SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Summerside city council has approved the construction of two solar collection trees on a historic downtown property.
The two solar arrays will be installed at 33 Summer St., which is the home of the 1911 Armoury building. The century-old structure is undergoing renovations, including a new electrical heating system, and the solar panels are intended to help cut down on heating costs.
Council had initially expressed trepidation with the project as there were concerns the modern technology would detract from the historical nature of the building.
Obsolete Summerside street to be closed
A small section of road in Summerside is slated to be permanently closed following a vote at the council’s Feb. 16 meeting.
The section connects Notre Dame Street to Greenwood Drive at an angle. The road is a remnant of an older street and is adjacent to the existing intersection of Notre Dame Street and Greenwood Drive.
Summerside approves closure of a section of First Street
Summerside city council has approved the closure of a section of First Street in the downtown, to expand an adjacent property it owns.
The land the city is looking to expand is at the corner of Water and Summer streets. It used to house several old and prominent buildings that had fallen into disrepair, and which the city bought and demolished in 2020 to make way for new development. It is referred to as the "core block," by city staff.
During a recent public meeting on the street closure, Aaron MacDonald, director of the city’s Technical Services Department, said a potential buyer stated that expanding the lot would make it more attractive for development. If the project that is ultimately chosen for the core block does not need the extra space, the road will remain open.
Council rescinds appropriation moves
Summerside city council has voted to rescind several resolutions related to the expropriation of land it needs to build a roundabout at a problematic intersection.
Council initially approved the motions at its Jan. 18 council meeting. However, legal advice has since indicated that the motions as they were worded were insufficient to comply with the provincial Municipal Government Act. Council is also seeking more time for staff to negotiate with the impacted landowners and potentially reach a settlement.
