CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - Engaging developers over Charlottetown’s low vacancy rate will be one of Kim Devine’s top priorities if elected mayor.
The former city councillor declared her intentions on Friday to seek the city’s top elected job.
Municipal voters head to the polls on Monday, Nov. 5.
If elected, Devine said she is committed to hosting a roundtable forum with developers within 90 days of taking office to determine how best to advance development in the city.
“It’s a critical issue in the city,’’ Devine said in an interview Friday. “Everybody knows stories of somebody that is looking for a place to live and either can’t find it or can’t afford it. If we’re going to have sustainable growth we have to make sure people have places to live. Otherwise, people won’t stay.’’
Devine talks about how the city is experiencing unprecedented growth. Density was a goal the city set its sights on more than a decade ago when Devine was on council.
Council even came up with a downtown revitalization strategy to attract people, promoting the fact that it was a desirable neighbourhood to live in. It not only paid off but has led to problems today.
“Right now, there is a vacancy rate of less than one per cent (In the city). There is a really big problem with available housing and with affordable housing. I think it’s really important that we engage developers, bring them to the table, talk about how we work together to advance development in the city.’’
More about Kim Devine
- Served on city council between 2004 and 2010
- Served as chairwoman of the planning and heritage committees, downtown revitalization committee and co-chaired mayor’s task force on arts and culture
- Served on national and local boards, including the National Trust of Canada, P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation, Confederation Centre of the Arts, Friends of the Farm and was a member of the 2010 capital campaign for Anderson House
- Her campaign chairwoman is Marcia Carroll, who also works as the executive director of the Council for People with Disabilities
As for her position on a possible new arena in the city, Devine said it’s a matter of sitting down with the other two levels of government to see what commitment there is for funding.
Devine served two terms on city council from 2004-10 and was chairwoman of the planning and heritage committees for five years, the downtown revitalization committee for two years and co-chaired the mayor’s task force on arts and culture.
She joins Jamie Larkin and former councillors Philip Brown and Cecil Villard in the mayor’s race. If elected, Devine would be the first woman to serve as mayor of the city since M. Dorothy Corrigan did it from 1969 to 1972.
“I think, today, people want to see more diversity in their governments . . . (but) I’m asking people to vote for me because of my experience and my abilities, not because I am a woman.’’
Speaking of the mayor’s race, there’s a family connection in the battle. Brown is married to Devine’s sister, but Devine says it’s not an issue for her, her brother-in-law or her sister.
“Both Philip and I entered this race knowing that the other was running, so he knows; I knew and it’s fine.’’
Devine said she’s been thinking of entering the race since the spring, giving it more serious thought when incumbent Mayor Clifford Lee announced his intention not to seek re-election.
Devine left her job with the provincial government on Thursday to concentrate on the election race.
Related: Jamie Larkin declares his intention to seek Charlottetown mayor's chair
Related: Former councillor Cecil Villard joins Charlottetown mayor's race
