Premier Houston takes steps to address. (photo credit: 989 XFM)

Dear Premier Houston,
(Feb 23, 2025) We’re writing to ask if you know that the NS Department of Public Works is spending an estimated $18 million in public money to buy at least 10 multi-unit buildings on Robie Street to tear down? This is at the behest of HRM which intends to widen Robie Street for a bus lane.

Data shows that even for public transportation, widening roads will not relieve traffic congestion; traffic levels will remain (status quo) or more traffic will be induced.

HRM also intends to cut 80 mature street trees (known to calm drivers and traffic). Many are over 100 years old and will never be replaced. In total, the Robie Street widening affects 90 properties. The acquisition budget for the properties is extraordinary: $55million (2024), $75million (2024), unknown in 2025.

Residents have long advocated for the reallocation of existing road space with signalized lanes changes like the MacDonald Bridge or Chebucto Road. These are a faster, cheaper, effective, more equitable ways to prioritize transit and reduce traffic in many cities (London, Zurich, Paris, Montreal) and countries (Brazil, Italy, Japan).

The small scale rental buildings to be demolished contain dozens of affordable units. Impacted residents have no place to go. The community is unusually diverse- housing co-ops, First Nations, Youth Shelters, new Canadians, low income earners. Right now HRM has 1130 unhoused (AHANS, Feb 12) and12,000 vacant lots (HRM 2024)

As a former accountant you can agree that in this time of economic, social, environmental precarity provincial and municipal governments should not spend public money to destroy the very things we need to protect. As budget deliberations proceed this is the time to stop this wasteful expenditure. We look forward to hearing from you.

Yours truly, 


Peggy Cameron and Howard Epstein, 
Friends of Halifax Common
Cc: Leaders of Opposition, Minister Municipal Affairs, Minister of Treasury Board