LETTERS: Charlottetown asleep on vision for waterfront and other letters |
Share this Story : PNI Atlantic News Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr
LETTERS: Charlottetown asleep on vision for waterfront and other letters
Asleep on vision for waterfront
Subscribe now to access this story and more:
Unlimited access to the website and app
Exclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcasts
Full access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on
Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists
Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists
Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.
Unlimited access to the website and app
Exclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcasts
Full access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on
Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists
Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists
Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.
Access additional stories every month
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting community
Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
Charlottetown stands at a crossroads, but looking at our current waterfront development, one might wonder if those at the helm have been asleep for the last 20 years. The recent trajectory of our shoreline (steered by the city, the port authority and the development corporation) suggests a profound lack of imagination that will haunt our historic landscape forever.
To understand our predicament, we need only look to the tale of Rip Van Winkle. Like Irving’s protagonist, city planners seem to have wandered into the woods, fallen into a deep slumber, and woken up in a world they don’t understand. While Rip Van Winkle simply missed the passage of time, Charlottetown is missing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. By the time our leadership “wakes up” to the value of a world-class waterfront, the concrete will be dry, the views will be blocked, and the soul of the city will be walled off behind glass and steel.
The push for large-scale apartment complexes on coastal land, like the eight-storey apartment building going up next to Founders Hall, is a classic example of short-term gain over long-term vision.
We are told these “developments” are necessary, yet we know the reality of modern high-density builds: they often transition into cramped, “postage-stamp” units that prioritize developer and landlord margins over livability. While housing is a critical issue, sacrificing our most iconic public asset — the waterfront — for generic residential blocks is not the solution. It is a permanent architectural scar.
The city, the port authority, and the development corporation have seen our waterfront as a transaction rather than a legacy. We have the potential to mirror the success of world-class waterfronts, such as Barcelona, Bergen and Dubrovnik, that prioritize public access and commerce. Instead, we are settling for the mediocrity of the developers of “The Forge.”
It is time for our leadership to shake off the “Van Winkle” slumber. We need to pause, pivot and protect the waterfront before it is gone forever. Let’s build a place for people, not just a place for floor plans.
Former mayor of Charlottetown
Media industries share blame
Once again Canada is daily hearing about a tragic event, this time in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. The news media are having a “field day” sensationalizing the event and insensitively intruding on the people’s grief.
What no one is considering (and never does consider) are the root causes of the increasing number of such events.
Winter storm expected for Monday and Tuesday Cape Breton
Winter storm expected for Monday and Tuesday
Advertisement 1Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.document.addEventListener(`DOMContentLoaded`,function(){let template=document.getElementById(`oop-ad-template`);if(template&&!template.dataset.adInjected){let clone=template.content.cloneNode(!0);template.replaceWith(clone),template.parentElement&&(template.parentElement.dataset.adInjected=`true`)}});
NL family doctor finds retirement replacement, says NLHS is blocking approval Newfoundland & Labrador
NL family doctor finds retirement replacement, says NLHS is blocking approval
Mount Pearl residents drop Taco Bell traffic court case as lineups ease Newfoundland & Labrador
Mount Pearl residents drop Taco Bell traffic court case as lineups ease
‘One of the greatest curlers ever’: NL curler Brad Gushue readying for his exit after one last Brier Newfoundland & Labrador
‘One of the greatest curlers ever’: NL curler Brad Gushue readying for his exit after one last Brier
‘It’s infuriating’: MCP coverage cut leaves NL father fighting for son’s cleft lip care Newfoundland & Labrador
‘It’s infuriating’: MCP coverage cut leaves NL father fighting for son’s cleft lip care
The entertainment industry that has almost single-handedly “brain-washed” people into believing that murder, violence and criminality of every kind is actually acceptable “entertainment” — whilst leaving nothing to the criminally creative imagination — for every kind of person of whatever age or state of mental health.
The music industry plays on the mind with loud dirges bemoaning the artist’s mental state and the causes thereof, their lovelessness and despair.
Every half hour, the news media reports about global disasters, wars, rumours of wars and corruption of every kind and in every facet of society, inviting the analysis of those who think they know, and then, analyzing the analysis!
These are the “root causes” of so many of the tragic events happening all over the world, not just in Canada. There is also the prevailingly loud insistence that “we have our rights.” Neither laws nor any sense of responsibility, it seems, can transcend our inalienable “right” to do exactly as we please, for good or ill.
Until these things change (which they probably never will), we will continue to hear, with increasing frequency, reports of such tragedies as has just happened in Tumbler Ridge.
Consider P.E.I.’s deficit
The other day I had a discussion with a political person who happened to to be quite proud of what this Lantz government has accomplished since first getting elected in 2019. After much debate, the topic of money came up.
The subject of debt was a part of this discussion so, before we could determine the amount owed, I had to educate my friend on how many millions there are in a billion — and the answer is 1,000. We moved on to the current projected debt is estimated to be 3.70 billion for this year. Then we compared it to 2019 and it was 2.17 billion. That represents an increase of 1.53 billion. Then we moved on to how much the interest payments are per year and we found out that figure is $180,000,000. Broken down that is $15,000,000. per month or $490,000 per day.
Then I had to tell him that not a nickel was paid on the principal loan. Well, by this time my political friend, in order to save face, stated that most Islanders don’t give a darn about the debt and cost of it. Well, I strongly disagree with that. Most Islanders haven’t been given facts about what we owe thanks to the Lantz government.
So Islanders, wake up, and I would strongly suggest that you take time and think about how much money is being owed and paid by you because of the decisions that they are making.
About P.E.I.’s defence industry
During the 1970s-80s Litton Systems proposed establishing a defence manufacturing enterprise on Prince Edward Island to manufacture guidance systems for cruse missiles. They sought to build an air defence and tank systems plant in P.E.I., promising 345 direct jobs. The public outcry was strong, not wanting this gentle Island to be producing items of destruction. I expect this same public outcry against a defence industry will rise again.
I would suggest the newly formed defence industry advisory committee be first charged with establishing its criteria related to the aspects of a defence industry it will promote.
While most people would allow Aspen’s navigation devices, it would be against making bombs. So I feel the new committee should set criteria that would restrict certain armaments that directly aid in killings or destruction.
I expect most people will understand my direction.
Share this Story : PNI Atlantic News Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr
I tried the viral activewear brand POPFLEX: What to know before you buy Even Taylor Swift is a fan of the activewear brand created by Blogilates fitness instructor Cassey Ho 20 hours ago Fashion
I tried the viral activewear brand POPFLEX: What to know before you buy
Even Taylor Swift is a fan of the activewear brand created by Blogilates fitness instructor Cassey Ho
Advertisement 2Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.document.addEventListener(`DOMContentLoaded`,function(){let template=document.getElementById(`oop-ad-template`);if(template&&!template.dataset.adInjected){let clone=template.content.cloneNode(!0);template.replaceWith(clone),template.parentElement&&(template.parentElement.dataset.adInjected=`true`)}});
Canadian concert tours: Hottest tickets in 2026 Andrea Bocelli, Don Toliver and TWICE are on sale now 20 hours ago Music
Canadian concert tours: Hottest tickets in 2026
Andrea Bocelli, Don Toliver and TWICE are on sale now
Fashion resale is booming in Canada. Here's why ... Canadian fashion resale experts sound off on booming market. Read more ... 22 hours ago Fashion & Beauty
Fashion resale is booming in Canada. Here's why ...
Canadian fashion resale experts sound off on booming market. Read more ...
How to take your kids skiing: Tips to enjoy the mountain with young ones Start small and get the right gear 22 hours ago Kids
How to take your kids skiing: Tips to enjoy the mountain with young ones
Start small and get the right gear
Best standup comedy shows in Canada near you this week Jo Koy, Hannah Berner and Jimmy Carr are on sale now 22 hours ago Entertainment
Best standup comedy shows in Canada near you this week
Jo Koy, Hannah Berner and Jimmy Carr are on sale now