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Page 4 of 8 Transportation tops the list, covering issues such as road stability, movement around the island, parking and barge landings.
SIC member Thomas Dobson, a Savary resident for 10 years, said emergency access at the island's west end became an issue after a main shoreline road washed out last year. The fire truck can't make it down the other roads, leaving a number of properties at risk, he said. Moves to correct the problem have become controversial, however. Some roads don't follow the original provincial right-of-ways. Plans have been made to correct the routing, and at the same time, provide access for the fire truck. But Dobson said conservationists have opposed larger roads being cut through, in part because of the fear of more development.
"The very first time the fire truck gets stuck somewhere, then it's going to come to a head," said Dobson, whose own lot is accessible to fire trucks. He pointed out that whether or not the fire trucks can access properties, all owners pay for the fire department through their taxes. "I'm really hoping we can get some compromise."
Dobson found Savary's lack of regulation refreshing when he retired there after 20 years in the air force. He worries the move towards more rules and less freedom will forever change its character. "Part of what I really love about this place is it was the original cottage country. You'd load the family and a bunch of 2x4s on top of the car, and off you'd go," he said. "We'd like to keep the regulation as small as possible, because otherwise all there will be room for is large mansions... There's always been the wealthy here, but traditionally it's always been a mix. With more regulation, it won't be a place you want to live anymore."
Savary had few full-time residents and development only at its two ends when Jane and George Hungerford bought their beachfront cottage 22 years ago. "One of the biggest changes is all the cars," said Jane Hungerford, chair of SIC. "When we were first here, everyone just biked or walked. Now everyone hops in a car."
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