SaltWire E-Edition

GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

Regarding An Exercise In Frustration, June 24, 2022. Full disclosure, I have been a resident of what is now called the Rural Municipality of Belfast, (which includes the community of Point Prim), for all but four years of my life and I have known those involved with the issue at Bessie Willow Lane for most of those years.

The issue that the letter to the editor describes is nothing short of disgusting. As a long-time resident of P.E.I. and the community of Belfast I have always welcomed newcomers to our community. Along with that I would expect that any newcomers would abide by the land development rules of the day and if not, then appropriate action would be taken by appropriate government agencies to ensure rules and regulations are followed.

As a farmer I am more than aware of what happens when I step outside the many regulations that tell us how we must farm our land while contributing to the economy of P.E.I. I have also heard from several building contractors who say they much prefer to take on projects that do not take place within the confines of the city of Charlottetown or the surrounding communities of Stratford and Cornwall. This is because of the high scrutiny they’re under while working on the project to insure they are abiding by the building permit conditions.

The issue at Bessie Willow Lane makes one wonder if there is a double standard being applied by government officials regarding building permits that are granted in rural versus municipal areas? If there is not a double standard being applied, then the only other conclusion is that government officials involved are not taking responsibility of doing the job they are responsible for.

Either way, this lapse in enforcement of building permit regulations and follow up by appropriate government officials has allowed a huge unsightly building to be constructed and after four, yes, four years, government officials have yet to resolve the issue?

Please don’t give me the “COVID-19” excuse for the lack of action to correct this issue. Government officials need to get off their duff, take responsibility, and deal with the issue. After all, that’s what we expect and pay taxes on our hard-earned income for good government to do!!!

Robert Macdonald,

Belfast, P.E.I.

OPINION

en-ca

2022-07-05T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-07-05T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://saltwire.pressreader.com/article/281638193905857

SaltWire Network