Big growth in small P.E.I. communities good news for Island mayors

When it comes to why people are flocking to rural areas of P.E.I., it's the simpler things that might be the draw. 

"People are trying to get back to their rural areas of P.E.I. which is an important thing," said Gerard Watts, mayor of the Rural Municipality of North Shore said. 

"I think we have some pretty good infrastructure out here."

Watts cited community spirit as one reason, and the area being a "good, healthy place to live." 

That's especially important as the COVID-19 pandemic drags on. Watts said people have been drawn to the outdoor attractions on the North Shore —  including the shore and trails, the ball diamonds and rinks. 

The Rural Municipality of North Shore is one of P.E.I.'s top-five fastest growing communities, according to the first release of data from the 2021 census, and P.E.I. is the fastest growing province in the country.

The North Shore community grew by more than 16 per cent since the last census, and Watts said it's evident when you are out and about in the area. 

 "You can see — you don't know everybody like you used to know, years ago," Watts said. "It's all been good."

The Town of Alberton also had a growth spurt of 13.6 per cent since 2016, and the mayor said there are good reasons for that. 

"There's so much stuff that's happened over the last, say, six years, that it's not only a benefit to the town but West Prince as a whole," said Mayor David Gordon.

Gordon said Alberton has been building a community for all ages.

"Right from young kids to seniors," he said. 

Gordon thinks the Western Hospital is a big draw for people looking to move to the area, as is news of a health centre opening there soon and other amenities.

The growth comes with some challenges.