Much comment has been recently expressed on the divisive nature of the Pay Bay Highway, in terms of east and west Sidney and the proposal of retail on the Gateway site.
I have seen the last transportation ministry proposal for the Beacon Avenue and highway interchange. While this proposal serves the mandate of the province, and needs to be respected, the proposal totally ignores the issues facing the Town and its future growth.
I suggest the solution is to remove this divisive element on the land surface by elevating the highway, allowing the Town to expand the Beacon Avenue commercial character and integrate the east and west portions of the Town.
Existing surface traffic patterns would essentially remain the same but without the need to cross the highway. Two left turn lanes to access the highway off Beacon could be light-controlled or with small circles, given the removal of the highway traffic.
It is not unreasonable to acknowledge the revenue potential of the lands to the benefit of the Victoria Airport Authority, the Town and Omicron, but it appears retail use is perhaps not the best option. Gateway would generate less concern if it was to be used for office space or a technical park.
Terry Cattell, Sidney