Most Islanders remember the disappointing, if not ruthless, public announcement in 2016 when the provincial government declared they had formed a task force to replace the Charlottetown Area Development Corporation with a regional economic advisory council.
It was seen as an attempt by the private sector and the provincial government to wrest the lands held by the Charlottetown Area Development Corporation away from the city and into the hands of the private sector. And then, as one local journalist noted “not much happened after that.” By 2018 the properties — valuable public assets — had become acquisitions of the private sector. The fate of the CADC properties had been decided long before the announcement.
Everyone remembers the boondoggle of the Prince and Water street historic properties; who bought what for how much and who sold what for how much, how the prices were inflated on each transaction and how the developers ended up with properties at minimal cost and in some cases, a handsome profit in others. People observed as well, the city was noticeably absent from the negotiations, thus no challenge from the mayor or councillors. More recently, the placement of a P.E.I. Liquor Commission outlet in Founders Hall was described as a way to help pay the rent.
In June 2019, freshly minted Premier Dennis King and Charlottetown’s new Mayor Phillip Brown, promised to resurrect the CADC and restore its role. During the three-year period of the regional economic advisory council 2016-19, most of the valuable assets had been stripped from the corporation, after which the provincial government lost all interest.
Most recently, the city and private developers have been making public announcements about the construction of impressive structures on prominent sites formerly managed by CADC. Undoubtedly the structure, an ambitious modern project first announced in June 2018, qualified for every government grant available: green, historical, cultural, community gathering and the affordable housing offerings.
Undertakings of this size are fine in larger centres, where you need and possibly can’t afford to be without them. We, on the other hand, simply cannot afford too many projects of this magnitude; that is projects designed to make life more comfortable for the chosen few. The Municipal Government Act, a very important document many citizens have not familiarized themselves with, will provide many more opportunities for growth of this nature. Under the MGA, most decisions for the community will be the responsibility of the councillors and the minister. Most citizens will not be aware or informed of future projects unless you pay close attention to what is happening in the community; projects such as that announced in the front page of the Guardian (Ready to rise, May 6).
The harbourfront property on Haviland Street appears to be victim of the the short-lived regional economic advisory council. Last week's announcement confirms the city and Pan American Properties have signed a $30-million agreement which will see the project start this summer. Greg Rivard, chair of the planning and heritage committee, said the bylaw for the waterfront zone allows for this type of development as of right, meaning the project is not required to go to a public meeting first. One wonders if the citizens have had an opportunity to challenge this as of right. He offered further that any big project such as this is always contentious so “I always say that there are developer rights versus public opinion and whatever is in the middle is lost in translation.” A ather “in your face“ comment. We do not anticipate the good citizens of Charlottetown will be of the same opinion.
I do not recall seeing anything in the Constitution or the Charter Of Rights and Freedoms referring to “developer rights”. Longtime city residents see the planning process in this instance to be an abuse of power, beginning with the province seizing control of the CADC.
But get used to it. The Municipal Government Act provides for the councillors to make decisions of this magnitude without public consultation while the minister has complete and final authority. Small wonder the government did not encourage public discussion or the opportunity to vote on the Municipal Government Act. The near future looks like more and higher taxation. One benefit may be that the developer has stated the project will help with the city’s low rental rate. Next year, the story will be how high the vacancy (rate) is. Let’s hope he is right.
For now the private sector is placated. The taxpayer? Does it really matter? The experience of watching your elected officials manipulate the public process for their own personal advantage ... memorable and disappointing.
Wayne Carver is a member of Vision P.E.I. who lives in Longcreek.
