Miltonvale Park

Prince Edward Island

Hello residents and neighbours,

I hope you are all faring well these days.  I wanted to share some community updates – please feel free to reach out if you have any questions on these topics or any other municipal issues.

DEVELOPMENT UPDATE – As of May 4, 2020, the municipality is once again able to issue Development Permits.

Development Permits are required to

  1. Change the use of a parcel, structure or building;
  2. Commence development;
  3. Construct or place a structure or building;
  4. Make structural alterations to a structure or building;
  5. Make a connection to a central or municipal water supply or sewerage disposal system;
  6. Make an underground installation such as a fuel tank, foundation wall or other installation;
  7. Establish or operate an excavation pit;
  8. Construct a highway;
  9. Place or dump any fill or other material;
  10. Subdivide a parcel or parcels; or
  11. Move or undertake the demolition of a structure or building that is
    1. Greater than 20 m2 (215.3 ft2)
    2. Affixed to a foundation; or
    3. Connected to a water supply and/or sewerage disposal system.

Development Officer Michael Olubiyi will begin regular office hours on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. at the Milton Community Hall on May 6.

Please arrange appointments in advance by emailing  [email protected], as the municipality tries to manage the number of people onsite. The telephone number at the Office is 902-368-3090.

The Province recently enacted new legislation in PEI and adopted the National Building Code. In some instances, both a Development Permit AND a Building Permit will be required before construction can begin on a project.

  • Development Permit – specifies land use and how a structure is situated on a given parcel of land. In Miltonvale Park, this is issued by the Municipality, in accordance with the Rural Municipality of Miltonvale Park Zoning and Subdivision (Development) Bylaw.
  • Building Permit – ensures that a structure is designed and constructed in compliance with construction codes, e.g. the National Building Code. This permit will be issued in accordance with the provincial Building Codes Act. This permit is issued by the Province.

Effective March 31, 2020 (except for the two exemptions below, which will apply to much of the development occurring in Miltonvale Park this year), both the provincial Building Codes Act and corresponding Regulations are in effect. A Building Permit in PEI will comply with the following codes:

To review updated provincial building regulations, refer to Building Code Act Regulations – Plain Language Version.

Note: Exemptions: The new Building Permit process will NOT apply to the following:

  1. Any project for which an application for a Development Permit was made on or before April 25, 2020, or
  2. Single-family or semi-detached homes started prior to March 31, 2021, including associated projects, e.g. a shed, deck or detached garage.

Which permit(s) do I need?

Find more information on Building Permits

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COVID-19 Updates

“Renew PEI Together” – the plan for re-opening PEI, is available online.

Municipal staff have been advised to continue working from home where possible, and that only priority and essential services be provided at this time. The CAO will be working in the office at the Milton Community Hall (902-368-3090) sometime and from home as well (902-566-2738).

Miltonvale Community Park will soon have the park shelter open for the summer.  The washroom at the back of the building will be available for handwashing. Until park staff are hired, washroom users will be asked to assist with the sanitizing of handles and doorknobs.

Following advice from Public Health, the playground equipment is closed until phase 3 of Renew PEI Together (potentially June 12). Organized sports and those where equipment is shared (including pickleball and tennis) are not to be played until June 12 -and physical distancing rules will still apply, as well as limits for public gatherings will still apply. (Although I believe the park can be sectioned somewhat so that more than 5 people can be there at once – although not more than 5 in any area eg dog park)

Community Centres, such as the Milton Community Hall can open in Phase 3, which is potentially June 12, but indoor limits at that phase are 15 people. If physical distancing rules can still be followed, there can be 15 people on each floor of the hall. It is obviously going to be a very different summer on PEI.

If you or your family requires assistance, please reach out to the Council office, as we are available to do what we can to help support residents during this time.

Businesses will require an operational plan to operate keeping employees and clients safe. A template is available online for anyone who needs to make  plan for their business.

For more information on COVID 19, the Province’s website has many resources

FREE COUNSELLING -Family Service PEI is offering free online counselling for those experiencing high anxiety due to COVID-19.

For more information or to register for a session visit their website.

 

MUNICIPAL COUNCIL – has been holding shortened monthly meetings, using a combination of several members meeting at the Milton Hall, with other councillors attending by phone or online. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20 at 7:30. Information will be available closer to that time as to how residents could virtually attend.

Council intends to purchase a Zoom membership, and may be able to assist local groups who would like to use this technology, if necessary.  Please contact Shari at [email protected], if this might be of interest.

CANADA DAY – The Department of Canadian Heritage, which is an important funder for the annual Canada Day Celebrations, has asked that the municipality decide by Friday, May 8 whether to go ahead with a modified Canada Day event on July 1, keep the same events (BBQ, cake, musical entertainment, bouncy castle) and hold the event by March 31, or cancel the event.

It is not likely that a gathering of 250 people will be permitted during the current BBQ season; therefore, either a modified event on July 1 or cancellation are the two options to consider. “Celebrate Canada” funding can be used for certain expenses, such as entertainment, Canada Day Cake (no other food), decorations and publicity.

Some suggestions that are being considered are a Canada Day cupcake giveaway (possibly in several locations in the community) and a Canada Day decorating contest (such as a photo of your family all dressed for Canada Day, or a decorated vehicle or decorating your yard for Canada Day. Another suggestion is a virtual talent show -where you or your family sing a Canadian song and send in a video. We would love to hear suggestions for activities or feedback, as soon as possible!

Watch for further details after final decisions are made.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD – The Volunteer of the Year is awarded annually on July 1. If you would like to nominate a resident for this recognition, please complete the application form  by Friday, June 5.

REBATES – Other forms for rebates such as the $75 child bursary form, $50 low flow replacement toilet, or HE washer, or the $25 low flow showerhead are also on the website.

COMMUNITY GARDEN – The Council is one again offering space in the community garden at the park (413 Sleepy Hollow Road) for residents interested in having a plot. Please contact the Council Office by May 13 if you are interested, so plots can be designated.

SUMMER STUDENTS – Both the Milton Community Hall and the Rural Municipality of Miltonvale Park are hoping to hire students for summer positions at the hall, park and with the local watershed group. Funding must be secured before hiring can begin formally, but if you are a youth looking for summer employment, please send a resume to [email protected], [email protected]. There are a variety of job duties for these positions. The Association of Rural Community Halls may also be hiring, and based out of the Milton Community Hall – and can be reached at [email protected].

PUBLIC WI-FI – is available from the parking lot at the Milton Community Hall. The municipality also plans to set up a public wi-fi network at the Miltonvale Community Park.

ROADSIDE CLEAN UP -The annual PEI W.I. Roadside Cleanup has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 23. Although the Women’s Institute is not providing bags this year, the municipality has some left from previous years.  These Roadside Clean up bags have been distributed to the blue Community Welcome signboxes at the Milton Community Hall, Meadowvale Community, and by the community mailboxes at the Crabbe Road and the North Yorke Road. Please let the Council Office know if bags in those areas need to be replenished. You may also use your own clear bags. Bags should be placed on the road side (not with your regular garbage bins) for pick up by Monday, May 25.

From the PEI Fire Marshal’s Office:

Due to the current state of emergency all outdoor burning is prohibited on Prince Edward Island. No new permits will be issued until the situation allows.

All burning permits are suspended. No outside open fires are permitted.

Campfires are not allowed until the fire closure order is removed, regardless of the Fire Weather Index (FWI). This includes campfires in provincial parks, on public lands, privately run campgrounds, and private properties.

Cooking outdoors using a charcoal or propane barbeque is allowed. However, burning or smoldering charcoal briquettes must not be placed on the ground. After cooking, briquettes must be completely extinguished, and ashes disposed in an acceptable storage device.

Enclosed fires (chimineas): The only exception if the fire is contained in a fire pit and enclosure equipped with a spark arrester or chimney with spark arrester.

For more details and frequently asked questions about the fire ban please visit the Provincial website.

FOOD DRIVE – The Anglican Parish of Milton & Rustico, PEI will be having a Food Drive & Offering Drop Off Saturday Morning, May 9, from 10:00 – 11:30 am in the church parking lot. Safety precautions will be followed.

 211 PEI

211 PEI is an information and referral service available to support all Islanders.

Whether a permanent resident, a visitor, or a service provider, this resource can help make the connection to the community (non-profit), government and non-urgent health services that can help Islanders to not only survive, but thrive!

211 PEI follows 8 other provinces and one territory who have introduced this service across Canada.

When launched in full, 211 is a confidential service that will be available:

* 24/7/365 through website and a live person contact center;

* weekdays through text and email;

* at no cost;

* with an interpretation service in more than 100 languages.

211’s database is a living directory. Service records are updated when needed, providing Islanders and service providers with accurate information about what the Island has to offer to get connected when they don’t know where to turn.211 PEI website is now live and accessible as a valuable resource to help Islanders find community, social, non-clinical health and government services across PEI quickly and easily: http://pe.211.ca  Stay tuned for phone & text services.

YOGA, EXERCISE and COOKING CLASSES

Paula Smith, who just started yoga classes for the municipality in early March is holding yoga classes online -Check her out on Facebook at her Subtle Yoga with Paula page – or email at [email protected]

Subtle Yoga with Paula online yoga classes NOTIFICATION

Her classes are LIVE on Zoom: Tues, Thurs & Fri 10:30 am ; Mon 6:00 pm

Due to the increased requests, we switched over to the Zoom platform. This format enables the class participants to feel connected with the teacher and their classmates as we practice together- live.

If you are not yet on Zoom, it’s quite easy. Follow the steps:
1. Please send a private message through the Facebook page, requesting the link through email or private message.
2. You will receive the invite with instructions to download the application Zoom onto your device (if you do not already have it). This can be done through the Play Store or AppStore on your device (iPhone, iPad, smartphone, tablet or laptop) Note: You do not need a Zoom account, just the app.
3. In the same email you will find the link to the “meeting”. Ten minutes before the the class begins, open your Zoom app, you will be prompted to join the meeting, click and enjoy your class.

All Subtle Yoga with Paula classes are by donation: email transfer [email protected]

Finances should not stand in the way of your practice. If you are unable to contribute at this time, this is respected and you are most welcome to our classes for Health: Mind & Body.

Please contact Paula if you have any questions or need assistance in any way.

 

GoPEI provides a variety of FREE exercise classes.  You can participate live or check out their archived videos when it is convenient for you.

 

Central Region Sport and Recreation Council is hosting a free cooking class on Friday evening, May 8, 2020. Join Chef Jen to make asparagus stuffed chicken breast and chocolate mousse with raspberry coulis.

Take care, and keep washing your hands and staying 6 feet apart!

Shari  MacDonald

CAO

[email protected]