Additional $6M announced for Province House upgrades

Another $6 million has been committed to renovations at theProvince House National Historic Site in Charlottetown.

The additional funding will be used to comply with fire code and accessibility issues while still maintaining thehistoric elements of the landmark.

The totalinfrastructure funding for Province House is now $47 million.

"As we celebrate the150thanniversary of Confederation, the Government of Canada is proud to invest in the protection and conservation of Province House," saidCardigan MP LawrenceMacAulay.

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1st phase underway

QuinanConstruction Ltd ofOrillia, Ont. was awarded the tenderfor the first phase of construction and work began April 27 and will continue until December with the help of localsubcontractors.

The work included in the $8.7 million contract will see thefinishing removed from interior walls of the building andfrom the outer walls extending fivefeet inside of each room. This work will give contractors access to the exterior sandstone walls.

All the mechanical and electrical systems, as well as all exteriordoors and windows, willbe removed.

Foundation to be dug out and replaced

The building's foundation will be dug out and replacedunder the north and south porticos, and a steel scaffold will be erected around the entire structure.

The work will allow the contractor to properlystabilize the building.

The tender for the second phase of work will soon be awarded.

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