Proposed Monticello Golf Course in P.E.I. Faces Environmental Concerns Amid Community Support
A proposed nine-hole golf course in Monticello, located in eastern Prince Edward Island, has sparked a debate within the community due to its environmental implications. While there is notable local support for the initiative, the P.E.I. Watershed Alliance has raised concerns regarding the potential ecological impact, prompting the organization to lodge a complaint with the local Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).
The alliance’s executive director, Heather Laiskonis, criticized the developer, Kris Taylor of Sticks and Stones Development Inc., for commencing land clearing activities prior to obtaining the necessary approvals. “They have definitely graded the land, removed the trees, and brought in excavation trucks there,” she stated. Laiskonis highlighted that this action may have violated the federal Migratory Birds Act, as trees were cut during the peak migration period. “Sadly, this act is rarely enforced here on Prince Edward Island,” she lamented.
In response, Taylor defended his actions, asserting that he was within his rights as a property owner to clear portions of the land, even in advance of official approvals. He explained, “I feel like I didn’t break any laws, and I had the right to clear some of the land there this summer.” Moreover, he emphasized that, contrary to accusations, he was not excavating but was instead burying the trees in a process called “tree vaulting” aimed at sequestering carbon.
Acknowledging the association with migratory birds, Taylor mentioned that he is still learning about the regulations as the project progresses. “It’s an educational process for me, and I’ve used an environmental consultant from the get-go on this project,” he remarked. While he admitted awareness of the Migratory Bird Act, he claimed that no formal charges had been made against him for breaches.
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The golf course proposal is currently undergoing a provincial environmental assessment, and Taylor noted a public meeting held in October was met with substantial community support. “It was a very robust meeting. There were a lot of people there and there seemed to be a lot of support,” he reflected. Local resident Jerry MacDonald, who attended the meeting, shared his favor towards the project, estimating that about 90 percent of the attendees supported it. He believes the golf course would benefit the area by attracting more visitors and creating job opportunities, stating, “It never hurts to have more people around.”
Despite the local backing, Laiskonis expressed a preference for preserving the forest rather than converting it into a golf course. “That’s something the community wants, and the community should have it,” she conceded, while urging minimal compliance with environmental laws. To further express her concerns, she reached out to the area’s MLA, Robin Croucher, and the P.E.I. Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action.
The department responded to inquiries by clarifying that there have been no recorded provincial environmental violations associated with the project at this point. In a statement, they confirmed that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is currently in progress and noted that the timeline for such assessments can vary in length, commonly taking several months based on the complexity of the proposal. The department also announced that public feedback on the project will be accepted until November 28.
