The Government of Nova Scotia announced that a new CEO has been appointed to the Joint Regional Transportation Agency, the organization working to create a transportation plan for Halifax Regional Municipality and surrounding areas. A contract was also awarded to HDR Corporation to provide professional services to support the creation of the regional plan after winning a competition for the work.

Mark Peck assumes the leadership role at the agency after serving as Associate Deputy Minister of the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing and CEO of the Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency. Mr. Peck has more than 34 years of public service experience.

“We are extremely fortunate to have a dedicated and experienced leader like Mark Peck join the agency, and I want to personally thank him for taking on this important role,” said Public Works Minister Kim Masland. “Together with the team at HDR, I know we have the people we need to make sure we are ready to meet the challenge of providing safe and effective transportation options for our growing population.”

As part of its work to develop a regional transportation plan, the agency will conduct a comprehensive review of all modes of transportation in Halifax Regional Municipality and surrounding areas, including highways and other roads, bridges, ferries, transit, rail, airports, ports and active transportation. The plan will consider population growth and the safe and efficient movement of people and goods.

“Nova Scotia’s population is growing, and our transportation network needs to support that. I’m eager to take on this challenge and I am looking forward to working with our advisory board partners to create a plan that will enhance our system and benefit my fellow Nova Scotians,” said Peck.

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The agency’s advisory board includes representatives from the Province, Halifax Regional Municipality, Halifax International Airport Authority, Halifax Harbour Bridges, the Halifax Port Authority and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

  • The regional transportation plan contract has a value of just over $1 million and will take about two years to complete.
  • WSP Canada was the successful applicant under a separate request for proposals to create a regional travel demand model; the contract is still under negotiation.
  • WSP Canada Inc. was also the successful applicant under another request for proposals to provide communications and engagement services support for the development of the regional transportation plan; the contract is still under negotiation

Featured image: In June 2022, Nova Bus was awarded a contract for up to 60 LFSe+, the 40’ long-range 100% battery electric bus model of Nova Bus, by Halifax Transit. (Nova Bus)

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