Zero Emissions Transportation Feasibility Study

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 visithttps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WHRM-transit. The survey will be open until December 5th, 2025.

Survey QR Code

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

zero emissions study timeline