Toronto get-together aims for Summerside jobs

The City of Summerside wants to get former residents to move back home and create jobs.

City officials will be in Toronto next week for a conference and will host a Summerside Night in the city's downtown. Mayor Bill Martin will outline reasons why they should come to Summerside to open a business, start a family or retire.

Fifty-five people have signed up and there are 20 others on a waiting list. The event will cost Summerside $5,000.

"Individuals who have a connection to P.E.I., ideally have an interest in expanding down here," said Martin.

"Bringing them all together and chatting about the option, and chatting about the advantages, if we get one job it's paid for itself. If we get 100 jobs it's paid for itself 100 times over."

Martin said attracting business leaders and professionals in places like Toronto is key to improving Summerside's economy and creating more jobs.