News release

Opening of Halifax Regional Municipality Trail Celebrated

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Opening of Halifax Regional Municipality Trail Celebrated

  • ---------------------------------------------------------------A paved, multi-use trail in south end Halifax was officially opened today, May 26. The Halifax Urban Greenway closely follows the Canadian National Railway alignment and will eventually connect to the Halifax waterfront as part of the Trans Canada Trail.

Halifax Citadel-Sable Island MLA Leonard Preyra, on behalf of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister John MacDonell, Senator Stephen Greene, on behalf of Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Halifax Municipal Councillor Sue Uteck and Mark Poirier, president of the Halifax Urban Greenway Association, celebrated completion of the first phase of the trail.

The one kilometre trail follows Beaufort Avenue between South Street and Marlborough Woods-Roxton Road. It will eventually extend to Franklyn Street, Pinehill Drive and Point Pleasant Park.

"We are pleased to work with our federal and municipal partners to support the development of this trail in the urban core of HRM," said Mr. Preyra. "Through the dedication of this volunteer association, we now have a multi-use trail that will link with the municipality's network of trails and protect this recreational space for future generations."

"The federal government is delivering on its promise to make communities vibrant and productive places to live, work and raise families," said Senator Greene. "This trail will add to the attractions Halifax already created not only for its residents but also for our visitors."

"Creating these partnerships and developing these projects are essential when it comes to promoting healthy living and alternative, sustainable modes of transportation," said Mayor Peter Kelly. "HRM is committed to achieving the goals set out in its active transportation plan and will continue to work to create accessible options that respond to the commuting and active lifestyle needs of our citizens."

The provincial, federal and municipal governments each contributed one-third of the cost through the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. The total cost for this phase of the trail is $670,844.

"Thanks to support from all three levels of government, a multi-use trail has been created through Halifax's south end," said Mr. Poirier. "Families and individuals have been enjoying it on foot, bikes, and skateboards. With continued support from government, the Halifax Urban Greenway will be extended to serve residents along the entire length of the peninsula, and those who are off-peninsula will have a safe alternative to the automobile for accessing the universities, the hospitals and downtown."

The Halifax Urban Greenway Association is a community organization that has been set up to plan and develop the trail for public access.