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Charlottetown Investment Profile Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Transportation
3. Statistics - Demographics - Real Estate
4. Doing Business
5. Living in Charlottetown
6. Taxation
7. Government

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Introduction
The beautiful City of Charlottetown is located on the south shore of Prince Edward Island, just off the eastern shore of Canada, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, separated from the mainland by the Northumberland Strait. The city covers a land area of 44.33 square kilometers.

Charlottetown is the capital city of Prince Edward Island, and is Canada’s “Birthplace of Confederation”, after the historic 1864 Charlottetown Conference that led to Confederation. Charlottetown is rich in history and culture. Many of the provincial and federal offices, and health and educational institutions are located in the city.

Charlottetown is located within a 60 minute drive of all major points of access to and from the Island.

Transportation
The Trans Canada Highway leads from the City. To the east, it connects to the Wood Islands Ferry to Nova Scotia, and to the west with the Confederation Bridge to New Brunswick.


Distances to:
Kms
Miles
Confederation Bridge (to New Brunswick)
56 kms
35 mi
Summerside
71 kms
44 mi
Wood Islands Ferry (to Nova Scotia)
61 kms
38 mi
Distances between Charlottetown and:
Kms
Miles
Halifax, NS (via Wood Islands Ferry)
238 kms
149 mi
Halifax, NS (via Confederation Bridge)
331 kms
207 mi
Moncton, NB
158 kms
98 mi
Saint John, NB
315 kms
197 mi
Montreal, Quebec
1194 kms
744 mi
Toronto, ON
1738 kms
1080 mi
Canada/US Border at St. Stephen, NB
417 kms
258 mi
Boston, Massachusetts
1018 kms
636 mi
New York, New York
1354 kms
846 mi


By Air
The Charlottetown Airport is a 10 minute drive (approximately three miles) from the city centre. The Charlottetown Airport is serviced by five airlines including Air Canada Jazz, Westjet, Northwest Airlines, Delta Airlines and Sunwing Airlines. In 2006, Charlottetown Airport achieved 18% growth in traffic surpassing 225,400 passengers.
Flying Time: Halifax: 40 minutes, Toronto: 2 hrs, Montreal 1 hr, 30 minutes

Five Largest Cities Served:
1. Montreal, Quebec: daily return flights
2. Halifax, Nova Scotia: daily return flights
3. Toronto, Ontario: daily return flights (4/week in off season)
4. Ottawa, Ontario: daily return flights
4. Detroit, Michigan: seasonal daily flights
5. Boston, Mass: seasonal daily flights

Prince Edward Air offers corporate charter air services to and from the Island.
The Charlottetown Airport has two runways 7,000 Feet x 150 Feet and 5,000 Feet x 200 Feet.

Airport Contact (902) 566-7994, www.flypei.com

By Sea
The Historic Charlottetown Seaport is the busiest common-user marine terminal facility in Prince Edward Island. The port is owned and operated by the Charlottetown Harbour Authority Inc., (CHAI). CHAI was established to promote the development and growth of the Charlottetown Historic Seaport.

The primary user of the port is the cruise vessel industry. Aggregate – in support of provincial highway and commercial construction needs – petroleum products and agricultural fertilizer are major commodities shipped into the port. Potatoes and other cold crops are also exported from the port. Cruise ship visitation has become popular in recent years and is expected to increase, providing significant economic activity for
the provincial tourism industry.

The Historic Charlottetown Seaport is getting an $18 million facelift. Waterfront development initiative includes a new Cruise Ship Welcome Centre and extension to the terminal that will provide secure and safe berthage for larger vessels. Upon construction berth will be 183 meters (600.41 ft) long, with a depth of 13-13.5m (44.3 ft.)

Berthage: 2 – East Berth 150M (492.1 ft.); South Berth 1 of 183M (600.4 ft.)
Berth depth: – East Berth 7.0M (23 ft); South Berth 13.5M (44.3 ft.)
Tidal range: 2.75 meters (9 ft.)
Channel depth: At lowest tide 10 meters (33 ft.)
Water Available: Yes
Lighting: Yes
Open Gangways: Yes
Security: Yes
Medical: Yes
South Berth
Bollards: 50 tonne, varies 12-18 meters between bollards
Fendering System: Beta 500H Sumito vertical fenders; 4.6 meters centre to cent
Turning Basin: 420 meters (1375 ft.)
Bollards: 50 tonne every 30 meters
Fendering System: Vertical Low Friction Type
Turning Basin: 420 meters (1375 ft.)

Statistics - Demographics - Real Estate

  Charlottetown
Greater Charlottetown Area
Prince Edward Island
Population 2006 32,174 58,625 135,851
Population Density/Sq. Mi.
725.8 80.5 23.9
Population Projections
-2011   62,477 141,200
-2021   66,690 146,100
Labour Force
- Male   17,166 39,958
- Female   16,536 37,717
Unemployment: 7.0% 8.35% 10.85%
Participation Rate:      
- Male   73.20% 72.70%
- Female   62.80% 64.40%
Education (20 + years old)      
High School or less   18,961 46,234
Non-university with or without certif/diploma   10,612 21,769
University without deg/certif   7,266 12,640
University with deg/certif   9,668 15,761
Trade certif/diploma   6,212 14,398
Occupation by Sector: As %
Sales and service occup.   8,240 16,960 49%
Business, finance, admin.   5,835 11,485 51%
Trades, transport and equip.   4,090 10,975 37%
Management occupations   3,490 6,040 58%
Social science, Edu, Govt.   2,585 4,695 55%
Health Care   2,025 3,800 53%
Science, related occupations   1,965 3,120 63%
Occupations unique to primary industry   1,785 9,585 19%
Art, culture, rec., sport   1,020 1,600 64%
Processing, manufacturing and utilities   835 4,665 18%
Construction Charlottetown
Greater Charlottetown Area
Prince Edward Island
Building Permits      
- 2003 $55,357,000 $151,978,000 $178,100,000
- 2005 $122,340,000 $201,172,000 $243,986,000
Housing Starts - 2005   448 862
Total Private Dwellings 14,995 26,193 62,753
Construction Price Index      
New Housing where 1997=100 Canada= 148.80 Charlottetown= 117.80
Households      
Average Household Income   $61,569  
Disposable Income/Household   $45,340  
Equity Investment/Houshold   $55,930  
Marital Status      
Single   28%  
Married   55%  
Seperated   2.7%  
Widowed   0.4%  
Divorced   3.9%  
Home Language      
English   93.6% 98.6%
French   2.45% 1.22%
Other   4% 0.18%

Real Estate
Housing Starts By Type
Year Singles Semi Row Apt Total
2000 60 20 0 18 98
2003 141 26 34 48 249
2006 110 38 0 125 273

50-60% of Charlottetown’s growth is attributable to the single family sector, with the balance from apartments, semi-detached housing and row housing.

Average MLS sales price:
2005 - $150,015
2006 - $160,902
Condominium prices range from $132,000 - $ 492,000

Multiple Listing Sales (MLS) Sales by Price Points
Price Range 2004 2005 2006
Under $75,000 17 9 7
75K-100K 30 20 30
100K-125K 25 30 29
125K-150K 42 38 56
150K-175K 24 38 38
175K-200K 14 23 23
200K-225K 9 8 17
225K-250K 8 5 13
250K-275K 4 5 4
275K-300K 4 2 8
300K+ 5 3 8
Total 182 181 233

Projected Housing Demand
Period Annual Starts Single Multi-Unit
2006-2011 332 226 106
2011-2016 319 204 106
2016-2021 304 185 119
2021-2026 290 162 128
Source: CMHC and Colliers International

Vacancy & Rental Rates 2005 2006
1 Bedroom 4.4% (avg $488/mth) 3.4% (avg $506/mth)
2 Bedroom 3.0% (avg $637/mth) 5.3% (avg $653/mth)
Source: CMHC

3.3 Commercial and Industrial
There are approximately 640 acres of industrial-zoned land in the City. A large industrial/business park is
located in the West Royalty area and at the Charlottetown Airport.

Charlottetown has a wide variety of shopping centres with a total of over 1 million square feet of retail space,
including (Source: City of Charlottetown):

- Atlantic Super Store
- Charlottetown Mall
- Confederation Court Mall
- Harbourside Complex
- Belvedere Plaza
- Maypoint Plaza
- Wal-Mart Plaza
- Business Development Bank of Canada
- Sherwood Shopping Centre
- Shops of St. Avard’s
- University Plaza
- Sears Development
- Spring Park Plaza
- Ellen’s Creek Plaza
- Kirkwood Mews
- Various other retail developments

The City of Charlottetown’s Economic Development Analyzer offers an additional tool for those interested in detailed information within Charlottetown. The data encompasses categories such as labour force, housing, income, education, household purchases, transportation, recreation etc. within varying ranges from a desired location. The Economic Development Analyzer is perfect for business and real estate applications.

Simply click here to begin.

Doing Business
Key Sectors in Charlottetown

Bio-Technology
As one of the fastest growing sectors in the city, key partners are working together to grow an already impressive list of facilities, companies, institutions and talent. The sector has been referred to as PEI’s “oil sands” and key institutions such as the National Research Council, the University of Prince Edward Island and companies including Novartis Animal Health and Bio-Vectra have invested heavily in Charlottetown.

IT
A key focus of infrastructure investment in recent years, Charlottetown has seen a wide variety of new technology companies established. The new Atlantic Technology Centre is a proven incubator for up and coming industry participants. Included among new sub-sectors is the tremendous growth of the computer gaming industry which has shown explosive growth world wide.

Diversified Manufacturing
The manufacturing industry in Charlottetown is varied and includes metal fabrication, agri-food, seafood processing and beverage processing among others, and all of which export to international markets. There are significant cost advantages for manufacturing firms in Charlottetown as reflected in the consistently outstanding rankings achieved in the KPMG Competitive Alternatives studies.

Financial Services
Financial Services is a burgeoning and relatively new sector to the city but already is changing the growing downtown area with such firms as AIM Trimark and Ceridian Canada. The city is poised for growth in this sector offering significantly reduced costs in both labour and facilities for incoming firms, and is a strategic target segment for all three levels of government.

Tourism
Tourism represents the Island’s largest service industry export and maintains the status as the largest sector in the province. The completion of the Confederation Bridge in 1997 has had a
profound effect on the tourism industry and has changed the life of travelers to Prince Edward Island forever. Charlottetown is the proud home of the Charlottetown Festival and the perennial mainstage production of “Anne of Green Gables” which has charmed generations of theatre-goers. The city’s tourism industry has fueled a vibrant service sector providing a wide variety of restaurants/nightlife and entertainment.

Meetings/Conventions
Charlottetown is a harbourside tourism destination bursting with entertainment, nightlife, beaches and the best golf in the nation. All of these amenities draw high quality meetings and conventions to Charlottetown. The primary convention facility is the Delta Prince Edward, and conferences of up to 1,500 can be accommodated.

Business Services Contacts

City of Charlottetown, Economic Development
Available to assist on a wide variety of issues, will bring together the right resources and partners to facilitate development, and administer the City Tax Incentive Programs.
Contact: (902) 629-4128, Fax: (902) 566-4701
ron.a@city.charlottetown.pe.ca

Charlottetown Area Development Corporation (CADC)
Spanning over a quarter century, Charlottetown Area Development Corporation (CADC) has delivered many property development projects that have impacted and improved the downtown and waterfront areas of Charlottetown, including:
• Harbourside Project (apartments, commercial office space and Provincial and Supreme Courts)
• Peake’s Wharf (shop and marina)
• Waterfront Visitor Information Centre
• Founder’s Hall Project.
The CADC has also retained a number of core property assets to enable it to continue to be selffinanced and to also provide an equity base to consider future development projects.
The CADC acts in partnership with the Province of P.E.I. and the City of Charlottetown and works to attract private sector developers and investors to capitalize on new opportunities and growth.
Contact: CADC at (902) 892-5341, or by fax (902) 368-1935
www.cadcpei.com

Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization made up of business and professional people sharing a common goal – the economic development of the Greater Charlottetown Area. The Chamber has over 640 members, it reflects a network of small, medium and large businesses from almost every industrial sector and provides advocacy on behalf of the business community.
Contact at:
127 Kent Street,
PO Box 67
Charlottetown, PE C1A 7K2
Phone: (902) 628-2000, Fax: (902) 368-3570
Website: www.charlottetownchamber.com

Tourism Charlottetown Inc. and the PEI Convention Partnership
Tourism Charlottetown and the PEI Convention Partnership undertakes research, champions product development and is exclusively responsible for sales and marketing activities which:
• Makes Charlottetown a must visit Canadian capital; and
• Makes Prince Edward Island Canada’s most in-demand seaside meeting and convention destination
The organization works to promote meetings, conventions, cruise ship visitation, motorcoach and Fully Independent Travel (FIT), leisure travel and sport tourism. This organization also promotes and manages numerous festivals in Charlottetown.
Contact: (902) 629-1864
Tourism Charlottetown

Downtown Charlottetown Inc.
Established in 2004, Downtown Charlottetown Inc. is a Business Improvement Area (BIA) organization and works to make the downtown area a more vibrant, clean and safe environment for business to operate, and for customers, clients and visitors to enjoy. The organization represents property owners in the BIA area (central downtown commercial district) and raises funds through a .15/$100 levy on commercial assessment. The organization works closely with other private sector organizations and levels of government and is a strong voice for downtown business and property owners.
Contact: (902) 368-8636, Fax: (902) 368-3570
www.downtowncharlottetown.com

PEI Business Development (PEIBD)
Acting as the lead investment agency for the Province, PEIBD works to attract new investment and ensure retention and expansion of existing business in the province.
Contact: (902) 368-6300
Toll Free: 1-800-563-3734
Fax: (902) 368-6301
www.peibusinessdevelopment.com

Canada/PEI Business Services Center
The Canada/PEI Business Services centre provides easy access to relevant business information. Whether starting, expanding or operating a business, the Business Service Centre has the necessary resources to help.
Contact: (902) 368-0771, Fax: (902) 566-7377
www.cbsc.org/pe/

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency(ACOA) is a federal government agency. Headquartered in the Atlantic Region, ACOA’s goal is to improve the economy of Atlantic Canada through the successful development of business and job opportunities. ACOA supports projects and initiatives designed to provide Atlantic entrepreneurs with the tools needed to succeed.
Contact: 1-800-871-2595
www.acoa.gc.ca

Industry Canada
Industry Canada’s mission is to foster a growing competitive, knowledge-based Canadian economy. The department works with Canadians throughout the economy and in all parts of the country to improve conditions for investment, improve Canada’s innovation performance, increase Canada’s share of global trade and build a fair, efficient and competitive marketplace.
Contact: (902) 566-7382 Fax: (902) 566-6859

The Construction Association of PEI
The mission of the Construction Association of PEI is to foster, promote and advance the interests and efficiency of the construction industry in Prince Edward Island by acting on behalf of and for its members.
Contact: (902) 368-3303 Fax: (902) 894-9757
www.capei.ca

The Charlottetown Harbour Authority Inc.
A community organization formed to take control and management of Transport Canada properties on the Charlottetown waterfront, CHAI operates existing facilities and is undertaking a huge makeover of port facilities which will see a significantly larger cruise port and related facilities, a marina for the Charlottetown Yacht Club, improved commercial facilities and landside development.
Contact: (902) 388-1510, 566-7974

Business Parks

West Royalty Business Park
The West Royalty Business Park is a mature and well maintained light/medium industrial park. It is a 100-acre site, which is home to approximately 47 businesses employing 1,500 people in both
manufacturing and services. Fully serviced lots with three-phase power and fibre optic connections are available. The park is owned and operated by PEI Business Development.

Charlottetown Airport Business Park
Located on the property of the Charlottetown Airport and only 5km from downtown Charlottetown, the Charlottetown Airport Business Park is home to technology based, aviation and value added business. There are both airside and groundside lots on the 55 acre site with lot sizes that range from .8 to 8.9 acres. The park provides tenants with access to
air cargo, a full range of services, access to fibre optic cable and high speed internet as well as meeting and conference facilities. The park is operated by the Charlottetown Airport Authority.

Living in Charlottetown
The essence of Charlottetown is the quality of life it offers its citizens. Situated on beautiful Charlottetown Harbour with boardwalks that stretch almost the entire southern exposure of the city. Charlottetown is a tourism resort destination. A clean and safe family community which also happens to be the centre of activity, amenities, shopping, entertainment, and investment in the province, all at a very low cost of living. Charlottetown’s classic downtown draws tourists, residents out for a walk and cultural events. It is very simply, a great place to be with other people, and spend time. The quality of life here is simply second to none.

Visit: www.walkandseacharlottetown.com

Recreation
The City of Charlottetown is well known for its premier recreation services and infrastructure. The range of programs and facilities are so diverse, as to appeal to a wide demographic as well as varied interests of residents and visitors alike.

Parks and open spaces are a major asset in the City of Charlottetown, reinforcing the character of the Province’s Capital City and the value it places on heritage and quality of life. The City’s impressive inventory of parks and recreation amenities includes Victoria Park, a 40-acre waterfront property that provides a range of passive and active experiences and is adjoining to the property and residence of the Lieutenant Governor. Confederation Landing, a beautifully landscaped waterfront park amidst restaurants and shops is the site of numerous special events and festivals in the summer months. Local, well maintained neighborhood playgrounds are strategicallyplaced throughout the City to ensure that families can recreate close to home.

For the outdoor enthusiast, the City maintains over 40 kilometers of trails, ranging from natural paths to high traffic waterfront boardwalk sections, many of which give consideration to optimum views of waterways and natural areas.

The Charlottetown Civic Centre with a seating capacity of 3,700 is home of the QMJHL PEI Rocket, as well as the City’s year round entertainment venue, hosting an array of concerts and major events.

Built on a healthy partnership with the University of Prince Edward Island and the neighboring town of Stratford, the City also features a state of the art aquatics venue with both leisure and competitive swimming pools as well as a dual arena complex, that is home to Varsity Hockey and a premier Atlantic Hockey School.

The City has also partnered with UPEI to build and maintain a regulation size artificial turf, which is operational 8-9 months per year, for the many local sport field user groups. Ongoing parks and open space planning in the City will ensure the continued rich legacy of assets that residents enjoy today.

Charlottetown Waterfront
An area once occupied by oil tank farms has been transformed into the ”place to be” in Charlottetown. The waterfront area is alive with activity. It is a centre of cultural activity at the award winning Confederation Landing Park, the site of new residential and commercial developments, home of the largest convention facility in the province, and most important of all, it where you can always find other people to meet and greet.

Arts and Culture
Charlottetown boasts a vibrant creative sector which accounts for $60 million in economic activity and directly employs 1,200 people in many disciplines, which represents 5% of the workforce. The Charlottetown Festival, which showcases “Anne of Green Gables” at the famous Confederation Centre of the Arts is just one example of this bustling cultural community. Charlottetown’s place in history as Birthplace of Confederation is reflected in the community in many ways, and one cannot deny that this truly is a city of culture.

Key Cultural Institutions/Facilities:

Confederation Centre of the Arts
The Confederation Centre of the Arts was founded in 1964 as Canada’s National Memorial to the Fathers of Confederation who gathered at Province House in 1864 to discuss the creation of our country. Covering an entire city block, the Centre stands on what was the site of the old Charlottetown Marketplace. It houses several theatres, an art gallery, restaurants and a gift shop, open year round. It showcases the best in Canadian visual and performing arts.
• The Mainstage Theatre - The Mainstage Theatre seats 1,102 on two levels.
• The Studio Theatre - The 180-seat Studio Theatre is located on the main level of the Centre, next to the Art Gallery’s interior entrance.
• The MacKenzie Theatre - The MacKenzie Theatre, located on the corner of Grafton Street and University Avenue, seats 190 in cabaret style (tables and chairs).
The Confederation Centre is the result of a dream shared by all Canadians to create a place for our country’s history and multicultural character is celebrated and where the talent of its people are nurtured and showcased.
Contact: (902) 628-1864
www.confederationcentre.com

The Guild
The Guild is a well attended cultural facility located in the heart of the downtown cultural district, which offers a performance theatre, gallery area, and office space.
Contact: (902)368-4413
www.theguildpei.com

Key Educational Institutions:
University of Prince Edward Island
A public liberal arts and science institution, UPEI is committed to encouraging and fostering critical, creative, and independent thinking. UPEI’s 200-member faculty provides a rich blend of academic programs in Arts, Science, Business, Education, Nursing, and Veterinary Medicine to over 4,00 full and part-time students. Graduate programs (Veterinary Medicine, Chemistry, Biology, Island Studies, and Education), internship opportunities, and exchange programs are offered in addition to a wide selection of courses coordinated by the Centre for Life-Long Learning and other departments. Just minutes from sandy beaches and the downtown core of the City of Charlottetown, the 130-acre campus features nine academic buildings, three residences, including the newest one opened in 2006, a dining hall, library, chaplaincy centre, a new state of the art day care facility, the Young Canada Games Sports Centre with a new synthetic lighted sportsfield and a 8,400 square foot Fitness Centre, the W.A. Murphy Student Centre, the renowned Atlantic Veterinary Teaching Hospital and several research institutes.
Contact: (902) 566-0439
www.upei.ca


Holland College
Holland College welcomes more than 2,600 fulltime and 4,070 part-time students in thirteen (13) locations across the Island. These students come from a variety of work experiences and educational backgrounds. Holland College provides courses in the fields of aerospace, business, culinary, health, law enforcement, marine, tourism, trades and technology, and sport and recreation. Holland College’s reputation as a leader in hands-on, skill based training is putting graduates to work all over the world.

Departments:
• Adult and Community Education
• Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology
• Atlantic Police Academy
• Business Studies
• Computer Studies
• Culinary Institute of Canada
• Health and Community Studies
• Industrial Technology and Trades
• Marine Training
• Media and Communications
• Sport and Recreation
• Tourism Hospitality

Contact: 1-800-446-5265
www.hollandcollege.com


Events
The Birthplace of Confederation has hosted memorable events since 1864 when political leaders met to discuss the forming of the country we now know as Canada. This nation-building occasion marks the beginning of an impressive track record for Charlottetown that continues to the present day. Although current activity is characterized by all of the modern conveniences, Charlottetown’s event hosting heritage still surfaces more often than not. A leader in event attraction, Prince Edward Island’s capital is known as a vibrant, exciting community with a plethora of things to see, experience, and do yearround. The Province’s largest city is a successful host to a multitude of sporting and cultural events as well as meetings and conventions due in large part to its top-notch facilities and venues, world-renowned hospitality and volunteerism, and an unparalleled drive to make every event experience unique. Whether it is a national or international sport event such as the Canadian Interuniversity Men’s Soccer Championship, TELUS Cup National Midget Hockey Championship, U19 North American Men’s Softball Championship and Tour de PEI Women’s World Cup Cycling Championship, or cultural extravaganzas like the Charlottetown Festival, PEI Jazz and BluesFestival, The Festival of Lights, The Jack Frost Festival, Charlottetown offers diverse, enriching entertainment options for residents and visitors alike.

A Proud Heritage
The City of Charlottetown boasts some of the earliest architecture in the country. As the site of the meeting which resulted in the founding of the Nation, it is appropriate that Charlottetown be home to eleven National Historic Sites. The downtown area retains the original downtown plan of 1771, with tree flanked streets and planned open spaces making it pedestrian friendly throughout. Special attention has been paid to maintaining views to the waterfront from specific vantage points.

A strong history of shipbuilding resulted in the downtown area developing a very sophisticated appearance with a predominance of wooden clad structures. An area of the city burnt by fire in 1866 is clearly marked with replacement buildings built in brick. Although in the early days most buildings were finished in little colour, the maritime tradition over the years has resulted in a much greater variety of colours.

Nightlife/Restaurants
The center of business and tourism activity in the province, Charlottetown boasts over 100 restaurants/nightspots mostly concentrated in the Downtown area, and is also the hub of events and festivals in the city. The service sector has grown to accommodate the increased demand not only from tourism, but the significant growth in downtown development.

Churches
There are over 30 churches in Charlottetown, representing many different denominations. For information, call the Voluntary Resource Council at (902) 368-7337

Community Organizations
Charlottetown’s active service clubs include:

• Jaycees
• Kinsmen Club, Charlottetown
• Kiwanis Club Of Charlottetown
• Knights Of Columbus, Charlottetown
• Lions Club, Charlottetown
• Lions Club, Parkdale - Sherwood
• Rotary Clubs
• PEI Seniors Federation
• Royal Canadian Legion, Charlottetown
• Y’s Men’s Club

Climate
The Charlottetown climate offers on average 238 sunny or partly sunny days per year, 33.85 inches of rainfall and 132.6 inches of snowfall. In summer the temperature can range from 20 - 30 degrees C, and in winter average temperature can range from –3 to –11 degrees C. Public Transit Charlottetown’s transit trolleys are “busy at work” shuttling customers along designated bus routes. The Charlottetown Transit operates regular schedules Monday – Saturday 6:30 a.m. – 6:45 p.m. Fare: Cash - $2.00
Contact: (902) 566-9962
charlottetowntransit@pei.com

Other General Information for Newcomers
• PEI Association for Newcomers – www.peianc.com
• Population Secretariat – www.gov.pe.ca/popsec
• PEI Immigration – www.gov.pe.ca/immigration/
• Access PEI – www.gov.pe.ca/accesspei
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada – www.cic.gc.ca
• PEI Health Department – (902) 368-6130
• Health Canada – www.hc-sc.gc.ca
• Service Canada (HRSDC) – www.sdc.gc.ca
• Credit Counselling PEI – (902) 892-2441
• Real Estate – www.peire.com www.mls.ca
• Maritime Electric – 1-800-670-1012
• Cable – Eastlink – (902) 367-2800, Aliant – 800-565-4737
• Waste Management – www.iwmc.pe.ca
• Newspaper – www.theguardian.pe.ca
• Confederation Bridge – www.confederationbridge.com
• Ferry – www.peiferry.com
• Sports and Recreation – www.sportpei.pe.ca

Taxation
Municipal Tax Rates:
The 2007 municipal tax rate is $2.36 per $100 of assessment for commercial properties, and from $1.10 to $1.33 for residential properties. Annual utility rates for Single Family Dwellings are $172 for water service, and $214 for sewer services. Provincial property tax is in addition to Municipal tax.

Sales Tax Information:
Goods & Services Tax (GST) is Canada’s value added tax which adds 6% to just about everything except edible groceries and financial services. The PST in Prince Edward Island is 10%.
PST is calculated after the GST is added to the price. Prices are almost always shown before applicable taxes. If applicable, 10% will be added at the cash register. There is no rebate of the
Provincial Sales Tax.

There is a 2% marketing levy on most roofed accommodations. A Business Improvement Area levy of .15/$100 is applied to commercial assessment in a specified downtown zone.

In addition:
The Heritage Grant Program
Designed to improve designated heritage resources. Grants are made at 30% of total costs to a maximum of $4,000.

Façade Improvement Program
A cost shared program to ensure the development and promotion of heritage assets, and encourages investment in the Downtown which is in keeping with the historic character. The program objective is to increase the attractiveness of the downtown as a great place to live, and provides funding at 30% to a maximum of 50,000

Government
City Government
Charlottetown encompasses the provincial ridings of Sherwood-Hillsborough, Parkdale-Belvedere, Charlottetown-Kings Square, Charlottetown-Rochford Square, Charlottetown-Spring Park, Stanhope-East Royalty, and Winsloe-West Royalty, and is part of the federal electoral district of Charlottetown.

Mayor: Clifford Lee
Chief Administrative Officer: Roy Main
Mailing Address: PO Box 98, Charlottetown PE, C1A 7K2
Physical address: 199 Queen Street
Telephone: (902) 566-5548
Fax: (902) 566-4701
Web site: www.city.charlottetown.pe.ca

Municipal Services
The City provides a full range of municipal services found in most urban centres.

Planning Department
The Planning and Development Department consists of Planning, Heritage and Building Inspections. Projects involving changes to land or buildings in the City are required to be reviewed by the Planning and Development Department. Permits are required for most projects other than general maintenance. Please note, building permit applications are available for pick up at the Planning Department, 1st Floor, City Hall.
Contact: (902) 629-4158 Fax: (902) 629-4156
dpoole@city.charlottetown.pe.ca

Events Attraction
Working to attract new events and festivals to the City and assistance with facilitation, funding and administration.
Contact: (902) 629-4023
wlong@city.charlottetown.pe.ca

Tourism
Maintaining the Tourism office, staff will be able to assist with a wide variety of services including key information, promotional material, maps etc.
Contact: (902)629-4117
dhurry@city.charlottetown.pe.ca

Police Services
The Charlottetown Police Services, working together with the community, strives to protect life and property and in so doing improve the quality of life for the citizens of Charlottetown its visitors.
The Charlottetown Police Department operates with a complement of 53 sworn police officers and 14 civilian staff. The Police Department also has an involvement with the United Nations Peacekeeping and a new endeavour entitled National Weapons Enforcement (NWEST). The department has members involved with the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and other members on the Tactical Troop.
Contact: (902) 566-4455

Fire Services
The Charlottetown Fire Services is dedicated to the protection of life and property and to providing the highest degree of fire safety education and information to their citizens by presenting professional, quality service in fire fighting, rescue, fire prevention, code enforcement, and investigation.
Contact: (902) 629-4083

Utilities
Engineering
Engineering provides support for short and long range planning, engineering and design of new and upgrading of existing water and sewer facilities, mapping and records maintenance, layout and inspection of utility and contractor installations, monitoring of water quality and response to customer, developer and contractor inquiries and complaints.

Works
Works is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the City’s water and sewer systems including water pumping stations.

Treatment
Treatment plant is responsible for the operation, maintenance and repairs of the City’s sewage treatment facilities.
Contact: (902) 629-4009,
cwalker@city.charlottetown.pe.ca

Public Works
The Public Works Department for the City of Charlottetown has been tasked with maintenance of City streets, sidewalks, storm water systems, parking meter repairs, street lighting, and also
municipal building maintenance with the exception of recreational facilities and water and sewer stations.
Contact: (902) 894-5208,
pjohnston@city.charlottetown.pe.ca

Provincial Government
Since the City is the provincial capital, Charlottetown residents have easy access to the provincial government offices and services. The elected Legislative Assembly is responsible for the enactment of legislation and providing financial supply for the Government of Prince Edward Island. Executive Council (also known as Cabinet), led by the Premier is the executive branch of the government and decides on policy and direction. The day to day administration of the Province is carried out by nine departments and a number of boards, commissions and agencies. Each department is overseen by a member of Executive Council.

Departments
• Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Office of the Attorney General
• Community and Cultural Affairs
• Development and Technology
• Education
• Environment, Energy and Forestry
• Health
• Provincial Treasury
• Social Services and Seniors
• Tourism
• Transportation and Public Works

General Contact Information:
PO Box 2000, Charlottetown, PEI
Canada, C1A 7N8
Tel: (902) 368-4000 1 800 236-5196
Fax: (902) 368-5544 Email: island@gov.pe.ca

Federal Government
There are 4 federal Members of Parliament on Prince Edward Island including one for the Federal riding of Charlottetown. Various federal departments have offices in Charlottetown including the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Public Works Government Services Canada Service Canada, Canadian Heritage among others. The most significant federal presence is that of the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is the only federal head office outside of Ottawa.

For more information contact the Canada/ Prince Edward Island Business Services
Centre at: 1-800-668-1010 www.cbsc.org/pe


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