Full Breakdown
Province House Set to Reopen After 12-Year Renovation
By Drooid · · How we work
Historical Significance and Restoration
Prince Edward Island’s Province House, the nearly 180-year-old seat of the Legislative Assembly and the site of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, has been closed since 2014 for a major refurbishment that began in January 2015. The restoration, overseen by Parks Canada and the legislature’s project team, has cost roughly $138 million and aims to return the building’s character-defining elements, including its historic chambers and public gallery.
Officials Express Anticipation
Clerk of the Legislative Assembly Joey Jeffrey described the building as “a symbol of Island democracy” and said the upcoming fall sitting will be the first in Province House for most current members. Opposition Leader Hal Perry, one of only two MLAs who have previously sat in the chamber, called the return “very, very important” and noted the emotional impact of working in a space that helped shape Canada. Liberal MLA Sidney MacEwen highlighted the opportunity to educate the public and “relive that history.” Green Party MLA Peter Bevan-Baker, who has never sat in the chamber, said the chance to do so would “elevate” his sense of honour as an MLA. Parks Canada superintendent Geraldine Arsenault emphasized the building’s role in Confederation and praised the meticulous care taken to restore its historic character.
Upcoming Opening Events
Crews are completing final touches such as carpets and blinds. Plans are in place for opening ceremonies in late October, followed by the Legislative Assembly’s fall sitting in early November. Jeffrey expressed pride in the project and hopes Islanders share that sentiment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There's a lot of excitement. There's a lot of work to do, but we're very excited to get back here,” — Joey Jeffrey, clerk of P
- “I've always felt a great sense of honour about being an MLA. I've never taken that for granted. But sitting in that building will just sort of elevate that even further,” — Peter Bevan-Baker
- “ "Now, it looks like we're going to finally be able to get to go and sit in there and I'm excited for my colleagues and excited for Islanders," MacEwen said.” — Sidney MacEwen
- “To go back into Province House and to have that seat at the desk in the chamber where those conversations have been had to shape Canada is very, very important," Perry said.” — Opposition Leader Hal Perry