Charlottetown’s city council is scheduled to convene once more next Thursday to delve into the specifics of the city’s proposed zoning and development bylaw. Mayor Philip Brown recently broke a deadlock vote to postpone any verdict on the acceptance or rejection of the bylaw during a council session on Tuesday evening.
Concerns were raised by some council members regarding the potential lack of awareness among city residents about the existing zoning regulations. They highlighted the importance of preserving neighborhoods, character, and streetscape based on feedback received from Charlottetown residents.
The issue of increased density, particularly in relation to the construction of four-unit housing, was also a topic of discussion. This requirement was prompted by a request from the federal government to secure millions of dollars for the city through the Housing Accelerator Fund.
Alanna Jankov, deputy mayor and chair of the city’s planning and heritage committee, cautioned that delaying a decision on the bylaw could jeopardize federal funding, posing a potential challenge for future councils. She emphasized the significance of making informed decisions that align with the current and future needs of Charlottetown.
With the upcoming municipal election on Nov. 2, there is a sense of urgency for the current council to reach a conclusion on the proposed bylaw before a new council assumes office in early December. While some councillors proposed deferring the vote until the new council is in place, Jankov expressed her preference for finalizing the project with the existing council, acknowledging that amendments may be necessary in the future to ensure the document remains relevant.