Stratford wants planning act amended after IRAC decision

TheTown of Stratford is renewing its call for the province to amend the planning act so theIsland Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) cannot overrule decisions made by a council.

Stratford town council said it stands by its decision to deny a developer's application to build threecondominium buildings.

• Stratford condo decision overturned by IRAC
• P.E.I. municipalities seek changes in IRAC's powers
• Charlottetown council says IRAC shouldn't have power to overrule land use decisions

MarshallMacPhersonLtd. requested permission to build the three 12 unit condominium buildings on Shakespeare Drive. Council said it denied the application based on a number of issues, the main one beingstorm water management.

MarshallMacPhersonLtd. appealed the decision to IRACand after a two day hearing, IRAC overturned Stratford council's decision, laying the blame on council for how it was dealt with.

Stand by decision

In a release, Mayor David Dunphy said council stands by the decision it made.

"Council is in the best position to represent the residents on such matters. Council members are elected and accountable to the residents of the Town and, as such, ought to have the discretion and the ability to consider and weigh resident concerns when reaching decisions on such matters."

The town supported the resolution passed by theFederation of PEI Municipalities in April 2016 that wanted to see the planning act amended to allow IRAC to ensureproper procedures are followed when councils make decisions, but not "substitute" their own decision in place of a council's decision.

The developer says he intends to start building next March.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |This Cold War veteran did his shooting with a camera, not a gun
• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |UPEI and faculty association reach 4 year collective agreement