Council approves changes for next phase of new Dartmouth bus terminal

On the heels of a lengthy public hearing that included comments from residents, an advocate for the visually impaired, and bus drivers, Halifax Regional Council agreed last week to approve changes to Dartmouth's municipal planning strategy and land use bylaw.

Officials reiterated that councillors weren't approving a final building design, contract, or tender, but an amendment that would allow them to move forward with plans for a new bus terminal on Dartmouth Common green space to the west of Dartmouth High School.

At several points during the public hearing, a handful of councillors questioned if a potential site on Alderney Drive would make more sense given the existence of the ferry terminal. But more than one speaker outlined financial and logistic reasons against such a move, including the fact the current location is a transportation hub ideally situated at the foot of the MacDonald Bridge. Planning staff also noted a move to Alderney would require major route deviations and cost more than $500,000 a year in additional operating costs.

Barbara LeGay, representative of a local advocacy group for the visually impaired, said it was impossible for the blind and visually impaired to access the busy site. She urged council to keep in mind accessibility and the provision of audible information when constructing a new terminal.

Wayne MacKenzie, president of Amalgamated Transit Unit Local 508, described the current situation at the Dartmouth bridge terminal "an absolute disaster." He said it was an even worse "nightmare" for the visually impaired.

"There are upwards of 15 to 20 buses in there at a time and moving. People get off the buses and move around..These people should not be going to this bus terminal," he said. "There's no accessibility for the handicapped, the safety at night is terrible for our drivers, terrible for the public."

Cheers and applause briefly broke out in Halifax Regional Council chambers after one bus driver's particularly passionate plea for immediate improvements to the region's busiest bus terminal.

Paul MacDonald stepped up to the microphone towards the end of the public hearing, after jokingly warning the crowd that unlike his colleagues who'd already spoken, he wasn't a "political animal." He expressed indignation over the lack of washroom facilities at the busy terminal site. His voice rose as he explained how someone had built a small "hut" near the terminal where drivers could go to urinate, calling it "disgusting."

Noting that regional council had called for a break after just one hour, he asked how drivers could be expected to work a 10 hour shift with no onsite facilities where they could quickly relieve themselves.

"We don't have any water to drink. In 30 degree weather, we're out there dying in the heat and you guys are sitting here debating on land use. I don't care what you do, but do it now," MacDonald pleaded, his voice shaking. "Please don't make us suffer out there any longer. We've had enough. Please. And you've got to do it and do it now. It can't be delayed for another study..Look after your employees."

Concerns were raised about the loss of green space in the area. However, several people at the hearing agreed the area is a dangerous, unlit place where people go to hang out and engage in unsavoury activities.

Regional council voted 20 to 3 in favour of the Dartmouth municipal planning strategy amendments that will allow the next phase to go forward.

ydentremont@hfxnews.ca