Alberta transportation minister Devin Dreeshen says a recent court ruling in Ontario affirms government authority over municipal infrastructure as Alberta works on its own transportation legislation.
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In an Aug. 15 statement, Dreeshen welcomed the Ontario Court of Appeal decision, calling it a victory for common sense and elected leadership.
“The decision from Ontario’s Court of Appeal is a win for common sense and for elected governments’ ability to make decisions in the public interest,” Dreeshen said. “The appeal court made clear that governments have the authority to make and change transportation policy and that there is no constitutional right to a bike lane.”
The province is currently drafting legislation aimed at regulating how transportation infrastructure is developed across Alberta. Dreeshen noted that provincial officials will review the Ontario court’s findings as they finalize the upcoming bill.
“Albertans expect their government to make transportation decisions based on what works for our communities,” Dreeshen said, adding that policy should focus on overall road safety rather than ideology. “We need to consider how infrastructure works for everyone who uses our roads.”
The provincial government has not yet provided a specific timeline for when the proposed transportation legislation will be introduced.
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