The Official PEI Project Thread

[pei guy]

I hate IRAC! :hell: :twoguns:

:lmao: Who doesn't!

[Dmajackson]

Hey so I'm trying to update my list. I know the Fitzroy is still underway in Charr'town but what is currently the tallest underway in Summerside?

[pei guy]

:previous:
The tallest underway in Ch'town is actually the Holman's Grand Hotel at 10 stories / 127.6 feet. As for Summerside I'm not sure... it would be an apartment / condo of some sort. If you check back later, we'll try to find out.

:)

[pei guy]

Roundabout prompts temporary detour
Published on September 8th, 2010
Eric McCarthy

Traffic was being diverted around the O’Leary Corner intersection on Tuesday as construction of a roundabout to replace the intersection shifts into high gear.

A Department of Transportation spokesman said traffic would be diverted around the construction site when flaggers are present and flow through the construction site when work is not being carried out.

The project, now in its second week, is expected to take six to eight weeks to complete, weather dependent.

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The Montague roundabout started on the same day that school started, which was smart considering 99% of students have to use that intersection to get to school. :koko:
Anyway, I'm looking forward to these newer, more rural roundabouts. I hope they make them nice!

[pei guy]

Fiery debate sparked by apartment construction near chemical plant
Published on September 8th, 2010
Dave Stewart

The president and CEO of BioVectra says allowing an apartment building to go up 83 feet away from a chemical plant is like building a prison for pedophiles next to an elementary school.

Ron Keefe gave passionate testimony this morning at the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission hearing into BioVectra’s appeal of an apartment building currently under construction next to the chemical plant.

Under cross examination from Matt Bradley, counsel for Paramount Construction, the developer responsible for the 18-unit apartment building, Keefe blasted the City of Charlottetown for not doing research into whether it was safe to build so close to the plant.

“When they go to the wakes of people dying (if there is an accident), people are going to say ‘are you kidding me, why would you allow them to build 80 feet from a chemical plant’,’’ Keefe said. “We tried to tell them (it was too close) and they wouldn’t listen.’’

Keefe said it won’t come back to haunt BioVectra, a chemical plant that has been there since 1970 (formerly known as Diagnostic Chemicals Ltd.), it will fall on the city.

Keefe said the plant operates on the strictest of safety standards but nothing is 100 per cent certain — there are no guarantees.

Keefe said there are also plans to build more apartment buildings, one 50 feet away from the plant.

The City of Charlottetown approved the project because the land is zoned for apartment buildings. The city felt the development met all the guidelines, according to testimony given this morning, including national fire safety guidelines and that it had no choice, and no evidence that there was any risk, but to issue a building permit.

Bradley also revealed in the hearing this morning that Scott Linkletter, who owned the adjacent property in question, approached BioVectra about purchasing the property.

Keefe said Linkletter did approach the chemical manufacturing company.

“If you are so concerned about safety why not acquire the property and control what it's used for?’’ Bradley asked Keefe.

The president and CEO of BioVectra said the company could have and perhaps should have bought the property itself.

“We have no use for the property,’’ Keefe said, “and I’m not sure what our financial circumstances were at the time (the property was offered to us).’’

Keefe then went on to say that he didn’t see the relevance of the question.

“The fact is I never would have dreamt someone would build an apartment building there.’’

The hearing continues this afternoon.

:yuck:

[pei guy]

Housing starts higher in Summerside
Published on September 10th, 2010
Staff ~ The Journal Pioneer

SUMMERSIDE – Residential construction in Summerside increased last month compared to August 2009. However, according to figures released Thursday by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), overall home construction in urban centres of the province decreased last month, but so far this year urban starts are up over last year.

Preliminary data indicates a total of 74 units were started in August 2010 compared to 94 units for the same period last year in urban centres throughout P.E.I.

"Similar to July, the number of housing starts in Charlottetown was down, while Summerside experienced an increase," said Ralph Freeze, market analyst with CMHC in Prince Edward Island. "Both single-detached starts and multiple unit construction were lower in the capital region of Charlottetown. Summerside reported slightly more starts for both single and multiple unit construction in August.

“On a year-to-date basis, urban starts are 4.3 per cent ahead of last year's pace. The gap between this year and last year is narrowing as the year progresses," said Freeze.

In urban centres across Canada, total housing starts recorded in August were up 12 per cent to 14,253 units compared to last year's total of 12,734. Single-detached starts were up 10 per cent, while multiple starts were up 14 per cent to 8,130 units this year. In the Atlantic region, 847 new units were started in August 2010 compared to 907 units during the same period in 2009.

:tup:

[pei guy]

Atlantic Junior B hockey championship to be played in Montague in 2011
Thu, 09/09/2010

The 2011 Don Johnson Cup Junior B Hockey Championship will be played at the Cavendish Farms Wellness Centre in Montague and hosted by the Down East Auto and Marine Maniacs. The announcement is slated for Monday at the Wellness Centre.
The Don Johnson Cup is the top Junior B championship event for the Atlantic Provinces, with the top team from each of the four provincial Junior B leagues, as well as the host team, taking part.
Island Junior Hockey League champions the Kensington Vipers were among the five teams who participated in the 2010 event in St Margaret’s, Nova Scotia. The Cumberland County Blues won the final game.

:banana:

[pei guy]

Street closures, delays occurring around Charlottetown this week
Published on September 14th, 2010

Grafton Street in downtown Charlottetown will be closed from Wednesday to Friday.

The closure, from University Avenue to Queen Street, is so crews can take down and move the crane being used for the hotel construction above the Confederation Court Mall.

The street will be reopened late Friday.

As well, the city will be paving Mt. Edward Road from Belvedere Avenue to Palmer Road on Wednesday, weather permitting.

Today, two areas of the city are experiencing traffic delays.

Westview Drive, between North River Road and Atlantic Road is closed today for water and sewer work. And Belvedere Avenue, from the Farmers' Market to Mt. Edward Road is closed for paving.

All street closures in Charlottetown are posted to the city's website. Click here.

[pei guy]

Montague high school opens
Published on September 15th, 2010
Steve Sharratt

MONTAGUE – A mighty oak was planted and a mighty song was sung as the official opening of the new $20-million Montague Regional High School was held here this morning.

“It’s just a remarkable addition to the whole community and region,’’ said Mayor Richard Collins as he toured the building with throngs of officials and lucky students who will eventually become the first graduates of the institution.

A state-of-the-art building, principal Seana Evans-Renaud praised the details paid to the new facility that features everything from a recording studio for the music program to the best equipment for the trades programs.

“It’s a prime example of how government and the community can work together to find the best solution for everyone,” said Premier Robert Ghiz.

The new 108,000 square-foot facility provides for 635 students.

“This building is a tremendous new learning space for students in south eastern P.E.I.,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Doug Currie.

During the grand opening events, politicians and the principal conducted a ribbon cutting and tree planting ceremony of an Island oak. Inside the auditorium, singer Brielle Ansems offered up her own mighty song about the new school written for the occasion.

The facility is considered to be one of the most advanced in the region. A model for trades with state-of-the-art career and technical education training facilities, including a modern culinary arts lab and welding and carpentry facilities. The new cafeteria/auditorium has lighting and sound systems that will allow for “theatre” productions in the cafeteria, large music rooms that allow for more practice area as well as a sound studio. It boasts a robotics lab, modern science and technology labs and has integrated a greater capacity to access and use technology throughout the school.

:cheers:

[pei guy]

Province pays private parties $24,000 for land to build Montague roundabout
Wed, 09/15/2010
By Jonathan Charlton


The province has started construction of the Montague roundabout without actually owning all the land it’s being built on.
Hillcrest United Church, Town and Country Aquatics Plus Coop which owns the Atlantic Fitness East building, Montague Pentecostal Assembly and developer Ian Smith have entered into purchase sale agreements with the province for a total of just over a quarter of an acre for about $24,000, Department of Transportation and Infrastructure renewal spokesman Andrew Sprague said. This figure is included in the $1.1 million cost quoted by Minister of Transportation Ron MacKinley.
Each of these parties owns a corner at the intersection where the roundabout is being built.
The actual ownership of the land won’t transfer to the province until after a post-construction survey which will take about three months.This procedure is common in construction projects, he said.
"We’ll do the purchase sale agreement with the property owner based on the designs for the project. They’ll agree, then we’ll proceed with the project. Then we’ll do a survey after the construction of the project to get the actual mathematical square footage taken and if there’s any need for changes to the sale agreement. At that point that’s when they’re made."
Very rarely is more land taken than was planned and there haven’t been any disagreements between landowners and the province in the past between the time of the purchase agreements and the final sales.
There will be an additional cost of paving the Hillcrest United Church parking lot which the government has used for a number of years for commercial vehicle testing, which brings the total land acquisition cost to about $80,000.
The negotiation of the agreements started in the spring. Randy Angus, chair of TCAP Coop which owns the Atlantic Fitness East building, said their agreement was finalized last week. The province has agreed to pay $6,200 for a section of land plus $200 for each of the 15 trees that had to be cut down.
Mr Angus said the coop worked with the province to determine a fair market value for the land by looking at the value of similar properties.
The Montague Pentecostal Assembly church has agreed to about $5,000 for its land, former chair of the steering committee Tom Schultz said.
Elizabeth Boehner, secretary of the stewards for Hillcrest United Church, said while the process was time intensive the church was happy with its deal.
Mr Smith said he didn’t anticipate any problems finalizing the sale.

[pei guy]

The old Cox & Palmer building (very ugly) has finally been demolished in downtown Montague! The area is currently being paved and I heard they will be putting a mural in on the side of Scotiabank.

Montague is crazy busy with development right now. There is the new parking area, new pavement and streetlights being installed in front of the new Cox & Palmer building, the roundabout is going strong, new high school open, and Canadian Tire just renewed their building permit, which was in the Guardian but not on their website. This is almost a guarantee that they will be building next year.

I'm very happy to see my hometown growing like this. Just thinking of the boost CT (and Mark's Work Wearhouse) would bring makes me grin! I figured this would be a good time for a little compilation of the projects in Montague area.

Current, Recent and Upcoming Projects:
-Montague Regional High School
-Scotiabank parking area
-Cox & Palmer / dental office
-Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development
-Wood Islands Rd / Valleyfield Rd roundabout
-Montague Consolidated park and playground
-Montague Intermediate music room / industrial arts wing
-Canadian Tire / Mark's Work Wearhouse
-many duplexes / apartments
-new subdivision

It's no Charlottetown, but this is quite an impressive list of projects for a town of 2,000!

:tup:

[pei guy]

Homburg Financial Tower officially opens tonight
Published on September 23rd, 2010

The sound of bagpipes will flow through the streets of downtown Charlottetown as a kilted bagpiper, perched on the fourth-storey balcony of Homburg Financial Tower, greets guests to the building’s official opening tonight.

The Homburg Financial Tower, located at 98 Fitzroy St., is the latest addition to the business landscape of downtown Charlottetown and is also the new home of two companies, including the Prince Edward Island branch of the financial services firm Richardson GMP Limited.

Peter MacDougald of Richardson GMP said the company feels fortunate to be one of the first tenants of the Homburg Financial Tower.

“We at Richardson GMP are quite pleased with our new location in the Homburg Financial Tower,” he said.

“The building offers good access to parking and a comfortable atmosphere for our clients and employees, with wonderful views of Charlottetown particularly from the top floors. As in all our locations across Canada, we like to be at centre ice.”

By mid-October, the main

level will open its doors to

Moving Designz, a unique

store specializing in modern furniture and home and cottage

décor and accessories.

Susan Snow, owner and property stylist, decided to move her business from Summerside to Charlottetown in order to expand and reach a larger market. She said being located in the Homburg Financial Tower will be a positive move for the company, particularly in terms of the location in the city’s downtown.

“Opening a store in Charlottetown has always been part of Moving Designz’ long-term business growth plan,” she said.

“We are very pleased to be moving to the main floor of the building, especially with its direct connection to the Queen Street Parkade. We have been getting nothing but positive comments and encouragement from our customers and clients regarding our new location and our move here to the Homburg Financial Tower.”

To date, several other local and off-Island businesses have expressed interest in being part of the Homburg Financial Tower.

Michael Arnold, vice-chairman for Homburg Canada Reit, described it as an exciting time ahead.

“The opportunities here are great and we want to share in the future of Charlottetown.”

The open house begins at 5 p.m.

:)

[Dmajackson]

You know you're in the Maritimes when there's a bagpiper welcoming you to a 8-storey "tower" that is going to become the home of a cottage design shop ... :haha:

[braymondg]

Construction begins on UPEI School of Nursing

http://www.capitalhonda.com/const/nursing.jpg


Published on September 23rd, 2010
The Guardian


When Margaret Monro became UPEI’s dean of nursing in 1992, it signaled a change for P.E.I.’s education and health sectors.

Until that fall, the province was the only one in Canada not offering a program for a nursing degree.

Although the P.E.I. School of Nursing ran a two-year diploma program, as health care grew more demanding through the late 1980s it was obvious those entering the field would soon need a more indepth education.

“The diploma program schools really were designed to prepare nurses for in-hospital acute care but there wasn’t any experience in community or long-term care. It was decided that having two levels of education that look parallel but aren’t sent mixed messages,” said Monro.

When the Canadian Nursing Association said they’d eventually only accept degree-educated individuals, the decision was made and in 1994, two years after the UPEI School of Nursing opened its doors, the P.E.I. School of Nursing graduated its last class.

Big changes still continue in the link between health and education on P.E.I., with construction of the new UPEI School of Nursing building announced on Tuesday.

The new space will house the School of Nursing plus the new Department of Family and Nutritional Sciences.

It will also allow the university to offer a new master of nursing program and accelerated learning class, says UPEI president Wade MacLauchlan.

“Now we can give our students an even brighter future,” he said. “This will be an important platform to address our future health care needs and opportunities.”

The expansion reflects the growth of one of UPEI’s fastest growing departments, said Dean of Nursing Kim Critchley.

When the School of Nursing started in 1992, about 18 students enlisted, she said.

Today, the school accepts about 60 new students every year.

“One reason is the good support from the provincial government’s sponsorship program but the big reason is guaranteed employment for two years after graduation. Until that came in place we used to lose half of our graduates to elsewhere but now most stay,” said Critchley.

The provincial government is funding two thirds of the construction, $7.2 million, while UPEI will raise the other third, $3.6 million, for a total ost of $10.8 million.

Expecting construction to be completed by fall 2011, UPEI is looking at options of what to do with the old nursing building, where Monro developed the program that graduated the province’s first degree-educated nurses.

:tup:

[pei guy]

:previous:
That's great news for UPEI! It looks like a pretty nice building.
You know you're in the Maritimes when there's a bagpiper welcoming you to a 8-storey "tower" that is going to become the home of a cottage design shop ... :haha:
:haha:

[billy1]

Anyone know what is being built by the Tim Hortons on St. Peters Rd by the old Scotiabank location? They have fencing up and it looks like they will be leveling the old Scotiabank building.

[pei guy]

:previous:

Not sure. Judging by the location, probably retail of some sort.

[braymondg]

The Scotia Bank is being leveled to make way for a new Tim's and maybe a Wendys. DP Murphy Group bought the property.

[pei guy]

Georgetown council calls for roundabout at Pooles Corner
By David MacDonald

Georgetown councillor Ronnie Gallant says it’s time the province constructed a roundabout in Pooles Corner to deal with what he says is a dangerous intersection.
Coun Gallant expressed his views during a recent council meeting, asking other councillors to support a motion to send a letter to Transportation Minister Ron MacKinley.
Coun Gallant said there have been several fatal accidents at that intersection in the past few years, and there are other safety concerns such as large trucks and vehicles speeding on the Route 4 portion of the intersection. The posted speed limit is 60 km/h.
"We’ve got to get something started. It’s a bad corner and everybody knows it," Coun Gallant said. "It would be simple to make it there. Of all places, (a roundabout) should be there; we have the room to do it."
Councillor Allan Gallant suggested an overpass with off ramps, but in any case, the traffic volume is definitely there for something to be done.
Mayor Lewis Lavandier said a roundabout would be a good idea if it’s feasible.
"This being the year of the roundabout, this would be the time to do it," he said.
Council voted 5-0 to send a letter to Mr MacKinley.
There have been a number of serious accidents at the intersection, including a 2008 accident that claimed the lives of two males who attended the Holland College Georgetown Centre. According to Montague RCMP, two accidents took place there since January 2010, with the most recent one a two-vehicle crash on September 21 when a 61-year-old male visiting from Japan was seriously injured.

:cheers:

[josh_cat_eyes]

Tallest building in summerside is like 4 stories. It is an appartment building near the old prince county hospital. I have been away for a while and have not been able to get online often.

[MontagueHill]

http://www.buildingcanada-chantierscanada.gc.ca/images/20101015souris.jpg
(from left to right) His Worship David MacDonald, Mayor of Souris, the Honourable Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island, the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Honourable Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning for Prince Edward Island, celebrate the completion of construction work on Main Street in Souris.


“Main Streets remain the heart of our communities across the country,” said Minister Shea. “Our government is pleased to have worked with the Government of Prince Edward Island and the Town of Souris to help revitalize Main Street, which will greatly enhance the area and contribute to its economic prosperity.”

“This project has not only improved the overall look of the town, but it has also improved road safety and has made a substantial improvement to the town’s sewer and water systems,” said Premier Ghiz. “Through our Rural Action Plan we continue to identify areas in need of improved infrastructure all over rural Prince Edward Island.”

“This project has greatly improved Souris’ sewer and water infrastructure, which will help contribute to the health of citizens,” said Mayor David MacDonald. “But beyond that it’s made the town more appealing from a tourism point of view by improving the streetscape.”

The revitalization of 2.1 kilometres of Souris’ Main Street was conducted in two phases and included repairs to both road and underground infrastructure. The water mains and sanitary sewers were replaced and the entire road cross section was upgraded to include a new curb, gutter and sidewalk, as well as a new asphalt road surface, thus improving water quality, increasing safety for drivers and pedestrians, and reducing vehicle wear and greenhouse gases.

The Government of Canada contributed $669,875 to the first phase of the project under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund and Gas Tax Fund for sewer line, water line, and sidewalk replacement along Main Street. The Province of Prince Edward Island matched this contribution and provided an additional $3 million through Build PEI for further road construction and repairs. The City of Souris provided the balance of funding for this phase of construction, which totalled $4.3 million.

Federal contributions for the second phase of the project totalled over $1.9 million, including $1.6 million for road repairs from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, and $310,000 from the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund for further sewer line, water line, and sidewalk replacement. The Province of Prince Edward Island matched these federal contributions through Build PEI and the City of Souris contributed $310,000 for the water and sewer lines.

As part of the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is providing funding for close to 4,000 infrastructure projects across the country.

Canada and Prince Edward Island are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure. Both governments have agreed to work together to ensure that these funds are delivered quickly and efficiently to municipalities in Prince Edward Island. In Prince Edward Island, some 18 projects, totaling a federal investment of over $16 million, have been approved since the launch of the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

[MontagueHill]

The Guardian, September 16 2010

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/media/photos/unis/2010/09/16/photo_1176869_resize.jpg

ALBERTON - The building boom is continuing in Alberton.
Town Council recently approved a building permit for a six-unit apartment building on MacNeill Lane, a self-storage building for Argyle Street and gave the green light to the Jacques Cartier Arena Operating Committee’s application to put up a windmill.
That project still requires funding approval.
An application for interior renovations to the commercial building at 555 Main St., the former Sears store, was also approved.
As well, Town Council continues to search for a property to provide to Habitat for Humanity for a single-family dwelling proposed for next year.

[MontagueHill]

Last Updated: Monday, October 25, 2010 | 1:36 PM AT
CBC News
A Summerside developer plans to demolish a row of unsightly old houses on Notre Dame Street in the city's west end and build new family homes.

The existing rental houses are decades old and line the street backing on to the racetrack. Coun. Brent Gallant, chair of the city's economic development committee, told CBC News Monday the development should be a great boost for that part of the city.

"These properties are getting real old and tired," said Gallant.

"These are brand new properties, residential owned and new families will move into those things. I think it's an absolutely delightful proposal. And I think that if you talk to any of the neighbours along that way there that face these properties, [they] are pretty excited about it coming in as well."

Most of the old houses have already been bought by the developer, Terry Peters.

Gallant said the area has been approved for rezoning, but there are still some final approval processes needed before the demolition and building permits are issued. If everything goes according to plan construction is expected to begin in November.

[pei guy]

The Guardian, September 16 2010

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/media/photos/unis/2010/09/16/photo_1176869_resize.jpg

ALBERTON - The building boom is continuing in Alberton.
Town Council recently approved a building permit for a six-unit apartment building on MacNeill Lane, a self-storage building for Argyle Street and gave the green light to the Jacques Cartier Arena Operating Committee’s application to put up a windmill.
That project still requires funding approval.
An application for interior renovations to the commercial building at 555 Main St., the former Sears store, was also approved.
As well, Town Council continues to search for a property to provide to Habitat for Humanity for a single-family dwelling proposed for next year.

Good for Alberton. It's great to see smaller towns getting their share of construction. :)

I also really like the new look of Main Street in Souris, and I hope the Summerside housing development will be good quality. Those houses are so teeny! :haha:

[pei guy]

Iceland arena coming down
By David MacDonald
david@peicanada.com

The old Iceland Arena in Montague is nearing the end of the line as its current owner plans to have it demolished in the next few weeks.

Halifax developer Doug Zinck, who has owned the now-empty arena for the past couple of years, said he expects the building will be torn down before December 1.

For the past year, Mr Zinck has been working with a Halifax-based company about possibly building a hotel on the Iceland Arena property.

He said the project has been moving slowly as the company in question has been slow on its due diligence, “as to what they think the town will support in terms of units.” But Mr Zinck says it’s still a work in progress, and he said removing the old arena will freshen up the site for possible development.

“We thought we’d have the answer before this but they haven’t come back to say no so we’re moving forward. It’s not a dead issue.”

Mr Zinck said another reason for tearing down the building was that he was paying roughly $30,000 a year on taxes while the empty arena was still standing.

:banana:

[pei guy]

Speaking of Alberton:

New subdivision planned for Alberton
By Cindy Chant
cindy@peicanada.com

The Town of Alberton has purchased a 2.5 acre parcel of land located on Church Street and extending across the end of Poplar street, known as the O’Meara property.

The news was announced at Alberton Council’s regular monthly meeting, on Oct 12.

“We’ve had our eye on different properties for some time now,” said Mayor Michael Murphy, adding the new purchase can only mean good things for the community.

The Town already owns 23.16 acres of property which connects to the newly purchased land. The additional land provides another access from municipal streets.

The Town plans to build new municipal offices within the large parcel.

Its current quarters on Railway Street doesn’t provide much privacy for staff.

“We hope to get started as soon as later this fall (on the subdivision),” said Mayor Murphy.

[MontagueHill]

CBC News

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/topstories/2010/11/03/pe-tp-stratford-waterfront.jpg


With seven hectares of land available for development on its waterfront, the mayor-elect of Stratford, P.E.I. wants to make sure the town gets it right.

The property, now occupied by the Southport Motel, is about to be purchased by the Charlottetown Area Development Corporation.

"It's probably the prime, in our view anyway, the prime piece of commercial development land in the greater Charlottetown area right now," Robert Hughes, the chief administrative officer for the town, told CBC News Tuesday.

The plans are to put in three roads, carving out three city blocks. The first road will be built off Stratford Road, beside the CGI building.

"It'll be a wider road with parking on both sides, there will be trees and benches, and underground wiring and street lights," said Hughes.

"You'll probably see something like townhouses on the left-hand side as you go down the new road, and on the right-hand side you'll see buildings that are a mix of residential and commercial."

Hughes said a boardwalk along the waterfront will give people a panoramic view of the harbour.

Mayor-elect David Dunphy, who won office Monday night, has yet to take office but Tuesday he was briefed on the plans. Dunphy said it is important to make the area attractive.

"I understand it's private property and they can develop it, but as a town [we] have to really ensure that we retain as much green space as possible because once it's developed, we can't get it back," he said.

Residents will have a say in the development, he promised. The design work for the first phase will likely be done over the winter, with construction starting in the spring.

[pei guy]

The Montague roundabout is officially open! I took a little detour coming home today and I think it looks fantastic. Big enough for large trucks and a space in the centre circle for flowers and greenery. The construction was worth it! :)

There are a few new projects around Montague, such as:
-Renovation and expansion to the curling club
-New facade and window canopies at Old World Pizza
-Shoppers Drug Mart expansion and reno
-The old Roderick MacKenzie gas station has been demolished, presumably for a new commercial development

It's great to see!

[pei guy]

Blueberry juice operation given green light for plant
Published on November 10th, 2010
Steve Sharratt
MONTAGUE — The opening of a major juice and puree processing plant that will look to China as one of its major markets earned an operational green light here Monday when town council approved a sewer extension.

P.E.I. Berries Ltd. is locating in the former Choice Tobacco building – outside the town – near the liquor store and is expected to employ about 30 people and produce a puree of Island berries in the new $2 million plus conversion.

The company intends to pay the estimated $350,000 cost to hook up to the Montague sewer system as a way to flush its systems when it begins production next spring. Council was told connecting to an existing sewer system is preferable to building a septic system on the property.

“You’re ready to go,’’ said Mayor Richard Collins after council approved the request from company chief Julius Patkai.

P.E.I. Berries Ltd. has been slowly developing over the past few years, acquiring growing partners and technology to produce a new type product that will be unique in the marketplace. Patkai, who graduated Montague high school and grew up in the area, said the company will use local blueberries, cranberries, blackberries and strawberries in a bottled product that will have numerous applications and is designed for the high end health conscious marketplace.

“We will retail locally but our greatest demand will be from abroad,’’ said Patkai. “Our product will be all natural with no chemicals and used like a topping.”

The Commercial Road building is currently owned by the province and Patkai said the company will generate little waste and use its own water.

According to its website, P.E.I. Berries Ltd. says it is a family of stakeholders, i.e., owners, growers and employees, driven to succeed and believe in (the) overwhelming consumer appetite for high quality, environmentally sustainable healthier-natural food alternatives.

The plant will employ hydro thermodynamic technology (HTDT) to utilize 100% of the fruit matter by leaving no waste, thus supplying the consumer with a product of the highest nutritional value with a shelf life of two years at room temperature.

:tup:

[MontagueHill]

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/topstories/2010/11/23/pe-tp-crapaud-corner.jpg
A bypass around Crapaud is on P.E.I. Transportation Minister Ron MacKinley's list of proposed highway improvements. (CBC)


Changes planned for P.E.I. portions of the Trans-Canada could see the highway bypass Crapaud, a perennial bane for travellers heading for Charlottetown, and fix other dangerous sections, CBC News has learned.

The projects, to be announced jointly by Ottawa and the province, would redesign some of the more treacherous sections of the highway between the Confederation Bridge and Charlottetown at a cost of as much as $20 million.

The province set aside $15 million in its capital budget last year for Trans-Canada improvements. The money was to be matched by Ottawa under its Atlantic Gateway project, which is meant to allow for quicker, safer, movement of goods in the region.

P.E.I. Transportation Minister Ron MacKinley has identified four sections of the Trans-Canada Highway he wants redesigned and improved, and is expected to announce soon that work on at least two of them will go ahead.

The top priority is a bypass around Churchill, to circumvent its steep hills and twisting sections. MacKinley has also said he wants to straighten parts of the road and bridge along the Desable section of the highway.

There are also plans for a bypass route around Crapaud. Currently the highway runs through the town's centre and includes a T intersection at the bottom of a steep hill at a sharp corner.

MacKinley also wants to rebuild another sharply curved section of highway, known as the Tryon Y, where two rural roads feed onto the Trans-Canada.

MacKinley turned down an interview Tuesday but said construction work will begin next year.

There will be public meetings and consultations on the projects.

[MontagueHill]

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/photos/2010/11/23/pe-584-provincehouse-hotel.jpg
The Homburg hotel is the first building visible behind Province House in Charlottetown. (Pat Martel/CBC)

[pei guy]

The TCH improvements are great. It really is dangerous in parts between Charlottetown and Borden. Who knows, maybe they'll even make it a... DIVIDED HIGHWAY. :haha:

That is a really good picture of the new hotel, it shows the balance of new and old that Ch'town has.

[MonctonRad]

The TCH improvements are great. It really is dangerous in parts between Charlottetown and Borden. Who knows, maybe they'll even make it a... DIVIDED HIGHWAY. :haha:

I can't imagine the TCH between the Confederation Bridge and Charlottetown ever being divided. It would be good to have portions of it realligned and perhaps more passing lanes.

What I would really like to see them do is to four-lane the entire Charlottetown Bypass and finish the bypass all the way to Cornwall. That should be feasible! :tup:

[MonctonRad]

P.E.I. plans to subsidize flights from U.S.
Last Updated: Sunday, November 28, 2010 | 1:21 PM AT
CBC News

Tourism P.E.I.'s goals for 2011 include getting more people to fly to the Island by subsidizing some airline service for a short period.

Flights from New York or another city in the eastern U.S. may be targeted.

Brenda Gallant, director of tourism marketing for P.E.I., said Friday it would be a good promotion and could prove to U.S. airlines that they'd be more likely to fill their planes if they reduced prices on their own.

"Hopefully, what we'll see is that people will want to come visit us if the pricing point is right for them," said Gallant. "That obviously makes it a good conversation to have with some of the airlines looking at, is this a possibility?"

This has been a good year for tourism in the province. Tourism P.E.I. estimated the number of visitors will be up 2.6 per cent over 2009.

Part of the rise may be thanks to the presence of the popular U.S. morning television show Live! with Regis and Kelly in July. The show received high ratings during a four-day visit to P.E.I.

Other large events for the province in 2010 included SummerFest and the Cavendish Beach Music Festival.

Getting people excited
The plan also calls for more event-based marketing. Officials want to market P.E.I. on the road with bands, cuisine, personalities and showcasing them in other provinces.

"We will put some marketing effort behind it and really get people excited about Prince Edward Island," she said.

In June, Tourism P.E.I. will start a Prince Edward Island fusion festival, modelled on Scotland's Edinburgh International Festival for performing arts.

It will take festivals that already happen during that time, like the Festival of Small Halls, the Rollo Bay Bluegrass Festival and Canada Day celebrations, and market them under one name.

The goal is to get visitors to the Island up by 1.5 per cent in 2011

While it's a good idea to promote more direct routes to the Charlottetown airport during the summer season, I'm not sure I approve of the idea of a direct government subsidy, especially during these economic times.

It's interesting that this story was closed to comments on the CBC website.....



Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2010/11/28/pei-2011-plan-to-fly-people-to-pei-584.html#ixzz16YJyv4YW

[pei guy]

Cornwall to get new pharmacy and health centre
Published on December 2nd, 2010

The Town of Cornwall will soon be getting a state of the art pharmacy and health centre to meet the needs of its growing population.

The Murphy’s Pharmacy and Health Centre will open in 2011 and will include a full service pharmacy, expanded front store, and a multi-disciplinary health centre.

The health centre will be built on the Trans-Canada Highway between Sam's Restaurant and the Imperial Oil gas station.

Dr. David Stewart, the only family doctor currently practicing in Cornwall, will have an office in the new centre and is hopeful more doctors will join him.

“A new facility is long overdue, it will greatly assist in attracting badly needed health care professionals to the community of Cornwall. I am proud to be a part of this exciting project,” says Stewart.

The need for a full service, multi-disciplinary health centre for the town of Cornwall was identified by Dr. Stewart and Patrick MacFadyen, former mayor of Cornwall. MacFadyen was instrumental in bringing Dr. Stewart, Murphy’s Pharmacies, and other stakeholders to the table over the past 12 months to move the project forward.

“I am very pleased to hear this news,” says Ron MacKinley, MLA for Cornwall-Meadowbank. “Murphy’s Pharmacies has been a great asset to the community over the years. Cornwall is a growing community and more space is needed so I am glad to see they are expanding the pharmacy and clinic, and I hope this will help to attract more doctors.”

Murphy’s Pharmacies currently operates a chain of nine independent pharmacies in Prince Edward Island. Murphy’s Pharmacies also operates a Home Health Care division, a Health Education Centre, a Travel Health Clinic, and Murphy’s Community Centre. The company is Island owned and operated and is a multiple national award winner in the areas of health promotion, patient care, innovation, and charitable work.

“We have had a loyal clientele at our current location in Cornwall for many years but the town is growing and the people are looking for more products and expanded health services,” says Ray Murphy, president of Murphy’s Pharmacies, “Murphy’s Pharmacies is very pleased to be expanding our offering in this area and to be giving the people of Cornwall a great facility to house the health services they are looking for.”

[Dmajackson]

^Is this a fancy way of explaining a pharmacy with doctor's offices upstairs (ie Lawton's medical centres) or is the multi-disciplinary feature different?

[pei guy]

:previous:

Hahaha, in some ways yes. But what they are basically going to do is a 2-storey building maybe twice the size of those Lawton's centres, and it will function as a mini-hospital for Cornwall. Murphy's Pharmacies is an Island pharmacy, so all of their stores have different designs and in this case, purposes.

So it is quite similair to those stores, but serves as (like I said earlier) a mini-hospital. Don't worry, the Island news isn't that desperate!

:haha:

[MontagueHill]

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/topstories/2009/08/18/pe-tp-waterfront-mall.jpg
Some of the new businesses have moved into the Waterfront Mall. (CBC)



There's been an unexpected boom in the number of new businesses opening in the downtown of P.E.I.'s second city. Nine businesses have opened in Summerside's downtown in the last month, some of on the streets and some in the Waterfront Mall. Miranda MacDonald just opened the dog grooming shop Puppy Love, and she said business is off to a good start.

"Everybody needs their dog cleaned up for Christmas because they've got to be in the family photos," she said. And MacDonald expects her first business venture will continue to go well.

"People are saying that the location's really good, because they're going to the bank, they're running down to the store, the malls, all the little shops," she said. "I think it'll be really good when the summer comes, with all the other businesses that open in the summer."

Other recent openings include an antique store, a bookstore and a fitness studio. One of the attractions is relatively low rent. "Hopefully the businesses do well, and economically, it's going to be a great spin-off for the city," said Ron Casey, executive director of Downtown Summerside Inc.

During the mini-boom four businesses left the downtown, either for Charlottetown, the malls uptown, or closing down completely. But Casey said there has been a net gain in the number of people working downtown. And the building is not over yet. The downtown will welcome a new pharmacy in January.

[braymondg]

Major housing project for seniors in works for Charlottetown

The Guardian
Published on December 13th, 2010
Andrew Chisholm

The Sherwood Greens Driving Range on Mount Edward Road could soon be developed into a 256-unit neighbourhood geared toward aging Islanders.

There are several concepts of what the community could look like.

Each one features different variations of layout and structure sizes but they all incorporate the same number of units and green space.

The concept before the city’s planning board consists of two 80-unit continuing care buildings, one 60-unit apartment-style, assisted-living building and 76 single and semi-detached houses.

Because the area is zoned for comprehensive development, city council will need to amend the zoning and development bylaw.

Following a public meeting last week, the city’s planning board approved the general concept of the plan and will recommend to council at its monthly meeting tonight that the zoning and development bylaw be amended. The developers will be required to bring their final concept back to the board for approval.

Access to Mount Edward Road at Oak Drive is pending approval upon reviews from police and public works.

If approved by city council, the developers would like to see people moving into the area as early as next October. Demand for this type of development is high, says Calvin McQuaid, who is one of the developers behind the project.

“There’s a large demand for it. We have a large waiting list right now.”

The McQuaid family has been working on the project for over two years.

Given the size of the development, the family has been having a difficult time with the city’s requirements about comprehensive development.

“You have to know exactly where everything’s going to go and it’s really hard to do with (almost) 300 units,” says McQuaid.

Rob Lantz, the newly appointed chair of the planning board, says the city uses comprehensive development zoning to make sure large parcels of land around the city are properly developed.

“That’s exactly why we do it,” he said. “The (city) planners want to have control over it.”

Access to the new neighbourhood would be made via the private lane known as Towers Road with the possibility of an entrance onto Mount Edward Road.


:tup:

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

There was a path through a disused farmers field here that I used as a shortcut to get to Charlottetown Mall when I lived in Sherwood in the late 1970's. It will be interesting to see this land get developed.

[MontagueHill]

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/topstories/2010/12/14/pe-tp-mcquaid-seniors.jpg
The seniors complex will include parks. (CBC)


Charlottetown city council made zoning changes Monday night to make way for a 256-unit seniors complex behind the Charlottetown Mall.

The development would occupy a six-hectare site that was the home of the Sherwood Greens Driving Range before it closed.

Developer Kelvin McQuaid told CBC News the complex would include a range of housing options: private and semi-detached homes, assisted living apartments and community care spaces.

"You can just move on, in the same property," said McQuaid.

"You don't have to look for another facility to accommodate you. Our property, behind the mall, it has a lot of the amenities. A three-minute walk they can walk up to the university; three minute walk they're at the mall, they're at the theatre."

Coun. Rob Lantz, chair of the planning committee, said reaction from neighbours to the proposal at a public meeting last week was good.

"Generally the residents were very supportive," said Lantz.

"There were some concerns about how it would be policed and who they were marketing these to, but there's been a lot of positive feedback from the residents."

McQuaid said the complex will be a green development, with parks and energy efficiency built into every unit. It would be built over a period of five years.

While the zoning changes have been approved, council has not given the OK to the final plan for the development. That will come to a vote at a future meeting.

[MontagueHill]

(CBC)

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/topstories/2010/07/20/pe-tp-convention-centre.jpg


Work is set to begin soon on a new $17.5-million convention centre in Charlottetown.

Staff at the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans will move from their present waterfront offices — on the site where the new centre will be built — and relocate temporarily to the C.G.I. building in Stratford.

"The convention centre is on track," said Gail Shea, the federal fisheries minister. "The DFO will be vacating their current premises in the very near future, so the province will have access to the current property by late spring."

The Canadian Coast Guard, which also occupies part of the building currently on the site, will be transferred to another building on the Charlottetown waterfront.

The province plans to put out tenders in February to replace the aging seawall in the centre's future location.

Then, existing office buildings will be torn down to make room for the Convention Centre.

The convention centre will be connected to the Delta Prince Edward.

The 36,000-square-foot complex will be built to hold receptions for up to 3,000 people and dining events for up to 1,500 people.

The convention centre will be cost-shared by the federal and provincial governments and is expected to be completed by 2012.

[pei guy]

Good news for the convention centre! Should be quite the project.

:tup:

[MontagueHill]

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/media/photos/unis/photo_948290_resize_article.jpg
(The Guardian)

ABRAM-VILLAGE — Christmas has come early for the Evangeline region of P.E.I. as investments made Monday by the federal and provincial governments will see the Evangeline Multi-Generational Sports Facility rebuilt after a devastating fire on April 11 this year.
"With an investment of almost $1.6 million, our government is pleased to partner with the provincial government and the Evangeline Recreation Commission to support the construction of this new sports facility,” said Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. “Facilities like this centre provide social, physical and economic benefits to a community that enriches the quality of life enjoyed by area residents.”
“This new facility will be a tremendous benefit to the health and well being of the Acadian community, and the province’s $1.6 million investment will serve as a fine example of our government’s commitment to rural Prince Edward Island” said Premier Robert Ghiz. “But beyond that, this project shows that great things are possible when communities come together and rally toward a common goal.”
The Evangeline Recreation Commission has made an investment of $2 million to rebuild the Evangeline Multi-Generational Sports Facility.
Christmas has come early for the Evangeline region of P.E.I. as investments made Monday by the federal and provincial governments will see the Evangeline Multi-Generational Sports Facility rebuilt after a devastating fire on April 11 this year.

“The new rink and recreation facility to be built on the same site as the former Evangeline Recreation Center is a testimony of a community rallying behind a common goal and determined to achieve that goal,” said Guy Arsenault, President of the Evangeline Recreation Commission.
“The community will once again have a facility that will offer much-needed recreational and cultural activities to all residents. We are tremendously grateful to all for their important contribution towards the construction of our new facility.”
This investment will be used to build a new, multi-generational sports facility to replace the community’s recreation centre which was destroyed. This new facility will house a new NHL-sized ice surface and related dressing rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, administration offices and a hospitality centre.
The new facility will also use new environmentally friendly components to use less heating and electricity.
The new Evangeline Sports Facility is scheduled to begin construction March 1, 2011, with completion estimated to be in the fall of 2011.

[MontagueHill]

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/topstories/2010/12/19/pei-new-campus.jpg
The town of Alberton is getting the new West Prince campus for Holland College, due to open next fall. (CBC)



Construction has begun in Alberton on the new $6-million West Prince campus of Holland College, which is going up at the main intersection in town.

"It was a central location and also I think the idea is now to build within town so it gives a boost to those towns, which I think is good, rather than building out on the highway where it doesn't give as much impact to the community," said Paula Foley, manager of the West Prince campus.

College officials are looking to ways to boost that impact.

In addition to five diploma programs, the campus will offer academic upgrading for adults. The lecture theatre and a meeting room will be available for the community to use.

The 22,000-square-foot facility also includes two technical shops, for teaching welding and power equipment maintenance.

The community is getting ready for more students. For one thing, the campus will not have a cafeteria, so there is an upside for local restaurants.

The Sidewalk Grill is planning new menu items, says owner Rayona Murphy.

"Just some quick lunch items on the menu so there's no holdups and they can get back to school," said Murphy.

Iron Haven Gym is looking for new customers from the college crowd, according to spokesman Terry Adams.

"A lot of the students train," said Adams. "They're actually offering a fitness and leisure management course here. I think a lot of them will be in. I think a lot of staff will take advantage of the facility too."

Holland College will continue to offer classes in two other West Prince communities — Tignish and O'Leary. But the Alberton campus will be the largest of the three.

Alberton Mayor Michael Murphy is excited about the campus, which "puts a vibrant feel into the town.

"It's a new beginning more less. Opens the town to be a more prosperous place."

About 100 students will be there when classes start next September.

[braymondg]

21 Unit Apartment Building underway

I don't have a picture but they started the hole for the foundation the other day for this project. It is at the vacant lot right next door to the liquor store on Summer St.

City of Charlottetown Permits:
10-Dec-10 10 Summer Street 21-unit apartment building (was 16-20 Summer St.) Marlo Developments 31-Dec-10

:tup:

[pei guy]

:previous:

I've always thought something should be done on that lot, good to hear.


http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/topstories/2010/12/19/pei-new-campus.jpg
The town of Alberton is getting the new West Prince campus for Holland College, due to open next fall. (CBC)



Construction has begun in Alberton on the new $6-million West Prince campus of Holland College, which is going up at the main intersection in town.

"It was a central location and also I think the idea is now to build within town so it gives a boost to those towns, which I think is good, rather than building out on the highway where it doesn't give as much impact to the community," said Paula Foley, manager of the West Prince campus.

College officials are looking to ways to boost that impact.

In addition to five diploma programs, the campus will offer academic upgrading for adults. The lecture theatre and a meeting room will be available for the community to use.

The 22,000-square-foot facility also includes two technical shops, for teaching welding and power equipment maintenance.

The community is getting ready for more students. For one thing, the campus will not have a cafeteria, so there is an upside for local restaurants.

The Sidewalk Grill is planning new menu items, says owner Rayona Murphy.

"Just some quick lunch items on the menu so there's no holdups and they can get back to school," said Murphy.

Iron Haven Gym is looking for new customers from the college crowd, according to spokesman Terry Adams.

"A lot of the students train," said Adams. "They're actually offering a fitness and leisure management course here. I think a lot of them will be in. I think a lot of staff will take advantage of the facility too."

Holland College will continue to offer classes in two other West Prince communities — Tignish and O'Leary. But the Alberton campus will be the largest of the three.

Alberton Mayor Michael Murphy is excited about the campus, which "puts a vibrant feel into the town.

"It's a new beginning more less. Opens the town to be a more prosperous place."

About 100 students will be there when classes start next September.

That's good, I love the fact that it will be right in the town. I think Montague or Souris could warrant something like that too- I know a perfect empty lot downtown for a small campus. It's always a great boost to have people downtown, the more the merrier!

:cheers:

[pei guy]

They are almost done tearing down the old Iceland Arena in Montague. The lot is huge and whatever they build will be good for the downtown.

Also, I was driving into Ch'town the other day and saw the new HC athletic centre going up. What a campus! The buildings fit very well together and the square will be real nice.

:tup:

[pei guy]

Has anyone seen the huge new development in Stratford, I believe called Cameron Heights? I was visiting an uncle a few days ago and saw them finishing this up. It's at the corner of Stratford and Kinlock roads, six two-storey buildings with green-brown siding and stone. It's pretty nice, although kind of squished in.

Just wanted to give people the update... didn't want the thread to go 2 weeks without posts. :haha:

[pei guy]

Possible retail in APM's almost abandoned downtown building?

City of Charlottetown Permits:
12-Jan-11 133 Queen Street Demising wall for two retail areas APM Properties 2-Feb-11

:shrug:

[josh_cat_eyes]

Thanks for keep the thread going PEI guy. I never seem to have time too post here anymore. I keep meaning to grab some pics in Summerside. Man we have had it good the past little bit. Perhaps tomorrow if I am awake before I get up for work I will grab some. I do however have a few that are kind of outdated now but I still have them:
First two of are a new commercial/office building near Clarks Toyota on Walker Avenue. The next two are of a 2 year old building next to it. The last one is of a new Seniors Appartment Building slated to be 100% done this spring. They bought two crappy building, torn one down and gutted the other and it now remains as the right hand side of the building.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0685.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0688.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0687.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0686.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0683.jpg

[pei guy]

:previous:
Thanks josh! Nice pictures, Summerside has some great projects lately. I especially like the building in the 3rd and 4th pics, and the apartments are nice too.

:tup:

[josh_cat_eyes]

I found some pics on the Maclean Construction Website of some recent projects across the island.
Elm Street School
http://www.macleanconstruction.com/IMG_9063.JPG
http://www.macleanconstruction.com/IMG_9094.JPG
Stratford Elementary
http://www.macleanconstruction.com/Stratford%20School%20Exterior.JPG
New Government Garage Slemon Park:
http://www.macleanconstruction.com/Project%20Photos/PC%20Highway%20Depot%20017.jpg
Ecole St. Augustin:
http://www.macleanconstruction.com/PB020058.JPG

Also lots of pics here about the new Fair Isle Ford:
http://fairisleford.dealerconnection.com/construction/
And for those of you who have never seen it, PEI's first roundabout:
http://www.curranandbriggs.com/TR06f.JPG

[MontagueHill]

CBC

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/topstories/2011/01/26/pe-biocommons-construction_1.jpg
Construction is already underway on the BioCommons Manufacturing Centre in Charlottetown, which will be leased by bioscience-based small businesses. (CBC)


The provincial and federal governments announced $4.6 million Tuesday to jump start construction at a new business park in Charlottetown.

The BioCommons Research Park is intended to spur bioscience research and development, manufacturing and support services.

No tenants have been lined up, but shovels are already in the ground.

Crews are putting steel girders in place for what will become the first building in the BioCommons Research Park — the BioCommons Manufacturing Centre.

The 30,000 sq. ft. building will provide leasing space for up to 10 small businesses with light manufacturing needs, who need to expand their production capability. It's also hoped it will serve as a stepping stone for small research companies.

About a half-dozen such businesses currently work in the National Research Council building on the University of Prince Edward Island campus.

"It's really the evolution of what we see here at the NRC [National Research Council], the evolution of the bioscience industry in Prince Edward Island," said Premier Robert Ghiz.

The Charlottetown Area Development Corporation will operate the new building. Board chair David McInnis said they are confident they can attract tenants.

"Well, we have some potential, some potential targets and people that are interested ... three. Can't say much more than that at this point. It's one of those things. Once you get the first guy in there, the first operation in there, it tends to start to draw," said McInnis. The manufacturing centre is slated to open in June.

The federal government is supporting the project with an investment of $2 million through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Innovative Communities Fund. The province is contributing $2.65 million through Innovation PEI.

[MontagueHill]

CBC

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/topstories/2010/07/20/pe-tp-convention-centre.jpg
An artist's conception of the proposed convention centre on Charlottetown's waterfront. (Province of P.E.I.)


The proposed Charlottetown Convention Centre is undergoing an environmental assessment.

The plan is to demolish the Department of Fisheries and Ocean and Coast Guard buildings on the waterfront to make room for the new centre.

However, the proposal for the $17.5-million facility needs approval from the province's Environment Department, which has found problems with contaminated soil and water.

The Charlottetown Area Development Corporation has submitted a 145-page document outlining ways to avoid harming the environment.

A new seawall would be built out into the Charlottetown Harbour and infilled to create more space along the shore.

The new building will have a geothermal heating system, which means drilling deep wells on the site. Some of the soil and the groundwater are contaminated with substances including arsenic, cadmium, napthalene and other petroleum by products.

CADC says measures would be taken to keep the dangerous soil and water from contaminating groundwater or marine life. That will include covering and storing any soil that is removed until it can be put back in the ground and topped with clean fill.

Silt booms to protect harbour

Wade Arsenault of CADC said it is not unusual to face such contamination problems.

"It's a fairly normal practice in Charlottetown. Just about any site you're going to dig on in Charlottetown, you're going to find some issues like that. Most of these things are encapsulated and left on site," he said.

The drilling will be done cautiously to contain ground water and protect marine life, he said.

"During the construction of the seawall there will be a silt boom put out so that any silt or sediment that gets into the water will be contained by the silt boom to prevent it spreading out into the harbour. This silt boom will be probably in the range of five to ten metres away from the seawall," Arsenault said.

Rory MacLellan, executive director of the P.E.I. Shellfish Association, said it is unlikely the project could be completed without having some effect on his membership. Big storms and wind can make siltation controls ineffective, he said.

In the past, MacLellan said, the association has negotiated compensation from big projects along the Charlottetown waterfront, adding that could happen in this case, too.

A public information session about the centre is expected toward the end of February. Construction is planned to start in March.

[pei guy]

Thanks for the pics, Josh!

They should start the convention centre ASAP, that way the hotel can start too, and it will be great for the city.

[pei guy]

Aircraft parts supplier, distributor creates 20-30 new jobs on P.E.I.

Published on Febuary 2nd, 2011

Aircraft parts supplier and distributor, 3 Points Aviation Corporation is establishing its corporate management office and launching its subsidiary 3 Points Machining and Aerospace in Prince Edward Island with support provided by the federal and provincial governments.

“As we emerge from the global recession, our government remains committed to strengthening the economy in all regions of the country,” an ACOA spokesman said Wednesday in Charlottetown.

“We recognize the significant role the aerospace sector plays in Atlantic Canada’s economy and we’re pleased to support companies like 3-Points who are building their future here by investing to enhance their productivity and ensure their competitiveness.”



3 Points Aviation Corporation will establish a new aerospace manufacturing and repair facility in Charlottetown. This new facility will result in faster turn-around times on aircraft parts and lower the repair costs of high-quality products.

Between 20 and 30 new jobs are expected to be created at its West Royaslty location.

“On behalf of the Province of Prince Edward Island I am pleased to welcome 3 Points Aviation to the Island and congratulate them on the launch of their subsidiary company, 3 Points Machining and Aerospace,” said P.E.I. Innovation Minister Allan Campbell.



ACOA is investing $500,000 towards the purchase of necessary equipment at the new facility while the province is supporting this project through the Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning with a $1.9 million secured, repayable loan. The company is also eligible to apply for the Innovation and Development Labour Rebate Program with support up to $531,000 based on job creation.



“We are pleased to join Prince Edward Island’s aerospace sector," said John Druken, COO of 3 Points Aviation and 3 Points Machining and Aerospace. "With our new venture we utilize technology and trade to enhance our ability to deliver quality products and services in a highly competitive, ever-changing marketplace.:



“The collaborative relationship between the industry and all three levels of government is one of the major deciding factors for our setup in the Charlottetown area. We look forward to enhancing our working relationship with the Islanders and the community of Charlottetown in the coming months and years ahead.”

3 Points Aviation Corporation is an established aerospace company and an approved, certified distributor for regional aircraft parts. 3 Points Machining and Aerospace is a new subsidiary of 3 Points Aviation launching in Prince Edward Island.

[pei guy]

Progress on the waterfront
Published on February 7, 2011
Wayne Thibodeau
First tender called for Charlottetown convention centre

The first tenders have been called for Charlottetown’s new $17.5 million convention centre on the Charlottetown waterfront.

Tenders were recently called for a seawall extension.

Part of the 36,000 square foot building will be on reclaimed land, which means land that is currently underwater. They will build a seawall and foundation that will house part of the convention centre.

Ron Waite, general manager of the Charlottetown Area Development Corporation, says everybody involved in the project is excited to finally see the project take flight.

“We are quite pleased some signs of the construction phase of the project are nearing — no question,” Waite said in an interview.

But the project still has a couple of hurdles to overcome before the full project gets the green light.

Because the land along the waterfront is contaminated and because it is on the waterfront an environmental assessment needs to be completed. That process is still underway. An environmental impact assessment has been filed with a federal agency that oversees that process.

A public information session, which is required as part of that environmental assessment, will take place Feb. 17 between 6-9 p.m. at the Delta Prince Edward.

If all goes according to plan, the next phase of the project will begin in early March.

One hurdle is out of the way after the province received official confirmation from the federal government that it was paying for half the cost for the convention centre.

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Ron MacKinley said federal Transport Minister Chuck Strahl confirmed the federal government is contributing $8,654,000 for the project.

“I got a letter from Chuck Strahl on Jan. 27 so everything’s a go,” MacKinley said.

The province wants to get the work done as soon as possible, but was waiting on the federal government to commit to its half of the project’s cost, MacKinley said and added Strahl signed the letter soon after his visit to P.E.I. last month.

“We couldn’t moved until it was signed.”

The Artmus Lord building, which currently houses Fisheries and Oceans at the foot of Lower Queen Street, will be demolished. The boardwalk along that section of the waterfront will also be shutdown during construction.

However, once the new convention centre is completed a new and expanded boardwalk will be constructed around the new convention centre.

The view of the water and Charlottetown harbour will also be restored to the end of Lower Queen Street once the construction is completed.

The new convention centre will be built onto the end of the Delta Prince Edward. It will be completed over the next 18-24 months.

The centre is expected to open the door to more conventions, as well as ones much larger than those currently being hosted in the capital city.

The 36,000 square foot convention centre is expected to be considered large enough to host receptions for up to 3,000 people and dining events for up to 1,500.

Waite said they are currently in the process of looking for temporary office space for staff of Fisheries and Ocean and the Canadian Coast Guard.

The federal government is now searching for a permanent home for both offices. They will be relocated to the greater Charlottetown areas.

Waite is confident it is now full steam ahead for the new convention centre.

“With any project of this size and magnitude you have to work a number of issues in parallel and we’re doing that but we don’t foresee any major stumbling blocks.”


:tup:

[rde84]

Seems to be lots of work going on in Ch'town and the Island in general! Good for you guys!!

[pei guy]

Seems to be lots of work going on in Ch'town and the Island in general! Good for you guys!!

Thanks for checking in! It is definitely a good time for PEI. It looks like Ottawa has some great projects too!

:cheers:

[Jstaleness]

And for those of you who have never seen it, PEI's first roundabout:
http://www.curranandbriggs.com/TR06f.JPG

This is a great addition. It's been a few years since I drove this area. This will make things way more efficient.
Can anyone confirm if LED Street lights were used?

[josh_cat_eyes]

This is a great addition. It's been a few years since I drove this area. This will make things way more efficient.
Can anyone confirm if LED Street lights were used?
Nope. Just the same old crappy lights. But they have been replacing them as the burn out to a less bright orange color. I happen to live next to it so I notice often.

[josh_cat_eyes]

Now a little color, as promised, finally!
The new location of Sears, in the former McKenna's Furniture building, now the Water Street Dental Clinic building.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0857.jpg
Then right across the street, the new MacManaman Office
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0856.jpg
Down the road, the first of 2 new car dealerships in the city lately. Discover Kia Summerside, located in the former City Motors which at one time was actually a Hyundai Dealership.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0855.jpg
Speaking of Hyundai, he is a pick of the new Summerside Hyundai being built on the Corner of Pope Road and Central Street.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0850.jpg
Keeping with the "Car" theme, this is a Ultramar Station, about 2-3 years old on south drive.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0852.jpg
This is the building on Walker Avenue that I had posted pictures before of just the foundation across the street from Clarks Toyota.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0847.jpg
Now with some more residential stuff, the right side house is the first of 9 that will be build along this stretch of Notre Dame St, the left side house is one of the 8 cottages being torn down to make room for the new houses.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0854.jpg
This is a part of a new "seniors" residential development. There is more older buildings behind this one that is just opening up now.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0846.jpg
and last for now, this is the site on water street across from the boardwalk where a "row house" or "town house" development will be taking place in the spring.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0853.jpg
There was a few things I forgot to grab pics of today, namely the new Murphys Pharmacy downtown, the East Prince and Moase Funeral Homes and the expansion to the Prestige Kitchens building. However, in the spring (when I have my new camera) I am going to do a photo tour of Summerside, based on our strongest developments (Tax Centre, Hospital, Schools ect.) and plus developments that have taken place within the past 5 years.

[pei guy]

:previous:

Wow, Summerside has a ton of new projects going on! Thanks for the great pics, josh. The new homes by the Credit Union Place are definitely an upgrade from the current shacks. The senior's development is almost a carbon copy of one in Montague that just went up, and they're both quite nice. Walker Ave is looking better every time I see it, and I'm excited to see the downtown pharmacy! Keep 'em coming!

:tup:

[josh_cat_eyes]

I just remembered I need to get a pic of the new RBC Bank cause it burned down and they built a new one. Also Dollarama is moving into the location of the old sears, hence the pic of the new sears location.

[pei guy]

Pilot project to light Keppoch Road

Published on February 13, 2011
Andrew Chisholm

STRATFORD — A stretch of Keppoch Road in Stratford will soon be lit using energy-efficient technology.

The town is in the process of purchasing 17 LED lights at an unspecified cost to taxpayers.

It’s all part of a pilot project between Stratford and Maritime Electric.

The utility owns and maintains all of the streetlights in the town and once the new LED lights are purchased, it’ll eventually own them as well, said Coun. Emile Gallant, chair of the safety committee.

“We’re buying them as a pilot project and over time we’ll be reimbursed the amount of money it cost us for those purchases because they cost more than the regular streetlights,” said Emile.

The type of LED lights to be purchased will shine directly down so no electricity is lost lighting the sky, said Gallant, who added their bulbs do not need to be changed as often.

“The cost of operating them, what (the utility is) charging us, will be less because their cost will be less,” he said.

The lights will be installed along the section of Keppoch Road were a new sidewalk was recently constructed.

What a great idea. Nice to see Maritime Electric and Stratford being proactive with helping the environment. The whole province should pursue this, in stages. Then we would really be "Canada's Green Province!"

:)

[josh_cat_eyes]

Here is the rest of the pics. I got everything this time!
The new RBC building
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0882.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0886.jpg
The Holman building, I am pretty sure the revovation of this building is done, but it has been going on for about 5 years I'm going to guess.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0885.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0887.jpg
As Promised, the new Murphys Parmacy, nothing special, a piece added on the the Medical Centre downtown.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0889.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0888.jpg
Moase Funeral Home, I beautiful building, they actually tore down the old one and rebuilt this one from scratch.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0890.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0891.jpg
East Prince Funeral Home. Piece added on the the back. It also used to be a white building.
This is the piece added on:
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0896.jpg
This is the original building, you can see the new second entrance on the left.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0895.jpg
Independence Place, a development for seniors the green building was finnished in the fall while the yellow building is 1 1/2 years old
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0893.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0894.jpg
Prestige Kitchens building expansion. The two units closest is the piece added on.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0904.jpg
Development I posted earlier. Its actually 2 developments, but I think its buy the same people, not sure about that tho. You can see the newest phase of the other first one to the right.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0900.jpg
Original Development:
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0902.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/IMG_0903.jpg

[pei guy]

I noticed yesterday while driving home that there is a new clothing store opening up in downtown Montague! It might not sound like big news, but the building has been vacant for a long time, and downtown is hurting lately. I have a feeling that with this, and the huge lot where the rink was, it could be a good year for down east!

:tup:

[braymondg]

New Charlottetown roundabout planned

CBC News

http://www.capitalhonda.com/const/vogue.jpg


Charlottetown city council is considering plans for a new roundabout at the east end of Belvedere Ave, at a spot where five streets come together.

Aaron Jarvis, who works at the Esso on that corner, will be happy to see changes.

"I've seen, I don't know how many accidents the last seven years here," said Jarvis.

It's problem Melissa Hilton, the councillor for the area, is well aware of.

"A lot of people do try to avoid that intersection and actually use Duncan Heights and go down to Brows [Lane] onto Kensington Road," said Hilton.

Aaron Jarvis has seen a lot of accidents at the intersection in his seven years working next to it. (CBC)
Council saw plans for a new roundabout at its council meeting this week, presented by consultants hired last summer. The plan will require some land acquisition, about 1,000 square metres, from Vogue Optical, Leons and Esso.

Hilton said the plans should make access to the businesses better.

"You'll be able to actually enter and exit the businesses easier and I think the whole flow of traffic will just improve in that area," said Hilton.

The three businesses affected agree the current intersection is confusing for customers, and they're on board with the roundabout.

"I think it's a good idea. That area, that corner has been a nightmare for years for a lot of drivers," said Leons general manager Glenn Mahar.

City councillor Melissa Hilton hopes to have the roundabout built in 2012. (CBC)
Mahar is concerned about having to give up some parking space, and losing business during construction.

"We'd just like to be part of it, and understand the system, and how it works, and what we're going to do to make this work for us," he said.

The Esso will be giving up the largest piece of land. The regional manager said he'll have to figure out where to dump the snow from his parking lot.

The project is expected to cost about $3 million. There has not been a vote on building it yet, and the next step would be to acquire the land.

Barring opposition, the roundabout will likely be built in 2012.


:tup: :yes:


My only concern is whether Brackley point traffic heading into Charlottetown will actually stop as they have a straight line across the roundabout onto St.Peters Rd. Therefore cutting directly straight across Belvedere Ave traffic.

[MonctonRad]

My only concern is whether Brackley point traffic heading into Charlottetown will actually stop as they have a straight line across the roundabout onto St.Peters Rd. Therefore cutting directly straight across Belvedere Ave traffic.

I hear you, but that's a horrible intersection (I lived for a while in Sherwood and know exactly where this is), so almost anything is an improvement.

I think a little proactive police enforcement when the roundabout opens should allay your concerns.... :D

[josh_cat_eyes]

I have aways thought a roundabout would work there. Finally though something is done. That was Charlottetown's Armdale Rotary equivalent.

[braymondg]

Dominion building to be converted into commercial space and apartments

CBC News

http://www.capitalhonda.com/const/dominion.jpg

Work will likely begin in late spring to convert the old Dominion Building in Charlottetown into “higher end’’ apartments and commercial space.

George Ramia, the developer heading the project, told The Guardian Wednesday construction should take eight to 10 months on the 53,645 square-metre building that occupies a city block bordered by Queen, Richmond, Pownal and Sydney streets in the capital city’s downtown core.

He said the building should house about 70 higher end apartments with a mixture of one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.

The first floor will be for commercial use.

Ramia says the goal is to maintain the current look of the building and keep it as environmentally friendly as possible.

“We want to reuse as much as we can that is in the building,’’ he said.

“The condition is fine. Structurally it is fine. They (architects) love the look of the building. They think they can do a great job with it.’’

Ramia says there will be plenty of parking, perhaps in the range of 140 to 160 spots.

The Dominion Building was once home to a post office and hundreds of public servants. In 2002, Public Works Canada declared the building surplus to their needs, and in 2007 transferred the property to the Canada Lands Company (CLC).

CLC, a Crown corporation that buys and disposes of surplus federal property, sold the building last year.

---

:tup:

[pei guy]

A couple of good announcements! Good things always happen in threes, so... 15 storey office building, cross your fingers! :haha:

The intersection in question is a nightmare. Businesses should be glad to give up a bit of land if it creates an area people won't avoid. The Dominion proposal, I think we could all see coming. Should be a great renovation, the more people in the area the better.

:)

[pei guy]

Charlottetown Airport terminal to be expanded

Published on February 21, 2011

The federal and provincial governments announced today they will partner with the Charlottetown Airport Authority to expand the Airport's existing air terminal building.

Gail Shea, minister of fisheries and oceans, and Premier Robert Ghiz announced the investment toward the Charlottetown Airport air terminal building expansion.

The federal government is contributing up to $1.2 million and the remainder of the $3.5 million will be contributed by the province and the Airport Authority.

"This expansion will enable the Charlottetown Airport to capitalize on economic growth opportunities and facilitate increased traffic through the airport," said Doug Newson, CEO of the Charlottetown Airport.

"We would like to thank both the provincial and federal government for partnering with us on this project and their commitment to improving this key piece of infrastructure in Prince Edward Island."

Since 2001, traffic to and from Charlottetown has grown by over 60 per cent.

"This terminal expansion and redesign is necessary given the substantial growth and demand for air travel in the Province. It will enhance our customers experience by improving passenger flow in the departure area of the terminal building, modernizing and expanding the check-in area, and incorporating a more efficient hold baggage screening process." said Newson.

The Charlottetown Airport is a significant economic generator for the province of Prince Edward Island. In 2009, a third-party economic impact assessment estimated that a total of 743 full time equivalent jobs in the province were directly attributable to the presence of the airport.

The gross revenue generated provincially due to the presence of Charlottetown Airport in 2009 was approximately $90-million.

:yes:

[pei guy]

I couldn't find the article, but in the Guardian today it mentioned that the Canada Tree could have a home in the atrium of the Addiction Research Centre on the waterfront in Montague. It's a great location, down Station St (tourist alley) and a great view of the river. The only thing is that they might need to relocate some of the government offices, but it's a strange location anyways. It could even be a waterfront art gallery, who knows?

The other piece of news is that people are signing a petition to build a skateboard park up near the rink / high school. It's really about time. Kids rollin' around at all hours of the night! :haha:

[MontagueHill]

CBC News

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/photos/2011/03/01/pe-mi-legion-reno-300.jpg

The Royal Canadian Legion in Charlottetown is being renovated from top to bottom to attract new business and new members.

The building hasn't been renovated since it was built in 1963.

The club received more than $180,000 in grants from the province, Skills PEI and Home Depot.

"When this legion opened it had a membership of say 1,000 people, but right now we're at 407," said president John Yeo.

"Active members — again we look at the legion as veterans and things like that — they're getting older and so we need their children and their children's children to become active in the Legion."

The biggest change will be in the Clover Room upstairs. It will have a new stage, kitchen and crystal chandeliers.

Yeo said the renovations should be completed by July.

[MontagueHill]

THE GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND ANNOUNCE NEW INVESTMENTS IN TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE

BORDEN-CARLETON, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, Feb. 21 /CNW/ - The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Honourable Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island, today announced new investments of $19.69 million in projects that will increase the efficiency of the transportation system, contributing to long-term economic prosperity in the province. The federal and provincial governments will contribute up to $10.54 million and $9.15 million respectively.

"Because Prince Edward Island is an island province, transportation links are especially important for the continued growth of its economy. This investment by the Harper government will benefit both the business community and the people on the Island, whether they travel by air, land or across the sea," said Minister Shea.

"When combined with an equal contribution from our own Provincial Capital Budget, this investment will lead to important improvements in Prince Edward Island's transportation infrastructure and it will allow our primary producers to get their products to markets all over the world more efficiently," said Premier Ghiz.

New investments include improvements to the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) to realign traffic flow and improve safety along this main trade route for PEI. Funding will also make it possible to expand the Charlottetown Airport terminal to facilitate increased traffic and to install enhanced technologies at the Confederation Bridge to improve both monitoring of hazardous conditions and traffic management.

Federal support for these projects is conditional on meeting all applicable federal eligibility and approval requirements.

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at www.tc.gc.ca/e-news and keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada.

This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities.

New Strategic Infrastructure Announcements
Prince Edward Island

Charlottetown Airport Terminal Expansion
Description: This project involves expanding Charlottetown Airport's existing terminal. This will enable Charlottetown to capitalize on economic growth opportunities and will facilitate increasing traffic through the airport.
Total Investment: $3.5 million. Canada's component is up to $1.2 million, with the remainder to be provided equally by the airport authority and the province.
Confederation Bridge: Intelligent Transportation Systems (between PEI and NB)
Description: This project involves installing intelligent transportation systems, including sensors to monitor bridge conditions and provide warnings, a video incident detection system, dynamic lighting and signage, and toll plaza transponder/electronic lane improvements. These projects will increase the efficiency, safety and reliability for the users of this critical transportation corridor.
Total Investment: $2.68 million. Canada's component is up to $1.34 million, with another $1.34 million from the bridge operator.
Route 1 Improvements
Description: Proposed realignment for locations along the Trans-Canada Highway to improve safety and efficiency and improve access control.
Total Investment: $16 million. Canada's component is up to $8 million, with the remainder to be provided by the province.



From: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2011/21/c4579.html

[MontagueHill]

http://www.journalpioneer.com/media/photos/unis/2011/02/28/photo_1371080_resize_article.jpg

SUMMERSIDE - Shoppers may have noticed some new stores in the Waterfront Mall lately, however one is only there temporarily.
Long and McQuade moved into the downtown mall a few weeks ago while the music store's usual location on East Drive gets an upgrade.
"The old store is being totally renovated on the inside," said manager Darlene Harding.
"The place was a music store for so many years, but before that it was a dairy bar and a laundromat...but the whole place is being gutted, they've opened it all up, raised the ceiling - it's a big, big difference inside."
The store's temporary location is across from the liquor store, next to the mall's main entrance.
Meanwhile, a Charlottetown shop has expanded to the Waterfront Mall. Wild Impulse, an "adult novelty store" based in Charlottetown, will open its doors from Wednesday to Saturday in the space formerly occupied by Northern Reflections.
The mall's operations director Tina Mundy said a new fitness studio is also set to open in the near future.
Mundy said the new additions will be a positive for the mall, which was placed in receivership in August 2009. Although potential buyers have come forward, the sale of the property hasn't yet been finalized.
As for Long and McQuade, which will return to its original location once the renovations are complete, the store might be benefiting from its new downtown location.
"We've got a lot of people coming in and taking a look around. Our regular customers are finding us no matter where we go...but there maybe a slight increase (in traffic)," Harding said. "They've been very, very helpful down here, and it's been great dealing with them. It's a very nice mall, and it's too bad more businesses don't move down here."


Published on February 28, 2011
Stephen Brun
The Journal Pioneer

[MontagueHill]

http://people.upei.ca/webcam/images/latest.jpg
UPEI Nursing Building


http://24.222.31.42:1022/control/faststream.jpg?stream=full&fps=0
Holland College CAST

http://confedmall.dyndns.biz:3370/record/current.jpg?rand=556921
Holman Grand Hotel

[MontagueHill]

I don't live on PEI but would like to see how the Centre for Community Engagement is coming along. Could one of you snap and post a picture if you get the chance?

[pei guy]

Thanks MontagueHill for the updates!

As for the CCE, it should be bricked in soon. It's looking good, and should be a fantastic feature for the college. I went to one of the Hurricanes basketball games at Colonel Gray high school and it was definitely lacking a "home court" kind of feel. But I'd say it will be finished in about 2 months, maybe more. I'll try to get a picture next time I'm in town.

:tup:

[MontagueHill]

Excellent, thank you!

[pei guy]

Soya-Source plant opens in Pooles Corner
Published on March 11, 2011

Soya-Source Inc. has opened a new processing facility at the Pooles Corner business park.

The new plant at the Pooles Corner business park will extract oil and meal from soybeans to be used as an additive in livestock feed. This soy meal and oil has the capability to add a significant amount of natural protein to processed livestock feed and it fills a market niche for Maritime farmers.

The new facility received investments by the federal and provincial governments.

“The investments made by both level of governments have not only helped us open our facility and begin our processes but it also helps Island farmers,” said Herman VandenBroeck, owner of Soya-Source with his brother George. “Our facility allows farmers to sell their product locally and purchase soy oil and soy meal locally for their livestock feed, which helps to cut down their costs.”

This innovative new processing facility will also help the Island agriculture community. With the increase in price for soybeans and a decrease in the need for barley and wheat, more farmers are turning to soybean as a cash crop.

The new facility enables farmers to sell their crop locally reducing overall shipping costs.

Herman and George VandenBroeck are the sons of Martin VandenBroek, founder of Cardigan Feed Service, which began 50 years ago. Martin was at the Soya-Source launch, where he was recognized for his family's entrepreneurial spirit and for his recent 90th birthday.

The Government of Canada has invested $106,400 to help Soya-Source buy the necessary equipment to extract oil and meal from soybeans. The Government of Prince Edward Island has invested $40,000 in the company through the Department of Agriculture and Innovation PEI, which includes $30,000 under the Canada-Prince Edward Island Growing Forward agreement.

:tup:

[pei guy]

CADC will own convention centre, Delta to run it
Published on March 15, 2011

A land transfer agreement signed today clarifies the ownership and management of the Prince Edward Island Convention Centre, soon to be built on the Charlottetown waterfront.

The agreement transfers land between the government of Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island, and between the province and the Charlottetown Area Development Corporation. CADC will own the land and the building which will be managed and staffed by the Delta Prince Edward.

“CADC is proud to be part of this landmark development for the City of Charlottetown and the Province of P.E.I.,” said David McInnis, chair of CADC. “This fabulous addition to the city’s infrastructure will greatly enhance the province’s ability to attract more and larger conventions. The resulting economic spinoff will be of significant benefit to both the city and the province.”

The Mi’kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island also took part in today's event. Through MCPEI, the P.E.I. Mi’kmaq now hold an option on a portion of the land for a possible future commercial development.


“Today is the culmination of much hard work and I believe it demonstrates how a positive partnership can lead to great things,” said Chief Darlene Bernard, chief of Lennox Island and co-chair of MCPEI Board of Directors. “As equal partners, we were asked for our input and ideas which will bring opportunities to the Mi’kmaq citizens living on and off reserve.”

Steady progress is being made on the development of the site. So far, tenders have been called for the seawall and the demolition of existing buildings. More tenders will be offered in the coming weeks as the project begins to take shape.

“The Convention Centre project will provide great benefits to our business community and our citizens as well,” said Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee. “We will grow our meetings and conventions sector and, at the same time, we will develop the Lower Queen Street area, which will open up to our beautiful harbor.”


The new Prince Edward Island Convention Centre is expected to be complete in late 2012.

[pei guy]

Wow, quiet times...

Sorry about the delay in pictures MontagueHill, but I've been nowhere except Vancouver the last few weeks! I'll be in Charlottetown on Saturday for sure, and I've already set the camera on the kitchen counter. :haha:

[MonctonRad]

The Mi’kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island also took part in today's event. Through MCPEI, the P.E.I. Mi’kmaq now hold an option on a portion of the land for a possible future commercial development.

Sounds like they're keeping options open for a casino to me........

[josh_cat_eyes]

Sounds like they're keeping options open for a casino to me........

Can't see it, the Red Sands racetrack already has PEI's racino. It's a nice facility actually.

[josh_cat_eyes]

Big announcement from the PEI Rocket. They will be staying in Charlottetown for at least 3 more years. This is good news for the MHL's Summerside Western Capitals but bad news for the City's hopes of getting a Q team. I really hope the league rejects and proposal to move a team to Summerside OR if a team comes here, that they are a financial disaster that looks bad on the city. At the Capitals playoff games against Woodstock they had 2,500 people for the home games. That is better numbers than some AHL teams. The only long term viable option for the city is to get a handful of PEI rocket games in the city (I would suggest the Wildcats, but there is NO chance of them having a home game anywhere else than in Moncton)

[pei guy]

:previous:

Great idea! I would love to see some Rocket games at CUP! It really is a great facility, and when the Capitals (who seem very successful) aren't playing, there could be some other games played there. After all, it is the PEI Rocket!

[pei guy]

Town dogged in finding Tree a home
Wed, 03/30/2011
By Jonathan Charlton

Minister of Public Safety Vic Toews has rejected Montague town council’s proposal that a site for the Canada Tree be added to the Correctional Service of Canada’s Addictions Research Centre in Montague. However former councillor Janice MacBeth still holds hope the tree will find a home there.

In a letter to Cardigan MP Lawrence MacAulay, who had taken on the cause for the town, Mr Toews wrote that a Canada Tree shelter would not be consistent with the mandate of the centre, nor did the CSC have the authority to dedicate money to it. He also wrote the CSC could not accept the risk of having a public space in the facility.

However the same week the town received that letter, it sent out 19 other letters to provincial and federal representatives asking for support for the project, including Mr Toews, Premier Robert Ghiz, Prime Minster Stephen Harper, the Solicitor General, Director General of Corrections, MPs Gail Shea, Peter MacKay, Wayne Easter and Lawrence MacAulay.

"If we get lots of vocal support from our tourism minister, from our premier and the Lieutenant Governor of PEI, we’re going to forward them on to Vic Toews again," Ms MacBeth said.

"We also sent them all an 8 inch by 10 inch picture, which Vic Toews would never have seen, with the Canada Tree Photoshopped into the front of the addictions building and it’s amazing. So we’re hoping that picture alone will speak 1,000 words."

There is also a Facebook page in the works to support the project.
The problem now is the federal election, which will stall any projects now underway, she said.

At this point, there is no backup plan. Instead, the town is completely focused on putting the Canada Tree in the addictions centre.

"We’re going to give it a bit of time. Because the way I see it is, and I think we all know, potentially that building is being under-utilized and with some very simple modifications I think it would be a beautiful point to put the Canada Tree. Especially since it was a Millennium project sponsored by the federal government and it’s a federal building."

I can't help but think this is the wrong direction for the Canada Tree. It's an amazing work of art that (I think) deserves its own unique building. Perhaps a new arts building with a small gallery, art classes and a stage. Done right, this could be a huge opportunity for the town!

:tup:

[pei guy]

Town gives nod to first of its kind group home apartment in Montague
Wed, 03/30/2011
By Jonathan Charlton

A $125,000 apartment expansion to the Southern Kings Group Home is set to open in early June, as the building permit has been approved by Montague.
Nancy MacCormac, executive director of Inclusions East, said the expansion will be the first of its kind in Kings County.

The two-bedroom transition apartment will allow people with physical disabilities to learn life skills for about two years before they live completely on their own. They will pay rent as in a regular apartment and it won’t have interior access to the neighbouring group home, but there will be a supporting staff worker.

The project is funded mainly by the Homelessness Partnership Strategy and PEI Affordable Housing with the rest coming from Inclusions East.

:)

[MonctonRad]

from "the Sleuth" (Moncton T&T)

Call 'em 'The Spuds'

It was good news and bad news for the Moncton Wildcats at the QMJHL playoffs home game with the Lewiston MAINEiacs Wednesday night says hockey spy Wet Willie.

Bad because the Cats lost, but good because it looks like they'll have a new Island rival next year to go with the P.E.I Rocket in Charlottetown, he says.

There are a whole slew of civic interests vying to shanghai these same MAINEiacs and transplant them to the Maritimes next season, including Summerside, St. John's and Fredericton, but according to the Wet One Summerside has the group with the keenest interest. Willie spotted the entire Summerside City Council attending Wednesday's game and picked up that they not only wanted to check out the Lewiston team, but the response the Cats' get from their fans.

Only about 4,000 fans showed up (the Cats usually pack the nearly 7,000-capacity Coliseum for the playoffs but have been decimated by dirty head shots this season and aren't quite as competitive as they would have been) but according to Willie the Islanders loved what they saw at the Coliseum.

Lewiston GM and Wildcats ex-GM Bill Schurman insists the MAINEiacs won't move, but according to Willie they're getting killed at the gate and the numbers don't lie. The team even lost money in their Q championship season of 2006-7 and this year were down about 25,000 tickets compared to that championship season.

So, any comments from the Islanders on the forum? What would the chances be of having two Q league teams on the island? Personally, I think it could work. When I grew up on the island, there was very little travel between Summerside and Charlottetown for shopping or recreational purposes. I think the fan base for a Summerside team would be quite different than for a Charlottetown team.

[pei guy]

:previous:

I agree. Summerside is a very different city from Charlottetown, notably in sports. If the Western Capitals can have the attendance they do, then a Q team would probably work as well. They certainly have the facility!

Maybe this is wishful thinking, but if S'side got a QMJHL team, then maybe the Capitals could relocate to Montague. We also have a new arena with enough seating to support 2 smaller teams, so a Junior team could work. Besides, think of the competition!!

Thanks for the input MonctonRad. :tup:

[josh_cat_eyes]

Check out my letter to the editor in monday's journal pioneer:
"People want the Caps, not the Q"

Editor,
The City of Summerside has shown time and time again that they think they are something they’re not.
From mega concerts, to a 10-storey hotel at the Credit Union Place, to our current example; trying to get a QMJHL team.
I can’t see how the city would want a team here. If teams in Bathurst, St. John’s, Lewiston and Charlottetown lose money, you would think that a team in Summerside, with about 50,000 people less than the other cities, would loose money, too. Not only this, but the Summerside Western Capitals would likely be given a similar fate as the Charlottetown Abbies.
The Capitals thrive in Summerside. People go through minor hockey hoping one day to play for the Junior A team. They have shown tremendous support to the community, from something big like Christopher Perry, to small things like giving up their time to collect for the Salvation Army during Christmas. Who in their right mind would want the to see Caps end up folding or moving?
The attendance for the caps have always been among the highest in the MHL.
Also for the third time in the last five years the Caps have averaged more than 2,000 people per game in the playoffs. In this year’s playoffs they averaged 2,030 fans per game – that number I’m sure will go up following their victory over Woodstock. It’s also very close to the 2,151 people that the P.E.I. Rocket have averaged following two home playoff games this year.
What I am trying to say is, if the Caps have such high support, why doesn’t the city use that to their advantage? Keep trying to host events like the Fred Page Cup and the RBC Cup. Put some money into the minor hockey program to help develop players that can play for the Caps or even offer cheaper concessions to season ticket holders or even lower one of the highest ticket prices in the MHL. Maybe that would put the attendance over the top.
But after that, If the city insists on have a QMHJL team play in Summerside, perhaps the P.E.I. Rocket would play a handful of games in Summerside every year.
Maybe the the city thinks they are too good for the Caps? Maybe the think they think they can do better?
But the fact of the matter is the people want the Caps, not the Q. The city workers in city hall represent the people, not themselves.
Summerside, is perfect for the MHL and now that the Rocket are in Charlottetown to stay for at least three more years, and the Caps are going after the 2012 RBC Cup, I think it’s good timing for the City of Summerside to put their ego aside, give up, and support something the people want. Hopefully history won’t repeat itself.

Josh Gallant,
Travellers Rest

[apollo]

Well said Josh.

[apollo]

Has anyone heard when the new GAP and Penningtons will be getting built across from WALMART? I heard this was happening but wasn't sure when, it's too bad they dind't schedule it for peak summer season.

[apollo]

It's rumored that Holland College is buying the Waterfront Mall in Summerside and moving their trade courses from the Slemon Park. Seems like a natural fit but they should have done this 2 years ago.

[pei guy]

Check out my letter to the editor in monday's journal pioneer:
"People want the Caps, not the Q"

Editor,
The City of Summerside has shown time and time again that they think they are something they’re not.
From mega concerts, to a 10-storey hotel at the Credit Union Place, to our current example; trying to get a QMJHL team.
I can’t see how the city would want a team here. If teams in Bathurst, St. John’s, Lewiston and Charlottetown lose money, you would think that a team in Summerside, with about 50,000 people less than the other cities, would loose money, too. Not only this, but the Summerside Western Capitals would likely be given a similar fate as the Charlottetown Abbies.
The Capitals thrive in Summerside. People go through minor hockey hoping one day to play for the Junior A team. They have shown tremendous support to the community, from something big like Christopher Perry, to small things like giving up their time to collect for the Salvation Army during Christmas. Who in their right mind would want the to see Caps end up folding or moving?
The attendance for the caps have always been among the highest in the MHL.
Also for the third time in the last five years the Caps have averaged more than 2,000 people per game in the playoffs. In this year’s playoffs they averaged 2,030 fans per game – that number I’m sure will go up following their victory over Woodstock. It’s also very close to the 2,151 people that the P.E.I. Rocket have averaged following two home playoff games this year.
What I am trying to say is, if the Caps have such high support, why doesn’t the city use that to their advantage? Keep trying to host events like the Fred Page Cup and the RBC Cup. Put some money into the minor hockey program to help develop players that can play for the Caps or even offer cheaper concessions to season ticket holders or even lower one of the highest ticket prices in the MHL. Maybe that would put the attendance over the top.
But after that, If the city insists on have a QMHJL team play in Summerside, perhaps the P.E.I. Rocket would play a handful of games in Summerside every year.
Maybe the the city thinks they are too good for the Caps? Maybe the think they think they can do better?
But the fact of the matter is the people want the Caps, not the Q. The city workers in city hall represent the people, not themselves.
Summerside, is perfect for the MHL and now that the Rocket are in Charlottetown to stay for at least three more years, and the Caps are going after the 2012 RBC Cup, I think it’s good timing for the City of Summerside to put their ego aside, give up, and support something the people want. Hopefully history won’t repeat itself.

Josh Gallant,
Travellers Rest

As apollo said, well done. It's true, the city obviously has great support for the Caps, why change it now?

[pei guy]

Has anyone heard when the new GAP and Penningtons will be getting built across from WALMART? I heard this was happening but wasn't sure when, it's too bad they dind't schedule it for peak summer season.

I haven't even heard that rumour!! I would assume this summer. PEI could use more stores like the GAP.

About the Holland College Summerside update, that's great news! The mall is really becoming an eyesore, and the vacancies are notorious!

:tup::tup:

[apollo]

I was heading dowtown the other day and noticed they started the sitework for the apartments on North River Road. I love this location for an apartment building and I can only hope that the developer doesn't put up some garish vinyl box.