On-and-off reserve residents of the Paq’tnkek First Nation in Antigonish County have voted to move forward with phase one of a commercial development.
A land designation referendum took place Thursday.
Band officials needed a simple majority to allow them to designate a parcel of reserve land for the proposed Bayside Travel Centre just north of the community’s new highway interchange.
98 per cent of residents who cast ballots voted yes; there were only two no votes, along with a spoiled ballot and a rejected ballot.
Voter turnout was 47 per cent; 196 of 417 eligible voters cast ballots.
The development, which could open as early as spring 2019, would include a gas station, a food-and-beverage establishment, and Paq’tnkek’s relocated gaming facility.
Photo credit: Paq’tnkek First Nation (www.Paqtnkek.ca)
