The Province of Prince Edward Island today provided an update on progress related to reconstruction of the Basin Head complex, which was severely damaged by a recent storm surge.
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 was opened in 1973 and 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.
“As a government, we have said since day one that repairing the damage at Basin Head is a priority. Now that staff have completed the necessary assessments, we are putting the pieces together that are needed in order to get the job done,” said Tourism Minister Philip Brown.
Brown advised that the engineering firm CBCL has been selected to provide the engineering services associated with the work required to repair the damage caused to the wharves and historical cannery. Separate specialist consultants have also been engaged to provide guidance on specific technical issues such as wharf layout requirements, ensuring the optimum tidal exchange for the river and contributing to the stability of the beach sand adjacent to the wharves.
A planning meeting between the project designers, government staff and area representatives was recently held to provide a progress update and obtain community feedback on user needs. The work will be carried out in two phases with the first phase focussed on temporary repairs and the second phase covering all remaining construction and replacement required.
“I’m pleased to see the design process underway and that the community has input into the process to explain our needs,” said Mark MacGregor, Chair of the Basin Head Fisheries Museum Board of Directors. “The temporary repairs from the first phase will be completed in time for the summer tourist season and the second phase will go ahead in early fall.”