Halifax council has reversed their decision to make Morris Street one way after a strong ultimatum from the premier.

Several councillors supported the decision to forge ahead, while others thought it best to take a step back for more consultation with organizations concerned about the bike lanes.

The vote was 11-5.

Part of the motion is to have Mayor Andy Fillmore respond to the premier’s letter and for public engagement on Morris Street bike lanes.

The move comes after threats from Tim Houston to backtrack on the vote or the province will step in and do it for them.

The letter

In an open letter to council last month, Houston said he has “great concern” about the plan to eliminate a lane of traffic on Morris Street to accommodate new bikes lanes.

Halifax council rejected a motion to reconsider the Morris Street route, voting 13-to-four to proceed with the plan.

The proposed Morris Street East Connection would link Morris Street to parts of University Avenue, South Street, Cartaret Street, and Oakland Road as part of the city’s broader 53-kilometre bike network, originally approved in 2017.

The Premier cited concerns raised by the Halifax Port Authority and PSA Halifax, which he said should not be ignored.

He also referenced the province’s recently passed Bill 24, which gives the provincial government power to intervene in municipal transportation decisions.

Houston previously raised the Morris Street debate while discussing possible “strong mayor” powers. At the time, he suggested a disconnect between council decisions and the views of residents, saying, “The only people who don’t seem concerned [about traffic] are the people on council.”

-with files from Evan Taylor