Rustico-Emerald MLA Brad Trivers argued that a shortfall of planning staff is causing delays in new development approvals.
During question period on Thursday, the PC MLA said he learned last fall that the Island has been relying on seven full-time staff for all provincial planning. Trivers claimed that the Department of Communities, Land and Environment had budgetted less on staff salaries this year compared to last.
According to government estimates, the department has budgeted $14,900 less for this year than the amount forecast for 2017-18.
Trivers claimed the small staffing levels are resulting in delays of permit approvals for new developments.
“Subdivision applications are taking upwards of two years for approvals, and building permits can drag out for two or three months or more,” Trivers said.
“People are tearing their hair out trying to get their permits approved.”
Amount from government budget estimates provided for salaries of the Municipal Affairs and Provincial Planning Division
- 2017-18 Budget Forecast: $1,411,800
- 2018-19 Budget Estimate: $1,396,900
Communities, Land and Environment Minister Richard Brown said the demand on planners has increased due to a strong economy on the island, but acknowledged the shortfall of staff.
“We are working hard and we’re out there trying to recruit right away,” Brown said.
“Anyone (who) knows any good planners out there, send me their name.”
Trivers argued that the staffing shortfalls had resulted in “stress leave and huge delays in project development.”
“Why are we heading back into another construction season without any solution to support your staff in place?” Trivers asked Brown.
Brown responded that the postings for the positions have been circulated internally first, as required by a union collective agreement, before being posted externally. He acknowledged that his department had received an increasing number of applications for complex developments and that he had instructed staff to fill the positions for more planners.
“Rural P.E.I. is booming. We have to catch up, and we will catch up,” Brown said.