Sechelt municipal staff are still in talks with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) about possible approaches to Highway 101 improvements that would keep $2.5 million in highway funds in the community, following Sechelt council’s move last week to vote down an unpopular Davis Bay highway-widening plan.

At committee of the whole Wednesday, Sept. 8, chief administrative officer Rob Bremner told council that he hopes discussions will speed up early next week when MOTI regional director Patrick Livolsi can be part of discussions, rather than various acting regional directors who have been available to date.

“We are trying to expedite [discussions], but having the proper people involved in the conversation at the Ministry level is extremely important,” he said, noting that District staff are well aware of tight construction deadlines.

“There truly aren’t that many options. We’re trying a variety of combinations and we’re trying to understand what’s going to work for the Ministry, but also take into consideration the citizens.”

Bremner also confirmed that MOTI will not be forging ahead with the Davis Bay improvements against Sechelt council’s will.

“They’re not prepared to go there,” Bremner said. “The relationship [between MOTI, council and residents] is obviously strained enough at this point in time. I don’t think they’re willing to distress it that far and go against anything that council or the people want.”

Council unanimously passed a motion asking staff to provide updates on discussions with MOTI at every committee of the whole and council meeting until the issue is resolved.

Council also passed a resolution to clarify that Westly Road will not be closed if no MOTI project goes forward. At last week’s council meeting, council had passed a motion to close Westly.

Mayor Darren Inkster also emphasized that the Westly closure, which council had previously approved, would use planters to close it off, and as such be reversible if it proved problematic.