POMQUET – After a main access route to one of Nova Scotia’s most celebrated and heavily promoted accessible beaches was described as “nearly impassable” during a presentation to Antigonish County council last week, local elected officials have agreed to press the province for improvements to Pomquet Beach Road.
During the Municipality of the County of Antigonish’s committee of the whole meeting on May 12, Chelsea Ash and Gillian Sampson outlined a variety of concerns regarding the condition of the well-travelled dirt road, one used by residents, businesses and tourists alike.
“It has been like this for far too long,” Sampson said, describing the road as being in an “unacceptable condition” for quite some time.
She added that, with proper planning and maintenance from the provincial public works department, the situation could be “completely avoidable.”
Along with myriad potholes – illustrated through photographs shown during the presentation – residents also pointed to drainage issues.
“It needs more than a grader,” Sampson stressed, noting chip sealing and paving would be more appropriate measures.
She noted the road serves as “a main route to one of our greatest assets,” referring to the access it provides to Pomquet Beach Provincial Park, which councillors later noted has received national attention for its accessibility measures.
Sampson also pointed to the adverse effect deteriorating road conditions are having on businesses located along the route.
“It benefits the entire community – on so many levels,” she said.
The presenters explained to council they have repeatedly raised concerns with provincial officials over the years, but with little apparent success.
“Nothing changes,” Sampson said, adding that, at times, they have encountered not only excuses, but hostility.
Sampson reiterated the issue “must be addressed immediately.”
Ash, who lives on the road, said conditions recently became “nearly impassable.”
Noting ongoing conservation efforts in the area, she explained the Department of Natural Resources maintains the section of road beyond the gate leading into the provincial park.
“We need a more permanent solution,” Ash said.
She also raised concerns regarding the condition of a bridge located along the road.
Warden Nicholas MacInnis, who noted he lives on a dirt road, indicated he could “sympathize with the issue.”
Coun. Richelle MacLaughlin (District 3) said council could “certainly advocate” for residents with the province, while Coun. Sterling Garvie (District 10) described the condition of the road as “deplorable.”
CAO Shrilyn Donovan and Coun. Gary Mattie (District 8) also pointed to the contradiction of a provincial park celebrated for accessibility becoming difficult to access because of deteriorating infrastructure.
As part of its advocacy efforts, council approved a motion to send correspondence outlining concerns regarding the condition of Pomquet Beach Road to several provincial ministers and local MLAs.
Reflecting the broader implications of the issue, the correspondence will be sent to the provincial ministers responsible for natural resources; Acadian affairs; communities, culture, tourism and heritage; education; and justice, along with local MLAs.
Donovan also recommended that Ash and Sampson bring their concerns directly to Antigonish MLA Michelle Thompson.
