Charlottetown aims to have Victoria Park bandstand ready for 2017
Bandstand would go on site on old stage from the 1970s
Charlottetown wants to start construction on a new bandstand in Victoria Park this fall, so it will be ready for celebrations of Canada's 150th birthday next year.
About 25 people attended a public meeting this week meant to gauge interest in the new bandstand.
Mayor Clifford Lee said most supported the idea, but there were concerns about maintaining the heritage look of the park.
There was a bandstand in Victoria Park in the 1970s, but it fell into disrepair and was torn down in the mid-1980s.
Plan prompted by 2014 event
Lee said the new bandstand will be in the field next to Fanningbank, with a view of the water for the audience.
"Back in 2014 we had the 10-day week of music celebration in Victoria Park. There was a lot of people that really went to Victoria Park for those nightly performances," he said.
"Ever since 2014 it's been a thought here at city hall, that, 'Wow, wouldn't that be nice to do that every night for every year in the summer time.'"
City council will vote on the project next month, and Lee is optimistic it will pass. The building will cost about $160,000.
The city has applied for federal funding to pay for half of the building, and is seeking corporate sponsorship for the rest.
The design of the building is currently being discussed with the heritage department and review board.
- MORE P.E.I. NEWS | Province has no plans for bike lanes, says chief engineer
- MORE P.E.I. NEWS | P.E.I.'s Olympic streak to end in Rio
With files from Lindsay Carroll