Charlottetown’s city council is organizing a public assembly scheduled for early September to gather input from residents on the proposed new zoning and development bylaw for the city. This bylaw outlines the regulations for construction and its permissible locations within Charlottetown. According to Coun. Alanna Jankov, the city’s deputy mayor, various open house sessions have been conducted, and the staff is currently reviewing the feedback received.
Jankov, who leads the planning and heritage committee, expressed her anticipation for attendees to ask questions and seek clarification during the upcoming meeting. She emphasized the directive given to staff and consultants to focus on addressing residents’ concerns highlighted in the feedback regarding the zoning and development bylaw, particularly the allowance for up to four units in certain residential areas.
The primary issue raised by residents, as noted by Jankov and some council members, pertains to the provision for four units as-of-right, enabling individuals to add up to three additional units to their primary residence in specific residential zones. Jankov aims for the public meeting to provide clarity on the detailed content of the extensive 200-page draft document.
To initiate the process of converting a residential property into multiple units, the property owner must establish it as their principal residence, Jankov explained. Additionally, a zoning map illustrating the applicable residential zones for up to four units is available for reference.
In response to the city’s challenges, Charlottetown had $1.26 million reclaimed by Ottawa due to delays in implementing the new zoning and development bylaw, including the provisions for four units as-of-right. The city entered into 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 funding package.
With a municipal election approaching in November, Jankov is hopeful that the council will finalize the bylaw before the election, emphasizing the importance of completing ongoing initiatives within the current term. Coun. Mitchell Tweel proposed running a full-page advertisement in a local newspaper to promote the public meeting, a suggestion supported by Jankov to enhance awareness and attendance.