Sidney mayoral candidate Steve Price says he wants his position on the future of Beacon Avenue clarified from the News Review’s report on the forum held Oct. 21 at the Mary Winspear Centre.
In the report, the News Review briefly outlined each candidate’s position on Beacon Avenue traffic flow and whether they favour keeping it as-is, or making it a two-way route.
Currently, the stretch of Beacon between Fifth and First streets is one-way.
The candidates, Price, Steve Duck, Don Amos and Cliff McNeil-Smith were asked whether they’d make the route two-way, if elected.
As reported, Price, Amos and McNeil-Smith leaned towards the ‘no’ side, with only McNeil-Smith stating outright ‘no’ — and nothing else. Price referred to a municipal satisfaction survey that showed 90 per cent of respondents want the road left as-is. He said he’s willing to support that result and not change the street. Amos noted that the one-way pattern works well. In fact, he was serving as mayor when the street was changed from two-way to the split traffic pattern. He added if the traffic flow were to change, the entire downtown traffic pattern would have to be examined and that could take years. He added he likes it the way it is.
Duck said current traffic flow is confusing and noted when the one-way system was started, it was supposed to be a six-month trial. He added to determine the best way possible, the council would have to consider all options — from cars to pedestrians and bikes.
The traffic issue has been top of mind among some Sidney business owners for years.
Sidney’s mayoral candidates join their council counterparts at the next public forum, Nov. 4, 7 p.m. at the Mary Winspear Centre — hosted by the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and the News Review.