ICT

While currently a relatively small sector in our local economy, it is one poised for growth and continued expansion. Current Summerside ICT firms focus on healthcare, web and new media applications, infrastructure deployment, manufacturing, applied research, product development and the aerospace industry.

Both large-scale and smaller boutique operations characterize this sector: Companies such as Carestream Health Services, Fiber Connections, Canadian Revenue Services, Resolve Corporation and Revolution Media have chosen Summerside as their home base for ICT operations.

Our location also offers geographic advantages, as it is in close proximity to the Confederation Bridge, our Provincial International Airport and Halifax International Airport. As a result, Summerside provides quick and convenient access to the ever-expanding commercial markets of the Eastern Seaboard. It is ideally positioned for companies seeking competitive access to both North American and European markets.


Small city. Big opportunity.

Summerside’s growth in the ICT sector can be attributed to our “small city, big opportunity” philosophy. Summerside continues to capitalize on innovative industry partnerships and collaborate with all levels of government to create an economic climate that is prime for investment. Locating your ICT company in Summerside equates to multiple tax incentives, low operating costs, and world-class economic development support.

The ICT Sector in Summerside

While currently a relatively small sector in our local economy, it is one poised for growth and continued expansion. Current Summerside ICT firms focus on healthcare, web and new media applications, infrastructure deployment, manufacturing, applied research, product development and the aerospace industry. Both large-scale and smaller boutique operations characterize this sector: Companies such as Carestream Health Services, Fiber Connections, Canadian Revenue Services, Resolve Corporation and Revolution Media have chosen Summerside as their home base for ICT operations.

Our location also offers geographic advantages, as it is in close proximity to the Confederation Bridge, our Provincial International Airport and Halifax International Airport. As a result, Summerside provides quick and convenient access to the ever-expanding commercial markets of the Eastern Seaboard. It is ideally positioned for companies seeking competitive access to both North American and European markets.

Local Technology Infrastructure

Summerside has earned a reputation as a leader in infrastructure design and played a major role in the roll-out of rural
broadband networks on PEI by building a highspeed network that serves not only the City, but the entire Western half
of the Province. Recently, our fibre network was upgraded from 10 mbps to 100mbps. A high-speed wireless network,
with its initial access point based in Summerside, has also been put into place with a service area which connects the
most Westerly to Eastern points of the Province. Our community is a major client and supplier of telecommunications
products and services, and also provides a sophisticated point-to-point access ring infrastructure.

Infrastructure at a glance:

• Part of one of the largest free calling areas in the world
• 100% Digital fiber optic backbone network
• ATM Province wide
• Part of the most reliable digital public network system
• Part of the most intense ringed fibre system in North America
• New introduction of a broadband service through a strategic alliance with Newbridge Communications

Provincial Marketplace and Competitive Advantage

Prince Edward Island’s ICT companies are creating solid reputations for their work in feature television and animation
production, community portal development, technical support services, hosted network services and application development.
Major industry players such as EDS, Unisys, Kodak, IBM and Compaq have all made significant investments in
Prince Edward Island.

Export values, workforce, and overall industry growth have experienced a dramatic rise despite periods of downturn
experienced in other markets across the sector since the decline of the dot.com market. This represents PEI’s strength
in the ICT industry and the value derived from a collaborative business model.

Technology PEI Inc. is a Provincial Crown Corporation established to advance the growth and development in Prince
Edward Island’s technology sector. They play a leadership role in the development, use and adoption of ICT technology
for business and community in PEI. Their approach to partnership provides easy access to key decision makers and
business incentives to ensure companies achieve success. More information can be found at www.techpei.com.

Summerside: A community poised for growth

Summerside is a community striding confidently into the future. Though in relative terms it may be small in size, it is
home to big ideas, big opportunities, and big experiences.

As the Island’s second largest and fastest growing city, Summerside offers diverse career and exciting business opportunities.
Factor in world-class recreational facilities, affordable living in beautiful surroundings, and its abundance of services and you will begin to see why Summerside is a superior community in which to live, work, and play!

Opportunity Knocks

Summerside provides companies with a competitive business environment where key location sensitive costs such as
real estate and labour are significantly lower than most North American markets.

Summerside’s proposition for business development includes:

• Central PEI location with a trade area population of 45,000 – 35% of the Island marketshare
• Proximity to larger markets – Summerside’s strong infrastructure network connects business to a market in excess of
22 million people all within a day’s drive.
• Transportation links – international airport, deep water port, and proximity to Confederation Bridge (20 minutes)
• Skilled, dedicated & available workforce – demonstrated capacity for attracting and retaining core talent
• Tax Free Zones, Tailored Incentive Packages, Research & Development Clusters for specific sectors
• High quality of life for employees

All levels of government have recognized the importance of business and human resource investment. They have collaborated to offer tax incentives and tailored financial solutions to our business and industry partner’s needs.

A Less Taxing Environment:

• Federal Corporate Tax Rate 22.12%
• Provincial Corporate Tax Rate (Manufacturing and Small Business) 7.5%
• Provincial Corporate Tax Rate (other Business) 16%
• Provincial Commercial Property Tax Rate $1.50 per $100 of Assessment
• Municipal Commercial Property Tax Rate $1.92 per $100 of Assessment
• Average Industrial Land Price $12,000/acre
• A full annual rebate on all provincial taxes for aviation–related business operating in Slemon Park
• 10 year tax rebate program for export-focused manufacturers or value added service providers
• 35% Scientific research and investment tax credit
• 10% Manufacturing equipment and machinery tax credit

Summerside by the Numbers

Population

City of Summerside 14,500
Prince County 44,499
Province 138,519

Labour Force

Summerside Labour Force – 11,400 ( July 2007)
Prince Edward Island Labour Force – 76,900 ( July 2007)
Unemployment Rate – 10.5% ( July 2007)

"Doing business in Summerside means access to skilled workers and attractive incentives that help me achieve the goals I have for my company." Scott Fingler, Fiber Connections

Economic Development Services

How can we foster innovation? How can we help employees maximize their effectiveness? How can we collaborate to
offer an investment and enterprise friendly environment? These are some of the key questions Summerside has asked
itself in planning its economic development.

We have joined forces with our business leaders, government partners, and city visionaries to offer a variety of innovative
industry practices, tax incentives AND customized business investment solutions. Consider the advantages of
putting Summerside and a partnership to work for you!

The Economic Development Office is the information focal point for companies and organizations contemplating locating
in Summerside, redevelopment or expansion of existing operations, or consolidation of their industrial/commercial
activities. We offer our clients a one-stop environment and seek to be of service in any way we can.

To Learn More About this exciting industry click here!