Hurdle cleared for Gateway Meat Market expansion

Gateway Meat Market in Dartmouth, N.S., is a step closer to expanding.

On Thursday, Harbour East-Marine Drive community council unanimously voted to approve the market's development agreement and require it to be signed within 120 days.

"It is such an essential service they provide to the community," Coun. Sam Austin said ahead of the vote on the grocery store known for its deep discounts.

Gateway Meat Market wants to double its size for more retail and storage space.

The store usually has a long line of people waiting to get in. One of the features of the expansion will be an awning to protect customers from the elements during peak times.

Plans also include a dedicated meat prep room, doubling on-site storage and warehousing.

"I think it's great, and because of Gateway, we have so many people able to live eating nutritional food," said Gloria McCluskey, a former Dartmouth mayor and one-time Halifax regional councillor.

McCluskey was the only person who registered to speak at the public hearing portion of the meeting.

Though the development agreement has been approved, there are still concerns about traffic in the area around the store.

A staff member told council the expansion shouldn't make existing traffic issues in the area any worse.

Coun. Trish Purdy, who supported the expansion, said there eventually needs to be a functional study done on Main Street near Highway 7.