Developers wanting to purchase land from the District of Port Edward may no longer have to go through the lengthy and costly rezoning process – provided they are looking at a short-term investment.
On Oct. 9, Port Edward councillors gave three readings to a bylaw that would allow them to grant a temporary rezoning permit that would change the zoning on a piece of land for up to six years before it reverts to its original classification. Port Edward chief administrative officer Ron Bedard said the bylaw is simply a sign of the times.
"I think it really fits with where we are today, because I really think we're just seeing the tip of the iceberg ... in the very near future, we could have an influx of people wanting to change the zoning on land in the district," he told council.
"Otherwise every time someone comes in, council has to go through a process that takes a month or two and, frankly, costs a lot of money. With this, they could come to council who could, at its discretion, approve the temporary permit."
Bedard said one of the catalysts for this bylaw is interest in purchasing the mobile home park and developing currently undeveloped area behind the existing homes to host large RVs during the construction phase of the Lelu Island LNG terminal.