About the Project
West Hants Regional Municipality, in collaboration with WSP Canada Inc., has initiated a Zero Emission Transportation Feasibility Study to examine opportunities for introducing a sustainable, community-focused transportation service. The Study will assess the feasibility of a zero-emission system that is reliable, affordable, and tailored to the needs of residents across the Municipality.
What does “zero-emission” mean for residents?
A zero-emission transportation system means vehicles that do not produce exhaust pollutants such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen oxides while operating. For residents, this could mean:
- Cleaner air and quieter streets, improving local health and quality of life.
- Lower long-term operating costs for the Municipality and transit users, as electric or hydrogen vehicles can be more efficient to maintain
- A modern, sustainable travel option that supports the community’s climate goals and helps future-proof local infrastructure
Key goals of the Study include:
- Identifying potential populations served and their demographic needs
- Assessing possible routes, stops, infrastructure, vehicle size/type, and integration with existing transportation services
- Supporting WHRM’s goal to reduce annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 45% by 2030 through enabling access to services without reliance on a single-occupant vehicle.
Why It Matters
Transportation plays a major role in community mobility, inclusion, and environmental sustainability. In WHRM, offering a low- or zero-emissions transit solution can:
- Provide more travel options for people who don’t want to or are unable to drive.
- Improve connections to areas across our municipality for residents to travel to work and school, access health care and social services, visit businesses, go to events, etc.
- Support the Municipality’s broader climate and infrastructure goals by reducing reliance on fossil-fuel travel.
What We’re Exploring
- Service Design: What size of vehicles, what routes, and stop locations make sense for WHRM?
- Integration: How this service can link with existing transit (West Hants Dial-a-Ride), regional connections (Halifax Transit and/or Kings Transit), and active transportation (walking/cycling).
- Infrastructure: What charging/maintenance infrastructure is required for zero emission vehicles? What hubs or stops are needed?
- Feasibility & Costs: Capital and operating cost modelling, revenue and subsidy considerations, funding opportunities and partnership models.
- Equity & Accessibility: A transit service that reaches all community segments (seniors, people with mobility challenges, low-income households, students/youth) and supports local economic and social goals.
Get Involved
Have Your Say!
Help shape the future of public transportation in West Hants Regional Municipality! We’re exploring options for a zero-emission transit service, and want your ideas on what would work best for our community.
There are two ways to participate:
Take the Online Survey
Tell us how you travel, what barriers you face, and what kind of service would best meet your needs. Scan the QR code below or visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WHRM-transit. The survey will be open until December 5th, 2025.
Attend an Open House
Drop-in to chat with the project team, explore options, and tell us what matters most to you. Stay tuned for future events!
Past Events
November 19th, 2025
- 1:00-2:30pm – Southwest Hants Fire Station (1884 Hwy 14, Windsor, NS B0N 2T0)
- 3:30-5:00pm – Ardoise Community Hall (3 Ardoise School Rd, Ellershouse, NS B0N 1L0)
- 6:30-8:00pm – West Hants Sports Complex (16 Centennial Dr, Windsor, NS B0N 2T0)
November 24th, 2025
- 1:00-2:30pm – Hantsport Tennis Club (6 Main St, Hantsport, NS B0P 1P0)
- 3:30-5:00pm – West Hants Sports Complex (16 Centennial Dr, Windsor, NS B0N 2T0)
- 6:30-8:00pm – Brooklyn Civic Centre (995 Hwy 215, Newport, NS B0N 2A0)
Project Contacts
All public feedback and inquiries will be directed to a dedicated project email as shown below.
Key Project Contacts (Who’s Listening)
- John Ogilvie, Project Manager, West Hants Regional Municipality -
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - David McCusker, Project Manager, WSP Canada Inc. -
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Timeline
