Access NS outlet shuts down for contentious move to Bayers Lake
Posted Sep 24, 2010 05:36:32 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The normally bustling Access Nova Scotia office in the West End Mall will be quiet today.
The outlet is closing down as staff shuffle over to a new home in Bayers Lake.
It’s a move that provincial officials say couldn’t be avoided – but it’s not sitting well with some taxpayers.
Service Nova Scotia Minister Ramona Jennex says the move to Bayers Lake couldn’t be avoided.
“The Access Nova Scotia office, their lease was expired,” she said. “We didn’t have the option of renewing it at that location so we went out to tender.”
Jennex says officials made sure the new location had a bus stop in front of it.
“Our public transportation here in HRM is good,” she said. “We have buses that accommodate people that need to move that have mobility issues.”
Donny Slaunwhite, on his way into the Access Nova Scotia office on Thursday, says the new location has only limited accessibility by bus – and notes it won’t be a quick or easy trip for most transit users.
“They’re not on a bus route that’s going to take them from their home to the Access N.S.,” he said. “To me, it’s a little bit ridiculous that they’d go that far.”
Other advocates for seniors and people with mobility issues also point out that Bayers Lake is not a pedestrian-friendly area.
However, drivers like Dan seemed to like the move.
“This area’s very congested and parking is difficult,” he said. “I’m thinking it’s a good thing.”
The Bayers Lake location will open Monday on Horseshoe Lake Drive near the Rona.
