Hello Friends and Neighbours,
This past week has been very active. I have to tell you about the situation on the western part of Coburg Road. I have been assisting residents with researching information and getting contacts to help them in requesting HRM to pause and review the installation of a bike lane on the street. In 2019, HRM completed the design for the Urban Greenway. Coburg, going to Oxford from Conrose Field, is supposed to be the bike connector to Beaufort Ave. HRM did not initiate construction in 2019 but is doing so now. A tender for the work on the ‘Coburg Rd- Street Recapitalization, Active Transportation, and Water Main Renewal’ has already been awarded from the beginning of June (see the Halifax Water historical timeline).
It would be more cost-effective to implement a shared street path concept on the street rather than a full separated bike lane. This project lacks proper engagement, fiscal management, and raises concerns about emergency service access. Residents will lose 14 trees, parking, and potentially cause access problems for the Waegowltic Club, Ambrae Academy and the Beth Israel Synagogue. In speaking with MP Andy Fillmore’s office, Andy came and met with Coburg Road residents. He then wrote a letter to the CAO, Cathy O’Toole, supporting the residents’ position and felt that traffic and the neighborhood have changed since 2019, making it fiscally irresponsible for HRM not to pause and review the project. HRM made it clear that the plan would continue but with my assistance, residents have submitted a formal petition to the Active Transportation Committees asking for a pause. We shall see next week how HRM responds. I would ask you to write into the Active Transportation Standing Committee to support the Coburg residents.
It is time to have a municipal government that engages and listens to its citizens!
It has been a real pleasure to support a neighbourhood that has come together and responded to a situation so rapidly and with unity. If you want more information on the situation, please contact me.
Friends of Schmidtville- MEETING ON BETTERING HOMELESSNESS July 25th at 6:30PM
I have been meeting with residents across HRM to discuss the homelessness situation, learning about their concerns and ideas on this matter. The meeting we will be hosting is an opportunity for Schmidtville and its neighbours to come together to discuss solutions and the current impact on the community. Please join us and let’s work together to help others.
Details: Meeting – Bettering Homelessness – Will Breckenridge for District 7
Housing News:
New agreement between feds, N.S. aims to build housing (citynews.ca)
Bridge Closure
Final planned closure of the MacKay Bridge this weekend | CBC News
New agreement between feds, N.S. aims to build housing (citynews.ca)
City Hall Spending:
Tomorrow is the Halifax Pride Parade:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C9kQaQcJfa5/?igsh=Y20wZjFmZjlybW1r
Sad news:
Halifax hobby shop says its closing after 78 years in business
Regards,
William Breckenridge
902-441-9065
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