The City of Summerside has announced that agreements have been reached with seven out of the ten landowners along the new East-West Housing Corridor route. The remaining three agreements are still pending finalization. The corridor, stretching from MacEwan Road to Water Street, is scheduled to open later this fall. There were concerns raised on social media over the weekend regarding the commencement of construction before all agreements were in place.
Mayor Dan Kutcher confirmed the situation, mentioning that negotiations with two of the three outstanding landowners are nearing completion. However, the third landowner has not been in contact with city officials for several months. Kutcher expressed optimism about reaching agreements with all landowners, emphasizing the importance of the project for the community.
In the event that all landowners do not come to an agreement, Kutcher stated that the city would proceed with the next step, which involves expropriating the properties. He acknowledged that large public infrastructure projects often face resistance but emphasized the city’s commitment to completing the road regardless of individual landowner opinions.
Regarding the construction plans, Kutcher highlighted that for the past two decades, the city has publicly documented its intentions to build the road. Efforts will be made to secure agreements with any reluctant landowners before resorting to expropriation.
The city’s approach involves constructing the road through the landowners’ properties without purchasing the land outright. Liens will be placed on the properties, enabling each landowner to cover their share of the road expenses if they decide to sell or develop their land in the future. This method, according to Kutcher, is a standard practice for road construction projects, leading to substantial property value appreciation for landowners.
Summerside officials have previously expressed their anticipation that the East-West Housing Corridor will catalyze housing development in the city. The corridor will provide direct access to approximately 140 hectares (345 acres) of land, potentially accommodating 1,200 to 2,000 new housing units in Prince Edward Island’s second-largest municipality.