Sara F.L. Kirk
@sflkirk.bsky.social
Health Promotion Prof @dalhousie.bsky.social. Posting mainly about pop health, climate anxiety & advocacy for safe streets. UK export now physically located in Kjipuktuk/Halifax, Canada. Volunteer board member of @velocanadabikes.bsky.social. She/her.
Pinned
Sara F.L. Kirk
@sflkirk.bsky.social
· Nov 11
Thought I'd better crack on with a pinned intro. I'm an applied health researcher, using primarily qualitative methods & focus on how policies & environments shape health behaviours like healthy eating & active living. I ❤️ bikes & volunteer with Velo Canada Bikes to promote a #BikeFriendlyCanada 🚲
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
submission to councillors on proposed cuts to the 2026 27 budget, also road safety budget items
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Submission on 2026 27 budget decisions
Dear Councillors, I appreciate you have an extremely challenging week ahead. There are many big spend projects and ongoing work ahead including ongoing road maintenance, and it appears this has ultim...
docs.google.com
February 15, 2026 at 7:33 PM
submission to councillors on proposed cuts to the 2026 27 budget, also road safety budget items
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
This organization calling themselves “stop the property tax hike” are landlords.
The same landlords who set your rent.
They’re willing to spend tens of thousands of dollars on facebook ads, but not willing to pay their fare share of taxes!
The same landlords who set your rent.
They’re willing to spend tens of thousands of dollars on facebook ads, but not willing to pay their fare share of taxes!
February 15, 2026 at 7:43 PM
This organization calling themselves “stop the property tax hike” are landlords.
The same landlords who set your rent.
They’re willing to spend tens of thousands of dollars on facebook ads, but not willing to pay their fare share of taxes!
The same landlords who set your rent.
They’re willing to spend tens of thousands of dollars on facebook ads, but not willing to pay their fare share of taxes!
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
The not-for-profit sector will be impacted very directly by two of these four items, and indirectly by the consequences of reducing commitment to HalifACT.
Non-profits do not vote, and (mostly) do not donate money to politicians.
This is cowardly politics.
Non-profits do not vote, and (mostly) do not donate money to politicians.
This is cowardly politics.
THIS is the plan @andyfillmorehfx.bsky.social is pitching so that he can keep taxes low for his landlord buddies upset because their parasitic business plans don’t work. Making literally everyone else pay so his friends can avoid paying their fair share.
Absolutely disgusting.
Absolutely disgusting.
February 15, 2026 at 1:37 PM
The not-for-profit sector will be impacted very directly by two of these four items, and indirectly by the consequences of reducing commitment to HalifACT.
Non-profits do not vote, and (mostly) do not donate money to politicians.
This is cowardly politics.
Non-profits do not vote, and (mostly) do not donate money to politicians.
This is cowardly politics.
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
How deaf can our "leaders" be to not know the vast majority of us are sick of who runs the show. But I feel for them. It's like the growth in their wealth has been stagnant, less than inflation and far less than average wage growth.
THIS is the plan @andyfillmorehfx.bsky.social is pitching so that he can keep taxes low for his landlord buddies upset because their parasitic business plans don’t work. Making literally everyone else pay so his friends can avoid paying their fair share.
Absolutely disgusting.
Absolutely disgusting.
February 15, 2026 at 3:01 PM
How deaf can our "leaders" be to not know the vast majority of us are sick of who runs the show. But I feel for them. It's like the growth in their wealth has been stagnant, less than inflation and far less than average wage growth.
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
THIS is the plan @andyfillmorehfx.bsky.social is pitching so that he can keep taxes low for his landlord buddies upset because their parasitic business plans don’t work. Making literally everyone else pay so his friends can avoid paying their fair share.
Absolutely disgusting.
Absolutely disgusting.
February 14, 2026 at 9:58 PM
THIS is the plan @andyfillmorehfx.bsky.social is pitching so that he can keep taxes low for his landlord buddies upset because their parasitic business plans don’t work. Making literally everyone else pay so his friends can avoid paying their fair share.
Absolutely disgusting.
Absolutely disgusting.
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
This is what kills me about all of this: property taxes aren't that big an expense for me at the end of the day and TBH I wouldn't even mind paying more if it meant we could live in a better city. But louder voices are happy to burn it all down just to save a buck
THIS is the plan @andyfillmorehfx.bsky.social is pitching so that he can keep taxes low for his landlord buddies upset because their parasitic business plans don’t work. Making literally everyone else pay so his friends can avoid paying their fair share.
Absolutely disgusting.
Absolutely disgusting.
February 15, 2026 at 12:16 PM
This is what kills me about all of this: property taxes aren't that big an expense for me at the end of the day and TBH I wouldn't even mind paying more if it meant we could live in a better city. But louder voices are happy to burn it all down just to save a buck
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
I finally got around to emailing council to remind them that car ownership costs average people over $700,000 over their working life.
#bikehfx and transit are huge affordability measures
#bikehfx and transit are huge affordability measures
February 15, 2026 at 3:50 PM
I finally got around to emailing council to remind them that car ownership costs average people over $700,000 over their working life.
#bikehfx and transit are huge affordability measures
#bikehfx and transit are huge affordability measures
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
We’ve all trained ourselves to see car infrastructure as “normal” — and therefore its costs as invisible. Roads aren’t expensive, they’re just there. Parking spaces aren’t subsidies, they’re just “necessary”.
But a bus that runs on demand?
That’s
“spending taxpayer money”.
But a bus that runs on demand?
That’s
“spending taxpayer money”.
Here are my thoughts for all of you who are tired of hearing people tell them that alternative forms of transportation are “expensive”—while billions are poured into the car system.
For decades.
It's a framing game.
Devoid of content.
Fact-averse.
But successful.
medium.com/@Katja_Diehl...
For decades.
It's a framing game.
Devoid of content.
Fact-averse.
But successful.
medium.com/@Katja_Diehl...
The Framing Game: Why We Call Affordable Mobility “Too Costly” While Subsidizing Cars.
Or: How a society convinced itself that saving money is actually spending it
medium.com
February 15, 2026 at 6:35 PM
We’ve all trained ourselves to see car infrastructure as “normal” — and therefore its costs as invisible. Roads aren’t expensive, they’re just there. Parking spaces aren’t subsidies, they’re just “necessary”.
But a bus that runs on demand?
That’s
“spending taxpayer money”.
But a bus that runs on demand?
That’s
“spending taxpayer money”.
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
Defeating car culture is the only way to rescue government budgets everywhere.
We’ve all trained ourselves to see car infrastructure as “normal” — and therefore its costs as invisible. Roads aren’t expensive, they’re just there. Parking spaces aren’t subsidies, they’re just “necessary”.
But a bus that runs on demand?
That’s
“spending taxpayer money”.
But a bus that runs on demand?
That’s
“spending taxpayer money”.
Here are my thoughts for all of you who are tired of hearing people tell them that alternative forms of transportation are “expensive”—while billions are poured into the car system.
For decades.
It's a framing game.
Devoid of content.
Fact-averse.
But successful.
medium.com/@Katja_Diehl...
For decades.
It's a framing game.
Devoid of content.
Fact-averse.
But successful.
medium.com/@Katja_Diehl...
February 15, 2026 at 6:36 PM
Defeating car culture is the only way to rescue government budgets everywhere.
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
We are up against this right now in #bikehfx
Defeating car culture is the only way to rescue government budgets everywhere.
We’ve all trained ourselves to see car infrastructure as “normal” — and therefore its costs as invisible. Roads aren’t expensive, they’re just there. Parking spaces aren’t subsidies, they’re just “necessary”.
But a bus that runs on demand?
That’s
“spending taxpayer money”.
But a bus that runs on demand?
That’s
“spending taxpayer money”.
February 15, 2026 at 6:38 PM
We are up against this right now in #bikehfx
Legally crossing Joe Howe @ Springvale with OH
Heard the screech of tyres
Saw a driver blowing through the red light & coming at us before realising their error
Feared for my life
Cursed the elected officials who refuse to make road safety a priority.
This is #ZeroVisionHFX Every. Single. Day.
Heard the screech of tyres
Saw a driver blowing through the red light & coming at us before realising their error
Feared for my life
Cursed the elected officials who refuse to make road safety a priority.
This is #ZeroVisionHFX Every. Single. Day.
February 15, 2026 at 7:20 PM
Legally crossing Joe Howe @ Springvale with OH
Heard the screech of tyres
Saw a driver blowing through the red light & coming at us before realising their error
Feared for my life
Cursed the elected officials who refuse to make road safety a priority.
This is #ZeroVisionHFX Every. Single. Day.
Heard the screech of tyres
Saw a driver blowing through the red light & coming at us before realising their error
Feared for my life
Cursed the elected officials who refuse to make road safety a priority.
This is #ZeroVisionHFX Every. Single. Day.
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
That's correct.
Of the roads that have ever had volumes assessed, about 75% have less volume than at least some of the bike network.
Of the roads that have ever had volumes assessed, about 75% have less volume than at least some of the bike network.
February 15, 2026 at 1:28 PM
That's correct.
Of the roads that have ever had volumes assessed, about 75% have less volume than at least some of the bike network.
Of the roads that have ever had volumes assessed, about 75% have less volume than at least some of the bike network.
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
Are these daily vehicle counts? That is a whole lot of roads that count fewer cars per day than the number of bikes that are counted on South Park,Vernon, the Macdonald bridge etc
February 15, 2026 at 12:52 PM
Are these daily vehicle counts? That is a whole lot of roads that count fewer cars per day than the number of bikes that are counted on South Park,Vernon, the Macdonald bridge etc
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
A little bit more (I have to run to the gym)
February 15, 2026 at 12:29 PM
A little bit more (I have to run to the gym)
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
Draft traffic map.
February 15, 2026 at 12:12 PM
Draft traffic map.
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
Here are my thoughts for all of you who are tired of hearing people tell them that alternative forms of transportation are “expensive”—while billions are poured into the car system.
For decades.
It's a framing game.
Devoid of content.
Fact-averse.
But successful.
medium.com/@Katja_Diehl...
For decades.
It's a framing game.
Devoid of content.
Fact-averse.
But successful.
medium.com/@Katja_Diehl...
The Framing Game: Why We Call Affordable Mobility “Too Costly” While Subsidizing Cars.
Or: How a society convinced itself that saving money is actually spending it
medium.com
February 15, 2026 at 12:15 PM
Here are my thoughts for all of you who are tired of hearing people tell them that alternative forms of transportation are “expensive”—while billions are poured into the car system.
For decades.
It's a framing game.
Devoid of content.
Fact-averse.
But successful.
medium.com/@Katja_Diehl...
For decades.
It's a framing game.
Devoid of content.
Fact-averse.
But successful.
medium.com/@Katja_Diehl...
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
I’m kinda confused by this, because we’d definitely be dismissed as the “bicycle lobby” (or similar).
February 14, 2026 at 8:21 PM
I’m kinda confused by this, because we’d definitely be dismissed as the “bicycle lobby” (or similar).
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
I mean, if they knows the truth and the real problem, and is concerned about the direction himself...... one could ask why they are listening to paid lobby groups instead of doing the right thing.
February 14, 2026 at 8:21 PM
I mean, if they knows the truth and the real problem, and is concerned about the direction himself...... one could ask why they are listening to paid lobby groups instead of doing the right thing.
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
I think the actual lesson from @samaustind5.bsky.social comments is that he and others on council perceive organized blocs dominating particular meeting slots as more influential than a larger number of speakers spread organically across meetings.
February 14, 2026 at 7:25 PM
I think the actual lesson from @samaustind5.bsky.social comments is that he and others on council perceive organized blocs dominating particular meeting slots as more influential than a larger number of speakers spread organically across meetings.
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
Also going to point out this exchange I spotted on Reddit. Right now we are losing this battle to the landlord lobby groups.
You can speak to Halifax Council in person or online on Wednesday February 18 or Wednesday March 4.
You can speak to Halifax Council in person or online on Wednesday February 18 or Wednesday March 4.
February 14, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Also going to point out this exchange I spotted on Reddit. Right now we are losing this battle to the landlord lobby groups.
You can speak to Halifax Council in person or online on Wednesday February 18 or Wednesday March 4.
You can speak to Halifax Council in person or online on Wednesday February 18 or Wednesday March 4.
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
“Administrative Order 1 allows any Councillor to ask for combined motions to be voted on individually. We’re going to end up voting on cuts one by one like we always do.”
GOOD. No one gets to hide.
GOOD. No one gets to hide.
My Council blog from the last two weeks of budgeting. Austerity by surprise? Council will be considering major cuts on March 4. samaustin.ca/council-upda...
Council Update: Austerity or Not? - Sam Austin
Council’s budget deliberations are well underway at City Hall. February is the busiest time of the year for Councillors as budget meetings fill up several additional days each week. So far, Council ha...
samaustin.ca
February 14, 2026 at 5:43 PM
“Administrative Order 1 allows any Councillor to ask for combined motions to be voted on individually. We’re going to end up voting on cuts one by one like we always do.”
GOOD. No one gets to hide.
GOOD. No one gets to hide.
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
If you care at all about the future of Halifax, about transit or about equity, please read this!!
My Council blog from the last two weeks of budgeting. Austerity by surprise? Council will be considering major cuts on March 4. samaustin.ca/council-upda...
Council Update: Austerity or Not? - Sam Austin
Council’s budget deliberations are well underway at City Hall. February is the busiest time of the year for Councillors as budget meetings fill up several additional days each week. So far, Council ha...
samaustin.ca
February 14, 2026 at 6:57 PM
If you care at all about the future of Halifax, about transit or about equity, please read this!!
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
More Info at the link below.
My Council blog from the last two weeks of budgeting. Austerity by surprise? Council will be considering major cuts on March 4. samaustin.ca/council-upda...
Council Update: Austerity or Not? - Sam Austin
Council’s budget deliberations are well underway at City Hall. February is the busiest time of the year for Councillors as budget meetings fill up several additional days each week. So far, Council ha...
samaustin.ca
February 14, 2026 at 7:50 PM
More Info at the link below.
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
Begrudgingly signed up to speak at the meeting Wed, again, this time in person.
My Council blog from the last two weeks of budgeting. Austerity by surprise? Council will be considering major cuts on March 4. samaustin.ca/council-upda...
Council Update: Austerity or Not? - Sam Austin
Council’s budget deliberations are well underway at City Hall. February is the busiest time of the year for Councillors as budget meetings fill up several additional days each week. So far, Council ha...
samaustin.ca
February 14, 2026 at 8:07 PM
Begrudgingly signed up to speak at the meeting Wed, again, this time in person.
Reposted by Sara F.L. Kirk
« I find it difficult to imagine Council canceling other projects or programs with so little information or so little care for finding alternative approaches »
Appreciate the thorough explanation of the budget process right now and this Councillor’s decision-making process.
Appreciate the thorough explanation of the budget process right now and this Councillor’s decision-making process.
My Council blog from the last two weeks of budgeting. Austerity by surprise? Council will be considering major cuts on March 4. samaustin.ca/council-upda...
Council Update: Austerity or Not? - Sam Austin
Council’s budget deliberations are well underway at City Hall. February is the busiest time of the year for Councillors as budget meetings fill up several additional days each week. So far, Council ha...
samaustin.ca
February 15, 2026 at 1:47 AM
« I find it difficult to imagine Council canceling other projects or programs with so little information or so little care for finding alternative approaches »
Appreciate the thorough explanation of the budget process right now and this Councillor’s decision-making process.
Appreciate the thorough explanation of the budget process right now and this Councillor’s decision-making process.