Queen Parkade redevelopment could bring more homes, commercial space to downtown

The City of Charlottetown wants to hear from the public about a proposed redevelopment of a downtown parkade and some of the land around it.

If it goes through, the Queen Parkade would be reinforced. It would also expand onto land owned by the developer, TweelCo Properties.

That expansion would add parking spaces, residential units and commercial space, according to the proposal presented to city council on Jan. 16.

Coun. Norman Beck says it's the kind of development the city would like to see downtown.

"As everyone is aware, we're looking to increase density in the downtown core," Beck said.

"We're always looking at opportunities to build upon the beautiful downtown that we have here in Charlottetown, and we thought that this was an opportunity."

Projects downtown often are multi-use and this proposal fits that bill, Beck said. The city said any development there must have the same amount of parking or more.

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The development would extend the back of the parkade to add 145 parking spaces, creating a total of 483. On top of that area, 40 residential units would be built — totalling eight storeys, the plans show. 

The expansion would extend onto portions of Great George Street and Fitzroy Street, creating room for retail space on the ground floors. 

Because the property is zoned as Downtown Core and Downtown Main Street, it can be used for apartments, bars and restaurants, offices, hotels, retail stores and more.

In its proposal to council, the development team said its goal is to attract long-term commercial, retail and professional tenants.

Now, the city wants feedback from the public about the proposal. Comments can be made by visiting its website. Comments close Feb. 7.

If the project goes forward, Beck said: "This is something people will be very proud of."