Building outside Founders Hall quickly gets the boot

The owner of a sightseeing company was forced Tuesday to move a building he had placed very close to the front entrance of Founders Hall on the Charlottetown waterfront.

Prince Edward Tours owner Mike Cassidystarted setting up a building last Sunday to house his ticket-selling operations this summer outside FoundersHall.

But after questions were raised Monday night at city council,the city notified the port of Charlottetown which owns the propertythat no building permit had been issued, so the building would have to go.

Prince Edward Tours has been a long-time tenantinside FoundersHall, but work is now underway to convert the Hall into a food-themed urban marketso the tour company had to move.

"This is the business that has been in thisfootprint for the last 15 years. All we have done is moved about 60 feet from inside the building to outside," Cassidy said.

Not surprised people werealarmed

The building measures 12 by 16 feet andCassidy saidhe wasn't surprised people were alarmed to see it. Itwasunmarked, but he said he plans to add paint and logos.

Cassidy said he and port officials decided the best thing to do wasremove the building until the permit is sorted out. He confirmed the building was towed away at 3 p.m.Tuesday.

Port officials said they will work on a solutionwith Cassidy and the city.

The city saidapermit will be issued only if the proposal meets all bylaw requirements.

Cassidy said he needs a place to start selling tickets about a month from now.

"We service, between May 1 and Nov. 4, close to 5,000 tourist customers that buy ourtours to enjoy the city of Charlottetown."

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