Attainable housing, downtown rebirth focus of Summerside's state-of-the-city address
'We are writing a new chapter in our history,' says Mayor Dan Kutcher
Summerside's mayor outlined three main council priorities for the coming year in the annual state of the city address Tuesday.
Those include increasing the amount of attainable housing; fostering a more healthy, inclusive and creative city; and continuing to transform Summerside's downtown core.
"We are writing a new chapter in our history," Mayor Dan Kutcher said during the address at Credit Union Place.
"Our city is transforming in new, interesting ways. Our deservedly proud history and solid foundation has prepared us for this moment in time."
Kutcher noted the changes made earlier this year to the city's official plan, which created a new zoning bylaw to diversify the types of homes that could be built in Summerside.
He said those changes will make it easier for younger people to buy or rent homes at an earlier age, while providing older adults with a wider range of affordable and accessible housing options.
Meanwhile, there's a lot of building underway in Summerside's downtown.
The five-storey, $20-million Regent at the corner of Water and Summer streets is expected to provide 40 housing units alongside commercial space.
Construction is also underway on The Boardwalk, a new luxury residential and mixed-use development at 68 Water St.
Next month, work will be completed on transforming the Shipyard Market into a year-round restaurant.
'We are on the move here'
Tuesday morning, the city also announced more details on another major project: the Silver Fox Entertainment Complex, which Summerside agreed to buy earlier this year and is currently renovating.
Montague-based Bogside Brewing will take over food and beverage operations at the Fox, while Crafters Smokehouse and Famous Peppers Pizzeria are also set to move into the facility.
The city is aiming to have that venue begin a phased opening later this year.
Amid all the new builds, Coun. Cory Snow said work is also underway to remove unsightly and dangerous abandoned houses and commercial buildings.
He said council will introduce a new vacant premises bylaw this summer that will make it easier to tear down those buildings.
"People want to do business these days in Summerside. As our city grows, so do the opportunities and experiences available to our residents," Snow said.
"It is great to see investment coming into Summerside from across P.E.I., because we are on the move here."
Tuesday's address also contained a plea for the provincial government to work on a renewed long-term funding agreement to help places like Summerside pay for all of their growth.
With files from Tony Davis