Proposed changes for non-Islanders buying municipal property facing criticism [Video]

A proposed change to how non-residents would be allowed to buy property on Prince Edward Island is raising concerns about the consequences it could have on municipalities. 

P.E.I.’s Department of Housing, Land and Communities is proposing an amendment to the Lands Protection Act, a unique piece of legislation that includes limitations on non-resident and corporate land ownership in the province.

The change would lead to people who are not Island residents needing cabinet approval to buy properties of one acre or less that are located within municipalities with an official plan. 

According to the province, the amendment is meant to create more transparency and oversight over who owns land on the 1.4 million-acre Island.

The Federation of P.E.I. Municipalities worries about the repercussions, though.