Housing pressures and small wins 🏘️

IN THIS ISSUE

➡️ Dozens of trespassing charges laid

➡️ Porthouse project back on the table

➡️ Mixed reactions to sick leave

QUICK HITS

👮 Overtime costs soar as police crackdown on trespassing: Charlottetown police are racking up overtime as the department makes good on a commitment to be more visible in the area around the provincially-funded Community Outreach Centre on Euston Street. Overtime costs have reached nearly $24,000 since a meeting was held by police in early September to hear concerns from area residents. During the meeting, Police Chief Brad MacConnell promised increased foot patrols and said the department would have zero tolerance for people trespassing on private property. He wasn’t kidding; as of last week, officers have laid 59 charges for trespassing.

🏘️ Council to consider four-units citywide: Federal Housing Minister Sean Fraser is standing firm on his push to see Charlottetown allow four-unit residential buildings citywide. The city is vying for funds from the $4B Housing Accelerator Fund. In responding to the city’s application, Minister Fraser listed conditions for the city to meet, including the allowance of four-unit buildings anywhere in the city. Instead, council proposed that the city would achieve the equivalent net-gain of four-units citywide by directing density along corridors and nodes.

That wasn’t good enough for Minister Fraser. After some back-and-forth between his office and city hall, a new proposal will go to council for consideration that would commit to removing any exclusively single-detached zones and permit up to four units as-of-right across the city, as appropriate. That last part is key. Any changes to zoning would require public consultation, which would give residents an opportunity to share feedback on where four-units would be appropriate and what size lots would be eligible. The issue will be discussed by council at a special meeting tomorrow.

HOUSING

Porthouse Reimagined

Here’s a look at the reimagined concept for a proposed development in Charlottetown that would see an eight-storey building rise from what's now the Polyclinic parking lot. The project, known as Porthouse, was first announced in 2021 as a six-storey building. In a letter to the city this past August, APM Commercial said that due to increased costs resulting from inflation and interest rate hikes, the only way this project would be feasible is to increase the development from 84 apartment units to 158, resulting in two additional levels. Of those units, 32 would be designated as affordable. Like the original proposal, this concept includes three levels of parking - two above ground and one underground with space for 232 vehicles. The concept made its way through the city’s design review process this week. Because the proposal exceeds what’s permitted on this land, the applicant will now need to seek a site-specific amendment to the zoning and development bylaw before it can move forward.

BUSINESS

Mixed reactions to mandatory sick leave 🤧

Members of the Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce have mixed reactions to a plan by PEI's opposition party to introduce a bill this fall mandating three days of paid sick leave (CBC) to permanent employees.

In a letter sent to Opposition Leader Hal Perry last month, the Chamber shared the results of a survey on the proposal. Among its 1,150 members, the survey revealed that 42% were in favour of the plan, 39% opposed and 18% somewhat in favour. Primary concerns revolved around funding and the qualifying period. Under the proposed bill, employees would become eligible after 30 days of employment.

Concerned about high turnover, members told the Chamber they would prefer if the qualifying period were set at 90 days to align with typical probationary periods for new employees. The Chamber would also like to see financial support made available to help cover their costs. 

The fall sitting of the Legislature is set to open next Tuesday

Kari expands into NB 📲

A PEI-based ride sharing service has reached the mainland. Kari became the first ride-sharing platform to operate in New Brunswick when it started offering rides in Fredericton two weeks ago, the company announced . This expansion marks a significant milestone for the company, which has been providing on-demand ride sharing services in the Charlottetown area since launching in 2020. If you haven’t heard of Kari before, it’s a service that allows users to schedule a drive using a mobile app.

#PEIslandEdition

Lovely Autumn 🍂

Jillian Johnston created this eye-catching shot. The rich colours of red, orange and yellow leaves perfectly captures the beauty of fall.

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

COMMUNITY CORNER

🛍️ Country Craft Fair: This weekend in Wheatley River, local artisans will be showcasing their handcrafted items at the two-day Country Craft Fair. You'll find a diverse selection of products, ranging from woodworking and preserves to knitted and baked goods. The fair takes place on both Saturday and Sunday, running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wheatley River Hall, located at 16 Rackhams Lane. Admission is $2.

🎒 Report It!: The Public Schools Branch has launched Report It! – an online tool designed to provide students, parents and guardians with a method for reporting incidents that they might hesitate to communicate directly to school staff. Individuals reporting an incident can choose to maintain their anonymity or provide their contact details if they wish to have someone reach out to them for follow-up.

🔒 Sleepy Hollow Redemption : Considering a career in correctional services?  The province, in partnership with the Atlantic Police Academy, will offer up to 12 students the opportunity to shave 70% off the cost of the 24-week program - over $7,000 in savings. Beginning in January 2024, students will develop the skills necessary to become a correctional services officer and will be guaranteed a job interview after graduation. The deadline to apply is November 26.

🚧 North River Road Redevelopment: Charlottetown is looking for public feedback on a plan to redevelop the section of North River Road between Capital Drive and McGill Avenue. The plan, made public last week, proposes to upgrade key intersections (yes, one new roundabout) and introduce more active transportation options. You can view the public presentation and take part in a survey by visiting Charlottetown Hall . The survey closes on November 10.

🚶 Confederation Trail Plan : The province is seeking input from Islanders as it works to craft a long-term plan for the Confederation Trail. To gather this feedback, a series of workshops will be held throughout the next week, in addition to an online survey that will be available until December 1. More information, including a link to the survey and a workshop schedule, can be found on this website.

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 4°C 🌡️ L 1°C
💨 N 26 km/h, gusting 51

Thursday

⛅️ H 4°C 🌡️ L 1°C
💨 NW 32 km/h, gusting 48

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