Land and Local Governance
Land use planning
What is land use planning?
Why does PEI need provincial land use policies?
Public involvement in the planning process
Land use planning in PEI
Municipal Affairs and Provincial Planning Division Launched this video to talk
about Land Use Planning.
What is land use planning?
Land use planning is a way for people to articulate the sort of community and province they would like to live in – it is a proactive and collaborative approach to making decisions about the use and development of land and resources. The land use planning process involves land users, community members, community leaders, professional planners and decision makers, for the purpose of organizing a community, ensuring health and safety, as well as rejuvenating the economy. Most importantly land use planning is about moving toward a vision that represents the public’s interests. It is not just about regulations or restricting development - planning is about preparing for the future.
Land use planning strives to manage land use and resources, and to provide facilities and services, in a thoughtful and efficient way. It looks at the social, economic and environmental impacts of change. Through the planning process, a variety of topics may be addressed: natural resources, habitats, transportation, environmental protection, community services, heritage resources, and infrastructure.
Land use planning is a tool that can be used to address conflicts between residents and land uses. The process can provide clarity, security and stability for investors. Planning is a way to protect land and other resources as well as a way to ensure the safety and quality of life for the residents within an area. In addition, land planning provides residents with a sense of security about what may occur on the land in the present and future.
The Canadian Institute of Planners defines planning as the “scientific, aesthetic, and orderly disposition of land, resources, facilities and services with a view to securing the physical, economic and social efficiency, health and well being of urban and rural communities”.
Why does PEI need provincial land use policies?
PEI must deal with changes in the population, the environment and economic activity, which place pressure on the island’s landscape and resources. Land is the foundation of our environment, economy and our quality of life. Water quality, public safety, agriculture, recreation, forestry, tourism, wildlife, forestry, and coastal resources all depend on land and the choices we make. Provincial land use policies will set the direction for how land is used and how development takes place on PEI. Land use policies can help us to protect what we care about most and be strategic about public investments.
Government recognizes that local planning decisions should be made at the local level; however, the Province has an interest in ensuring a coordinated approach in the management of land and resources. Land use policies will help to shape what PEI will look like in the future. Without land use policies it is difficult to shape our future and to protect our resources for future generations.
Public involvement in the planning process
Land use issues affect people on PEI every day. From a disagreement about the location of a shooting range or mink farm, or the call for more bike lanes, to a proposed change to a roadway – everyone has an opinion about land use. Without clear policies, we are powerless to limit these conflicts.
Public engagement is a critical aspect and key to a successful planning process, both in the development of provincial land use policies or a municipal official plan. Engaging the public enables the policies to reflect what people want for their community and province.
It is important to develop a shared understanding of the issues and to jointly develop a vision and goals for land use. People need to be given an opportunity to determine how the future of the province and their community will unfold.
The Land Use Policy Task Force will lead public dialogue, learning from Islanders about their vision for a sustainable PEI. The Task Force is interested in learning what Islanders think about the future of land use on PEI. The Task Force will use this information to develop the provincial land use polices.
Land use planning in PEI
Under the Planning Act, Prince Edward Island municipalities have the option to assume responsibility for land use planning through the development and adoption of official plans and land use bylaws. Thirty-one municipalities have accepted the responsibility for planning (covering 10% of the land mass of PEI). The Planning Act guides the development of these documents.
An official plan sets out a municipality's general vision, which is expressed in policies for future land use. The municipality develops the plan through consultation with the public, who help to ensure that future development will meet the community’s needs while ensuring present uses are protected. The plan deals with issues such as the location of new housing, industry and commercial offices, as well as identifying essential services such as roads, sewers, and parks.
The zoning or land use bylaw provides for the implementation and day-to-day administration of the policies of the plan. The bylaw is the tool that controls and regulates the use of land.
In areas where municipalities have not assumed responsibility for planning, the Province is responsible for development control. This land (covering 90% of the land mass of PEI) is governed by a general set of subdivision and development regulations, and other provincial legislation. These regulations do not take into consideration the best use of the land, land suitability for development, future land development needs or compatibility to neighboring uses.
For a list of municipalities with official plans, visit the municipal planning page.
