Halifax Council is going to take a deeper look at the AAA bike network in an effort to lower the cost of its skyrocketing budget.

Mayor Andy Fillmore tabled the motion last week, to take another look last week during ongoing budget deliberations; Tuesday, it was voted ahead 10-5.

The network is for all ages and abilities with certain safety standards but is projected to cost about $85 million.

With a looming 10.9 per cent tax increase, Council has been suggesting ways to avoid such a jump, by modifying some big-ticket projects.

Fillmore said he not only wants to complete a bike network that is faster and more affordable than is currently planned but also avoid a tax bill doubling in the next few years.

“On January 22 budget committee report, we’ll be at 19 per cent in 10 years if we don’t make some changes. That doesn’t even include the Halifax Forum, the bus rapid transit, the Burnside transit facility or Windsor Street Exchange,” said Fillmore.

Fillmore added, it would be deeply unwise to proceed with the project without looking into more affordable options.

“While it may be tiresome to have this conversation, I can promise you and I can promise the residents of HRM, I will continue to have this tiresome conversation on overspending until it stops.”

A few councillors were against the motion going ahead.

Councillor Sean Cleary said road safety was one of the reasons he was elected and the AAA network is safe.

“It separates people on those arterials and collectors from traffic. If you don’t want to do that, you’re essentially saying I’m fine with killing people.”

Councillors Sam Austin, Janet Steele, Kathryn Morse and Laura White also voted against.