The Prince Edward Island Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development will be relocating to a new building in the heart of downtown Montague. The Department of Transportation and Public Works recently finalized an agreement with local developer K&S Developments that will see a free-standing, single storey building constructed on a vacant lot across from the post office on Main Street. The decision to relocate the department was announced in last year’s Speech from the Throne.
“The relocation of the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development to Montague reflects the commitment of the provincial government to rural communities across Prince Edward Island,” said Premier Robert Ghiz. “Along with other initiatives such as the expansion of rural broadband service, new infrastructure projects in a number of communities and formulation of a rural development strategy, we will continue to work with rural residents to pursue new opportunities for jobs and growth.”
Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Neil LeClair said he is looking forward to the department’s move.
“The department is one which primarily serves rural residents through its work with fishers, aquaculturalists and rural communities and the provision of services by Access PEI throughout the province,” said Minister LeClair. “Relocating the headquarters of the department to Montague will better enable us to bring a rural perspective to government policies and programs.”
Construction of the new building is expected to begin in July and wrap up in late December. The province will lease the building from the developers. The proposal submitted by K&S Developments received the highest score of the four proposals received. The scoring took into account location, access, appearance and cost.
Minister of Transportation and Public Works Ron MacKinley said the agreement will provide excellent space for the staff of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development and access for the department’s clients.
“This new building, and the staff that occupy it, will provide a tremendous economic benefit to the Town of Montague,” said Minister MacKinley. “That’s why I’m so pleased that we were able to secure a location in the heart of the community.”
The provincial government also announced last fall that the Department of Education will be relocating to Summerside. Premier Ghiz said an announcement with respect to the final details of that move will be made in the near future.