Summerside plans to redevelop waterfront, downtown area

Summerside has put out a call to urban design professionals or firms to help lead a plan to revamp the city's waterfront and downtown area.

The Summerside Regional Development Corporation has issued a request for proposals for companies looking to lead the redevelopment plan.

General manager Arnold Croken said a business development plan has been developed for the port and through that work, waterfront development was identified as a key area that needed attention.

Two public meetings were held to get ideas from Summerside residents about what they wanted to see.

The next step, said Croken, is to turn that vision into a plan.

"We have areas that need to be looked at in terms of zoning and building codes, those kind of things, which are short-term, a year to three to four years," said Croken.

"We feel that our waterfront has been underutilized and that will include a whole range of things including green space, access to the water, and developments that can occur that complement that."

The initial plan is expected to come together in three to four months, Croken said.

The deadline for submissions is Jan. 15.

Croken said a steering committee made up of presidents of the Downtown Business Association, Regional Development Corporation, Port Corporation and the city's chief administrative officer will oversee the project.