I expected Bike Lane push back. I did not. People are cool with creating lanes, and increasing pedestrian safety, but the feel the way they are being implemented makes no sense. I have heard this from people to use all form of mobility. We have an opportunity with the increase in development to set things to a safer streets, intersections and sidewalks. I do believe we need to start with increasing and creating better transit options as it does have broader effect. Also, we should be looking into making Halifax a walkable city, as it once was. As a Kid, I would be sent a few blocks to get pretty well anything we needed, I didn’t even know my grandmother had a car until I was 12! Now, the only things you can be reasonably within walking distance is Tim Hortons and NSLC. Our planning need to find incentives, and place to create places for standard wants and needs within neighborhoods. The 15 min walkable city. Until we can make noticeable progress, we should be encouraging at Home work, not bringing people back.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Stephen MacKay

A: Yes. One thing that I often hear is that “Halifax wasn’t built for bike lanes”. Much of the peninsula was built before the mass production of motor vehicles. Halifax wasn’t built for cars but we made due, we found ways to accommodate cars. We’re approaching the limit of how much we can accommodate personal motor vehicle use. With our population projected to double in the next 25 years we need to offer more diverse transportation options because if we simply double the number of cars we’ll find that we are going nowhere fast.

A: Yes. As Halifax’s Bike Mayor I work towards making cycling more accessible to more people, I do this because my values align with the Pillars and Principles of the IMP. Getting people out of cars has so many benefits from health to affordability to environmental and safety, both at the individual level and the societal level.

A: Yes. While building and maintaining safe cycling infrastructure is much more cost effective and sustainable than the equivalent length of motor vehicle infrastructure it’s important to keep in mind that every year we wait to build the bike network the costs go up. And we need to not just consider the cost associated with construction but also the household costs associated with car ownership – how many households will commit to a 5-year car payment plan because of delays in building out our bike network?

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. HRM has so much to offer. We have shops and services, beaches, recreational facilities, universities and colleges, historic sites, museums and so much more. People should be able to access all of these things without relying on a personal motor vehicle.

A: Yes. Our neighbors had been asking for safety improvements to our street for decades. In 2022 I was able to successfully petition the city to install 4-way stops and painted stop bars on Robie St. I was successful because I was documenting car crashes on social media and was able to access HRM’s Open Data. Our street went from a t-bone collision every 2 months to no crashes over the past 2 years.
It shouldn’t take 20+ years to get a stop sign on a street with frequent car crashes, we should have standards that avoid this and allow us to correct safety concerns in a timely matter. It also shouldn’t take 10+ years to build out a minimum bike grid, especially when much of it isn’t safe for all ages and abilities.

Fact Check

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Virginia Hinch

A: Yes. The city developed and approved the IMP 7+ years ago which was supposed to address a great deal of this. Unfortunately, it has not progressed as planned and seems to have regularly been the victim of competing priorities, other developments, and budget constraints.
Council needs to re-prioritize the IMP and building out the network of active and public transit options while minimizing the interference by private developments and budget constraints from competing concurrent projects where feasible.

A: Yes. Ensuring safe and accessible (including monetarily accessible) communities for both the sake of our residents and the environment is and has been a priority of mine in both this and last election.

A: Having actual and transparent expectations, standards, and performance measures should have been in place previously and should be a part of any major undertaking by the city and this is certainly one of the key items that the city needs to progress with that level of accountability and transparency.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. This would be a yes with a caveat. I can say unequivocally that I would support prioritizing the IMP and the delivery of sustainable mobility through the municipality – from the urban centre to the rural areas – but, without knowing the full extent of the other items that council also has costs sunk into, it is impossible to say that an accelerated plan specifically would trump other pressing or in-progress works despite it being something previously promised in a timeline that is no longer tracking.

A: Yes. These are all sensible solutions for the safety of all people who use our roads, lanes, and sidewalks. Actual infrastructure that prevents or curbs dangerous driving and unsafe conditions are the only real solutions – temporary measures, signs, paint, and other such measures are not infrastructure and cannot make the same difference.

Fact Check

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District 9 Candidates

Questions and detailed answers below chart

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Carlos Pessoa

A: Yes.

A: Yes. One of the areas is to try encourage carpooling, by changing Bus lane to HOV as in other cities such as Vancouver.

A: Yes.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes.

A: Yes. This is a major problem: how we decrease collisions and fatalities as doctors have warned us since last year.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Josh Beitel

A: Yes. I’m a firm believer in “If you build it, they will come.” If we have better transit and active transportation options, the people of HRM will absolutely use them and the entire community will be better off for it.

A: Yes.

A: Yes. As we’ve seen in places like Montreal and their cycling infrastructure, things can get done quickly when there’s the political will to do so. I support concrete plans and timetables to move our network forward.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. I believe it’s important to provide all areas of HRM with such options.

A: Yes.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Lara Cusson

A: Yes.

A: Yes.

A: Yes.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes.

Fact Check

As a small business owner and a President of the Nova Scotia Business Association, Lara Cusson spoke on January 18, 2023 with Marc Babin, Radio Canada, about her concern of a lack of consultation regarding the loss of parking spaces to bike lanes. “It’s really serious to remove 69 [parking] spaces [near my business] overnight and the [restaurant] patio without consultation.”

Shawn Cleary

A: Yes. Car ownership should be a choice. Ratehub’s recent report indicates it costs, on average, over $16,000 per year to own a car in Canada. Ensuring we have a safe, connected network of AT infrastructure is essentially a tax break to our residents if it allows them to not own a car (or multiple cars).

A: Yes. Following the IMP pillars and principles will allow for better alignment of land use plans with transportation plans, create more complete communities, allow us to spend more wisely on infrastructure that will make safer, and reach our climate action goals.

A: Yes. A combination of permanent and tactical installations, along with streamlined planning processes should allow for an accelerated timeline.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. Through the strategic addition of density in key locations and innovative approaches to suburban and rural transportation, we can improve access and sustainability in mobility.

A: Yes. Working with the province to lower speed limits, design narrower streets, increase separated infrastructure, reduce and mitigate conflicts at intersections will make streets safer for everyone, especially vulnerable road users.

Fact Check

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Tonya Malay

A: Yes. Using active mobility has many benefits for students, families, and the environment including health, academics and community. I live in a walkable community where you see that kind of development works.

A: Yes. However I would need to review page 127 and review of jet outs into the road causing closures of lanes ie. Almon Street. This is what is frustrating motorists…and in turn they find shortcuts through our communities. It causes congestion and ill feelings towards bikers.

A: Yes. We need to communicate and share what’s been done and what needs to be done to connect bikeways for everyone’s enjoyment and safety.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. Think what we can do with a safe, connected network for cycling and improved road safety for everyone! This is what David said and I absolutely agree. We have to connect things first then smartly spread out to the region.

A: Yes. I’d like to expand by saying i’m not in favour of the jet outs in traffic. The fire department and the public find it difficult for congestion and for safety reasons.

Fact Check

On The Todd Veinotte Show October 4th 12pm, Tonya Malay says one of primary issues is “people are frustrated a lot with current road conditions regarding bike lanes, regarding traffic, and uhm, potholes”

District 10 Candidates

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Kathryn Morse

A: Yes. I successfully advocated for a doubling of HRM’s sidewalk budget to promote walking, rolling and better access to transit. I have consistently supported investments in cycling infrastructure.

A: Yes.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes.

Fact Check

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District 11 Candidates

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Nathan Parker

A: Yes.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes.

Fact Check

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Patty Cuttell

A: Yes. People need to get around all parts of our city safely. Commuting is one part, but equally as important is developing safe modes of transit in and around our communities to get to school, to go to the store, to visit friends, to get to recreation centres. We need to make sure we are investing in safe transit alternatives for all people in our communities.

A: Yes. To achieve many of these we desperately need to update the Suburban Plan to ensure active transit infrastructure is integrated and aligned between new and existing development. A piecemeal approach is not working, and many of our communities – like Spryfield – do not have plans and have little investment in AT infrastructure. We need to expand the AT program to make sure all communities are getting investment in AT – not just for commuting, but for getting around our communities too.

A: Yes. This has gone on too long. We need to complete it – but also focus on other underserved areas — particularly where new development is happening to ensure we get integrated AT plans in place while opportunities for securing connected off-road pathways and trails exist.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. We need to grow beyond the idea of urban / suburban. Anything inside the service boundary has the potential for density, making complete communities, and having AT infrastructure. investment in suburban AT is critical for reducing car dependency and making neighbourhoods more healthy, connect and sustainable.

A: Yes.

Fact Check

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District 12 Candidates

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Janet Steele

A: Yes. As an avid runner and transit user I support sustainable means of mobility. We must improve public transit so it becomes a viable option for those not currently using it. We must implement the rapid transit strategy. This includes more park and rides, more access points for airport transportation, durable bus shelters, crosswalks to support bus access. We also must reduce the stigma around bus usage. Some social marketing may help change this thinking. We must endorse public transit to save the planet and money at the same time. We should also pursue other options including ferries and trains.
Another approach to getting cars off the road is to encourage large employers to use hybrid work models to avoid unnecessary commutes.
Finally, where the layout of HRM permits, we can support bike lanes, and connected trails that foster active transportation.

A: Yes. I agree that active transportation is healthier, more affordable and sustainable. I also support greater investments in reliable public transit. A well used public transit system would remove many vehicles from the roads reducing congestion and greenhouse gases.

A: Yes, I believe that we do need a concrete plan with transparency on what is realistic and achievable. However, this is a challenging question as I don’t have sufficient information on why the Network has not been completed. It is not clear to me if this is a budget issue or if it is related to the relative priorities of the Council. As an example, perhaps the current priority is more investment in transit improvements as this affects a larger number of our growing population. (One thing that is not referenced in your survey is use of both the bicycle network and transit. All transit buses are equipped with bike racks and all ferries have multiple bike racks. )
I must also note that I have spoken with many residents in District 12 who are now hesitant to drive to the city centre for their medical appointments and recreation due to the street narrowing. Many hold the belief that it is the bicycle network that limits their access to the downtown core. Currently many of these residents are not able to use transit as the stops would be too far from their appointments so they must use a taxi to get to their appointments. When moving forward on implementing the network, we must ensure that providing the bicycle networks does not impede vulnerable populations from visiting the downtown core.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes, we need to accelerate sustainable mobility options to include all of HRM. We must work in partnership with other levels of government and partners to ensure our municipal taxpayers are not overly burdened.

A: Yes, the importance of road safety whether walking, rolling, cycling or driving is one of the key reasons I entered the Council race. Daily I see excessive speeding on our residential streets. I know the Halifax Regional Police and the RCMP cannot be everywhere to enforce traffic rules so we must adopt a multi-pronged approach to addressing this most critical issue. Some key components include, crosswalks, traffic calming, speed display signs, signalization, active transportation networks and ongoing safety education for all.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Julie Scott

A: Yes.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Richard Zurawski

A: Yes.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

District 13 Candidates

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Dustin O'Leary

Fact Check

Dustin O’Leary did not respond to our survey but The Coast reported: ‘he has “an issue with cyclists, stating that despite all of the bike lanes, they continue to use arterial roads “designed for vehicular traffic.”’

Nancy Hartling

A: Yes. Active transportation and sustainable forms of mobility need to be a cornerstone of any meaningful transportation plan.

A: Yes. I think the IMP has real value, but I continue to say that this plan falls very short for rural and suburban districts like District 13. We need better mobility options all around.

A: Yes. The bicycle network needs to continue to be a priority for HRM. The current state of the network is incomplete, and thus fragmented, and not nearly as useful as it could be. In order to be effective, we need to carry the plan through to completion for the network to provide the most benefit, and gain the most riders.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. Bicycle lanes have been put in place on the Prospect Rd to Terence Bay. There is big appetite to extend those lanes to Peggy’s Cove. On the other end of the 333, folks very much want an active transportation lane, starting at the top of St. Margarets Bay, and meeting at Peggy’s Cove. I should note that this work will require provincial involvement, as the 333 is a provincial road.

A:
Yes. We need to prioritize.

Fact Check

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Robert Holden

Fact Check

Robert Holden did not respond to our survey, but from the Ecology Action 2024 Candidate Survey, he speaks about how bike lanes aren’t being used. Cyclists are not abiding by traffic laws. Bicyclists should be licensed, insured and be tested on rules of the road. Bicyclists are creating havoc for motorists.

District 14 Candidates

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Edward Giles

A: Yes. I’d prefer to see separate paths designated to bicycles and avoiding the use of city streets as much as possible. I note there are several types of bicycles and a mom out for a stroll with the baby may not be suitable for a fast tract to work path.
Much discussion to be had, but where there is will there is ways.

A: No. That is a huge amount of pages to read over just to respond here. At this moment I didn’t have time to review it all, however I will. Some of it looked appropriate to me thus far.
Don’t let me no answer discouraged you, I believe in things being done right.

A: Yes. I will promise to look at the situation, open discussion for the design plans that are sustainable within a budget and try to secure funding for it through private, municipal, provincial and federal funding.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. We need to look at options, it is not my area of expertise but I know serious competitive bicyclists that would love to have input.

A: Yes. Our streets and highways are used daily for the movement of huge amounts of GDP and GNP. They need to be designed for the efficient movement of these goods and services which are the heartbeat of our tax base. People tend to forget that.
I would prefer to see an intigrated set of bicycles and scooter only pathways, but as I said, much discussion needs to be done quickly to find proper solutions for everyone.

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Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

John A Young

A: Yes, but only based on location need and priority.

A: Yes. Only when other community projects are approved and started that are currently without transit, sidewalks or multi-use pathways.

A: No. Not until the non- urban areas are prioritized who are currently without transit, sidewalks or multi-use pathways. We need more than just bike lanes. Multiuse pathways would work better in District 14.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. The non-urban areas have been constantly and consistently been an after thought in mobility planning and need to be looked at as a priority before additional plans are started in the HRM urban core.

A: Yes, but let’s look at the non-urban core and start funding those project initiatives based on priority and need- like District 14.

Fact Check

In the Ecology Action Survey John A. Young states that he doesn’t support the Road Safety Strategy. “The Road Safety Strategy will need more input and engagement from residents, with the increased new development that doesn’t currently keep up with community infrastructure, maintenance and sustainability issues.”

District 15 Candidates

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Billy Gillis

A: Yes.

A: Yes.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes.

A: Yes.

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Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Paul Russell

A: Yes. Since I’ve been elected I’ve been pushing to increase the reliability – as measured by on-time performance – of Halifax Transit. Without that people won’t trust the system. Recently I’ve been pushing for a circle route in Lower Sackville so that people can take the bus instead of having to drive everywhere. I’ve also been on hold with the Suburban Plan but have been talking with staff about extending the urban transit boundary to include both north Beaver Bank and Lucasville. I’ve also been pushing for longer hours to accommodate both the early shift (a 7am start) and the late shift (an 11pm end) at the hospitals, so that hospital staff don’t have to rely on their cars.

A: Yes. I already support most of that. In Sackville and Beaver Bank it is not feasible to commute using a bike, and there are improvements that have to be made with transit.

A: Yes, but not at the expense of raising taxes out of proportion. We already have so many demands on the tax dollar that it is impractical to say that we will fund everything immediately.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: No. It would be nice to do this, but it has to be done within what we can afford.

A: Yes. I have already been pushing for more traffic calming where it makes sense. We aren’t going to re-engineer all of our streets, but I’ve been asking to narrow many of them by adding sidewalks for years.

Fact Check

Paul Russell voted no to South peninsula Complete Streets bike lanes project.

District 16 Candidates

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Aaron Rice

A: Yes.

A: Yes. I’m in full support of the IMP. Active and public transit are key to more fluid, easy to move city.

A: Yes.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes.

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Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Anita Kirkbride

A: Yes. Absolutely. Transit & biking infrastructure are some of the biggest improvements I am advocating for.

A: Yes.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: No. Potentially. I would need more detail on timelines and budget before committing.

A: Yes. I would like to start biking myself but I don’t feel safe doing so in Bedford.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Jean St-Amand

A: Yes. Halifax will stand out as an innovator and model of success by overcoming the challenges we face to make truly integrated mobility a reality – multiple options that are accessible, reliable, frequent, fast, sustainable. We should endeavour to plan for and implement several avenues at once to provide options that reduce as much personal vehicle usage as we reasonably can. It requires a staged plan that recognizes a long term vision for what Halifax could and should become since we can’t afford to do everything at once, but we can certainly prepare for what we intend to build as a city.

A: Yes. The IMP lays out an aspirational vision for what our city can achieve to deliver benefits to residents that are people-focused. My particular interest is in the practical health and sustainability effects of the plan. It will require more than just action from the city; an education strategy that will drive a cultural shift to promote acceptance and internalization of the importance of the approach is vital to its success.

A: Yes. I think the implementation of any plan requires deadlines and transparency around its implementation. It’s worth reviewing what is off track with the IMP’s schedule and how we can get key deliverables moving again.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. This one is more of a maybe, but it’s also not a no. Rural and suburban areas are exceedingly expensive to service by comparison to the downtown core, or even relative to their own key corridors. I respect the need to deliver service to these areas – I like in a suburban district. I also recognize the implicit limitations of delivering service to these areas. I believe the strategies the city is using to expand sustainable options for mobility in these areas are appropriate but could do more. Data-driven decisions will be prioritized, while an aspirational vision of the city we want to build will help guide the decisions council makes toward implementation of sustainable mobility options, in terms of what can be expanded now and in terms of how we plan for further stages expansion of services in the medium and long term.

A: Yes. This is a blended symptom of our addition to larger and larger personal vehicles coupled with city planning that has historically prioritized personal vehicles. As you point out in the question itself, there are multiple measures that the city has at its disposal to mitigate risk to residents that are opting to cycle/roll/walk. Designing streets and neighbourhoods from the ground up that appropriately deprioritize personal vehicles while naturally lowering speed through our community is a facet of this to be sure, and this can be addressed with diligent planning from the city and critical review and approval of proposals from developers. Distracted driving remains a key factor to address as well, with which enforcement is having trouble keeping up. Automated tools could help with this along with speeding on “legacy” roadways not yet benefiting from the kind of natural speed controls from which we’d benefit with the right planning. I think the province should accelerate a review of the legislation needed (undoubtedly challenged by privacy and data storage requirements) to permit the implementation of such tools. Even a legislative change that would permit piloting the tools would be a data-driven way to determine whether such measures could be successful and how best to implement them to effect the change we’re looking for as a city. We’re fortunate to live in a time in which data collection and analysis is considerably easier than it has ever been and can help inform our decisions objectively and transparently. We should take advantage of it to guide improvements to safety throughout our transportation network.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

Mohammed Issa

A: Yes. I do support sustainable mobility options and strongly believe we need to approach these decisions with an equitable lens. It’s essential that everyone has access to safe, affordable, and sustainable transportation options, including cycling, walking/rolling, and transit, to benefit the city as a whole.
However, I also believe that continued community consultation is key to effectively addressing the needs of HRM’s diverse citizens. By involving the community and stakeholders in these discussions, we can ensure that the solutions we implement truly reflect the needs and priorities of residents across all areas of the city.

A: Yes. I do support the Pillars and Principles of the Integrated Mobility Plan (IMP) and believe they are crucial for creating a more connected, healthy, affordable, and sustainable transportation system in HRM. By focusing on moving people and goods, rather than just vehicles, the IMP takes an important step towards reducing congestion, addressing climate impact, and promoting equity.
I would also like to bring some attention to a “first-mile, last mile” strategy in HRM. For example, how we are transporting people to the new ferry or transit routes is just as important to solving these issues as the new methods of transit themselves. I believe the IMP tackles this, but could go further to providing a broader range of options for the citizens of HRM.

A: Yes. I support the development of a concrete plan with clear timelines, accountabilities, and transparency to ensure the completion of the plan.
With regards to funding, I am committed to working with provincial and federal partners to explore and access additional funding opportunities. Collaboration at all levels of government will help us ensure that projects like this are completed efficiently and effectively, benefiting the entire community.
We need to restore confidence in the IMP and show that we can deliver on these critical goals.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes, however it is important that the plan not be accelerated to the point of poor decision making or implementation. That being said, I fully support efficiency and getting the work done that needs to be done to make HRM accessible to all.

A: Yes. It is a tragedy that we have lost many Haligonians who were simply out and about and crossing the road or sharing it as a cyclist. It is important that HRM’s streets become safer, and I support the development of plans to make this happen using an evidence based approach while taking into account the desires of the citizens and also looking at successes in other regions.

Fact Check

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Prathibha Narasimhan

A: Yes. It’s about active travel-choices — cycling and walking — potentially combined with public transport, rather than relying on cars, which are among the leading causes of traffic congestion, air pollution, and climate change. As Halifax continues to grow, offering more sustainable transportation options supports the ability of people at all income and ability levels to get around the city without needing a personal vehicle. Its objective is to make mobility an option available to all people affordably while improving the quality of life together with environmental sustainability.

A: Yes. The IMP represents a plan for moving Halifax through a people-first approach, not vehicle-centric. The plan connects communities through sustainable, economic, efficient, and accessible transportation-transit, cycling, and walking. These principles represent modern, people-first urban planning; applying these guidelines helps ensure that future city developments align with the principles of sustainability and accessibility. In regard to longer-term economic, environmental, and social benefits, Halifax benefits by supporting the pillars and principles of the IMP.

A: Yes. Besides issues raised on accountability and funding, failure to properly implement Action A72 by 2022 calls for the creation of a more concrete, detailed plan with deadlines and budget transparency. To that end, it would provide some measure of accountability over progress of the bicycle network. Public confidence in the city’s delivery on its promises would be restored to make sure this key part of the sustainable transport infrastructure is not further delayed.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. Halifax’s rural and suburban areas are often left untouched when it comes to public and sustainable transportation. Focusing on urban areas alone increases the risk of leaving many residents dependent on cars, which can worsen the city’s environmental impact. By accelerating sustainable mobility in these areas with improved cycling infrastructure and services such as transit would ensure that all residents, no matter where they live, have options other than driving.

A: Yes. For far too long, bicyclists and pedestrians, two of the most vulnerable road users, have seen their number of traffic deaths and injuries rise. That trend must be reversed, and the most effective way to reverse this trend will be through improving our street design. Lowering speed limits, installing protected bike lanes, and enhancing the safety of intersections will make the streets less deadly. The enforcement of this, through automated means such as speed cameras, can help protect the most vulnerable without requiring further police resources.

Fact Check

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Scott Maskell

A: Yes. Sustainably through walking, cycling and transit is the only way the city have survive into the future. A city purely focused on automobile transportation, focusing on movie vehicles instead of people, is a plan made to fail. People need options, and safe options at that, that would include protected bike lanes, not just painted lines.

A: Yes.

A: Yes. More movement needs to happen sooner than later, in regard to the IMP. Also, maybe allocation of funds could be shifted to expedite the process, such as tying in bike lane infrastructure with road resurfacing work.

Q4. Will you support an accelerated plan to extend sustainable mobility options to every rural and suburban community in HRM?

A: Yes. This isn’t just an urban issue, it applies to all residents of the HRM.

A: Yes. People should matter, this safety should be at the forefront of infrastructure change.

Fact Check

Here we will add any public statements or actions that might provide context.

HRM 2024 ELECTIONCandidate Survey

Elected Council, October 19, 2024

Select Mayoral or Your District

Mayoral Candidates

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Alex Andreas

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Andrew Goodsell

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Andy Fillmore ELECTED

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Andy Fillmore supported those who opposed the Multi-Use Path on Coburg Rd. This MUP will form a key link in the eventual Urban Greenway project. He also wrote the Chief Administrative Officer to ask for a deferral on the project.

Darryl Johnson

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Greg Frampton

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Dave Boyd

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Jim Hoskins

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Jim Hoskins states that if elected, he would put a moratorium on bike lanes.

Nolan Greenough

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Pam Lovelace

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In a media release, Pam Lovelace made an unnecessary anti-bike culture statement, “The congestion caused by people driving into HRM will never be solved by bike lanes.”

Riley Murphy

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Ross Rankin

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Waye Mason

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District 1 Candidates

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No one in District 1 responded to date

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District 2 Candidates

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David Hendsbee

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In 2022, Hendsbee voted against the MacDonald bridge flyover.

In a 2015 CBC article, Hendsbee is quoted: “I’ve talked in the past about bicycle registrations, bicycle licences or a bicycle tax. Should the bridge commission consider implementing a bicycle toll?”

District 3 Candidates

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Keith Morrison

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John Paul

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District 4 Candidates

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Joe Colley

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Jamie Aalders

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Trish Purdy

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Trish Purdy did not respond to our survey but voted No on the South Peninsula project and has spoken out against the Integrated Mobility Plan repeatedly.

District 5 Candidates

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Michael McCluskey

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Sam Austin

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District 6 Candidates

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Lori Ogden

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District 7 Candidates

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Andrea Hilchie-Pye

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Cathy Cervin

HRM 2024 ELECTION
Candidate Survey