Sea wall could settle parking dispute

A parking dispute with the Silver Fox Curling Club that was stalling re-development of Summerside's Waterfront Mall may have a solution.

'If it's just parking, I can deal with that.' Eoin Little

A sea wall adjacent to the club needs to be replaced, meaning more land could be reclaimed in the process, creating an additional 75 to 80 parking spaces.

"In our opinion, it would solve that," said Arnold Crocken of the Summerside Regional Development Corporation.

"From the preliminary discussions there seems to be agreement from both parties, sitting individually with them, that this is one way to resolve this issue."

Plenty at stake

At stake is a $27-million redevelopment of the slowly dying Waterfront Mall, which has more empty than occupied stores. The plan by the mall's new owners, Oran Canada, would not only refurbish the retail space, but also add 101 waterfront condominiums.

But plans were halted in November when the Silver Fox Curling and Yacht Club objected to the loss of 100 parking spaces adjacent to the club. It had an agreement with the mall's previous owners for use of those spaces.

"Their concern is that instead of being able to park right outside their door, which they've been enjoying for the last 20 odd years we're going to be building out there and using some of that space for our development," said Oran Canada president Eoin Little.

Little initially dismissed the club's claim as minor, but it continues to hold up the project.

"If it's just parking, I can deal with that," said Little.

"If there some other snipe in the long grass that is about to come at me, that I don't know about, I don't know. Show me the enemy, show me the problem, I can deal with it."

Other issues?

A spokesperson for the Silver Fox told CBC News there are other issues, but would not go into detail. The club is meeting Thursday to discuss the situation further.

"There is certainly friction between personalities," said Arnold Crocken.

"I guess what we've been saying from a business community side is let's bury what's happened to date."

Theredevelopment has the backing of Summerside business organizations and the mayor.