P.E.I. minister commits to buffer zone policy upgrade after Point Deroche controversy

CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — P.E.I.’s setting minister has conceded that controversy across the development of a north shore property has highlighted the necessity to strengthen the province’s shoreline safety insurance policies.

Throughout query interval on Nov. 17, Setting Minister Steven Myers was the goal of a number of questions from fellow Progressive Conservative MLA Sidney MacEwen, whose district consists of growth of a property at Level Deroche that juts out into the shoreline. 

The Level Deroche growth has drawn important criticism within the space after photos of piles of enormous armouring stones unfold alongside the seashore in entrance of the property have been circulated on social media. The property had been on the sting of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, however shoreline erosion had eaten away on the shoreline subsequent to the house. 

After it was offered in 2020, the brand new house owners started an intensive rebuild, involving piles of armouring stones, which jut into the shoreline.

“It appears like Peggy’s Cove is there,” MacEwen instructed the legislature on Nov. 17. 

“Minister, what are we doing as a province in the case of armour stone on our coastlines – and permitting it or not permitting it?” MacEwen requested.

In response, Myers famous that the P.E.I. authorities makes use of armouring stone to guard some government-owned buildings.    

Myers mentioned a brand new coverage round the usage of the stone on coastlines is required, however he mentioned Islanders needs to be consulted. He additionally urged that in some coastal areas which can be extra susceptible to erosion, buffer zones needs to be elevated.

“I notice it’s not an excellent reply, but it surely’s the most effective reply I may give you. Now we have to make modifications. We’re engaged on coverage now,” Myers mentioned.

MacEwen mentioned longer buffer zones are wanted in additional erosion-prone areas.

The province’s buffer zones are outlined as being 15 metres from the excessive tide mark. 

However MacEwen famous the current coastal injury brought on by post-tropical storm Fiona highlighted the necessity for extra stringent buffer zone safety in additional susceptible areas.

“I’ve heard you speak concerning the (local weather) adaptation plan, however what concrete actions are we going to see in 2023 in order that we will begin taking a look at a distinct sort of buffer zone, particularly in these erosion-prone areas?” MacEwen mentioned.

“We can have a greater coverage for 2023. That’s one thing that the employees is at the moment engaged on and taking a look at what the most effective practices needs to be,” Myers mentioned. “There’s a very huge, powerful query that must be answered right here, and it needs to be answered fast. So, I’ll decide to having one thing finished subsequent yr.”

SaltWire requested what particular insurance policies shall be modified in 2023. A response was not obtained by deadline.

Myers additionally urged that the longer buffer zones in additional erosion-prone areas would prohibit development of properties close to the shore because of the risk of climate-change-driven erosion and flooding.

“Savage Harbour has most likely the quickest erosion fee on Prince Edward Island, versus possibly the Brudenell River doesn’t,” Myers mentioned. “We might not even be capable of construct there. There would possibly come a time limit the place we are saying that’s not even a spot the place we’re going to can help you construct anymore as a result of we all know what’s going to occur there over the following 50 years.”

Not following coverage: Bevan-Baker 

Inexperienced Opposition chief Peter Bevan-Baker additionally requested Myers concerning the Level DeRoche growth.

Bevan-Baker, who has been vital of the province’s 2020 allowing approval of the event, referred to a provincial coastal property information. The guide states that “nearly all exercise inside the buffer zone is prohibited.” 

The information additionally states that use of shoreline stabilization just isn’t advisable.

“Why are you not following the present coverage, which is so clear on this concern?” Bevan-Baker requested.

“I feel you answered your query if you mentioned ‘recommends,’” Myers responded. “It is not outlawed. So, there isn’t any coverage that claims you may’t do it. The division recommends that you do not as a result of you are going to float away to sea, which we noticed homes float away to sea throughout Fiona.”

Stu Neatby is a political reporter with the SaltWire Community in Prince Edward Island. He will be reached by e-mail at [email protected] and adopted on Twitter @stu_neatby.