The issue arose as council debated whether to approve rezoning applications by two businesses, both situated in residential parts of Summerside.
The first was from Mark Gallant and Brenda Arsenault, who sought rezoning of their Glenn Drive property to allow for the addition of an outdoor vehicle storage area.
The couple owns a towing couple and required an enclosed space to temporarily store vehicles on the property, which is adjacent to their home.
“I will not be supporting the motion,” said Coun. Bruce MacDougall, who represents that ward. “I believe there are other areas in the city that this can be located.”
He said he has spoken with nearby residents and others, all saying they don’t want that type of businesses “next door to them”.
Coun. Gordie Whitlock echoed MacDougall’s concerns.
“I have really come to the understanding that businesses should be in business areas and residents should be in residence areas,” said Whitlock. “I tend to take the residents’ concerns very, very seriously. I feel bad for the applicants. I know they are trying to start a new business, but I just cannot support the application.”
Coun. Brian McFeely said he “struggled greatly” with the application, not wanting to discourage young entrepreneurs from starting a business, but couldn’t support the motion since he was “not comfortable all the criteria has been met.”
Council rejected the application, with Mayor Bill Martin and Coun. Tyler DesRoches, each declaring a conflict, excusing themselves from the discussion.
Immediately following that, a rezoning application for the addition of a parking lot at a Gamble Avenue property, a long-standing dental clinic, was debated.
That application was supported by nearby residents, although some were concerned about drainage from the property, an issue addressed by the owner.
“This is another case, I think, where this business would be better off in the downtown area as opposed to a residential neighbourhood,” said Whitlock, who supported the motion, citing as his reason.
“I am serving notice that from this point on, in terms of my vote, I will be pretty heavily against anything going into a residential neighbourhood.”
Deputy Mayor Brent Gallant agreed with Whitlock, adding, “We seem to have a bit of a double standard where we approve some of these.”
Council unanimously approved the rezoning application.
