A blast from the past: Why the city wants to bring back Victoria Park's bandstand

The City of Charlottetown is making moves to bring a bandstand back to Victoria Park an idea city officials say has some practical uses for the community.

The old bandstand, built in 1973, had to be torn down after it was severely damaged in the 1980s.

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Now, the city wants to build a new bandstand in the same spot where the old one once stood.

Wayne Long, events development officer for the city, said the idea came about when the city became aware that federal funding through Canada 150 could be available.

"There's a number of people including myself who do remember the original bandstand structure. It served very well when it was standing in Victoria Park," said Long.

He saidwhile the bandstand has not been there for over 30 years, the area where it was located is still used for many community and cultural events.

"Portable stage and portable infrastructure and equipment are rolled in and rolled out on an ongoing basis annually and the space itself is still used."

Long said the city sees this as a real opportunity to act on available funds and replace a structure that was once there.

Estimated cost

It is expected the new bandstand will cost between $150,000 to $200,000 to build.

"This bandstand is meant to be pretty simple in terms of structure itself although it will be fitting to the park atmosphere and the heritage of the park."

Long said residents can be assured there would never be a ticketed or gated event, or an event that serves alcoholin that particular location.

"This is meant to be a community at large type of structure which would serve community and family oriented and diversity type of events."

Conceptual drawings will be shown at a public meeting Tuesday night at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel at 7 p.m.

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