After more than two years of developing an official plan, the City of Charlottetown is getting close to voting on adopting it. Some residents have concerns with higher density housing the plan could make way for, but others are welcoming it.

At a public meeting Wednesday night, the City of Charlottetown unveiled the latest draft of its Official Plan — a blueprint for the city’s growth, development and infrastructure over the next 15 years.  

The Plan includes policies designed to diversify the city’s housing supply, making it easier for people to find affordable and suitable places to live.

The City says key policies include: 

• Encouraging secondary and garden suites for more affordable housing options within established neighbourhoods.
• Promoting mixed-use developments that combine housing with community spaces and commercial areas
• Promoting the construction of mid-rise apartment buildings along major corridors such as University Avenue and St. Peter’s Road
• Ensuring that new developments address the growing need for diverse housing types including affordable units.

 You can see the latest draft of the Plan and provide feedback online at charlottetownhall.ca.

Mark Carney will be sworn in as Canada’s 24th prime minister at a ceremony at Rideau Hall Friday after the formal resignation of Justin Trudeau.

Governor General Mary Simon will preside over the swearing-in ceremony for Carney and his new cabinet.

It will take place at 11a-m Eastern time in the Rideau Hall ballroom.

Carney was selected as Liberal leader Sunday in a landslide vote, capturing nearly 86 per cent of the Liberal vote. 

Retaliatory tariffs on 29.8-billion dollars of U-S goods are now in effect after U-S President Donald Trump slapped 25-per-cent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada.   Trump openly challenged U-S allies with the levies, vowing to take back wealth he says was “stolen” by other countries.

Canada’s Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says there was no choice but to respond and says it’s hurtful for the competitiveness of North America.

The dollar-for-dollar tariffs went into effect early this morning.  Meanwhile, federal Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Ontario Premier Doug Ford are set to have a face-to-face meeting later today with one of America’s top economic officials at the White House, U-S Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

CBC Prince Edward Island is looking back at five years ago this month — how COVID changed Islanders' lives, what the response looked like, and what's been learned. People in long-term care and their families were among the most affected by COVID restrictions.

MADE IN PEI WEEK CONTINUES TODAY!

PEI WEATHER

TODAY:  Chance of flurries this morning then clearing this afternoon. High -2°

TONIGHT: Clear. Low -8°

TOMORROW:  Sunny. High 5°

TEXT YOUR ANSWER TO 902-368-1720

The Bank of Canada cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point Wednesday as it warns trade uncertainty is already hurting the Canadian economy.  The move marks the central bank’s seventh consecutive interest rate cut and brings its key rate down to 2.75 per cent.  While inflation has been well-behaved and the economy was picking up speed heading into 2025, the Bank of Canada warns the tariff battle with the United States could change that in a hurry.  Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says that trade uncertainty was already causing “harm” to the economy before tariffs were imposed last week.

Unity was a common theme among those who attended a Commonwealth Day event on P.E.I. earlier this week as U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose devastating tariffs on Canada and annex the country as a 51st state.

The City of Charlottetown is hosting a public meeting Wednesday night on the latest draft of Charlottetown’s Official Plan.  The meeting is at 7:00pm at Charlottetown City Hall.   

More information on the draft Official Plan can be found by visiting charlottetownhall.ca/official-plan

Health PEI is developing its 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, outlining key priorities and initiatives to strengthen the province’s healthcare system over the next three years. It says the plan will focus on Communicating Health PEI’s mission, vision, and values; identifying priority areas for improvement and defining specific goals, and establishing a framework for performance monitoring and public reporting.  You can provide input through March 31st by way of an on-line survey through the government website; E-mailing submissions to [email protected]; or by mail.

Charlottetown's city council is hoping to speed things up when it comes to cleaning up unsightly properties.

MADE IN PEI WEEK CONTINUES TODAY!

PEI WEATHER

TODAY: Sun and cloud. Chance of flurries. Wind Northwest gusting 50. Falling to -4°

TONIGHT: Partly cloudy. Low -10°

TOMORROW: Sunny. High -4°

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As China announces tariffs on some Canadian products — like seafood, pork and canola oil — industries on the Island worry about what kind of effect the threat will have on their goods. CBC's Taylor O'Brien reports.

U-S President Donald Trump has slapped all countries, including Canada, with 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States.

The president’s executive order went into effect at 12:01 a-m, Eastern.

It essentially removes exceptions from Trump’s 2018 tariffs on steel and aluminum, which eventually excluded Canada and other countries from the duties. 

The levies come into force hours after the White House confirmed Trump would not follow through on threats to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum after Ontario agreed to pause a surcharge on electricity exports to the U-S. 

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he’ll be going down to Washington to meet with U-S Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick this week to talk trade.

Ford made the comments today after a call with Lutnick in the wake of threats by U-S President Donald Trump to slap a 50 per cent tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum.

The premier had implemented a 25 per cent surcharge on electricity heading to three states. 

Spring weight restrictions took effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.

The weight restrictions are meant to help minimize damage and reduce repair costs to Island roads as the roadbeds soften during the spring thaw.

As the weather warms, be aware of driving hazards like frost heaves and potholes.

A large drug bust by the Charlottetown Police Street Crime Unit late Monday afternoon.  During a targeted traffic stop in Charlottetown, police arrested three people from Ontario — a 21- year old man and two 23-year old women.  Police then searched a home a home on Matwood Drive in Stratford and seized 1kg of fentanyl, 2.8kg of crystal methamphetamine, 763 grams of cocaine, multiple cell phones and about $5800 in cash.  Charlottetown Police estimate the street value of the drugs seized at approximately $665-thousand.  All three are facing multiple charges of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking.

All three have been remanded in custody and will appear soon in Provincial Court.

The Federal Government and the Provincial Department of Agriculture are redirecting funds into existing programs that support farmers and agri-businesses in finding new markets and foster innovation. The governments are redirecting cost-shared funding into The Product and Market Development Program; the Strategic Industry Growth Initiative; and the Business Development Program.

The Province also says its Agriculture and Economic Development, Innovation and Trade Departments will also be working be working together to support the agriculture industry with programs offered through Innovation PEI.

The City of Summerside has released its 2025-26 budget, saying it emphasizes strategic

investments in infrastructure while maintaining financial responsibility.

With a balanced budget in place, property tax rates will remain unchanged.

There’s a significant $29.1 million investment in infrastructure, which includes $11-million for

east-west corridor development; $3.7-million for water system upgrades; $3-million for sewer improvements, and $1.4-million for street resurfacing.  Another highlight is that Summerside Electric will receive $4.6-million to enhance safety, security, and reliability.

March break is right around the corner, but the state of Canada-U.S. relations as of late has some Prince Edward Islanders rethinking their travel plans. 

Canada's Mark Arendz captured the men's overall World Cup crown in standing Para biathlon with a victory in Tuesday's final race of the season.

A young arm wrester from Prince Edward Island is adding 'Two-time North American Champion' to his list of accomplishments. Thomas Dumas talks to Sheehan Desjardins as she hosts CBC News: Compass.

Charlottetown police seized a huge amount of drugs, including crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine, after arresting three people Monday.

The P.E.I. government has begun paying for Islanders to cross the Confederation Bridge to Moncton to receive private MRI scans, in an attempt to cut wait times.

As Canada stares down challenges on the trade front, Malpeque MP Heath MacDonald says the country is in a solid position to handle them, especially with Mark Carney about to take over as prime minister.

U-S President Donald Trump says he will double planned tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50 per cent tomorrow.

Trump says the move is in response to Ontario’s 25 per cent surcharge on electricity shipped to 1.5 million American homes and business across three states.

These levies are separate from the widespread ones enacted last week on Canadian and Mexican goods, some of which have been delayed until next month.

Trump’s inconsistent tariff threats and his refusal to rule out a recession have caused U-S stock markets to fall and created more uncertainty to markets.

Three Prince Edward Islanders are among the 90 Canadian athletes at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. This is the 12th edition of the Games, which started on March 8 and last until March 15.

Since his diagnosis six months ago, toddler Elliot Rossiter has been seen by some specialists on the Island every four to five weeks. Saying that wasn't enough, his parents made an expensive decision. 

A ceremony was held Monday at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown as 64 deserving recipients were awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of their significant contributions to PEI.      

The Coronation Medal commemorates the Coronation of King Charles III.

Federal Agriculture Minister and Cardigan MP Lawrence MacAulay says he had a discussion with his American counterpart, Secretary Brooke Rollins on Monday.  Macaulay says the relationship between the two countries is vitally important, especially when it comes to agriculture.  MacAulay  says he stressed in their discussion that unjustified measures would hurt consumers on both sides of the border.

Canada’s next prime minister isn’t offering anything specific about the timing of his transition into office.

Newly-chosen Liberal leader Mark Carney met with outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberal caucus on Monday.

Carney told reporters he expects “a quick and seamless transition” as he takes the reins from Trudeau.

The two also discussed national security and Canada-U-S relations. 

MADE IN PEI WEEK CONTINUES TODAY!

PEI WEATHER

TODAY:  Sunny. A few more clouds this afternoon. Wind south gusting 50. High 4°.

TONIGHT: Clouding over with showers by midnight. Low 1°

TOMORROW:  Chance of flurries when the showers end. Clearing late in the day. Windy. Falling to -2° through the day.

TEXT YOUR ANSWER TO 902-368-1720

A P.E.I. man has been sentenced to 14 months in jail for sexually assaulting his spouse while she was sleeping in 2008.

The Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown has a new Foreign Animal Disease Testing Laboratory. It was built to create a level of biocontainment — to allow for safe testing of samples for diseases such as the avian flu. Come along with CBC News as we get a tour of the facility.

Alcohol producers on P.E.I. will meet with provincial officials this week about removing trade barriers on booze within Canada, a move many of them support. 

A fire that severely damaged a Sydney Street apartment building on March 5 has been determined accidental, caused by 'careless use of a candle,' says a spokesperson for the City of Charlottetown. 

Michelle Neill will be the nominee for the New Democratic Party of Prince Edward Island in the upcoming byelection in District 15 Brackley-Hunter River.

Prince Edward Islanders looking to try their hand at growing giant pumpkins will have the chance to learn from the best this Wednesday evening.

A new Access PEI site opened in Cornwall Monday, providing residents with essential government services and high-quality support closer to home.

It’s the tenth Access PEI site in the province, with the other most recent one opening at Royalty Crossing in Charlottetown in 2023.  Access PEI provides Islanders with important government services such as driver’s licenses and tests, vehicle registrations, building permits, and health cards.

The new Access PEI site is located at 638 Main Street in Cornwall.

The Progressive Conservative Party of PEI says it has launched the process to select its next leader.

The PC Party Executive has established a Leadership Convention Committee and a Candidate Search Committee to oversee the search for candidates and prepare for the leadership convention.

Further details, including key dates and convention information, will be announced in the coming weeks.

The City of Summerside has announced that Blue Rodeo will headline this year’s Canada Day celebrations with a free concert on the Summerside Waterfront.

The Canada Day celebrations will feature an All-Canadian lineup, and the City is expanding its programming and working closely with francophone and multicultural communities to create a diverse and inclusive celebration.

It’s all all part of a Big 4 Days in Summerside, which will kick off with Air Show Atlantic on June 28^th and 29^th.   The Canada Day celebrations on July 1st will wrap up the weekend of entertainment and community festivities.

Island NDP Leader Michelle Neill has won the Party’s nomination as candidate for the by-election in District 15 Brackley-Hunter River.  The by-election, which must be called within 6 months of the seat becoming vacant, is necessary after the resignation of former Premier Dennis King.  Brackley-Hunter River is Neill’s home district.

The outbreak of the RSV respiratory illness at Margaret Stewart Ellis Home has been declared over.  Health PEI is thanking staff for their dedication in managing and limiting the RSV outbreak within the facility. 

Visitors are still being asked to wear a mask inside the facility and to not visit if they are feeling ill.

Some members of the P.E.I. tourism industry are optimistic that tensions between Canada and the United States will bode well for business this year, though others are worried about the impact of political uncertainty. 

A field just outside St. John’s could one day hold the key to treating or eliminating a fungus that dealt a huge blow to P.E.I.’s iconic potato industry four years ago, and continues to have ripple effects today.

Federal Liberals elected Mark Carney to lead their party into the next election in a resounding first-ballot victory — putting him on track to become the next prime minister of Canada.  The victory for Carney brings a close to the two-month long leadership race and clears the path for an expected early election call.  Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland, Liberal M-P Karina Gould and former Liberal M-P Frank Baylis were also vying for the top job. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave his farewell speech to Liberals just before former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney was announced as his replacement.  Ella-Grace Trudeau introduced her father to the crowd before his final speech, saying she looks forward to seeing more of him at home and less of him online.  Trudeau nodded to the challenges Canada has faced from the last decade, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and says he’s confident Canada will emerge from this latest existential challenge even stronger. 

MADE IN PEI WEEK IS HERE!

PEI WEATHER

TODAY:  Sunny breaks with a chance of flurries. High 0°

TONIGHT:  Partly cloudy. Low -8°

TOMORROW:  Sun and cloud with a chance of flurries late in the day. High -1°

TEXT YOUR ANSWER TO 902-368-1720

Vishtèn Connexions, Absolute Losers and Dylan Menzie each won twice during Saturday night's awards gala at Charlottetown’s Confederation Centre of the Arts. 

Nicole Ford has announced that she is seeking the Liberal nomination for District 15 Brackley-Hunter River.  Ford is an educator and entrepreneur as she owns and operates four childcare centers.  She has also served as a parent advisor to the IWK Pediatric Operational Group, and represented PEI on the IWK Family Advisory Committee.  The Liberal Party has set a date of March 26th for its nomination meeting for District 15.