After nearly two decades, Prince Edward County is revamping its comprehensive zoning bylaw to align with its updated Official Plan and the 2024 Provincial Planning Statement. A near-final draft was recently presented to Council, introducing significant changes—especially for rural and agricultural lands.
Key highlights include the consolidation of three rural zones into a single Rural (RU) zone with a minimum lot size of 10 hectares. A new Agricultural zone will require a 40-hectare minimum to better protect farmland. On-farm diversified uses—such as agritourism, home industries, and value-added products—are now recognized, with strict limits on land area and impact.
Updated definitions for wineries now include estate and farm wineries, allowing for on-site food services (tied houses). Trailers and RVs are also proposed as permitted, but subject to conditions.
While many in the farming community welcome the focus on agricultural longevity, some, like vineyard owner Dan Sullivan, worry the new severance rules may push wineries into less suitable rural areas. Others, like ostrich farmer Brittany Denouden, are concerned about costly site plan requirements for small-scale creative ventures.
Environmental advocates, including the Prince Edward County Field Naturalists, are urging clearer definitions and stronger safeguards for sensitive lands like wetlands.
County staff say there’s flexibility in the site plan process and that fees could be adjusted to better suit small farms. The public is encouraged to review the draft zoning bylaw available on the County’s website. Final adoption is anticipated in June.
This major update aims to balance growth, agriculture, and environmental protection—making it a crucial moment for landowners to get involved.
Port Picton Homes has received approval to develop 870 new residences over five phases on an 80-acre site near Sandy Hook Road and the Loyalist Parkway, including town homes and apartments. The first phase will feature about 35 entry-level town homes priced between $375,000 and $450,000. Despite strong opposition from the Waring’s Creek Improvement Association (WCIA) due to environmental concerns over the nearby Cold Creek watershed, the project is moving forward.
The development faced multiple setbacks, including two deadlocked votes at the Planning Committee and Council. However, a revised application was presented in February 2025, incorporating further environmental studies and measures to protect the watershed, such as 50m setbacks around wetlands and Low Impact Development (LID) practices. The project will undergo additional peer reviews to ensure its environmental integrity.
The WCIA continues to raise concerns, seeking legal reviews and requesting a Cumulative Impact Study to assess the development’s long-term effects on the watershed, particularly in light of climate change. Despite these challenges, developer David Cleave remains optimistic, emphasizing the need for affordable housing while respecting environmental concerns. The subdivision will feature energy-efficient heat pumps, geothermal technology, underground parking, and public pathways to the Millennium Trail, with wetland and forest areas preserved.
While the development will contribute to the area’s growth, some, like Councillor Kate MacNaughton, remain cautious about its potential impact on the surrounding natural spaces, particularly the Millennium Trail.
The Bank of Canada has reduced its target for the overnight rate to 3%, signaling its commitment to supporting economic growth. The decision also marks the end of quantitative tightening, with plans to restart asset purchases in March to stabilize and modestly grow its balance sheet in line with economic expansion.
The Bank’s January Monetary Policy Report (MPR) comes with significant uncertainty, primarily due to the unpredictable impact of potential U.S. trade tariffs under the new administration. Without new tariffs, global economic growth is expected to remain around 3% in 2024 and 2025. While the U.S. economy benefits from stronger consumption, growth in the euro area is subdued, and China faces ongoing structural challenges.
In Canada, recent interest rate cuts are stimulating consumption and housing activity, although business investment remains weak. Employment has improved, with the unemployment rate at 6.7% in December, and wage pressures have shown signs of easing. The Bank forecasts GDP growth of 1.3% in 2024, with a gradual strengthening to 1.8% in 2025 and 2026.
Inflation remains close to the 2% target, despite some volatility. The Bank expects this trend to continue, barring the impact of potential trade conflicts. With inflation under control and economic activity gradually strengthening, the Bank of Canada is focused on maintaining price stability and monitoring the risks posed by U.S. trade policies.
