P.E.I. imposes ban on new coastal development

CHARLOTTETOWN — The P.E.I. government has imposed a ban on new coastal development until a coastal zone policy is created and put into effect.

The environmental protection order, announced by the province Wednesday, Feb. 1, is aimed at protecting the shoreline and prohibits new development in buffer zones and associated erosion control activities in the watercourse and wetland boundary.

The province said it stopped issuing development permits in buffer zones as of Dec. 1, 2022. Since the environmental protection order was signed, some permitting has begun based on the factors outlined in the order.

The province noted some activities are still allowed with a permit, including critical infrastructure repair and protection, repairs to existing erosion control structures damaged by Fiona and projects approved by a provincial environmental impact assessment.

A new shoreline development policy is being developed in partnership with the school of climate change and adaptation at the University of Prince Edward Island.

The province said the longterm policy, once finalized, will include guidelines on materials and techniques used by installers, practices required in different shoreline areas and the purpose of the buffer zone in different areas.

Environment Minister Steven Myers said he is committed to finding a balance between protecting the coast and preserving its natural appearance.

“Our new coastal development policy will be rooted in the best available science and local expertise, so our province is prepared to face the long-term impacts of climate change,” said Myers.