E-News October 2025

News

Bike Lane Usage
Bike lanes have been a hot topic over the last several months, first with the Mayor’s motion to pause building cycling infrastructure, then with the debate over Morris Street, and then with the Province’s unprecedented intervention to squash the Morris Street plan. There has been a lot of feedback to Council during this time, with some sharply diverging opinions.

A common argument as to why HRM shouldn’t be building bike infrastructure is that “no one uses it.” A lot of folks aren’t aware that there is actual objective data on bike lane usage so I thought I would take a moment to share the actual stats. There is of course still room for lots of debate as to what HRM should do, but debate is always better when folks are fully informed.

HRM has counters working at nine locations throughout the Peninsula and Dartmouth that record bikes passing over them. The counters don’t register people on an individual level, all they record is that a bike passed over them at a given point in time. This is the same way that HRM counts vehicles. HRM regularly shares this data online on HRM’s website and through a third-party partnership with HRM Bike Stats. The monthly bike numbers show a steady and consistent upward trend over time. Here’s the results for September 2025:

Not surprisingly there are seasonal trends with winter bike usage totaling about 1/4 of the peak summer count. Even in the depths of winter though the upward trend is still very evident. More people ride in summer, but usage in both summer and winter is growing. Here are the results for January 2025

A couple of people have raised questions about the usefulness of the data. HRM has been adding counters, but others have broken down over the years as well. It’s hard to adjust the overall tally to account for counters coming in and out. To confirm whether the upward trend is indeed real and not just the result of the addition and deletion of counters, I took a more detailed look at the results for HRM’s longest running individual counters that have multi-year numbers to draw upon: Hollis, South Park, the Harbour Trail, Vernon, and Windsor. That deeper dive reveals results that are consistent with the overall monthly totals: there has been a big increase over the last several years in the number of people who are using their bikes to get around:

The results by individual counter show steadily increasing usage. Hollis Street, HRM’s longest running counter, went form 13,000 bikes in 2019 to 34,000 in 2024. South Park Street recorded a staggering 109,000 in 2024! In terms of percentage increases, the numbers show significant gains, with South Park Street seeing by far the biggest increase.

What’s interesting is the individual counter data is the outlier, Windsor Street. Windsor Street has seen the lowest percentage increase over time, vastly underperforming the other four locations. Some of that might be that Windsor Street’s painted lanes were around for a while before counters were installed, resulting in the initial increase from the newly created lanes going unrecorded. That might be part of Windsor’s story, but I think there is another explanation: Windsor Street’s lanes aren’t separated from traffic.

It’s clear from studies and data collected elsewhere that only a small proportion of potential cyclists will ride in busy traffic. The majority are concerned about safety and many won’t ride in places that have high traffic volumes and high speeds with no separation. Actual separated infrastructure is what is needed to convince this largest potential pool of riders to get on a bike.

To me, what the underperforming results from Windsor Street is really saying is that Windsor Street’s painted lines aren’t as attractive as the separated infrastructure available on South Park Street, the Harbour Trail, and Hollis Street, and so it’s not surprising that usage there hasn’t grown by nearly as much compared to other locations with better infrastructure.

So what can we draw from the counter data? Bike usage is growing and it’s growing in all seasons consistently. Drilling down to individual counters reveals that it’s not statistical noise created by adding and removing counters. The percentage gains over time are real, have been significant, and the biggest bang for the buck comes from building dedicated infrastructure. The locations with separated infrastructure (South Park, Harbour Trail, and Hollis) saw more growth than the locations (Vernon and Windsor) where cyclists share space or aren’t separated from traffic. This all lines up with what studies elsewhere have found. There is still a place for local street bikeways like Vernon Street where cycling grew by 53%, but not separating bikes and vehicles on busy streets is really not an effective strategy.

Water Conservation:
Halifax Water has implemented mandatory Stage 1 water restrictions for all communities that are supplied by water from Lake Major. This includes all of Dartmouth. This is necessary because the prolonged drought that Nova Scotia has been experiencing this year has reduced water levels at Lake Major. The following activities are currently prohibited:

• Watering lawns.
• Washing vehicles.
• Filling pools.
• Watering golf courses.
• Bulk Fill Stations serviced by Lake Major are closed

With the move to mandatory restrictions, customers are now expected to adhere to these measures. Failure to do so may result in a warning, a non-compliance fine, or suspension of service. Halifax Water is also asking customers to consider the following additional measures to conserve water:

• If it’s yellow, let it mellow. Depending on the efficiency of your toilet, each flush uses between 6 to 26 litres of water
• Shorten your showers. Cut back on the frequency and length of showers.
• Turn off the tap when you don’t need it. Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth, shaving, washing your face etc. Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes

I have had a few people ask why businesses that use lots of water, like car washes, are still allowed to operate. Ordering someone to close their business can be financially devastating to the business owner and their employees. Ordering heavy-water users to shutdown is something that Halifax Water could do in future if conditions don’t improve, but due to the harm that would result, it’s something that everyone wants to avoid and so it isn’t part of the initial Stage 1 restrictions. Hopefully we will get some rain this fall and more drastic measures won’t become necessary.

I have also had few people ask why Lake Major is more vulnerable to disruptions than Pockwock Lake (Pockwock is still under voluntary measures). There is lots of water in Lake Major, but the intake for the water plant is located in relatively shallow water. Halifax Water has made some improvements in recent years through the new dam, which raised the level of the lake and has given Halifax Water more control over the flow out. The major problem though remains the plant’s intake pipe. Halifax Water is planning for major upgrades in the next few years, which would include extending the intake pipe into deeper water. This will hopefully make the Lake Major water supply less vulnerable to seasonal weather fluctuations.

Dartmouth North Temporary Library
Library service is once again available in Dartmouth North, although not to the full extent that it was before. The Dartmouth North Community Centre was severely damaged due to a sewer backup several months ago. There isn’t a reopening date available for the building at this time. Knowing that service would be disrupted in Dartmouth North for a while and how important the Library is to the community, the Library brought in a temporary trailer to operate out of. The trailer’s opening was delayed by several weeks because of the need to install an accessible ramp, but as of September 11, it is up and running. Services available in the portable unit include:

• A small browsable collection
• Hold pick-up and returns 
• Limited computer access 
• Library card registration 
• Free WiFi 
• Friendly staff on-site 

The temporary branch is open Mondays and Fridays 9:00 – 5:00, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9:00 – 7:00, and 10:00 – 5:00 on Saturdays. I’m glad that this temporary stop-gap measure is now in place while the lengthy process of repairing the building continues.

Lancaster Roundabout Cancelled
As many have already guessed from the paving work that the Province has undertaken over the last few weeks on the 118 and Woodland Avenue, the Roundabout project isn’t proceeding. The Province planned to undertake this work this year and even went out to tender. They received two bids, but then didn’t award the work. The Province formally notified HRM a few weeks ago that the project was being cancelled. The Province cited budget availability and the difficulty of managing traffic congestion during construction as the reasons for the cancellation.

I’m really disappointed in this decision. The intersection of Lancaster/Mic Mac Boulevard/Woodland and Highway 118 suffers from reoccurring crashes. Construction at such a busy location is always going to be disruptive, but I personally don’t think short-term pain is a very good reason to put off needed road safety improvements. Unfortunately, that’s not HRM’s call to make. The streets in the area are shared between HRM and the Province and so any change requires both orders of government to agree. A joint design study recommended converting the intersection to a roundabout as the best approach so there is agreement as to what needs to be done, but since the Province controls the highway, it’s up to them to implement the project. Hopefully they will put the roundabout back into their capital plan in January/February.

Bridge Bus Lane
I’m afraid that there still isn’t a firm reopening timeline for the MacDonald Bridge’s bus only lane. HRM and the Bridge Commission are still in discussions. The lane has been closed since the tolls were removed back in April. At the last moment the Bridge Commission’s toll removal plan ended up being changed from a three-lane inbound to a two-lane design, which meant that it wasn’t safe to use the bus only lane anymore. The initial delay in reopening the bus lane was the need for a transit signal, which HRM didn’t have in stock. The signal then needed to be installed. Since then, the delay has shifted to the Bridge Commission and a lack of agreement between the Commission and HRM regarding lane configuration and signal operation, and adjustments that the Commission still needs to make to their final reconfiguration of the Macdonald Bridge plaza (they’ve been doing design work for the last three months).

I have been reaching out to HRM staff and the Bridge Commission on a weekly basis on this issue. It’s extremely frustrating that one of the most important transit priority measures we have in HRM is still unavailable. That every rush hour bus coming from Bridge Terminal and heading to Halifax is sitting in car traffic when that wasn’t the case before the toll removal is unacceptable. It’s also very much not lost on me that in all the political rhetoric around tolls, very little thought or priority seems to have been given to transit riders. The toll removal went ahead on April 1 to meet an artificial political deadline without a plan for transit. That the Province deemed that acceptable and that the only public comment on the lane’s ongoing shutdown from HRM, Province, or Commission seems to be my e-newsletters, reveals a pretty big societal blind spot. Drivers would have never been treated in such a cavalier manner. Political rhetoric around traffic congestion seems to only be about people in cars. Transit wasn’t a priority in this project and everyone is left attempting to address it after the fact when it should have been part of the plan from day one.

I will continue to pester everyone on this and hope that an agreement between HRM and Commission can be reached soon (discussions are ongoing). Unfortunately, it sounds like even when the plan is settled, the Commission will still need to tender for work so there will still be a lag to implement.

Splash Pad Concerns
It has been a difficult summer at Shirley’s Splash Pad on the Dartmouth Common. There were a few incidents of drug paraphernalia being found at the Pad and a few day camps had to cancel plans to use the Pad after showing up and finding unsafe conditions. I received a number of e-mails concerning safety at the Pad and it eventually became a more public discussion when a few news outlets reported on the issue.

There are complex societal issues at play here around housing, poverty, and addiction, but it’s also true that families and kids should be able to safely use a space like Shirley’s Splash Pad. HRM did respond this summer by increasing needle sweeps in the Park, adding daytime security, and removing the port-a-potty. Police have had a proactive for the location as well, which means that officers on patrol swing by if there is the opportunity during their shift. A few weeks ago, HRM staff and I met on site to discuss and on Monday some residents in Harbourview participated in a community safety assessment with HRM’s Public Safety Unit. HRM is looking at making some more changes to the space including lighting, trimming of vegetation, and possibly fencing to try and deter drug usage at the Splash Pad. Security and adding programming is something that is also under consideration for next season.

This was a disappointing summer for the Splash Pad and HRM and I are working to see what can be done to hopefully ensure the 2026 season is less problematic.

Strong Mayor Powers
Two weeks ago, the Premier shared on News 95.7 that the Provincial government won’t be advancing so-called Strong Mayor Powers during the fall session of the legislature. This is very good news in my opinion. In Ontario, Strong Mayor Powers mean that mayors can hire and fire senior civil servants, prepare the municipal budget, veto Council decisions, and pass motions at Council with the support of just 1/3. I have been very concerned that Strong Mayor Powers would politicize the civil service and diminish the effectiveness of community representation at City Hall. More in my Council blog here.

Back in July, I put forward a motion on this topic, which set off some intense public debate over the summer. I was ccd on many emails that were sent to the Mayor, Council, Premier, and Municipal Affairs Minister, John Lohr, the vast majority of which were in opposition to Strong Mayor Powers. It’s impossible for me to say why the Province opted not to proceed, but I do suspect that public opinion was a factor. I want to extend a thank you to everyone who reached out to our Provincial representatives on this topic. I think it did play a part in the outcome! Thank you for putting your voice to work on this issue.

The only note of caution is the Premier didn’t rule out bringing forward Strong Mayor Powers in future, just that they wouldn’t be part of this sitting of the legislature. Still, a good outcome for municipal governance and democracy!

Park Avenue Cherry Trees
Some bad news regarding some of the Park Avenue Cherry Trees. Many of them are quite old and several are at the end of their lives. HRM’s foresters have been out to assess and there are at least three dead trees and a few others that have serious hollows in their trunks. HRM will be removing at least three, possibly five trees. The stumps will then be ground down this fall so that new cherry trees can be planted in the spring. So if you see some of the cherry trees being cut down on Park Avenue in the next few weeks, it’s a sad necessity, but rest assured there is a plan to replant next year. HRM staff and I understand how iconic this little section of street is!

Neighbourhood Placemaking Grants
HRM is accepting applications for its Placemaking program. The idea behind Placemaking is to involve the community in reimaginging and reinventing public spaces. It can involve art, or street fixtures like benches, or creating a community garden. The goal is to bring people together to create a sense of community around a project. Past Placemaking projects in HRM have included painting murals on intersections and, in District 5, the mural on the Findlay Community Centre’s back wall. HRM offers financial and non-financial support through the program so if you have an idea and some interested neighbours, checkout HRM’s placemaking page here. The maximum grant is $1,500 ($10,000 under the climate stream category) and the deadline for applications is October 30. It would be great to see some more projects in Dartmouth Centre.

Youth Poet Laureate
Applications for HRM’s next youth Poet Laureate are now open. HRM defines the Poet Laureate as a resident poet, storyteller or spoken word artist. The Poet Laureate has the opportunity to present their works at HRM events and at a few Council meetings. This is an exciting opportunity for young poets to hone their writing skills and engage with others on issues that resonate. Applications are due by 5:00 pm October 31. For more information and to apply visit HRM’s webpage here.

Youth Worx
HRM is accepting applications into its Youth Worx program. Youth Worx is a youth employment program that provides youth between the ages of 16 – 24 years of age with 24 weeks of paid work experience. The program includes training and skill building and is aimed at youth who are facing barriers to employment. Youth Worx operates a number of food establishments, including at the Zatzman Sportsplex, as well as the municipality’s green bin repair program. HRM will be holding several information sessions this month:

• September 15, 6 pm, North Preston Community Centre
• September 17, 6 pm, Sackville Sports Stadium
• September 24, 6 pm, Zatzman Sportsplex
• September 29, 6 pm, Captain William Spry Centre
• October 2, 4:00 pm, Power House Youth Centre

Applications for Youth Worx are due by October 10. For more information visit HRM’s website here.

Public Consultation

Downtown Dartmouth Heritage District
In-person Meeting Thursday, October 2, 4:00 – 7:00 pm, Alderney Landing
Virtual Survey Now – October 20
HRM is moving forward with the creation of a heritage district in Downtown Dartmouth and, as a result, the municipality is seeking public feedback. Residents are invited to participate in upcoming engagement opportunities, including an in-person session at Alderney Landing this afternoon/evening. HRM also has an online survey. For more information and to take the survey visit HRM’s website here.

Dartmouth Cove
Tuesday, October 7, 6:00 pm
Halifax City Hall
HRM will hold a public hearing next week to consider bylaw changes to the Centre Plan that would prohibit infill in Dartmouth Cove. The bylaw changes would be the same as what’s in place currently in the Northwest Arm.

Infill in Dartmouth Cove has been a topic of concern in Dartmouth for several years now and on October 7 members of the public will have 5 minutes to address Council on the issue. At the end of the public hearing, Council will make a decision on whether to proceed with bylaw amendments or not. If you wish to speak at the public hearing you can register in advance by calling the Municipal Clerk’s Office at 902-490-4210 or emailing clerks@halifax.ca. Advanced registration ends on Monday, October 6 at 4:30 pm.

If you don’t register in advance, you can still speak at the public hearing. Once everyone on the registered list has been called, the Mayor will open the floor to anyone else wishing to speak. So you can decide on the spurr of the moment to have your say. Written feedback submitted to the Clerk’s Office will formally be part of the public hearing.

If Council does opt to limit infill, the Province will have to approve the bylaw changes and the federal government will have to issue permits subject to them. Limiting infill isn’t something that HRM can do by itself! I know this is an important issue to many folks in Dartmouth and would encourage everyone, for and against, to participate in the public hearing.

Sam Austin Open Hour
I plan to hold two coffee Open Hours over October. The idea behind Open Hour is that I do my Friday morning constituency work from a local coffee shop. Anyone is welcome to stop by and bend my ear for 10 minutes, no appointment necessary.

• Friday, October 10, 9:30 – 11:00, Port City, Alderney Landing
• Friday, October 24, 9:30 – 11:00, Cafe Good Luck, Portland Street

Please check my social media feed (Bluesky or Facebook reliably) or email to confirm the week of that any given Open Hour is still going ahead as stuff does come up beyond my control that isn’t foreseeable weeks in advance.

Council Update

To keep you informed about what is going on at Council, I’m writing a regular blog after Council meetings. Each of my entries is about what I saw as noteworthy from a District 5 perspective and my views on the issues. We might not always agree, but I think it’s important to provide a record of how I voted and why.

Council Update, September 9
Dartmouth Cove, lighting for the Dartmouth Common, and HRM’s new Parks Stewardship Program. Read about it here.

Council Update, August 19
Slayter Street Local Bikeway approval, planning for the Wanderer’s Block, the Province’s rejection of the Regional Plan, and the Davis Cup. Read about it here.

Council Update, August 5
Morris Street bike lane (yet again). Read about it here

Events

Grace United Book Sale
Saturday, October 4, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Grace United, 70 King Street
Grace United will be holding their famous $10 for a bag of books sale on Saturday. Come pick-up some new to you titles for those cozy fall evenings that are just around the corner.

Naturalization Pop-Up Maintenance
Saturday, October 4, 10:00 am – noon
Birch Cove Park
HRM is hosting a pop-up maintenance session for the naturalization project at Birch Cove. This is an open invitation for folks to help keep the Park clean and support improving the environment. There will be a similar session at Penhorn Lake on October 25. No registration is necessary. For more information check out HRM’s website here

Scan-A-Thon
Saturday, October 25, 1:00 – 4:00 pm Central Library
Saturday, November 14, 1:00 – 4:00 pm Cole Harbour Library
This is your chance to contribute a lasting record to the history of HRM. HRM’s Municipal Archives will be hosting two Scan-A-Thons this fall. Residents are encouraged to bring photographs, slides, or negatives, of their neighbourhoods to be added to the Archive. Archivists will record essential information, then carefully scan the photograph so residents and researchers will have access to a digital copy. Contributors can either keep or donate the original. With a new chapter opening on the Cogswell District, HRM’s Archivists are particularly interested in preserving photos of area, so if you have any Cogswell photos in your home collection, they would especially love to see them. For more information, on the Municipal Archives visit HRM’s page here.

Volunteer Conference
Friday, November 21, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Delta Hotel, 240 Brownlow Avenue, Burnside
HRM’s annual Volunteer Conference is a celebration of the tremendous contributions that volunteers make throughout our community. It gives volunteers an opportunity to connect, celebrate and develop relevant skills to help build stronger volunteer capacity across the municipality.  The conference includes two training workshops, with sessions such as Basic Financials, Volunteering with the Vulnerable Sector, and Digital Tools and Technology. Participants will also enjoy a keynote speech and a seated meal. This year’s keynote speaker is Hope Swinimer, founder of the non-profit Hope for Wildlife. Early bird registration will be open until Tuesday, October 21. Regular registration will remain open until Monday, November 17. For more information, including a complete schedule, visit HRM’s website here.