Charlottetown’s city council is arranging a public forum early next month to gather feedback from residents on the proposed new zoning and development bylaw for the city. This bylaw outlines construction regulations and locations within the city. According to Coun. Alanna Jankov, who serves as Charlottetown’s deputy mayor, numerous open house sessions have taken place, and the staff is currently reviewing the feedback received.
Jankov, who heads the planning and heritage committee, anticipates that attendees will come prepared with questions and seek clarification during the public meeting. She emphasized the importance of focusing on the key aspects of the zoning and development bylaw that will impact residents based on the input received.
A major concern raised by residents, as highlighted by Jankov and some council members, is the provision for four units as-of-right, allowing individuals to potentially add up to three additional units to their primary residence in specific residential zones. The upcoming public meeting aims to provide clarity on the contents of the extensive 200-page draft document.
To convert a residential property into multiple units, the property owner must establish it as their principal residence, as clarified by Jankov. Additionally, a zoning map illustrating the residential zones applicable for up to four units, including those eligible for three units, will be presented.
Charlottetown faced a setback of $1.26 million from Ottawa due to delays in implementing the new zoning and development bylaw, including the provision for four units as-of-right. The city had signed an agreement with the federal government under the Housing Accelerator Fund in 2024, requiring adjustments to building permits and zoning as part of a $10-million initiative. A recent review found Charlottetown non-compliant with its commitments, according to a statement from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
With the upcoming municipal election in November, Jankov expressed the hope that the council would finalize the bylaw before the election to fulfill the work initiated during the term. Coun. Mitchell Tweel suggested advertising the public meeting in a local newspaper, which Jankov supported, emphasizing the importance of meeting legislative standards and potentially reaching a broader audience through multiple advertisements.