"Where the Sun Rises and the Tides Meet"
Eastern Kings PEI
Welcome to the Rural Municipality of Eastern Kings
Prince Edward Island
We are doing some Updates to the WEBSITE to serve you better – Thank you for your patience!
RMEK Mayor Larry Fitzpatrick:
Statement in regards to:
"Changes to regulations to enable progress in renewable energy."
“On August 24, 2023 the Prince Edward Island Government announced changes to the regulations under the Renewable Energy Act which give the province clear authority to issue development permits for all renewable energy projects. This change in legislation removes the requirement for Municipal Government approval for the expansion of the Windmill farm in the Rural Municipality of Eastern Kings.
In terms of background, Eastern Kings Municipal Council members had voted against the wind turbine expansion in 2021 and that decision was appealed by the PEI Energy Corporation shortly thereafter. This year, in 2023, after a two year wait, IRAC gave their decision which effectively overturned the Municipal Council decision and reopened the windmill issue with the Municipality. With the implementation of Provincial legislation, this matter is now closed at the municipal level, and is firmly within Provincial control.
Eastern Kings looks forward to learning the exact details of this provincially legislated windmill expansion in the near future. Eastern Kings remains concerned about the environmental impact that a wind turbine expansion would have in the proposed area.”
Changes to regulations to enable progress in renewable energy
PEI Provincial Government – News Release
Published Date: Thursday, August 24, 2023 | View More
Changes to regulations to enable progress in renewable energy
New changes to regulations under the Renewable Energy Act give the province clear authority to issue development permits for renewable energy developments.
“We need to invest heavily in renewables, and our government is prepared to do that. We can’t wait multiple years to do the right thing for the environment. These regulatory amendments make the rules clear for all so we can get the ball rolling on some crucial energy infrastructure required to keep our grid stable.”
– Environment, Energy and Climate Action Minister Steven Myers
Under the Renewable Energy Act, government can regulate the development of renewable energy generation facilities. Proponents of renewable energy developments will still be required to fulfill all provincial environmental impact assessments, including holding a public meeting, prior to applying for a development permit from the province.
“We are developing renewable energy with the best interests of Islanders at heart, and we will continue to build programs that help our Island communities share the successes on our path to net zero,” added Minister Myers. “It is our responsibility as a provincial government to look out for all Islanders, so our whole province can benefit from producing more local power.”
Media contact:
Katie Cudmore
Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action
902-314-3996
katiecudmore@gov.pe.ca
The Rural Municipality of Eastern Kings is the most eastern municipality in Prince Edward Island, located within the Points East Coastal Drive. The Municipality was incorporated in 1974 and has a population of approximately 700 permanent residents; in the summertime, it grows rapidly as our summer residents flock to their cottages and homes. Within the area from Red Point, to East Point, down the North Side to Bull Creek Road and all points in between, you will find farmland, a fishing harbour, a lighthouse built in 1867, a railway station, fabulous beaches, campgrounds, churches, many businesses and some of the greatest people you could ever hope to meet.
Eastern Kings is governed under the Municipal Government Act (MGA) of 2017 and operates with a Mayor and six Councillors; the current Mayor and Council were elected in November of 2018 and the next election will take place in 2022. Under the MGA, the Council is responsible for: municipal planning services, including an official plan and bylaws; emergency measures planning; and fire protection, which it purchases from the Eastern Kings Fire Department.
The Council employs a Chief Administrative Officer who is responsible for the day to day running of the Municipality and works out of the Council Office on Munn’s Road. The Municipal Office is open every Tuesday and Friday from 0900 to 1600. Municipal Council meetings are held on a monthly basis (second Tuesday) and all residents are welcome to attend.
Eastern Kings is a wonderful place in the world to live, work and play. Whether you are here year round, in the summer, or visiting, we hope that you will find the information on this website useful. If you have any comments on what you see (or don’t see) here, please do not hesitate to contact the Council via our Contact page.
Development & Subdivision/
Consolidation Permits/Approvals – Services:
Development Officer (DO) John Ployer
Office Hours – Thursdays Only:
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
developmentofficer.rmek@gmail.com
902.357.2894
Municipal Office Hours:
The Council Office for the Municipality will be open with regular hours of:
9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Tuesdays & Thursdays & Fridays