ANNUAL REPORT 2020 Annual Report www.charlottetown.ca 02 ANNUAL 2020 REPORT January 2021. On behalf of Charlottetown City Council, I am thrilled 2020 also saw the reinstatement of the Charlottetown to present you with the 2020 Charlottetown Annual Area Development Corporation (CADC), thanks Report. Despite a global pandemic and the economic to the collaborative efforts of Stratford, Cornwall, fallout from this unprecedented event, we should all Charlottetown, as well as the Provincial Government. be proud of the City’s remarkable accomplishments This will play an instrumental role in promoting over this past year. continued economic growth and innovation in Prince Edward Island’s capital. There was also a significant Though these past few months have certainly been expansion to Charlottetown’s network of active challenging, there have been ample opportunities transportation trails, which allows more residents for change, learning, and progress. It is in circumstances to access the multi-use pathways that connect our such as these, in which stressors present themselves, ever-expanding city. that the path forward towards a better future becomes clearer. While we maintained our usual focus on creating NEW YEAR’S DAY LEVEE an open, transparent, and accountable City Hall, I am particularly proud of how businesses and individuals adapted to COVID-19 protocols. The fact that Charlottetonians rose to the challenge to make Prince Edward Island one of the safest places in the world is truly a testament to our strong sense of community and our incredible capacity to look out for each other. This year, the City of Charlottetown and its partners have made significant progress in improving access to affordable housing across the city. Many apartment buildings have gone ahead with affordability in mind, with many more affordable and accessible housing projects on the way in 2021. We are also pleased that the new student residence is going ahead at the University of Prince Edward Island. This 260- bed building will help address the City’s urgent student housing issue. UPEI STUDENTS Letter from the Mayor the from Letter 03 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 Another point of pride in Charlottetown was the I hope you enjoy reading through the 2020 Annual successful delivery of safe sporting events, despite Report. This was certainly a year of unexpected many sports seasons facing cancellations around the challenges; but as we look forward to 2021, it is globe. The City of Charlottetown was delighted to host important to take a moment to celebrate our successes. the Canadian Premier League in August and September All of this was made possible because of our collective for their shortened season. Welcoming all eight teams hard work and our dedication to the common cause of of the League to Charlottetown was certainly a logistical making Charlottetown a safer and more livable place. challenge. However, this event was a huge success, with its organizers being lauded for their diligence in Best wishes for the coming year, ensuring the safety of all. The solidarity, advocacy, and engagement that you all have shown throughout this challenging year makes me honoured and privileged to be your mayor. It is only by Philip Brown working together that we can make this city a better and more inclusive place for all. As I continue to serve Mayor our community, I want to remind you that my door is always open. I welcome any concerns or issues that should be brought to our attention, as well as any ideas you might have to improve our great city. I am available at any time at 902-566-5548, or by email at [email protected] MAYOR’S CUP LEARNING CENTRE JUSTIN TRUDEAU New Year’s Day Levee Learning Centre Mayor’s Cup Mayor Philip Brown chats with members of the Design renderings for the new Charlottetown The 10th Annual Bob Bateman Mayor’s Cup Memorial community at the Mayor’s New Year’s Day Levee, Library Learning Centre, which will be located Golf Tournament, in partnership with the Stars for held on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 at City Hall. in the Dominion Building on Queen Street and Life Foundation, was held at the Belvedere Golf Club. feature a large terrace at the back. The Stars for Life Foundation safeguards the future of Photo credit: Nathan Rochford young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Photo Credit: Shallyn Murphy, 9Yards Studios UPEI Students (Back row, from left): Malak Nassar, UPEISU VP Justin Trudeau Academic and External; Mayor Philip Brown; Ayomikun Mayor Philip Brown and Prime Minister Oguntola, UPEISU VP Finance and Administration. Justin Trudeau met on February 4, 2020, in Ottawa, (Front row, from left): Jose Alejandro Gonzalez, UPEISU to discuss Charlottetown’s priorities and establish a VP Student Life; and Brian Affouan, UPEISU President framework to make the city more resilient. and CEO, met to discuss issues facing UPEI students such as coping with the pandemic and student housing. 04 ANNUAL 2020 REPORT Fire Services. ENGINE 6 The City of Charlottetown Fire Department has made several exciting new purchases and upgrades to its fire stations. On March 11, 2019, City Council passed a resolution for the purchase of a new 2020 fire engine manufactured by E-One. On July 27, Engine 1 arrived at Charlottetown Fire Station #1 and was placed into service on August 20. At Station #1, all overhead doors were replaced, and the station received a fresh coat of paint. This work was made possible by the capital budget administered by Public Works. On June 17, 2019, City Council passed a resolution for the purchase of a second new 2020 fire engine manufactured by E-One. Engine 6 has been assigned to Charlottetown Fire Station #2. During the fall season, a new direct source vehicle extraction system was installed at Station #2. The vehicle exhaust system enhances a safe working environment for firefighters EXTERIOR DOORS by extracting harmful diesel exhaust particles. On August 17, 2020, City Council passed a resolution awarding Micmac Fire & Safety Source Ltd. the tender for the purchase of a new 107-foot aerial ladder truck. Anticipated delivery date of this new unit will be November 2021. Despite COVID-19, the City continued to prioritize Fire Prevention programs. Though the Fire Department was not able to visit homes to check smoke alarms and replace smoke alarm batteries, staff completed more than 460 fire inspections, over 35 fire investigations, issued over 140 Hazard Compliance Orders, and completed more than 15 fire safety sessions. Recruitment and community engagement continue to be important to the City’s Fire Department. On CLOCKS & BATTERIES September 19, the Fire Department kicked off its volunteer firefighter recruitment campaign. From Engine 6 Clocks & Batteries September 19 through to October 30 the Department Engine 6, a 2020 fire engine Residents pose with Fire Chief manufactured by E-One, has been Randy MacDonald during the provided 53 information packages to potential new assigned to Charlottetown “change your clocks, change your recruits. Fire Station #2. batteries” campaign. Exterior Doors During the fall, the City publicly advertised a Charlottetown Fire Station #1 in August 2020, featuring the new “Request for Proposal” (RFP) involving Design overhead doors installed this year. Consulting Services for Charlottetown Fire Station #3. Photo Credit: Cameron Ralph The new fire station will be constructed on previously purchased land situated on Malpeque Road near Sherwood Road. 05 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 Police MADD CAMPAIGN Services. The Charlottetown Police Service had a very busy Charlottetown Police were active participants in many and eventful 2020. This year, police responded to social equality movements which took place in the city approximately 15,000 calls for service. Road safety was in 2020. Such movements included the Black Lives a priority for the Charlottetown Police Service. Officers Matter and Indigenous Lives Matter protest marches, listened to neighborhood concerns and followed up with along with Take Back the Night march for gender-based traffic enforcement of approximately 2,500 Provincial violence awareness. Officers also participated in the and Criminal Code charges laid within the city limits. Canadian Lebanese Association of PEI vigil to honour Throughout 2020, several new services and programs those killed in the Beirut explosion. were introduced. The COVID-19 pandemic required Charlottetown Police This year saw the formation of a Charlottetown Police to draw on their resources to assist the Chief Public Air Support Unit. A drone was purchased with many Health Officer in her duty to keep citizens safe and capabilities and the ability to operate in almost any healthy. The extra duties of our officers ranged from weather condition. Several officers have been trained enforcing the Chief Public Health Office regulations to on the operation of the drone which can be called into providing security at the Charlottetown Airport for all action very quickly, day or night, 365 days of the year. incoming flights. The Charlottetown Police Priority Tactical Response Charlottetown Police Constable Mike Chaloner and and Containment Team was also introduced. This unit Constable Zach Gould were recognized for their bravery consists of highly trained officers that are deployed on and actions in saving the life of a woman in a water General Patrol platoons. The Response Team’s mandate rescue. They were recognized in a private meeting with is to ensure immediate action to any potential volatile PEI Premier Dennis King. situations in the city where public safety could be compromised. Deputy Chief Sean Coombs was selected by the United States Department of Justice to attend the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Deputy Chief Coombs was one of only four Canadian Police officers to be invited to the FBI Academy in 2020 to participate in this training. The ten-week course included topics such as senior management professional development, counter terrorism, community relations, and physical fitness.