Work to repair storm surge damage to the facilities at Basin Head continues to move ahead, Transportation and Public Works Minister Gail Shea announced in the Provincial Legislature today.
The Basin Head complex is a major attraction in the Eastern Kings area to 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 recognize the importance of the Basin Head complex to the local economy,” said Transportation and Public Works Minister Gail Shea. “Because of the positive spinoffs these facilities generate as a tourism and heritage product, we have made these repairs a key priority.”
Work has begun on this project, following a redesign and re-tender of the project over the winter. Shea explained that the original tender call produced issues with both higher than estimated costs and lack of competition. Staff made several modifications to the design which included splitting the project into two tenders, one for the wharf and one for the cannery and revising construction materials and methods. Following these changes, the work was re-tendered this past winter outside of the peak construction season to improve competition. This did set timelines on the project back but, by adopting this approach, the province was able to realize savings of about $1 Million on the tender price.
Due to the construction activities that will be taking place, public access to the site will be restricted until the end of June for safety reasons. The beaches and the run area will be available for recreational use from July 1 until September 3. Activities at the museum will not be affected by the construction work.
“I encourage Islanders and visitors to our Island to take advantage of these recreational facilities during the summer months. Once repairs are completed, we look forward to the facilities at Basin Head making a positive contribution to the economic and community development of Eastern Kings for many years to come,” said Shea.
Shea also acknowledged the tireless advocacy of Souris-Elmira MLA Andy Mooney to see this project executed for the benefit of citizens and the community.