Traffic lights of future benefit to minister: Currie

An intersection with new lights in Cornwall will eventually bring benefits to the property of P.E.I.'s transportation minister, says Opposition critic Mike Currie.

A report delivered to the legislative assembly Speaker Kathleen Casey Wednesday, and due to be made public Thursday morning, cleared Ron MacKinley of conflict of interest over the decision to put in the lights. Conflict of interest commissioner Neil Robinson said because the intersection is three-way, and does not lead into MacKinley's adjacent property, there is no conflict.

But Currie believes that road layout will change.

"Based on the information I had before I filed the affidavit, the minister did indicate it was going to be a four-way," Currie told CBC News.

"I think we will in the future see that intersection there."

Currie said he bases his belief both on comments made by MacKinley and by Cornwall Mayor Patrick MacFadyen. The improved intersection, he argues, will make for easier access to MacKinley's property, thus raising its value and creating the conflict.

MacKinley has denied the accusations, arguing the town has lobbied for the traffic lights for years. Their purpose is to provide better access to the Cornwall Business Park, he has said, on the other side of the Trans-Canada Highway from his property.

MacKinley has not commented on the conflict commissioner's report, saying he is going to wait until it is made public.

Currie said the opposition has filed an access to information request to find out if plans for a four-way intersection are in Town of Cornwall records.