Harold the Heron-symbol of the P.E.I. National Park. Sketch by Vicki Allen Cook

Prince Edward Island Parks Act, 1936.

Much of the‘ area selected for the park was settled land, and most of the property owners were direct descendants of the original settlers, who objected to parting with portions of their farms; in a few cases, whole farms were involved. The provincial government had to resort to expropriation, in order that prompt transfer of the lands to the federal government could be made. By today’s standards the rate of compensation offered owners was low, but in 1937 land values were only a fraction of those prevailing 40 years later; however, many land- owners felt frustrated at the loss of their land for what they considered inadequate recompense. Hearings were held during 1937-38 before a Commission appointed by the provincial government, at which these grievances could be aired, and the amount of compensation adjusted. Where buildings were located on land expropriated, in most cases the owners were permitted to remove them. Most settlements were made on the basis of $50 per acre for good farm land, $35-$20 for less good or marginal land, and $6 per acre for dunes and swamp. The bound- aries of the park were modified in 1938 by the Withdrawal, at the request of the province, of five small parcels of land, to accommodate farmers who objected to moving farm buildings, under the National Parks Amendment Act 1938, which also confirmed the name of the park as the Prince Edward Island National Park, and reduced the

area to seven square miles.

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