Choose How You Move - Nova Scotia Sustainable Transportation Strategy

Accessible, affordable and safe transportation choices that support well-being.

“The aim of the Sustainable Transportation Strategy is to ensure that our transportation systems support healthy communities by helping us to drive less distance, move more efficiently, use cleaner energy, and provide access to essential services and employment. The strategy seeks to help realize these goals by engaging with our communities to create locally-designed solutions”  (Nova Scotia, 2013, pg. 17).

Interconnected issues point to the need for sustainable transportation

High energy costs, health issues and climate change are cited as the rationale for this sustainable transportation policy. These overlapping factors highlight the complexity of transportation issues in Nova Scotia. The Plan mentions that one way of addressing the overlapping challenges is to bring the concept of sustainable transportation into all levels of the transportation system, “from provincial-level policy to individual choices” (Nova Scotia, 2013, pg. 10).

What makes this strategy interesting is its unique leadership and collaboration approach. The Department of Energy was assigned the responsibility of overseeing the sustainable transportation team, which includes members from departments such as the Department of Health and Wellness, Nova Scotia Environment, Department of Transportation, Municipal Relations and Service Nova Scotia.

Evaluation as the key to success

Tracking progress is a core element of this plan, and ensures implementation of the policies laid out in the plan. Progress is tracked by Dalhousie Transportation Research Collaboratory (DalTRAC). The provincial government has successfully engaged communities to create locally designed solutions through the Connect2 Grant program. The program considers community applications to fund sustainable transportation infrastructure projects and public engagement or education campaigns. The projects funded through the grant program are having a positive effect and in 2016 DalTRAC noted an increase in the number of people using active transportation modes in Nova Scotia.

A map of projects funded is available here, and some examples include:

• Riverview Trail to Waterfront Connector: helps local seniors get downtown
• Feasibility Study for a downtown Bike Lane
• Nature Trail Extension: connects residents to a local health centre and town hall
• Highway Overpass: accommodates a multi-use pathway
• Railway Bed paving: turns an old railway into part of a provincial cycle network.

We dig how you’re taking positive, economically beneficial action on climate change, Nova Scotia!