Egress Options in the 2026/2027 Capital Budget

As many already know, I've been actively tracking, and providing community feedback to the Region-wide Subdivision Egress Review Study that was recently approved by Regional Council. 

In August, I received confirmation that, while the study is well underway, the report and outcomes of that study will not be fully finished in time for budget deliberations. At best, that report is tracking to return to Regional Council in the new year.

While it's important that the report is comprehensive and thorough, District 13 and HRM cannot wait. We can't lose a year of planning and construction awaiting a report due to budget-timing constraints, if we have the opportunity to act now. On August 19th, I presented a motion to Regional Council (here) asking for early findings of that report be considered in the 2026/2027 Capital Budget Plan. 

 Also, while the plan may be comprehensive in terms of identifying at-risk communities, HRM currently does not currently have an agreement with provincial partners over responsibility and maintenance for egress for communities that exist on provincial roads, or private roads leading to provincial roads. A significant amount of District 13's communities are on provincial, not municipal roads (please see my blog post on Snow Plowing to get a better understanding of roads in District 13), and having that understanding will be critical to implement that plan. 

Lastly, the report asks that staff consider all funding opportunities - both provincial and federal, to help offset costs for the multi-year project.