An aerial view of the new public space and nearby infrastructure included in this project.
Project overview
The municipality is advancing the All Ages and Abilities (AAA) bicycle network to enhance safety and connectivity on Brunswick Street between Spring Garden Road and Cogswell Street.
This project includes the following on- and off-street improvements:
- Protected two-way bike lanes will be installed on the west side of Brunswick Street in this area.
- A new landscaped public space at the foot of Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, creating a more welcoming gateway to downtown.
- Sidewalk accessibility will be improved near the intersection of Brunswick and Sackville streets with upgrades to pedestrian ramps and the removal of existing pinch points.
- The existing right-turn slip lane at the intersection of Brunswick and Sackville streets will be replaced with a longer, dedicated right-turn lane. Based on traffic modelling, this change is expected to improve southbound traffic flow on Brunswick Street during the AM peak.
This project aligns with the Integrated Mobility Plan (IMP), which identifies Brunswick Street as a key corridor for protected bikeways and enhanced streetscaping. These improvements will link key destinations in the downtown core, driven by future developments and growing residential density.
Map of the project area
Rendering of the new public space at the corner of Brunswick and Sackville streets
New public space at Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
As part of this project, the municipality is creating a new landscaped public space at the foot of Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
Located at the intersection of Brunswick and Sackville streets, this space will replace the existing right-turn slip lane with a more inviting, pedestrian-focused area. A dedicated right-turn lane will be introduced alongside this public space to maintain effective vehicle movement through the intersection.
The new space will include:
- Brick pavers, planters, and lawn terraces with integrated seating
- Interpretive panels sharing the history of the area
- Additional trees and plants
- Stairs connecting to the informal pathway leading to Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
The aim is to create a more comfortable and accessible entry point to downtown for people walking, rolling and cycling.
While the majority of this work is taking place on municipal property, a small amount of this work will take place on Parks Canada-administered land. The public space design was developed in collaboration with Parks Canada to ensure consistency with the surrounding national historic site.
This improvement is part of the municipality’s Complete Streets approach, which aims to improve safety, comfort and accessibility for people of all ages and abilities using various modes of transportation.
Construction impacts
Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the work, including access to businesses and residential properties. The contractor will prepare and submit a traffic management plan for municipal review and approval. The traffic management plan will include steps to help reduce disruptions where possible.
More detailed timelines and traffic impacts will be determined following coordination meetings with the contractor. Marked detours will be in place as needed, and traffic delays or road closures will be communicated in advance wherever possible.
Project updates
Traffic impacts related to this work will be communicated in advance whenever possible. The contractor is responsible for providing written notification of upcoming construction impacts to residents and businesses directly adjacent to the project area.
The municipality will also share traffic impact information and other project updates with media, on halifax.ca/news, and on the municipal Bluesky account: @hfxgov.bsky.social.
Project history
- Project background
Regional Council voted in support of the Brunswick Street Functional Plan on Jan, 10, 2023. Since then, the municipality has been working to develop and finalize the design for this area, incorporating feedback from past community engagement sessions. Learn more about past engagement efforts for this project here.
- Past community engagement
Public engagement was launched on August 23, 2021, via Shape Your City and YouTube.
The survey and recorded presentation were advertised through sponsored posts on Facebook and shared on the municipality’s Twitter (now known as X), Instagram, and Facebook accounts. The survey link was also emailed to external stakeholders including businesses along the corridor and cycling advocacy groups. The survey closed on September 30, 2021, with 1100 responses, at that time the video had been viewed 325 times on YouTube and the Shape your City page had received more than 3700 visits.
Common questions
- What is the Brunswick Complete Streets AAA Bikeway project?
The project will enhance safety, comfort, and connectivity for people walking, cycling, and driving between Spring Garden Road and Cogswell Street. It also includes a new landscaped public space at the foot of Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and accessibility upgrades at key intersections.
- When was this project approved?
Halifax Regional Council approved the Brunswick Complete Streets project on January 10, 2023.
- What will the new public space at the foot of Halifax Citadel National Historic Site look like?
The new space will include brick pavers, seating, interpretive panels, trees and plants, and tiered lawn terraces with integrated stairs connecting to the well-used informal pathway leading to the Perimeter Road at the top of Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. The goal is to create a safer, more inviting entrance to downtown for pedestrians.
- Will any landscaping happen on Parks Canada-administered land?
Most of this project will take place on municipal land that is currently part of the roadway and will address issues at the foot of Halifax Citadel National Historic Site where a steep and heavily worn, pedestrian path is currently causing erosion.
Though only a small amount of work will be done on Parks Canada-administered land. Parks Canada and Halifax Regional Municipality have been actively working together throughout the design process.- Will removing the right-turn slip lane from Brunswick onto Sackville impact traffic?
Traffic modelling showed this change will have minimal impact overall. During morning peak travel times, this change is expected to improve traffic flow due to the new dedicated right-turn lane and optimized lane use.
- What exactly is changing at the intersection of Brunswick and Sackville streets?
- The current right-turn slip lane will be replaced by a landscaped public space.
- A dedicated right-turn lane will be created for southbound traffic.
- The southbound left-turn lane will become a shared through/left-turn lane.
- Why are bike lanes being added to Brunswick Street?
Bike lanes have existed on this section of Brunswick Street for nearly 25 years. This project upgrades them to a two-way configuration on the west side of the street, improving protection and connectivity to nearby bikeways on Cogswell Street, Rainnie Drive, Gottingen Street, and through Dalhousie’s Spring Garden campus.
- Will this project affect parking?
Yes, to accommodate the new two-way protected bike lane between Sackville Street and Spring Garden Road, some on-street parking will be removed.
- Will the traffic signals be changing?
Yes. New bike-specific traffic signals will be added at key intersections (Cogswell, Duke/Gottingen, and Sackville). These will improve safety but may result in some signal timing changes for drivers.
- Will this project affect any sidewalk cafés?
Patios will need to be temporarily removed to allow the road to be repaved. Impacted businesses are aware of this detail and will be given advance notice before this phase of the work begins.
Project contact
Call 311 or email contactus@311.halifax.ca.