The Federation of PEI Municipalities has welcomed proposed reforms to the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC) and highlighted changes to meet the needs of municipalities across PEI.
In its response to the Interim Report of the Independent Review of IRAC, the Federation supports the creation of independent Energy and Utilities and Land and Appeals Boards.
Separating energy and utility regulation from land, appeals, and local government functions responds directly to the principal concern raised by FPEIM in its original submissions.
FPEIM also supports the Interim Report’s emphasis on expertise, merit-based appointments, public accountability, and early consideration of key issues in Planning Act appeals. Further, FPEIM welcomes the recognition of the need for a provincial land use plan and urges that work must take place alongside other reforms.
In addition, FPEIM’s response recommends changes to reflect municipal needs. The suggestions include the following areas:
- rate-setting processes for smaller municipal water and wastewater utilities
- dedicated land and local government expertise
- proposals for municipal establishment, restructuring, amalgamation, and dissolution
- additional measures for service standards, Planning Act appeals, accountability, and implementation
Read the full response here.