CHAPTER 11

Boughton for Summer Cottages

@ ff-shore islands of Prince Edward Island were causing concern to the government in the 1970’s. A detailed study was completed in 1977 because of increasing public concern over their future. This was made known to the Boughton Land Company of Duncan, British Columbia the owner of land on Boughton Island.

Boughton Island has been ranked as "medium" in terms of sensitivity with the only concern being the heronry and the wetland areas Development potential was considered to be ”extremely high ” due to the island '8 size, good soils, past use, excellent beaches and proximity to the mainland and Georgetown. There would appear to be adequate acreage to establish buffer zones around the heronry and the wetlands and still permit considerable agricultural, forestry or recreational use (day use or cottages).

The letter goes on to say that the long-term goal of the government is the protection of some very “special” areas.

The Boughton Land Company replied within the month of March 1978 asking for further information about buffer zones and other statutes or regulations.

Next on the scene is Burt Hayman, representing Solomon lnc. who submitted a preliminary plan for development on the island Nov. 12, 1987. Minister Gilbert Clements replied giving agreement in principle with the land use plan but expressing a major concern about the connection via bridge or causeway with the mainland. He therefore asks for an environmental impact analysis by a competent coastal hydraulic engineer. If such is favorable, there were some other requirements, provision of private utilities and services, establishment of conservation areas, herons and wetlands, a survey plan and the question of public access.

A letter of April 22, 1988 from the landscape architects shows the developer has given up on the fixed crossing. It deals with domestic water, sewage and a submarine cable for electric power as well as a mutually—agreed on land trade with the province.

Another letter on May 4 deals with parking on the mainland 92