The mayor of the Town of Amherst, Nova Scotia says they want to try and discuss options with the New Brunswick government before they slap a toll on a main highway.
It was part of New Brunswick’s spring budget tabled last month, to charge drivers not from their province, $4, with the intent of generating more than $10 million.
In an interview with our newsroom, Rob Small says he was concerned when he found out and now plans to make a move.
“It was like…oh no, not this. We don’t need a toll at the border,” explains Small. “So, our council is going to meet next week and see what folks are saying around because we’re gathering feedback. Then we’ll determine what actions we can take.”
The impact
It is not exactly clear at this time where the toll highway will be but Small says he believes it is planned for somewhere between Aulac and Sackville.
He says this will have an impact on those that work, play and travel to New Brunswick.
“Each time we get across that bridge, we’ll be paying that toll,” says Small.
He says, although some community members say the toll may encourage more to shop local, the reality is it’s going to cost people money and create needless barriers, especially in the two border towns.
“Communities of Tantramar and Cumberland are integrated as far as our jobs, our lives, our families,” explains Small.
Looking into options
When council meets, Small says, they will be looking into talking with political officials from New Brunswick to discuss options, such as the Deputy Minister of Transportation.
Or perhaps, he says, our two premiers will come up with a solution.
“It doesn’t hurt to talk to see if we can’t figure out something,” says Small. “We’re going to try to convince them before they even go ahead with it that maybe there’s a solution that works for both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.”
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