Editor
Re: “New highway not wanted,” Letters, Oct. 23.
The Sunshine Coast Highway Society’s petition, signed by over 6,400 people and presented to the B.C. legislature, clearly referenced the need for a new bypass highway route. A full copy of the petition, available on our website, ends with:
“Your petitioners respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly urge the Government of British Columbia to consider a bypass and help find a solution for the community of the Lower Sunshine Coast regarding the many issues of Highway 101.”
There is no doubt that the Sunshine Coast population will continue to grow, which means that the overloaded and dangerous “Goat Trail” will only get worse.
As our society stated in March 2019: “This is an opportunity to do something that will be spectacular, scenic and sustainable. By taking traffic away from the local neighbourhoods, all of the Coast will be more accessible. It offers the opportunity to build something that is truly innovative using the best of emerging designs and technologies to become an example for new road building throughout the province. The current road is the only route for all resident, commercial and tourist users. No alternate exists in case of emergencies. Among the many challenges of this road are the hundreds if not thousands of private driveways with direct access.”
We call on the new provincial government to take decisive innovative action now. Residents have a right to a quiet and safe life.
Robin Merriott, For Sunshine Coast Highway Society
