City Supports Confederation Centre’s Redevelopment Project Through Land Purchase
Posted on 03/26/2025
The City of Charlottetown is purchasing a parcel of land from the Confederation Centre of the Arts to help raise money for its redevelopment project.
The City will invest $4.8 million to purchase a portion of Queen’s Square known as Boulder Park – located between the Centre and Church Street, north of Province House and the Honourable George Coles Building bordering on Grafton Street – from the Confederation Centre of the Arts, with the approval of the provincial government. The Centre will use the proceeds of the sale to support its ambitious $71.5 million capital campaign for renovations and new programs in the former provincial library.
“Securing this property and using the proceeds to contribute towards the Confederation Centre of the Arts’ capital campaign is a significant achievement,” said Mayor Philip Brown. “This partnership strengthens our city’s cultural and economic future by supporting a major infrastructure investment while also continuing to support a vibrant arts community.”
The capital campaign is backed by nearly $50 million from federal and provincial governments, along with $16.5 million in private contributions raised by the Confederation Centre. Through the land purchase, the City of Charlottetown is contributing $4.8 million over 10 years toward the project, reinforcing its commitment to preserving and enhancing cultural institutions that drive tourism and enrich local communities. Acquiring the land will ensure the space remains a valuable asset for the City. Of the $4.8 million, $1 million will be carried forward from the City’s 2024-25 capital budget with the remaining paid over the next 10 years.
“This investment enables us to leverage property that is underutilized by the Centre towards a significant investment in the capital redevelopment of the former library. It will mean the Centre can better serve more communities with improved spaces and programs to benefit generations to come,” said Steve Bellamy, CEO of the Confederation Centre of the Arts. “With the support of all levels of government, we are building a stronger future for all audiences and the community, and reconnecting with the rest of Canada.”
“This project represents a strong commitment to preserving and enhancing the cultural fabric of our province,” said John McAleer, Chair of the City’s Finance Committee. “Investing in the Confederation Centre’s future will ensure that residents and visitors continue to enjoy world-class programming and a dynamic downtown core for years to come.”
The Confederation Centre redevelopment will allow for expanded programming, improved facilities and increased accessibility, ensuring that Charlottetown will support decades of increased programming for citizens and visitors alike.
Partnering with other levels of government and the Centre in this project aligns with the City’s strategic direction of community-building and placemaking and investing in our infrastructure.