Byelection missed chance to discuss future of Borden-Carleton fabrication yard, says developer
CBC
A man who wants to build a golf course on the site of the Confederation Bridge fabrication yard is disappointed that options for the property haven't played a larger role in the current provincial byelection campaign in Borden-Carleton.
The fabrication yard, now owned by Innovation P.E.I., has lain dormant since the bridge to New Brunswick was completed in 1997. Back in September, Kris Taylor floated the idea of developing a golf course on the property, to be called Abegweit Links.
It's not an official proposal because Innovation P.E.I. has not yet published a request for proposals for the property.
"I thought it would be out by now and it would be maybe something we could talk about during this byelection, but it's not been made public yet," said Taylor.
"If there's other proposals, you know, it would just be nice for them to come forward as soon as possible. It could have been debated during this [campaign] and then the residents of the area would have been able to give the candidates an idea of what they want in there."
Taylor said he has not had any communication with Innovation P.E.I. or the Town of Borden-Carleton about his pitch. He does not know whether they are working on other ideas for the property.
On Thursday, Borden-Carleton chief administrative officer Jim Wentzell said the town is still consulting with the province about the site, adding that council is hoping to have plans finalized soon.
"The decision on when and how it proceeds is up to the owner of the property, which is the province," he said. "We would like to see it move quickly, but it's a process. When you're dealing with multiple groups … it takes time.
"We're trying to be patient, but like everyone else, we would like to see something happen as soon as possible."
In an email to CBC News, Innovation P.E.I. said it is continuing its discussions with the town on the property.
"The province met with the town on Jan. 17 to review zoning to determine what will be permitted," the email said.
"We remain committed to this project and are working closely with the town to ensure the property is developed together to meet the needs of residents in the area."
CBC News spoke to three of the four candidates running in the district about Taylor's plans. Only Liberal Gordon Sobey came out strongly in favour.
"I'm excited for it. The residents around the area are excited for it," said Sobey. "With so much cement under the ground, it makes more sense to build on top of it."
While his party has made a cause célèbre out of its battle with the Speaker, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has periodically waxed poetic about the House of Commons — suggesting that its green upholstery is meant to symbolize the fields of the English countryside where commoners met centuries ago before the signing of the Magna Carta.