P.E.I. commission recommends comprehensive land-use policy for province

Prince Edward Island has been advised for the fourth time since 1973 to adopt a comprehensive policy on land use.
A report released Thursday by the Commission on Land Use and Local Governance says a consistent and comprehensive land-use policy must be struck to enable sustainable and consistent development while also protecting the environment.
The report by former provincial court judge Ralph Thompson states that in areas outside municipalities, decisions of individual landowners prevail over the public interest.
And since 90 per cent of the Island isn't incorporated, this leaves the vast majority of the province unprotected and subject to inconsistent rules, he states.
A royal commission in 1973 called for an overall land-use plan to be developed and implemented immediately. It was again recommended in 1990 and 1997 but not implemented.
"The only land-use plan this province ever had was the one Samuel Holland drew up in 1765," Thompson states in his report, referring to a former provincial minister.
Since there is no official land-use policy for the majority of the province, important decisions in areas not covered by a zoning or community plan are left to the discretion of cabinet ministers.
This has led to the development of important coastal and agricultural areas of the province, Thompson says.
"For decades, much of the discussion and decision-making on development has taken place behind the closed doors of the ministers' offices and the executive council chamber, rather than through the public process which occurs in many municipalities," he states.
"There needs to be a more concerted effort to have better organization of development."
The report recommends that such a plan include protections for agricultural land.
"When you see prime agricultural land being turned into subdivisions, it doesn't speak well for the agriculture industry or the province as a whole down the road," Thompson says.
Thompson recommends a timeline of three years for the development, public consultation and final adoption of a comprehensive land-use plan by 2012.
Communities, Cultural Affairs Minister Carolyn Bertram said the province is committed to ensuring that such a plan is established.
"The provincial planning division under the Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour will begin immediately to draft actions plans for implementation," she said after the report's release.
"This will include additional consultations, public input, and working with stakeholder groups and municipalities."