Thesis Defence: Keturah Breckon

In recent years, Prince Edward County has gained wide-spread attention for the unique experience it offers. Articles published by media outlets in Toronto, Ottawa and Montréal have directed a large urban population to the region, which is now experiencing an unprecedented influx of tourists. The County, as local residents refer to it, has enthusiastically welcomed visitors over the past two centuries. Many of these tourists have returned annually to enjoy the rural landscapes, charming small towns, natural features, and friendly communities. However, the most recent wave of tourists is driving troubling trends, and producing new types of accommodation that threaten to devastate the County’s unique character, and its local community, both which are responsible for making it a desirable place to live and visit. The economic benefits of the tourism industry are important to the County. However, the cost of these benefits is far too high when the County’s fundamental character and local community is put at risk.

This thesis explores the existing character of the County as well as current forms of visitor accommodation. A new development typology and planning strategy is proposed that aims to accommodate a growing visitor population while maintaining the integrity of the County’s existing character. The principle of compatible development set forth by the County’s latest official planning document is more clearly articulated through a set of compatible design strategies presented by the thesis. The proposal aims to demonstrate an approach to design and visitor accommodation that engages with the existing rural character of the County, creating continuity between the existing qualities of the place and new development.