Technical Services

The role of Technical Services is to provide planning and engineering services in the areas of land use and development, infrastructure and information technology for the benefit of the citizens of Summerside.
The policy for the operation of Technical Services Department is set by the Technical Services Committee which is made up of three Councillors. The Department is managed by a Director and the work of the Department is supported by a steno/receptionist and, for mapping and other technical assistance, by the GIS Technician.

The Department is divided into three areas of responsibility:

• Planning, Development and Inspection
• Engineering and
• Information Technology

 

Planning, Development and Inspection

The goal of the planning and development team is to:

• provide planning and development services to ensure a healthy and sustainable community through the development, maintenance and administration of an official plan and land use bylaws, the involvement of citizens in the development process and the innovative application of planning theory and technology
• ensure that buildings are constructed and maintained in a safe, accessible and structurally sound manner through the development, maintenance and application of minimum standards for new and existing construction.

This section of the department is responsible for developing and administering the official plan and land use bylaws as well as the building standards bylaws. It is staffed by the City Planner, Development Control Officer and Building Officer. There is an Official Plan, Zoning Bylaw (SS-15),  and Subdivision/Site Development Bylaw, (SS-19) and Building Bylaw (SS-09), that regulate land use and site specific conditions such as setbacks from property lines, lot sizes etc.

In addition, the section is also responsible for the City’s Heritage Bylaw (SS-20). Working in conjunction with the Wyatt Heritage Group and the City of Summerside Heritage Committee, potential heritage homes are identified, researched and, if the property owners approve, designated as heritage homes on the official heritage list.

This section also administers the National Building Code and the most current version – NBC 2005 was adopted by the City in the spring of 2007. The Code sets minimum standards for construction to ensure the structural safety of building, safe egress of the occupants in the event of a fire or other emergency and adequate access for physically challenged members of the public in public buildings.

The current version of the National Building Code is NBC 2005 which was adopted by Council in the spring of 2007.

The day-to-day activities of this section include:

• developing and amending the official plan and zoning bylaws
• Developing secondary and area plans required to implement the official plan
• Processing building permit applications including reviewing drawings for code compliance and performing building inspections
• Processing applications for rezoning and other bylaw amendments
• Processing applications for changes of use, special permits and discretionary uses as allowed in the zoning bylaws
• Processing applications for bylaw variances
• Processing other applications such as home occupation permits, mobile canteen applications, etc.
• Processing and monitoring subdivision applications and approvals
• Providing advice to Council on planning issues.

 

Engineering

• Responsible for the design, specification and management of all of the City’s engineering projects
• Paving, assessment of road conditions and traffic counts
• Physical condition of sidewalks
• Water and Sewer design
• Water Treatment, Supply and Protection
• Wastewater Treatment
• Responsible for the review of all new development plans with respect to drainage, road construction, waste and storm water management
• Ditch infilling projects
• Develops and manages tender specifications
• Evaluates bids for recommendation to Council
• Determines design. specification and requirements for the supply of electrical infrastructure for new developments and for any redevelopment projects in the City

 

Information Technology

• Determines the needs and manages the acquisition and deployment of technology within the City administration

Need More Information?

Technical Services (General) 432-1262 or mdrummond@city.summerside.pe.ca

Technical Services (Director) 432-1258 or aaronmac@city.summerside.pe.ca

Fax Line 436-3191