The Adopted OP significantly…

The Adopted OP significantly alters the long-approved policies of the Shore Land designation under Part IV, Section 4.2.1 of the 1998 OP, which permitted a mix of low density residential, as well as resort, tourist and marine commercial uses, seasonal tent, trailer and recreational vehicle park, and private and public open spaces. In Section 4.4.4b) of the 1998 OP, residential development which would involve more than four or more lots was allowed, according to a registered plan of subdivision.

The Adopted OP has removed the lot creation policies for low density residential land uses in Shore Land. As a result, it does not permit residential development in the Shore Land designation, expect for a single-lot severance. Specifically:
a) Section 5.1.3.12 states that Country lot subdivisions and registered plans of condominium shall not be permitted within the Shore Land designation;
b) Section 5.1.3.14 restricts lot creation of one (1) new parcel existing on January 23, 1998; and
c) Beyond this one (1) severance, the Adopted OP does not permit new residential lot creation in the Shore Land designation.

This policy change restricts further development of the established second home/ weekend residential market that is concentrated in the Shore Land designation, which contributes to the tourism economy and County tax base. As such, the Adopted OP fails to recognize that tourism and economic development in PEC consists of both the “second home” or “weekend” residential market, as well as traditional tourist commercial uses providing accommodations, attractions and services. The location for the second home/ cottage sector in PEC has been traditionally been within the Shore Land designation.

Furthermore, these new Shore Land policies fail to acknowledge that the Shore Land in PEC is a mix of both low density residential uses, as well as tourist-related commercial uses. It is important to note that Section 1.1.5 of the 2020 Provincial Policy Statement permits, on rural lands, resource-based recreational uses, including recreational dwellings, and residential development and lot creation that is locally appropriate. We submit that Lot creation in Shore Land for low density recreational dwellings is locally appropriate in PEC, provided that it is compatible with the rural landscape and can be sustained by rural service levels.