Work to restore the Basin Head complex continues to move forward this week with a tender being called for the second phase of the Basin Head redevelopment project.
“Mother Nature certainly left a pile of work to be done following last winter’s tidal surge,@ said Transportation and Public Works Minister Gail Shea. “Thankfully, through the hard work of everyone involved from the contractors to the community at large we’ve been able to make progress on restoring the site. The work associated with this tender will represent another important step in that regard.”
Work covered during the first phase of construction focussed mainly upon addressing damage caused by tidal surges experienced during last winter, allowing visitors to be able to access the beaches at Basin Head for the busy summer tourism season. The scope of work for the second phase of reconstruction work will address more detailed repairs to both the cannery and the wharf structures. The approximate value for the second phase of this project is $1.4 Million.
“The Basin Head complex is an important piece of the tourism infrastructure in the eastern end of the province and contributes greatly to the local economy. Moving forward with the second phase of this project will allow the reconstruction work to be finalized in time for next year’s tourism season,” said Tourism Minister Philip Brown.
The Basin Head complex is a major attraction in the Eastern Kings area for both local residents and visitors during the summer tourism season. The Basin Head Fisheries Museum, opened in 1973, provides a glimpse into the history of Prince Edward Island’s inshore fishery. The complex includes the museum and related attractions as well as wharves and a bridge that provides access to the Basin Head beach. The Basin Head complex attracts approximately 50,000 visitors annually.