This week’s council meeting kicked off with a staunch objection from Edna Thomson, a homeowner on Miller Road, to council’s plans to create parking on Lot 3, across the street from the Snug Cove House lands. Thomson told council that there seemed to be some “creative play” on the democratic and procedural process for this project. Municipal Chief Administrative Officer, Kathy Lalonde, assured Thomson that all the standard procedures had been followed, and after some discussion later in the meeting, council approved the plans that will allow construction of the project to move forward.
The creation of this proposed lot, which would accommodate approximately 20 cars, is aimed at relieving developments in the Cove from having to meet on-site parking requirements. The concept for the lot has been described as a “forest parking lot” and has been compared to the Crippen Park lot off Dorman Road.
Councillor Sue Ellen Fast told her fellow councillors that she would not vote in favour of the plan, as she is not convinced of the need for so many parking spaces. She called this plan “business as usual” in an era when commuters have proven their flexibilty, when islanders have asked for active forms of transportation, and when there are more options than ever to help people find creative ways to get where they’re going.
Councillor Maureen Nicholson expressed her support for the project, reminding council that the Rennison lot (beside the General Store) is currently available for use by commuters but may not always be, as it is private property. She said she did not see the proposed lot as being “business as usual” as it will allow commuters to walk on the ferry and catch the express bus to downtown, or to take the water taxi - either way, they’d be leaving their cars on-island instead of driving for their whole commute.
Councillor Melanie Mason said she agreed with Councillor Nicholson, adding that she would like to emphasize the temporary nature of the lot. Councillor Gary Ander supported Mason’s idea about the lot being considered temporary.
All councillors except Fast agreed to proceed with the terms of construction as proposed by Municipal Public Works Manager Bob Robinson. The expenses for the project will be capped at $60,000.
