Argyle Street pedestrian thoroughfare approved by council

Council will be cutting traffic lanes on Argyle Street in downtown Halifax to make way for a pedestrian thoroughfare as part of a trial.

The street, a popular nightspot with many bars and restaurants and home of Neptune Theatre, currently has one lane for cars to drive down.

The pilot project, approved by council earlier this week, will test a pedestrian-only lane in the section of Argyle between Blowers and Sackville streets.

"Argyle Street is the heart of entertainment in Halifax and is positioned to become a showcase street in the city. Ideas for enhancing the streetscape have been discussed for many years," the council report from the Planning and Design Centre says.

The report says the plan includes input from local businesses and the community at large.

"It is a community-driven plan," says the report.

Business owners and patrons of the area have been supportive of the plan, which would also be cyclist friendly.

City staff estimate the trial will cost $40,000.