Mid-August island happenings 🌅

IN THIS ISSUE

➡️ Elections PEI cuts ties with capital

➡️ Update on Summerside health centre

➡️ Picture: Axel the paddleboarding kelpie

QUICK HITS

🧑‍⚕️ Summerside Health Centre Update: The province is planning to break ground this fall on a community health centre in Summerside. The two-storey, 49,000-square-foot building will be located at 425 Granville Street, the site of the former Holland College vocational school. First announced in 2021 (CBC) with a $23.1M price tag, the center is set to host an array of services, including primary care, mental health and addictions, a provincial geriatrics program, and dental services. The centre was originally scheduled to open next spring; however, a tender package published last week requires the bulk of the work to be completed by this time next year, followed by interior fit up and landscaping.

🗑️ Dealing with piles of unsorted trash: A committee has been formed to address a persistent problem in Charlottetown: the accumulation of rejected trash left  to pile up by negligent property owners. The challenging and hazardous task of cleaning up this mess often burdens public works crews. The issue has become so widespread that the city had to hire a specialized third-party trained in hazardous waste removal. Now, in collaboration with the public health office and Island Waste Management Corporation, a plan is in motion. The committee's strategy involves identifying one or two repeat offenders, establishing a process to force those offenders to clean up their own mess, then rolling that process out to all offenders. While emphasis on education will be preferred, the public health office does have legislation to enact fines.

MUNICIPAL

It's not me, it's you: Elections PEI cuts ties with Charlottetown

In an effort to protect its reputation, Elections PEI has terminated its role as the municipal electoral officer for the City of Charlottetown.

In a letter dated February 3, 2023 (PDF), chief electoral officer Tim Garrity notified the city that Elections PEI is no longer interested in conducting future elections on the city’s behalf. Elections PEI is not mandated to conduct municipal elections, but the Island’s five largest municipalities have opted in the past to contract that role to Elections PEI, while smaller communities hold their own elections.

The decision to drop Charlottetown stems from a contentious standing committee meeting last summer that left Garrity with concerns regarding some councillors' understanding of the Municipal Government Act, its accompanying regulations, and the fundamental principle of impartial elections.

Leading up to last year’s election, Garrity identified that the city’s election bylaw did not meet provincial regulations, specifically where mobile polling stations can be located: hospitals, community care facilities and nursing homes. Charlottetown's election bylaw, which has since been amended, included mobile polls in some seniors' apartment complexes. Garrity highlighted that allowing non-compliant mobile polling stations could potentially expose the city's election to manipulation by vested interests, particularly council members aiming for a favorable outcome. Garrity required that the bylaw be updated if the city wanted Elections PEI to conduct last November's vote.

That’s where relations started to sour.

During the standing committee meeting (YouTube), Mayor Philip Brown and Coun. Mitch Tweel challenged Garrity’s recommendation. Comments were made that Garrity felt were disrespectful and had potential to diminish or tarnish the integrity of Elections PEI. At one point it was suggested that the mail-in ballot process is not confidential, claims that Garrity insists were false.

Asked if there’s an opportunity for the city to make amends, Garrity said the relationship is damaged and not at a point to be repaired. The city now has until 2026 to come up with a new plan. It’s considering two options: 1️⃣ ask the legislative assembly to intervene by requesting that Elections PEI enter into a new contract with the city, or 2️⃣ research the option to hold its own elections, and in doing so, research the option to introduce online voting.

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Adventurous Pooch 🐶

Meet Axel, a five-year-old Australian Kelpie who never goes paddleboarding without his trusty lifejacket. This photo, taken Monday at Savage Harbour, highlights just one of many adventures Axel gets to experience, many of which are shared on this Instagram page.

Tag @PEIslandEdition or use #PEIslandEdition to get your post featured in Island Edition!

COMMUNITY CORNER

🛼 Here’s a blast from the past: Bootleg City Roller Derby invites you to Cody Banks Arena this Saturday evening to lace up a pair of roller skates, bop to a live DJ, and enjoy some snacks. A family-friendly skate takes place from 5-7PM, followed by a 14+ skate from 7:30-9:30. Ticket prices range from $5 to $10, free for kids. Skate rentals will be available. Visit this Facebook event page for more information.

🗣️ Join the Association of Rural Community Halls for their annual general meeting on August 17, 9am-noon, at Milton Community Hall. A presentation by community development officer Kellie Mulligan will be followed by a round table discussion and report on the past year. RSVP by emailing [email protected]. This is a great opportunity to become involved in your local community hall. All are welcome.

🦆 Why bet on the ponies this weekend when you can try your luck on a rubber duck? The Fortune River Duck Race takes place this Sunday, August 20, as part of Fortune Fun Day. Enjoy some live music, a cash BBQ and bar, plus crafts and an inflatable water slide for the kids. In this case, ducks are limited, so inquire soon if you want one in the race. The Fortune Community Centre has all the details on its Facebook page.

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

WEATHER

Wednesday

🌤️ H 21°C 🌡️ L 16°C 
💨 E 15 km/h, gusting 23

Thursday

🌤️ H 23°C 🌡️ L 17°C
💨 E 15 km/h, gusting 23

Looking Ahead

👀 The forecast for Friday (Gold Cup Parade) is looking a bit soggy. Here's hoping the weather cooperates.🤞

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