Charlottetown city council has scheduled a public meeting for early September to gather feedback from residents on the proposed new zoning and development bylaw for the city. This bylaw determines construction regulations and locations within Charlottetown. According to Coun. Alanna Jankov, the deputy mayor of Charlottetown, multiple open house sessions have been conducted, and staff are currently reviewing the received feedback.
Jankov, who leads the planning and heritage committee, expressed the hope that attendees at the meeting will be prepared to ask questions and seek clarification. She emphasized the directive given to staff and consultants to focus on addressing concerns raised by residents regarding the zoning and development bylaw.
One major issue raised by residents and council members, including Jankov, is the provision for four units as-of-right, allowing homeowners in specific residential areas to add up to three additional units to their existing homes. Jankov anticipates that the public meeting will provide clarity on the contents of the extensive 200-page draft document.
In order for a residential property owner to convert their property into multiple units, it is required that the property serves as their principal residence. The city’s zoning map will indicate the residential zones where this provision may apply for up to four units or potentially three units.
Charlottetown recently faced a $1.26 million deduction from Ottawa due to delays in implementing the new zoning and development bylaw, including the four-unit provision. The city had entered into a Housing Accelerator Fund agreement with the federal government in 2024, requiring adjustments to building permits and zoning regulations as part of the $10 million agreement.
With the municipal election approaching in November, Jankov is aiming for the council to finalize decisions on the bylaw before the election. She expressed confidence in completing the work started during the current term.
Councilor Mitchell Tweel suggested running a full-page advertisement in a local newspaper to promote the public meeting, a proposal supported by Jankov. She emphasized meeting the legislative advertising standards and anticipated a higher turnout for the meeting due to the advertisement’s visibility.
Overall, the city council is working towards resolving concerns and finalizing decisions on the new zoning and development bylaw before the upcoming municipal election in Charlottetown.