HALIFAX — Decades ago trams could be seen around the city streets of Halifax but the service ended in 1949. According to a citizen’s advocate group called Halifax light Rail Alliance (HaLRA), with the city growing, now is the perfect time to bring light rail back.

The group has proposed a transit line that would stretch from Sackville and loop around the Halifax peninsula to Clayton Park.

HaLRA has also said in the future the network could even go through a cross-harbour tunnel to Dartmouth and continue on to the airport.

“I think Halifax is a bit special compared to other cities, because we already have relatively clear alignments that would be fairly easy to relay the tracks on,” said urban planning advocate and group co-founder Ben MacLeod.

“For instance in the old days before the Halifax Explosion the main train station was north of downtown and so you can still, there are now buildings down there by the dockyard and the shipyard.”

Based on a similar project in the Kitchener-Waterloo area in Ontario, the group estimates the cost would be about $818 million.

“The city is already studying commuter rail which would termianate at the VIA Rail station in the south end, and the benefit of light rail is that it could actually continue through downtown like a tram through the streets,” said Macleod.

Last week Macleod presented the idea to Mayor Mike Savage and Councillor for Halifax South Downtown, Waye Mason. MacLeod said they suggested the plan be presented to a committee of council.