Westwood Egress and Community Engagement Update.
For residents of Westwood Hills and the surrounding communities, emergency access and evacuation routes remain an important part of the conversation following the 2023 wildfires. I know how deeply that experience affected families, and how important it is to have greater options for getting people safely out of our communities when an emergency occurs.
I’m encouraged to see construction beginning on the emergency-only connection from Westwood Hills to Highway 103. This is an important step toward providing an additional emergency route for the subdivision. HRM Regional Council directed staff to proceed with planning, design and engagement for this connection, as well as further investigation into broader community connector routes involving Westwood Hills, Highland Park and Upper Hammonds Plains.
There is also an opportunity right now for residents to have their say on potential roadway connections.
Public engagement is underway:
Online survey: October 5–23
Residents can provide feedback through the online survey and review information about the potential connections.
Community Open Houses:
Wednesday, October 7 | 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Upper Hammonds Plains Community Centre
711 Pockwock Rd.
Thursday, October 15 | 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Tantallon Public Library
3646 Hammonds Plains Rd.
Both are drop-in sessions, so there is no formal presentation or agenda. Residents can come at a time that works for them, speak directly with municipal staff, learn more about the proposed options and provide feedback.
I strongly encourage residents who have an interest in the future of emergency access and connectivity in Westwood Hills, Upper Tantallon and Upper Hammonds Plains to take part.
The experience of 2023 showed us how important safe and reliable egress is. Continuing to improve our communities’ emergency preparedness means listening to residents, examining all reasonable options and working across municipal and provincial jurisdictions to move practical solutions forward.
Your input matters.
