SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — A crucial first step has been taken in a project with the potential to reshape Summerside’s downtown.
The city has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for its "Core Block" property. This means it is looking for developers to present fleshed-out project ideas for its consideration and could potentially mean shovels in the ground later this year.
The Core Block is a plot of land at the corner of Water and Summer streets, which until about a year ago housed three long-vacant buildings. The city bought the land, tore down the structures and has been working towards securing a downtown centre-piece project ever since.
Summerside has a lot riding on the Core Block, not the least of which is the more than $2 million tax dollars from the city and contributed by other levels of government, that have already or will be soon spent on making the site attractive for developers.
But the Core Block also represents a rebirth of sorts for the downtown, which has struggled for years to attract new development and shopping dollars.
The RFP is fairly open-ended in terms of specific things the city wants included, but it is encouraging a mixture of commercial and residential space that would increase foot traffic.
“Mixed-use commercial is envisioned to be the primary use, blending the charm and character of downtown. It is also felt that street-level use would ideally include restaurants, cafes and retail, with upper floors dedicated to market rental units/condominiums.”
The Core Block itself is also not the only property available to potential developers. The city has passed a motion that would allow the closure of a section of First Street so the Core Block could be extended. The RFP also indicates that a further expansion is possible and lists property that currently houses a Credit Union drive-thru teller as being available for inclusion. The Three properties together total about 0.70 of an acre.
This project could be “transformative” for the downtown, said Coun. Brian McFeely, chairman of the city’s economic development committee.
“We’re really trying to ensure we get the best value for the taxpayers of Summerside and the best fit for the downtown core. That’s the intent of the RFP, to see what interest is out there – and there seems to be interest, so we really want to quantify it,” said McFeely.
He added that “the sky’s the limit, around being innovative and for developers to come with some plans that will invigorate the downtown.”
“It’s an exciting juncture.”
The RFP closes on May 27, 2021. Once that date is passed, council may choose to move ahead with one of the proposals. Before any project is finalized though, it will have to pass a public review by the city’s heritage committee.
Colin MacLean is the Journal Pioneer's municipal reporter.
