Dean Kenley would like to see a look off on the 101 above Smith's Cove.
"The view from up there with Bear Island, the Gut, the whole Annapolis Basin is just fantastic," says Kenley. "We just need a safe spot for people to pull off the road and enjoy the view."
Kenley, a board member with the Digby Area Tourism Association, has made up a diagram showing a 120-foot long by 50-foot wide parking space, which fits within the 200 foot right of way belonging to the Department of Transportation. Kenley's diagram shows car and bus parking, interpretation panels and a big arrow pointing to the "Beautiful Annapolis Basin and Digby Gut".
He sent that diagram to Brian Foote at the Department of Transportation who says the idea is possible.
Foote supports the idea of providing a safe spot for drivers to pull off, instead of them just stopping on the shoulder as they do now.
He does however have concerns that only one look off the westbound side of the road might draw traffic across from the eastbound lane, creating an even more dangerous situation. He says a second look off on the eastbound side of the road might also be necessary.
He advised Kenley to seek funding, possibly from the Department of Tourism, and then make a formal proposal to the Department of Transportation.
Ian Barnes, chair of DATA is helping gather support for that formal proposal. He sent a letter to the Municipality of the District of Digby asking for written support.
"Travelling west on Highway 101 and coming off the Bear River Bridge heading towards Digby you climb a small hill," says Barnes' letter. "At the top of that hill is a breath-taking panoramic view of the Annapolis Basin, Digby Gut and many other beautiful areas of our community. This spot has been a popular stopping area for travellers to admire the view and scenery."
Council agreed, Tuesday night, April 10 to write a letter of support for DATA's project.
jriley@digbycourier.ca
