Wednesday, Ap__ril_l9, 1967

The Atlantic Development Board agreed to participate up to a maximum contri- bution of $50,000.00, while the Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation agreed to contribute up to a maximum of $15,000.00. The latter figure, which is contributed to urban renewal, is to be broken down into a 25% ratio — the 25% being paid by the province. On February the 15th the provincial governments appointed consultants to carry out the study in accordance with the recommendations of the participating agencies. A copy of the consultants estimated cost for the study is attached to the terms of reference. We have not, however, to date received a finalized figure although this was requested on March 3rd., 1967.

The terms of reference are designed to produce a master plan for the Borden region. The terms are broad and have been so appraised to ensure that all considerat- ions are taken into account for both short and long term developments. The consult- ants have been instructed to produce the documents required for the location of camp sites and camp areas by May 15th of this year. This is in order that the provincial government may further negotiate an agreement with the federal government as intim- ated at a meeting in Ottawa last January. The consultants are to assess the existing planning legislation in order that short-term options may be taken if necessary to pre- vent any deterioration of the existing situation in the area which could be detrimental to the province. The consultants are to assess the major source of the labour force re- quired for the Northumberland Strait crossing, and the maintenance of the Causeway on completion. They are to assess the residential accommodation required for the workers and their families against the existing facilities and services. In order to pro- duce the master plan the consultants are to examine the Borden-Carleton area and its regional content and make projections for the future Borden-Carleton area in regard to municipal services and private investment. They are to co-ordinate long-term prov- incial programs for tourism, industry, etc., and set out the long-term implications of the Causeway. The consultants proposals are to include phasing for the long-term development of the area. One section of the study will be devoted to the town of Borden in order that an urban renewal program may be undertaken at short notice should the need arise. The proposals will include recommendations on development control such as building regulations, zoning by-laws, land use, transportation and sub-division control. The consultants are also to estimate the cost involved in carry- ing out the development and to identify the customary source of finance for the work. In addition, the consultants have been instructed to carry out the well drilling program in order that firm commitments can be made on the water supplies for the Causeway pro t and the future Borden area. The actions already taken should prevent the ind scriminate placing of wells that could destroy the existing well system of the Borden-Carleton area. The documents, when prepared, should present a firm alter- nate method of financing the overall development of the Borden region.

Mr. Speaker, in October, the provincial Ministers responsible for highway traf- fic approved a Resolution favouring uniform signs and symbols throughout Canada, with each province to choose it’s own time for introduction. In my opinion, this could prove a worthwhile development in providing for greater highway safety as well as convenience to the travelling public. Quebec, I understand, is the only province al- ready planning to introduce t e system which is designed to express a message in picture form more readily than can be done by words. Examples of these are alread in evidence in some of our highway signs, but before they can be used widely it wifi be necessary to get the public accustomed to reading most of these symbols rather than written instructions. In Europe a driver knows he is approaching a deer cross- ing when he sees the sign on which is painted a stag. If he is approaching an area where men are working, a sign on which a man shovellin a pile of sand is the warn- ing. Another area in which uniformity is surely not on y desirable but necessary is the regulations governing highway traffic. This, I understand is being studied.

Mr. Speaker, the honourable member from Second Prince on speaking on the Draft Address mentioned the expropriations of land. The honourable member referred to the strong powers the Department of Highways has under the Expropriation Act. Now this may be true; however, in my opinion, Mr. Speaker, I do feel that it is neces- sary. Since assuming office no expropriation of land has taken place by the Depart- ment of Highways, and on checking with the Department Officials I find that this has taken place only five or six times in the past twenty years. Now, Mr. Speaker, it has been difficult on many occasions not to expropriate. Common sense prevails and through negotiation it was possible to arrive at a solution or an agreement without having to take these steps.

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