Confederation Bridge fabrication yard may soon see development

The staging grounds where components of theConfederation Bridge were assembled in Borden-Carleton may soon have a new life after sitting idle for nearly two decades.

P.E.I.'s Department Of Economic Development and Tourism told CBC News in an email,"We are optimistic that the province will soonbe in a position to begin making changes to the area."

Often referred to as the Stonehenge of P.E.I., due to the concrete pillars that dot its 45 hectares, the area is one of the first sites people see when they come to P.E.I. over the Confederation Bridge.

It has sat unused since 1997 when the bridge opened.

The province bought the land in 2009 from Strait Crossing Development for just over $350,000, but has found it a challenge to nail down the right development deal for the location.

This week, the community council in Borden-Carleton met with provincial officials to discuss possible options for the property.

"We have been complaining about it to the province for some time," says Mayor Dean Sexton.

"And they're going to be doing some work on removing the pillars, but will be doing it in stages because they will have to go to cabinet to get money to do it. Because a lot of residents here were not very happy, not only the residents of the town of Borden-Carleton, but also, you know, visitors have been talking about it and wondering what it was."

According to the province, whileno firm plans have been established, there have been preliminary discussions with several parties interested in the property,but those discussions are in the very early stages.

Borden-Carleton town officials say they were told it could cost up to $1 million to clean up the property.They say they would like to see businesses move in or maybe even a subdivision.