Coles Building basement getting cleared out to create space for politicians

Movers have started taking boxes of archival material out of the basement of theColesBuilding in Charlottetown, in an effort to make space for the threepolitical parties with representatives in the legislature.

Joseph Jeffery, clerk of the legislative assembly,said a master plan was approved earlier this year that dealt with several buildings used for provincial legislative business, and part of that plan was tocreate more space in the ColesBuilding.

"We're really trying to make sure that we find them extra space for sure," Jeffrey said.

Theplan was accelerated after the election because thePCs, Greens and Liberals each have at least six representatives in the House.

"It's very desperately needed, especially given the new distribution of seats in the House after the election," Jeffery said.

"We're just trying to accelerate that move so we have a little bit more flexibilityin our operations."

'Huge challenge'

Green Party Leader Peter Bevan-Baker said re-arranging the space is not something that can be done quickly and he isn't sure what the plan to accommodate everyone is.

Hewas part of a committee that looked at issues related to a lack of spaces for legislative business and said that lack of space was an issue with two Green MLAs.

"Clearly with a caucus of eightand a new distribution of seats in the legislature, things are going to have to be moved around," said Bevan-Baker.

WithProvince House shut down for restoration,Bevan-Baker said it's understandable there's a lack of space.

Plan unknown

Two main basement storage rooms will be cleared out for now, and the plan is to convert thoseto office space within the next two weeks. Eventually the entire basement will be emptied out, along with the fourth floor.

Jeffery said the clerk's office is working with provincial infrastructure officials to figure out who will go where.

He also said everyone who was elected will get space, but they may not be placedin the ColesBuilding.

"All of the members are as close to the chamber as we can possibly have them," said Jeffery.

Politicians and their support staff are expected to move in sometime later this month.

Relocating archives and renovations to the ColesBuilding will take about a year to complete.

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