THREE RIVERS, PEI — June 5, 2026 — The Great Enlightenment Buddhist Institute Society (GEBIS) is responding to recent public discussion concerning the planning and approval history of the Heatherdale monastery campus.
Recent commentary has focused on the fact that no formal Development Agreement (DA) was ultimately signed between GEBIS and the Province of Prince Edward Island. GEBIS wishes to clarify the planning process and the reasons this agreement was never finalized.
1. The Original Provincial Planning Process and Master Plan
As part of the original provincial planning process, GEBIS prepared and submitted a comprehensive Master Plan (MP) outlining the long-term vision for the Heatherdale campus. The Master Plan was intended to communicate the proposed development concept to government agencies and the public and was expected to eventually form part of a future Development Agreement.
Following submission, the Province circulated the proposal to relevant departments and agencies for review and made the Master Plan publicly available for comment over an extended period.
2. Transition of Jurisdiction to the Town of Three Rivers
However, during the subsequent Development Agreement discussions, municipal restructuring and amalgamation resulted in the GEBIS property becoming part of the jurisdiction of the newly formed Town of Three Rivers. Planning and development authority was therefore transferred from the Province to the municipality.
Following this transition, the Province and the Town of Three Rivers held coordination discussions regarding the future planning framework for the area. The resulting Official Plan and municipal development bylaws adopted by the Town incorporated the outcomes of those discussions and established the governing planning framework for future development applications.
Because planning jurisdiction had already transferred to the municipality, the Province no longer had the practical or legal basis to proceed with executing a provincial Development Agreement.
3. Compliance and Ongoing Commitment to the Community
The Town of Three Rivers has since publicly confirmed that the recent accessory building permit was reviewed under the Town’s Official Plan and Development Bylaw and found to comply with municipal planning requirements.
GEBIS recognizes that residents may hold differing opinions regarding development matters and respects the public’s interest in the planning process. At the same time, the Society believes it is important that discussion of these issues reflect the full procedural and historical context.
Our intention throughout this process has been to work transparently and respectfully within the applicable planning framework. We appreciate the work of both provincial and municipal officials who have reviewed these matters over many years.
GEBIS remains committed to respectful community engagement, environmental responsibility, and compliance with all applicable municipal and provincial requirements.
