Island property in big demand

ST. NICHOLAS - The road to the west actually goes both ways.

A small community of westerners may soon spring up in St. Nicholas.

Two developers of a high-end subdivision there say Western Canadians have spoken for 16 of 19 lots under contract.

"Everyone wants waterfront property," explains Bill Harnett, a partner in the project.

Harnett explained it's getting more difficult for westerners to find it at reasonable prices.

"Nowadays, you can't touch waterfront for under a million dollars," he said.

"They're looking elsewhere."

Elsewhere has increasingly been here. Scores of Islanders have headed west for work; Harnett believes they're helping to market their home province by boasting of home.

"They're generating interest." Harnett's business partner Michael Poczynek said it's a trend he's also seeing as waterfront specialist with Century 21 Northumberland Realty in Summerside.

"The interest from Alberta has been overwhelming over the last year."

Poczynek and Harnett's Sunbury Cove Estates will lie along the south shore at the end of a country road called Strang Road.

"I'm quite surprised no one's jumped on it before," Harnett said of the pristine land. Their research turned up approval for a subdivision back in 1969, but it never came to fruition.

Harnett and Pocyznek have bought more than 270 acres, marketing the development as a chance to own idyllic waterfront.

"Your corner of the world to escape, relax and unwind. Picture perfect views from every angle, the warm waters of the Northumberland Strait, golden sunsets and nature at its best," reads the website.

Harnett said the people interested tend to want properties not only to stay in during summer use, but other times like Christmas.

"They're looking for second homes; a place to get away."

The developers plan to begin work on the first 26 lots on 43 acres in the spring, with the aim of continuing with second and third phases.

The waterfront lots have been listed at $179,900 with back lots at $79,900.

Harnett's Bluewater Development Ltd. will build a spec home there in the spring.

"It's going to bring a lot of work to local people," he said of the project.

Harnett is originally from Newfoundland, but spent more than two decades in B.C. and Alberta as builder before returning Eastern Canada.

He said one of his daughters and a son-in-law plan to move here to work with him and his son is thinking of it too.

"We're probably the only ones coming this way right now," he quipped.

Al: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:07:55

a matter of fact George your right! and if your rich enough you can buy land that isnt for sale!!!!C'EST LA VEI. (like florida property on a lake with water the color of the sky and bass the size of cod fish) CALL ME!!

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Kent: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:07:02

Subdividing PEI for Absentee Landowners...it seems that that the Island has come full circle.

joan: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:06:52

I am from PEI, would love to own property there so I could come home in summer to where my heart is.

But it is becoming more difficult to do so.

Lets keep the land to people from there.

scott: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:05:38

it bugs me that the government puts all kind of caps on things on pei,like how much farmland one can have,and such,but yet they focus so much on people from away.when do we consider islanders first?sure we need tourists,but we need other things as well.i grew up here,and i looked forward to purchasing property here for retirement,but every year that dream gets farther and farther from my grasp.the prices are raised well out of most islanders reeach,as our pay scale is so much smaller here.but yet people growl about islanders who leave,who try to make money,so they can actualy someday perhaps pwn a peice of their island.at this rate,pei will be a retirement comunity for wealthy people,with nothing but condo's,cottages that would house 3 familys,that are used 3 timeas a year,and golf courses.the rest of us will just have to move on to make way for these people...

John: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:05:34

Regarding to Joan Paynter from Calgary's comment about Let's keep our land for people from there. Sounds easy enough to do. Not everyone wants a piece of land to purchase when they leave the island and want to come back. Ocean front property for as long as I can remember was always expensive. Let me ask this question if you had land and could get lots of cash for it from an off islander, wouldn't you sell it for a high price as to hold on to it forever in case some off- once an islander wants to buy a piece of land for next to nothing...shall I say no more...

Harry: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:04:49

The last time I checked, PEI was part of Canada. So how can we put up barriers to our fellow countrymen? Developing a large piece of land and turning it into smaller pieces so fellow Canadians and others can enjoy it is wonderful. Why can't we all just get a long and learn to share? If you want to buy a large piece of land in PEI there is nothing stopping you. Or maybe you would rather just sit there and complain and do nothing? There are waterfront lots and acreage in PEI ranging from $10,000 and up. I think that makes it pretty affordable to everyone considering a small lot in BC or ON can cost $1,000,000.

George: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:04:13

Yes, non-residents can buy in Prince Edward Island, but Island residents can also buy property in the US and other parts of the world.

George Jordan
Red Soil Real Estate

Liz: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:03:11

To Kent from PEI - You could not have said better. Once again, PEI is being sold to the highest bidder. I am not against people having summer/second homes here on PEI.... but living here for a few weeks during the year does not sustain our smaller communities. I will not use the word resident as it is defined as a person coming into a place with intention to establish his domicil or permanent residence, and who in consequence actually remains there . You only have to look at the South Shore of Nova Scotia to see how the price of land and/or homes has been affected by real estate developers to the point that many local residents cannot afford to buy there. Does PEI want the same thing to happen here? History does repeat itself... and it seems, to this reader, that history is happening full circle.

Mary: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:03:10

you couldn't pay me enough to live in the states!!!!!!!!!!

Al: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:02:41

Mary, i can certainly appreciate your love for the island life.i was brought up in s'side and loved every minute of it and have fond memories of it.but i have to say that i feel the same way you do about PEI and you could'nt pay me enoughto live there. life is way to short to live in that climate.as a kid it was alright,but them days are gone and all i want is SUNSHINE!!!!!! southern USA rocks!!!!!!!!