Borden-Carleton hears complaints about a building in Gateway Village
Some worry tourists are leaving Borden-Carleton shopping attraction with bad impression of Island
Some Borden-Carleton residents and business owners say they're growing frustrated with the condition of a building in Gateway Village and that it leaves a bad first impression of P.E.I.
The shopping area just off the Confederation Bridge features a handful of brightly painted buildings.
He says it's particularly bad at the back where many tourists park.
"Like they've just let it run down, down, down, down, down ... This doesn't give a very good example of what we're all about," said MacDonald.
Margaret Wedge, who owns Island Petwear across the street from the building, says it's been a source of frustration for many.
"When you're in the tourism business and you're the first stop on Prince Edward Island, I mean, let's have some pride in what we do and what we have, and let's show our best," said Wedge.
Finding tenants a challenge
Borden-Carleton Mayor Dean Sexton says town council has heard complaints from several residents.
The area's new MLA Jamie Fox says he's also heard concerns from several residents, business owners as well as council. He says he has spoken to the building's owner and provincial tourism officials.
"I'm not going to single anyone out. But you know, the owners must work with the community, with government, to ensure they're at the highest standard possible."
The building's owner, Cheryl Roche, says she owns two buildings in the village, and while the other one has long-term tenants, finding renters for this one has been a challenge.
However, she doesn't think the building looks that bad, except for some roof damage that happened over the winter. She says she plans to fix that, and to bring in landscapers to improve the look around the building.