PEI

High cost estimates put fabrication yard cleanup on hold

Higher than expected cost estimates have put plans to clean up the fabrication yard in Borden-Carleton on hold.

Tenders price work at more than $3M to cleanup site

Higher than expected cost estimates have put plans to clean up the fabrication yard in Borden-Carleton on hold. (Krystalle Ramlakhan/CBC)

Higher than expected cost estimates have put plans to clean up the fabrication yard in Borden-Carleton on hold.

"It was a promise of the government and we're [going to] stand behind it," said P.E.I.'s Minister of Economic Development and Tourism Heath MacDonald. 

The government purchased the fabrication yard eight years ago for $359,000. It is the site where pieces of the Confederation Bridge were constructed in the 1990s.

The government originally thought it would cost between $750,000 and $1M to redevelop the land, including removing the giant concrete pillars that remain on the site. 

However, tenders this year have priced the work at more than $3M. 

MacDonald said the government expects to hear from Borden-Carleton in the new year regarding the town's plans for economic development.

"I think there's some real opportunities to work with the town of Borden-Carleton and see if we can come up with some solutions to help build prosperity in that area. I think there's still potential there," he said.

With files from Kerry Campbell