2 P.E.I. towns vying for coast guard

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is looking for a new home on P.E.I. for the Canadian Coast Guard, and two towns in eastern P.E.I. are lobbying for the opportunity.

The coast guard is located at the foot of Queen Street in Charlottetown, next to the Delta Hotel. Huge buoys are stored on the wharf. The buildings also house maintenance shops andDFO offices.

But the province wants to build a convention centre on the prime waterfront site. DFO Minister Gail Shea said her department is looking at moving.

"We would hope this fall that we will have enough information to make a final decision," said Shea.

"The province is anxious to get going, and there will be a lot of work to be done as far as transition out of that area, and for that infrastructure to be removed."

Comparing sites

A consultant is looking at possible sites, and Souris Deputy Mayor Dennis Thibideau has made sure his town is on the short list.

"A very good harbour, good water supply, power, infrastructure," said Thibideau, "it's just the perfect little spot for a coast guard base."

Georgetown is also looking to be considered.

"We have our welding school that certainly would make it feasible to have the coast guard here. Also the shipyard is involved, which would also help," said Mayor Louie Lavandier.

"We have a lot to offer here in Georgetown.

Shea is hinting while the coast guard base will likely go to one of the ports in King's County, the DFO offices could end up in Summerside, the minister's home riding. A final decision should come in the fall.