The first stage of Water Act public consultations wrapped up this week in Charlottetown, said Minister of Communities, Land and Environment Robert Mitchell.
“I want to express thanks to the hundreds of Islanders who came out and participated in the public consultation process over the past two months,” said Minister Mitchell. “We were extremely impressed with the attendance at all meetings and also with the quality of presentations being made. Islanders have embraced this process and are providing valuable input that will inform and contribute to the drafting of a Prince Edward Island Water Act.”
Public consultations led by the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) began the first week of October and concluded Monday evening. Meetings were held in nine communities across the province from Souris to Elmsdale. The EAC heard about 60 presentations in total and received about 40 direct submissions via online and written to date.
Interested parties still interested in providing input prior to the primary drafting of the legislation are encouraged to submit feedback on the Water Act website www.gov.pe.ca/wateract or via phone, e-mail or written submission. Submissions will be accepted until January 15, 2016.
Following the conclusion of the first stage of consultations, the EAC will prepare a report to be used by staff of the Department of Communities, Land and Environment in drafting the first edition of a Water Act. The report will summarize input received, assess adequacy of information for incorporation in the Act and provide recommendations around legislation development. The drafted legislation will return to public consultation for further input before being finalized.
“I want to recognize and thank the members of the EAC for their hard work and long hours on this very important and complex initiative,” added Minister Mitchell.
For more information about the development of P.E.I.’s Water Act, please visit the website.