Council reverses decision on Windsor Street Exchange redevelopment project
Posted Feb 26, 2025 01:12:18 PM.
Last Updated Feb 26, 2025 01:50:47 PM.
Halifax councillors have reversed course on a previous decision and will be moving forward with the first phase of the Windsor Street Exchange redevelopment project.
In January, councillors rejected a design from staff in part because of a lack of dedicated transit lanes.
On Tuesday, councillors voted to move forward with the first phase of the plan while staff work on a second phase that will more closely match council’s asks on active transportation by widening the roads to make room for those transit lanes.
“Congestion is a major issue across the municipality,” said Mayor Andy Fillmore. “I think you can hear I’m looking forward to support the motions on the floor today.”
Staff outlined a number of risks that could become reality if the first phase of the project didn’t move forward, including the potential loss of nearly $35 million in federal and provincial funding.
The total cost of the project has increased to $150 million, up from around $100 million in the summer of 2024. The original cost estimate in 2019 was $50 million. Most of the increased cost would fall to the municipality.
Construction is expected to begin this year.
