SOURIS — A group of engineers have proposed a radical and downright revolutionary proposal involving the construction industry on the Island: there could, in theory, be buildings that meet or exceed five stories.
“An excess of human arrogance.”
Premier James Stewart, 1931, describing buildings with more than 5 stories.
Buildings on the Island have been restricted to four stories since the passing of what had been called the “Tower of Babel” law in 1931.
This law, a pivotal issue in the provincial election of 1931, deemed that to build higher than four stories would be an “excess of human arrogance,” as per then-premier James Stewart.
Engineers have suggested that building a fifth floor could be achieved by using extra bricks, mortar, or even raw lumber to reach unheard-of heights. It is unclear whether or not stairs could be added, or if the new fifth floor would only be reached via a ladder propped against the outside of the building.
As of now, this incredulous feat is only a theoretical model being scaled on computer screens.
Given enough time and advances in technology, coupled with a desire to pierce the heavens itself, an Islander could one day say that they live on the fifth floor of a building.
The Islander 