Spryfield (Community Association) Core AT Network Project

Cycling Nova Scotia is partnering with the Spryfield Community Association to improve walking, rolling, and cycling connections!

About the Project

Cycling Nova Scotia works alongside communities to develop grassroots Active Transportation (AT) plans that reflect local needs, priorities, and visions for the future. Our approach is rooted in collaboration, ensuring that residents, stakeholders, and municipal leaders are active participants in shaping a more connected, accessible, and sustainable community. Through meaningful engagement, we help communities identify opportunities to enhance their walking and cycling networks, improve safety, and create vibrant public spaces that encourage active travel for people of all ages and abilities. The result is a locally informed strategy that not only strengthens transportation options but also deepens community ties—making active mobility a natural, enjoyable, and essential part of everyday life.

Note: This project is not affiliate with the Halifax Regional Municipality

The Core AT Networks Project has four goals:

Develop an active transportation network plan that will contribute to a more equitable, healthy, and sustainable future for residents of the community.
Engage residents to ensure that the network adds value to the community and improves transportation options.
Connect the Blue Route into the community to provide easy access to local businesses and attractions for cycling tourists.
Provide communities with a plan that can leverage financial support from Provincial and Federal funds to build the community’s vision for safe active transportation.

Project Update – June 2026

Following up on Phase 1 engagement, the Spryfield Community Association Active Transportation Network Plan is moving into the next crucial stage. The community input gathered during our initial phase has been used to build a draft active transportation network that will improve biking, walking, and rolling infrastructure in Spryfield. The project team has used community member insights to develop a Conceptual Design for the future active transportation network. The draft network outlines:

• Proposed routes: key corridors designed to safely connect people to schools, parks, and existing active transportation routes.
• Facility types: Proposed infrastructure recommendations, including multi-use pathways, bike lanes, and enhanced pedestrian infrastructure.

We are excited to be launching Phase 2 of community engagement to hear what you think!

We need your local expertise to refine and finalize the plan. While some sections of the network are straightforward or limited in what we can implement, we need your feedback to make sure we’ve considered all the options and prioritize the final network.

Phase 2 is officially open for feedback. You can review the draft active transportation network map and share your feedback through the following channels:

• Take the Online Survey
  • The survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete.
  • The survey will be open until August 10th, 2026
• Stop by our Pop-up Booth
  • Visit our team at one of our pop-up locations this summer!
  • Drop by to view large-format maps, speak directly with the project team, and ask questions.
    Phase 2 Engagement date and location here:

Project Timeline

Phase 1: Vision and Network Planning (March – May 2025)

• Community Engagement Begins
• Stakeholder Workshops
• Network/Route Engagement
• Deliverable: “What We Heard” Report & Draft Network Plan.

Phase 2: Conceptual Design
(Feb 2026 – Ongoing)

• Consultant Engineering & Concept Designs
• Project Team and Public Engagement
• Finalization of Cost Estimates
• Deliverable: “What We Heard” Report, Final Design & Costing 

Phase 3: Implementation Community led
(TBD)

• Grant Applications & Funding Strategy 
• Municipal & Provincial Approvals 
• Construction
• Monitoring & Oversight

Core At Network Project

Reports

• Phase 1 – “What We Heard
• Phase 1 –  Draft Network Report
• Phase 2 – “What We Heard”
• Phase 2 – Interim Report
• Phase 3 – Final Network Report

What Happens Next?

Feedback collected during the second round of engagement will be used to advance the Spryfield Core Active Transportation Network design and develop an implementation plan. Once the Core AT Network Plan is complete, the next crucial step is turning this community-driven vision into reality. Cycling Nova Scotia and the Spryfield Community Association will present the completed plan to the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) for review and incorporation into future planning. Realizing a safer, more connected Spryfield takes time and collaboration, and we are committed to working hand-in-hand with HRM to see these community priorities implemented in our community.

What is the Core AT Network Project?

The Core AT Networks Project aims to link residents to the places they want to go by walking, rolling, or cycling, and connect the provincial Blue Route cycling network to community centres across the province. By working with the community, plans are created for a network of safe cycling infrastructure that allows locals and visitors to travel to the places they most want to visit by bike. We are focusing efforts in communities linked to the Blue Route to advance Nova Scotia’s provincial cycling network.

What is Active Transportation?

Active transportation is an umbrella term for any form of human-powered or non-motorized travel. This includes walking, cycling, skateboarding, rollerblading, and seasonal activities like skiing, canoeing, and kayaking. It also includes micro-mobility devices – such as e bikes, e scooters, and electric mobility aids – when they complement human-powered travel. Active transportation can be used both for practical trips (commuting, running errands) and for recreation (fitness, leisure, and reconnecting with the environment).

Communities benefit in numerous ways when more people choose active transportation: it can boost local businesses by increasing foot traffic, attracting visitors who seek out accessible and engaging places to explore, and reducing carbon emissions. It also supports mental and physical well-being, helping to create healthier, more vibrant communities overall.

Glossary of Active Transportation Infrastructure 

• Bike Lanes: a dedicated portion of the road designated specifically for people on bicycles. These can range from a basic painted lane on the road to a protected bike lane that uses physical barriers like concrete curbs, planters, or flexible posts to completely separate cyclists from moving car traffic. 
• Greenway: A corridor designed for recreation and active travel. Greenways are typically paved or gravel paths surrounded by trees, grass, or natural spaces, offering a scenic route completely away from car traffic.
• Multi-use Pathway: A wide, off-street path built for active transportation users to share. It is completely separated from the road and can be used by pedestrians, runners, cyclists, people pushing strollers, or anyone using a mobility device like a wheelchair.
• Sharrows: Painted markings on the road indicating that a traffic lane is meant to be shared equally by both drivers and cyclists. Unlike a bike lane, there is no separate space; motor vehicles and bikes share the same lane.
• Trails: Pathways that are typically designed for recreation. Trails are often surfaced with crusher dust, gravel, or dirt.