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Victoria, Vision 2035

Jul 2019

The Rural Municipality of Victoria is a small (2021 pop. of 139) community located on Prince Edward Island’s south shore, between the Confederation Bridge and Charlottetown. The community is known for its arts businesses, playhouse, restaurants, historic core, and charming waterfront. Traditionally an agricultural and fishing community, tourism now draws a significant number of visitors to Victoria. 

With the growth in tourism has come issues such as a limited supply of on-street parking, demand for accommodations, and the potential for conflicts between commercial businesses and residences in the community’s compact core. Climate change and its associated effects, the appropriate level of protection for heritage buildings, and housing availability are also high on residents’ minds.

The Municipality first adopted an Official Plan and Development Bylaw approximately 20 years ago, with periodic updates since then, most recently in 2014.  With recent changes to the Municipal Government Act and a desire to proactively plan for the future, the Municipality hired UPLAND to update the Official Plan and Development Bylaw.

UPLAND worked closely with Planning Board and the residents of Victoria to develop planning documents that reflect the community’s roots, while adapting to the contemporary issues, legislative changes, and the evolving visions of the community. The new plan was based on a solid foundation of meaningful public engagement. It helps prepare Victoria for a changing demographic profile, climate, and economy, while protecting the valued natural features, built structures, and charm of the community.  

Clients: Rural Municipality of Victoria
Location: Victoria, PEI
Service areas: Municipal Planning, Planning, Community Design, Municipal Plan Review
Start date: Jul 2019
Finish Date: Jan 2022
Collaborating: NA