Downtown Halifax Businesses Alarmed by Urgent Bike Lane Work

URGENT UPDATE: Local businesses in Downtown Halifax are raising alarms over the city’s immediate construction of new bike lanes, which has just shut down the crucial intersection of Brunswick Street and Sackville Street. As part of the Brunswick Street AAA Bikeway Complete Project, crews are currently building a protected two-way bike lane, alongside a new landscaped area at the foot of Citadel Hill and enhancements to sidewalk accessibility.

Paul MacKinnon, the head of the Downtown Halifax Business Commission, expressed his support for bike lanes but criticized the timing of the project, stating, “It’s too bad that this is happening now in August and couldn’t have been done much earlier in the summer, maybe when traffic was a bit slower.” He emphasized that construction causing lane blockages leads to frustration among motorists.

Local business owners are voicing their concerns over the disruptions, including the loss of parking spaces and increased congestion. MacKinnon reported hearing from several businesses that are not on board with the project due to these impacts.

The bike lane construction is expected to continue until December 2023, which raises questions about how businesses will cope during this peak shopping season. The intersection closure is already affecting foot traffic and sales, making this an urgent issue for the community.

As the construction progresses, businesses are urging city officials to consider the economic ramifications of their projects. The Brunswick Street AAA Bikeway Complete Project aims to improve cycling infrastructure, but the immediate effects on local commerce are undeniable.

What’s Next: Local businesses are looking for a dialogue with city planners to address their concerns and seek solutions that minimize disruption. As the project develops, the impact on both businesses and the local economy will be crucial to watch.

Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving situation in Downtown Halifax.