Three Rivers officials say provincial delays on bylaw amendments are halting development, as the housing minister cites rising community concern.
Three Rivers Says Development Stalled as Province Holds Bylaws
Growing Tension in Local Governance
The Town of Three Rivers, P.E.I., says critical development updates have been stalled for nearly a year as the province continues withholding approval of bylaw amendments. The hold-up, officials say, has created a “standoff” that limits what projects can move forward in the community.
Concerns Over Delayed Amendments
Town planning board chair Anne Van Donkersgoed says the amendments—intended to streamline small permits and increase housing density—cannot take effect without ministerial approval. She notes the province has offered neither a rejection nor a green light, leaving “things we can’t do in Three Rivers because the bylaws aren’t signed.”
Why the Zoning Issue Matters
At the centre of the delay are a handful of properties owned by Buddhist monks and nuns—lands that have been a source of community debates and speculation for years. Under the proposed changes, these properties would be categorized as institutional while nearly all other areas fall under community zoning, reinforcing historical designations already in place.
Minister Flags Uneven Zoning Approach
Housing, Land and Communities Minister Cory Deagle says he is hearing “significant concern” from residents, particularly over why only Buddhist-owned lands would carry institutional status. He questioned why the Catholic Church, for example, is classified under community zoning instead.
Deagle says he is urging council to reconsider the zoning approach to reduce what he calls a “huge divide” in the community.
Town Defends Its Zoning Rationale
Van Donkersgoed maintains that institutional zoning for the Buddhist properties predates amalgamation in 2018. Reclassifying them now, she argues, would actually grant broader as-of-right permissions—such as hospitals, police stations, or multi-unit developments—without public input.
She says the proposed amendments would increase oversight by requiring council approval for expansions, promoting greater transparency.
Optics and Public Perception
Deagle emphasizes he is not suggesting the town is favouring any group, but says “the optics don’t look the best.” He notes that despite his recent appointment in October, the previous minister also declined to approve the changes.
Town officials, however, say the lack of action has left them feeling unsupported. “It feels very disrespectful,” Van Donkersgoed said, calling the prolonged uncertainty harmful to local planning efforts.
Next Steps for the Province
Deagle says he will not sign off on amendments until the town further reviews zoning consistency across the municipality. He insists his priority is ensuring community tensions are addressed before changes become law.
