Cheers &Jeers
Jeers to the provincial government for allowing a development in Point Deroche to go ahead, despite its proximity to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Drone photos of the project that were provided to The Guardian show the beginnings of a building next to armour stones reinforcing the nearby cliff. The photos show extensive erosion to both sides of the construction zone. It’s clear some of the land would have washed away long ago if it weren’t for the man-made structures protecting it. The people building the structure aren’t at fault for going ahead with the project since they had proper approval. The government is to blame for giving that approval when the construction is taking place in such a tenuous location.
Jeers to the provincial government for not including a rental registry in the Residential Tenancy Act tabled on Nov. 15. While the act does a good job of providing more vital protections for renters by extending eviction timelines and giving first right of refusal for tenants being evicted due to renovations, it drops the ball on ensuring illegal rent increases are being tracked and enforced. Recent statistics from rentals.ca show rents have increased 70 per cent year-over-year, with average rents sitting around $1,760 per month. Without a rental registry, how is the province going to enforce its own rules around rental caps when the onus is on tenants to bring those increases to its attention?
Cheers to David Burke and his fellow firefighters in Ottawa for their efforts to raise money for P.E.I. after post-tropical storm Fiona. Burke is a district chief with the Ottawa Fire Service and has a summer home on the Island in Covehead West. His efforts raised more than $5,000 that will be used to help people in need. He may not be a year-round P.E.I. resident but Burke has certainly the Island spirit of giving.
Jeers to the trapper who set an animal trap in Charlottetown city limits near a scenic trail used by families and pet owner. Jeers, too, to city officials who were not able to explain to Saltwire Network what the rules are for trapping in the city. The Wright’s Creek trail system in the East Royalty neighbourhood, where Carmen Perry's two-year-old dog was killed by a trap, attracts many walkers, joggers and strollers who would have no reason to believe danger lurked beneath the leaves a number of steps off the track. Conservation officers with the province are investigating and have already determined the trap was set illegally.
Cheers to 10-year-old actor Morgan Saunders of Charlottetown for following her dream in front of the camera. Morgan, who took part in theatre camps at The Guild will star in a U.s.-made Hallmark Channel Christmas movie on Dec. 17. Her mom, Linda Saunders, said Morgan auditions at least once a week for parts, and works extremely hard at her craft. It’s always great to see hard work pay off. The movie, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, airs in Canada on W Network, Stack TV and the Global TV app.