There’s no change in gasoline prices, but in an unscheduled adjustment, the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission has approved increases in diesel and furnace oil prices.  Diesel prices went up overnight by 7.0 cents per litre, while furnace oil prices rose by 6.0 cents per litre.  It means diesel now costs you 214.4 to 215.5 cents per litre.  The maximum price for furnace oil is 166.8 cents per litre. 

Liz Murnaghan says she has to walk too far to get to a bus route in Charlottetown.

The Marine Animal Response Society is hoping new training will help people better respond to emergencies involving marine wildlife on P.E.I.

The lack of a centralized dispatch system is a “misstep” in P.E.I.’s mobile mental health program that needs to be fixed immediately, Green MLAs told a standing committee on health Wednesday.

Islanders can expect a draft housing strategy from the province this fall, according to the CEO of the P.E.I. Housing Corporation. 

T3 Transit, which serves the greater Charlottetown area, has seen some remarkable growth in the last year.

The City of Charlottetown is hosting an open house to provide information and gather public feedback on the redevelopment of the North River Road corridor from Capital Drive to McGill Avenue. That open house is October 25th from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm at West Royalty Community Centre.  Officials say it’s a major redevelopment project that will improve the corridor for pedestrians, active transportation users, vehicles and transit.  The project will also look at upgrading stormwater infrastructure where necessary and will include upgrades to several intersections along North River Road. 

The City will use the information gathered through the open house and written submissions to help select the most appropriate concept design for the project.

Road work is beginning Wednesday on Route 16 in eastern PEI in Chepstow, Little Harbour, and Red Point.  Work starts at the intersection of Route 16 and Perry Lane and goes east along Route 16 for almost 10 kilometres to the intersection with Basin Head Road.  Two-way one-lane stop-and-go traffic will be in effect and delays can be expected.  Work is expected to be completed by October 27th.

The City of Charlottetown and the Towns of Stratford and Cornwall are updating the public transit strategic plan.  The plan would guide the next stages of development and operation of public transit, and officials meant to gather public input through this open house.  It is from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday (October 18th) at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre in its Rotary Auditorium on Queen Street.

Residents are also being encouraged to complete the Capital Area Public Transit Survey.

A legislative standing committee that has been holding public meetings on programs, policies and supports for the homeless in PEI, has two more public meetings.  One is in Summerside at Credit Union Place on Thursday at 6:30 p.m., and in Charlottetown at Jack Blanchard Family Centre on October 26th.  Meetings were already held in Montague and O’Leary.   To present at one of the public meetings, you can register by way of email to [email protected]   If you want to present to the Committee members confidentially, that can be arranged.

The Forestry Commission has presented government with the first comprehensive review of the biomass heating sector in PEI.  In implementing the PEI Forestry Commission’s recommendations on biomass, the province will review and update its process for assessing proposed biomass projects that require an environmental impact assessment.  Environment, Energy and Climate Action Minister Steven Myers says the commission rightly pointed out that the environmental assessment process for new projects needs to take a closer look at the impact of harvesting wood for biomass.  Myers says that would be in terms of both preserving our forests and understanding the net impact on carbon emissions.  He says the recommendation to amend the existing environmental impact assessment process makes a great deal of sense to him and work will begin work on this immediately.

After falling in the second half of 2022, house prices on P.E.I. have rebounded back to where they were last summer.

More than a dozen weapons, cocaine, methamphetamine and contraband cigarettes were seized during a search of a home in St. Raphael on Monday, RCMP said in a news release.

The PEI Fight for Affordable Housing group says that with the moratorium on renovictions ending on November 1st, it’s calling on the Provincial Government and opposition parties to extend the moratorium.  The group also wants a commitment to revise the Residential Tenancy Act so a tenant is never evicted because the landlord needs the apartment empty to do repairs.  The group says that they want landlords to do repairs if they are needed, but there is no reason to terminate a tenancy just because the tenant may have to be temporarily rehoused while some work is done. 

Six people were arrested Monday as police, led by the Prince District Joint Forces Operations Unit, executed a search warrant at a home in St. Raphael.  During the search of the home on St. Raphael Rd., police seized 13 firearms, including rifles and shotguns; a taser; 115 grams of cocaine; 150 methamphetamine pills as well as a quantity of crystal methamphetamine; 14,600 contraband cigarettes; more than $8,000.00 in cash; and drug trafficking paraphernalia.  Charges are pending and the investigation is ongoing.

Senior administrators from the University of Prince Edward Island appeared before the province’s education committee Tuesday to talk about the findings in the Rubin Thomlinson report.

A number of business owners in Charlottetown say they're experiencing an unprecedented level of theft. Numbers from Charlottetown Police back that up.

Volunteers from 10 watershed groups came together to work on a section of living shoreline along the Hillsborough River in Charlottetown Tuesday.

A building in downtown Charlottetown slated for demolition is now under the protection of a temporary heritage designation.

As more Islanders without family doctors or nurse practitioners are being told to consult the virtual health-care platform Maple instead, long wait times are becoming more frequent. Some people are finding their virtual visits timed out altogether.

Prince Edward Island has a steep hill to climb to end its housing crisis, but it is possible, the Federation of P.E.I. Municipalities was told this weekend. 

Statistics Canada says the national annual inflation rate slowed to 3.8 per cent in September as prices year-over-year rose more slowly across the economy.   

The latest data comes after the annual rate flared up during the summer, reaching four per cent in August.   The report shows consumers paid significantly less for airfare compared with a year ago, while prices for durable goods also fell.   

Statistics Canada says grocery prices continue to rise rapidly, but the pace of growth fell to 5.8 per cent in September, down from 6.9 per cent in August.

Meanwhile, higher gasoline prices put upward pressure on inflation, as prices were 7.5 per cent higher than they were in September 2022.

PEI’s annual inflation rate was at 2.8 percent in September, down from 3.5 percent in August.

Private disposal pits used for Fiona debris are closing at the end of October. The disposal pits have been available for drop off, free of charge, since October 2022.  If you’re dropping off debris, you need to ensure you’re only leaving tree branches and other wood debris.  Officials stress that people are not to drop off household waste at private disposal pits.  Waste Watch Drop-off Centers are available to dispose of waste and excess debris, with a standard disposal fee being applied. 

Former PEI MLA Jim Larkin has passed away.   

A graduate of UPEI, Larkin worked with the PEI Federation of Municipalities and the Tourism Industry Association of PEI before entering politics.  He then served as an MLA for 6th Queens from 1979 to 1982 as a member of the governments of Angus MacLean and Jim Lee. 

After politics, Larkin worked as an entrepreneur and leader in the Island tourism industry, operating the popular MacKinnon’s Lobster on the Wharf restaurant on the Charlottetown waterfront for many years. Jim received the Premier’s Award for Tourism in 2004 in recognition of his leadership.

He also served as Chair of the Charlottetown Area Development Corporation for many years and was active in the ongoing redevelopment of the Charlottetown waterfront. 

Northumberland Ferries has resumed sailing Tuesday between Wood Islands and Caribou.  Due to a technical issue, it had to cancel all of its sailings on Monday after also having cancelled sailings on Sunday and Saturday.  But those issues have been addressed, and Northumberland Ferries has returned to its regular sailing schedule.

Post-tropical storm Fiona was a wake-up call for many living on Prince Edward Island, including small farmers and homesteaders. They are being encouraged to prepare for future storms.

Staff at a P.E.I. gymnastics academy say growing interest from people looking to get into the sport means the organization needs a new facility.

The chief of Abegweit First Nation has presented Murray Harbour's mayor with an eagle feather, as both community leaders say they're making efforts toward reconciliation.

P.E.I.'s PEERS Alliance says it's comforted by a joint letter from the province and education officials doubling down on support for members of the LGBTQ community.

With fewer doctors, nurses and specialists than urban centres, rural Canadian health care could be in an ideal position to benefit from artificial intelligence, experts say.

The ferry service between Wood Islands, P.E.I., down since Saturday, has now been cancelled for Monday afternoon.

Northumberland Ferries says that due to an ongoing technical issue, all remaining sailings for Monday, October 16 from Caribou and Wood Islands have been cancelled.  The technical difficulties had forced the company to cancel some sailings on Sunday, and Monday morning.  

This is School Bus Safety Week, a campaign to remind us all that students, bus drivers, parents, and motorists must all work together to ensure students get to school and back home safely each day.  There are over 16,000 Island students that travel on buses daily with over 14,000 bus stops across the province. Bus stops range from driveways and dirt roads to stops along the highway.  School Bus Safety Week reminds us all that awareness is essential to keeping students safe – drivers need to stay alert and know the law surrounding school buses, while students need to move responsibly and safely around buses.

At about 3:50 am Sunday, Charlottetown Police responded to a call about a single vehicle crash on Brackley Point Road in which the vehicle was stuck in the ditch.   The driver of the vehicle was uninjured and police say they showed signs of being impaired by alcohol.

A 17 year old Summerside youth was charged with impaired after providing breath samples that were over the legal limit.

A 39-year old New Brunswick man has been charged by Charlottetown Police with assault with a weapon, breach of a release order and breach of probation in connection with an incident Saturday morning.  Shortly after 6:30am, Police responded to a call about a man trying to get into an employee entrance of a business on University Avenue.   Staff say they saw the man attempting to enter the building behind them, and they told him he couldn’t come in and pulled the door shut.  Staff say he became aggressive and pulled a knife threatening them.  They say the man then fled the area before police arrived.  Police identified the suspect through video surveillance and located and arrested him in the afternoon on Queen Street.

At the end of this month, the P.E.I. government will close down 16 sites that have been open to the public for dumping debris from post-tropical storm Fiona.

The City of Charlottetown has written to federal Housing Minister Sean Fraser asking for some changes to conditions attached to eligibility for Housing Accelerator Fund money.

With a significant need for housing in Borden-Carleton., Town Council has agreed to make two town-owned vacant properties available for year-round multi-unit residential development. The lands are fully serviced with Town Water and Sewer service and located on Read Road near Amherst Cove Consolidated School, Gateway Arena and Confederation Trail.  The province has built low-income family housing on Harbourview Lane with the first two buildings completed in 2023 and a third building to be built next year. Developers and individuals are being asked to submit an Expression of Interest by November 10th.

Premier Dennis King has extended a thank you to entrepreneurs on the Island for their contributions to the province.  King’s statement comes at the start of national Small Business Week.  The premier says many PEI communities are defined by the small businesses that help them flourish. King is encouraging Islanders to buy local and support their community’s small business endeavours.

There was a house fire early Saturday morning in Dingwells Mills.  The fire broke out about 2:00am in a home on Fortune Road, and destroyed the house.  The fire has forced a couple from the home, and they’re receiving assistance from the Red Cross with a place to stay and food and clothing. 

There is a Special Weather Statement issued for Kings and Queens Counties on Monday with periods of rain and gusty winds expected.  Rainfall amounts of up to 20 to 40 mm and maximum wind gusts northerly at 70 km/h are expected. Prince County will see winds gusting to 70kh, but only up to 20mm of rain.  

Almost two dozen Island municipalities are on the hook for millions of dollars because the province miscalculated their provincial grants this year.

Due to technical difficulties, Northumberland Ferries says all remaining crossings are cancelled for Sunday between Wood Islands and Caribou.   The 7:00am and 10:00am crossings from Wood Islands and the 8:30am and 11:45am crossings from Caribou are cancelled for Monday.

Capping the number of international students at colleges and universities is not the answer to easing the housing crisis, says Sandy MacDonald, the president of Charlottetown's Holland College.

P.E.I.'s Energy Minister Steven Myers says the province needs to do everything it can to mitigate the loss of a cheaper, cleaner source of energy for the Island.

The City of Charlottetown and the Towns of Stratford and Cornwall are updating the public transit system plan.

The next stages of development and operation will be highlighted in an open house on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre in the Rotary Auditorium on Queen Street.

Residents are being invited and also to complete the Capital Area Public Transit Survey by this coming Sunday.

Waste Reduction Week in Charlottetown begins on Monday.  

The week encourages residents to come together and take action to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Mayor Philip Brown says it’s a perfect opportunity to learn more about reducing waste and waste management resources available in the city.

Several events will be held this week including virtual film screenings on the website  Evenbrite all week through Sunday.

Also second hand store incentives on Tuesday with a special discount.

A battery recycling drive will be held Wednesday at the Call2Recycle dropbox in front of City Hall.

Islanders supporting both sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict gathered in downtown Charlottetown at two separate vigils this week, as war between Israel and Hamas continues.

A big turnout for the 2023 PEI Marathon 

Jeff Ratushny of Conquerall Mills, Nova Scotia is the winner of the 19th PEI Marathon with a time of 2 hours 50 minutes and 36 seconds in Charlottetown on a cool but pleasant fall day. 

Brad Crowell of Saint John, New Brunswick was second in 2.53.21.

Nova Scotia has three top four finishers.  

Jesse Shields from O’Leary was the top Island male finisher in 2.58.23. 

Steven Brown of Kinkora was 7th in 3.03.57.

Mark Leclair of Dartmouth was third and Jeremy Burton from Enfield was fourth. 

Sandra Cottreau of Charlottetown the top female finisher in 3.10.43.

Half Marathon

Lindsay Lamrock of Suffolk, PEI won the Half Marathon in 1 hour 19 minutes and 12 seconds.

Top male finisher was Cody Cooper of Saint John in 1.21.05.

Vincent Merriam of Stratford was third at 1.21.56 and Ryan Keliher of Stratford was fourth and third among the men in 1.22.03.

16K Run

Michael Peterson of Charlottetown won the 16K run in 1 hour, 3 minutes and 34 seconds.

The top female finisher was Jeanna Parsons Leigh of Halifax in 1.14.02.

PEI Marathon Weekend continues on cool but dry Sunday. 

This morning James Simmonds main marathon has begun in a loop course that will total 26.2 miles around the city. It began just after 7.00 at the start-finish line on Great George St. 

The Charlottetown Team Relay is also underway. The Half Marathon run and  began  along with the 16 K run and 16 K walk at the corner of Grafton and Geat George. 

There will be several road closures today around the city including University between Kirkwood and Grafton from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and other streets in the downtown.

Victoria Park Roadway will be closed 7-10.30 this  morning.

Traffic delays can be expected in the morning around the city. 

Also there will be no parking on many of the streets. 

The Marathon began with four events Saturday  morning at Confederation Landing Park.

Alex Nueffer of Halifax won the 10K in 30.17.

The top Islander was Samuel Berube of Charlottetown in 37.59.

The top female finisher was Kate Savage of Lombardy, Ontario in 41.06.

The 5 K was won by Jesse Shields of O’Leary in 18.59.

Soraya Player of Donagh was the top female finisher in 21.16.

Ryan Bulger of Charlottetown won the 2K wheelchair event in 16.14.