Judging from participation in public consultations, Islanders are passionate about the watersheds they live in and eager to share their visions for the future.
The PEI Environmental Advisory Council was asked by Government to carry out public consultations on managing land and water on a watershed basis. The group began the consultations this week with meetings in Charlottetown and Kinkora. Chair Sherra Profit said she and her fellow council members are very pleased with the participation so far.
“We have had Islanders from all walks of life participate in the discussions this week and they each had valuable information to share about their experience in their watersheds,” said Ms. Profit. “This is a topic that touches all of us and it’s great to see so many people take the time to share their views.”
Twenty individuals or groups made formal presentations or comments at the meetings and several others have mailed or emailed submissions. Presenters to date have included watershed groups, a community council, tourism operators and landowners.
Ms. Profit said the council is hoping for a strong turnout at the remaining public meetings. They are:
• February 5 at The Whim Inn, Pooles Corner;
• February 7, at the Royal Canadian Legion in Miscouche; and
• February 13 at Westisle Composite High School, Elmsdale.
All meetings will be 7-9 p.m.
Several groups – including community and environmental groups and agricultural organizations – are already scheduled to make presentations at the upcoming meetings. Groups and individuals who would like to add their name to the list are asked to register in advance by calling (902) 368-5044 or toll-free 1-866-368-5044, and provide a written summary of their presentation (no more than three pages). All submissions will be posted on the consultation website: www.gov.pe.ca/go/watershedconsultations
Those unable to attend a public meeting, may also send comments by email to environment@gov.pe.ca or by mail to Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry, Environmental Advisory Council Public Consultations, 11 Kent Street, PO Box 2000, Charlottetown, PEI, C1A 7N8. The deadline for written comments is February 14, 2007.
For more information on the consultations and to read the summaries of presentations, visit www.gov.pe.ca/go/watershedconsultations