Government rules Halifax expansion unsuitable

Halifax wants to expand to accommodate larger container ships so that it doesn’t lose trade to US ports, but the port’s application for a CAD$400m expansion was rejected, reported CBC. Meanwhile, the government has announced CAD$300m in upgrades for ports in Vancouver, Montreal and Quebec.

According to CBC, Treasury Board president Scott Brison said: “There are 700 trucks going through downtown Halifax every day.

“That is one of the considerations we have to consider in terms … of a community where people want to live and a quality-of-life perspective.”

Other projects in pipeline

Mr Brison said Ottawa is now considering the best way for Nova Scotia to capitalise on bigger container ships, with proposals for new container terminals at Melford, in the Strait of Canso and in Sydney, Cape Breton.

A letter from Hector Jacques, the chairman of the Halifax Port Authority, released by Brison’s office, also indicates that Mr Jacques has stepped back from his stance that Halifax expansion is vital to the national interest. The letter states the port has now “shut down all media releases or discussion” related to its infrastructure plans unless vetted by the entire port authority board.”

The Halifax application included a northern extension of Halterm and inland rail facility, according to Mr Brison’s office.

After the application was rejected, the port announced plans this summer for a CAD$35m temporary extension of the Halterm container pier in the city’s south end to accommodate a second berth for ultra-class container ships. This is expected to be funded by a loan.