Spring thaw and new beginnings 🌷

IN THIS ISSUE

➡️ Charlottetown pitching draft official plan this week, eyes 8-story buildings

➡️ Stratford begins implementing changes to allow 12-story buildings

➡️ Some election links if you're just tuning in

QUICK HITS

🎳 Spares and Strikes: After a three-year hiatus due to the chaotic world we live in, Big Brothers Big Sisters PEI was able to host Bowl for Kids Sake over the weekend. While donations are still coming in, the charity's flagship fundraiser has received $93,000 as of Tuesday afternoon. It sounds like all those gutter balls paid off in the end.

🏙️ Stratford's Growing Up: Work has begun to update Stratford’s official plan and zoning bylaw to allow for buildings of up to 12 storeys. Back in the fall, a public meeting was held to show residents the Gray Group’s proposed Crossroads development, a project that would transform the empty fields along the Trans-Canada Highway into the town’s downtown core. First reading of a bylaw filled with amendments to the town’s zoning rules took place on March 8. It's important to note that these changes are still subject to amendments before the bylaw is read a second time during council's next regular meeting.

Note for Context: If Stratford's proposed bylaw is approved in its current form at second reading, it would establish the regulatory framework needed for Stratford to become the tallest community in the province. According to planning staff from Charlottetown and Summerside, even after considering all available options for bonus height allowances, the maximum allowable height in the Island’s two cities is ten storeys.

URBAN PLANNING

Charlottetown pitching draft official plan

Charlottetown is pitching a draft version of its new official plan at a series of public information sessions this week. The plan, once finalized and adopted, will act as a roadmap for the city's development for the next 20 years. 

Over the last decade, Charlottetown's population has risen by 12 per cent to just under 39,000 people, and this upward trend is predicted to continue. Projections suggest that the population will reach 60,000 within the next 20 to 30 years. The plan attempts to address this population growth by identifying areas of the city where higher density development could occur.

Under the plan, much of this increased density would occur along corridors like University Avenue and within growth nodes located in areas where major corridors intersect. Buildings along corridors would be permitted to reach six storeys, while eight storeys would be allowed within nodes. 

To get a better sense of areas that could see increased development, here’s a copy of the presentation (2.8MB) being shown at the information sessions – land use designations, including maps, start on page 42. If you’d rather watch this portion of the presentation, here’s a link to the video from the information session held on Monday. If you like all the details, here’s a link to the full (draft) plan (7.4MB)

Public Sessions: You have two more opportunities to attend a public information session.

1️⃣ Wednesday, 6:30pm – Charlottetown Library and Learning Centre

2️⃣ Thursday, 6:30pm – Malcolm Darrach Centre (1 Avonlea Drive)

Get Involved: If you live in Charlottetown or frequently visit, then you might as well add your two cents to the public opinion bank. There is a lengthy survey available if you’re up to the task of providing feedback on all the main points. Another way to provide feedback is to pin your ideas to this interactive map of the city.

ISLAND VOTES 2023

👥 Getting Started: If you’re just starting to tune in, the first thing you’ll want to do is find out which district you’re in and where you can vote. If you know that already, then next you’ll need to find out which candidates will be on your ballot. The deadline for candidates to register was last Friday, which means the complete list of registered candidates is now available.

🗳️ Advance Polls: If your mind's made up, or you’re just eager to put this snap election behind you, the first of three advance polls will take place this weekend. Here are the dates: Saturday, March 25; Monday, March 27; and Friday, March 31.

📝 Voter Information Cards: If you’re registered to vote, you should be receiving a voter information card in the mail. Bring this card with you when you go to vote. If you don’t receive an information card, don’t be discouraged. Elections PEI published this page explaining what the card is used for, and what you need to do if you haven’t registered to vote or if your information card is lost.

🥊 Chamber Debate: The Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a leaders debate yesterday (Tuesday). Among other important issues, the 80-minute debate touched on labour and workforce challenges, affordability, taxes and infrastructure development. If you’re like me, you missed it. Thankfully, you can click over to the Chamber’s Facebook page to watch the debate on your own time.

Island Votes 2023 is here to help keep you informed as we head toward election day. No opinions, just links to helpful information.

COMMUNITY CORNER

🦽 Spinal Cord Injury PEI will be hosting a 10-week seated fitness clinic at the Montague Wellness Centre beginning this Friday at 10:30AM. Held twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays, the clinic is available at no costI. If you or a loved one wishes to participate, you can reach out to SCI’s executive director, Glen Flood, by phone at 902-370-9523 or email at [email protected].

🙌 The Rural Municipality of North Shore is seeking volunteers to assist with various initiatives, such as helping with the community fridge project and organizing events. If you have some spare time and are interested in volunteering, Martha would love to hear from you:  [email protected] or call 902-672-2600.

🥌 Firefighters from across Canada are responding to the Island this week to take part in the 61st Canadian Fire Fighters Curling Association National Championship. The games start on Friday in Montague, the results will be available online for anyone who wants to follow along.

Send a quick message if your organization would like to publish a quick PSA. There's no charge for these. Max three per-issue.

WEATHER

Wednesday

🌤️ H 0°C 🌡️ L -8°C 
💨 WNW 20 km/h, gusting 43

Thursday

🌦️ H1°C 🌡️ L -2°C
💨 SSE 15 km/h, gusting 35

Island Edition Storm Watch

👀 The drive to work Friday morning could be a bit messy. The forecast (as of Wednesday morning) is calling for 5-10 cm of snow for most of the Island, 10-20 for West Prince. The fun gets underway late Thursday. 

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THANKS FOR READING!