Living and Working
Contents
1. Live + Play
2. Affordable Living
3. Quality Living
4. Vibrant Downtown
5. At your Service
6. Stay Connected
7. Sights + Sounds
8. At Play
9. Work
Nestled on the “summerside” of the world’s greatest
island 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!
Take a few moments to
discover this small city with
big opportunities for yourself…
Live + PlayBack to Top
Location, Location, Location
A Beautiful waterfront City with a proud history and bright future, Summerside
is a unique community known for its exceptional quality of life
and beautiful setting in Prince Edward Island. Summerside has everything
– a multitude of recreational opportunities, a diverse and growing
industrial, commercial and agricultural base, quality health care and
excellent schools and social amenities. Real estate is affordable, the air
is clean and the community is safe.
With a population of approximately 16,000 (increases substantially in
the summer season) Summerside is the regional centre for western PEI
and draws from a market population in excess of 45,000, Summerside’s
proximity to major markets in Canada and the northeastern United
States, combined with effective transportation, makes Summerside an
unparalleled setting as a business location or location to live and
enjoy life!
Life of the Highest Quality
Summerside offers its residents a rich cultural heritage, a safe and
healthy community, and a full range of services. These elements
contribute to a high quality of life being enjoyed by all who call
Summerside home.
But don’t just take our word for it… When measured against 10 key
factors that influence overall quality of life, this is how life here stacks up:
Public Security: PEI has the second lowest crime rate in Canada
(2001 Census)
Cost of Food: One of the most affordable places in Canada with CPI
lower than the Average for the rest of Canada
Fitness for Habitation: No risk from natural disasters or by man-made
hazardous waste industries
Housing Standards: PEI has one of the highest home ownership rates
as a result of our affordable housing
Communications: PEI offers one of the most sophisticated telecommunications
networks in the world
Education: PEI offers all levels of education to meet your
family’s needs
Public Health: Every resident has access to free, high quality
health care
Peace and Quiet: A peaceful and tranquil environment
Traffic: Commuting to work and getting around in your spare time has
never been easier
Air Quality: With the environment first, PEI offers superb air quality
Affordable LivingBack to Top
Best described as a blend of
heritage architecture with modern
innovations, Summerside is
committed to sustainability and
maintaining a high quality of life
enjoyed by all in our community.
Trees, parks, schools, and
services are integral components
of every neighbourhood in Summerside.
Residents enjoy activities
within the boundaries of the city,
which can seldom be found in any
one location. From ocean-side
strolls to professional theatre, it is
all here!
Summerside boasts one of the
lowest utility, sewer access, and
property taxation rates in the
country. Combined with low real
estate prices, it offers both an
accessible and affordable living
option to its residents without
compromising on infrastructure.
In fact, Summerside is
recognized as a leader in the
provision of quality drinking water,
telecommunications infrastructure,
recreational facilities, and health
care services.
Comparison Shopping
Real Estate Contacts:
• Burns Properties Incorporated
263 Harbour Drive, Suite 18 C1N 5P1
902-888-2313 – www.burnsproperties.ca
• Canada First Real Estate Ltd.
21 Water Street C1N 1A3
902-888-3332
• Century 21 Northumberland Realty
629 Water Street East C1N 4H8
902-436-2265 – www.century21pei.com
• Coldwell Banker Bradley Realty Ltd.
61 Central Street C1N 3L2
902-436-4663 – www.bradleyrealty.pe.ca
• Garden Province Realtors
125 Ryan Street C1N 4K2
902-436-9236
• Home Life Island Homes Realty
251 Water Street C1N 1B5
902-888-3333
• Moase Realty
27 Glover Shore Road C1N 4G3
902-436-3881
• RE/MAX Harbourside Realty Ltd.
660 Water Street, C1N 1A3
902-888-3600 – www.remaxharbourside.ca
• Royal LePage County Estates
630 Water Street C1N 4H8
902-436-9251 – www.royallepage.ca/PrinceEdwardIsland
• Venture Realty
200 Memory Lane C1N 6A4
902-888-3176
Quality LearningBack to Top
Summerside is a true learning
centre. From day-care to postsecondary
education, our community
has access to the highest
caliber of education and training.
Primary, Intermediate,
and Senior School
The Western Regional School
Board is the body which operates
the 5 primary, intermediate, and
senior schools based in Summerside.
Co-curricular activities,
learning supports, and experiential
learning are integral components
of educational programming
available throughout a student’s
academic career.
Post-Secondary Education
Holland College offers a number
of core curriculum courses from
its Technology, Marine and Fisheries
and Vocational programs as
well as the Atlantic Police Academy.
The college also specializes
in delivering customized training
programs designed to meet any
employer’s needs.
The University of Prince Edward
Island, located less than 45 minutes
from Summerside, provides a
wide range of academic programs
in the arts, sciences, business,
education, nursing, and veterinary
medicine to over 2900 full and
part-time students.
Life Long Learning
Career skills is a private institution
offering Business and Information
Technology diploma programs.
Core curriculums include Business
Administration, Office
Administration, Entrepreneurship,
Business Management, and Information
Technology. Courses and
business seminars can be tailored
to the individual needs
of employers.
The College of Piping, one of
the only colleges of its kind, offers
instruction in Highland bagpiping,
Scottish-style snare drumming,
Highland dancing and step dancing.
Programs are also offered for
the piano, fiddle and tin whistle.
The courses cater to adults and
youth of all ability levels. Summer
school, workshops and a piping
internship program give out-ofprovince
students an opportunity
to develop these heritage skills.
Summerside is also home to
many private employment training
facilities. For further details contact
contact the City at 902-432-
1230 or the Summerside Chamber
of Commerce at 902-436-9651.
Vibrant Downtown Back to Top
A city’s downtown core is traditionally a lively community focal point,
and Summerside is no exception. Downtown 
Summerside is home to
many of the city’s services, office buildings, attractions, specialty shops,
and restaurants.
Culture is also in abundant supply! The Wyatt Heritage Properties,
The Jubilee Theatre, Silver Fox Curling Club, and the Eptek Centre are
just a few pieces of the colourful tapestry that is Downtown Summerside.
Outdoor entertainment, fireworks, and festivals add an extra element
of fun to the vibrant downtown atmosphere throughout the year!
Parking? No problem. 640 public and 825 customer spaces are available
for your convenience.
Combine all this infrastructure with one of PEI and Summerside’s
most breathtaking views - its no wonder the downtown is becoming the
centre of activity.
At Your Service…
Summerside offers a multitude of services and conveniences… Shopping
centres featuring major retail outlets, financial institutions, convention/conference facilities, professional services, and accommodations
for out-of-town guests are all at your fingertips.
A strong and healthy community is a priority
for Summerside…
Prince County Hospital and a number of clinics offering specialized
medical care make up the health care cornerstones of our community.
We are proud to have a dedicated team of physicians, nurses, clinicians,
EMTs, and other medical professionals who call Summerside home.
Numerous service organizations, faith communities/churches, and
not-for-profit agencies are active members of the community. Their
focus is on the emotional, spiritual, and personal well being of not only
the residents of Summerside but further afield as well.
Stay ConnectedBack to Top
Keeping a pulse on the community, sports and entertainment, and
world affairs is made simple with a full range of media outlets based in
Summerside. These include:
• CJRW Radio (902) 436-2201
• C102 Radio (902) 436-2201
• CHTN Radio (902) 892-1066
• CFCY Radio (902) 892-1066
• CBC Radio One Radio
(902) 629-6400
• CBC Radio Two Radio
(902) 629-6400
• CBAF Radio (902) 892-6400
• Q93 Radio (902) 892-1066
• CIMN Radio (902) 566-0417
• The Journal Pioneer Newspaper
(902) 436-2121
• The Guardian Newspaper
(902) 436-9331
• LaVoix Acadienne Newspaper
(902) 436-6005
• The Buzz Newspaper
(902) 628-1958
• East Link Community Television
Cable Services (902) 436-2936
• CBC Prince Edward Island
Television (902) 629-6400
*Source, City of Summerside, 2006
Sights + SoundsBack to Top
In 2006, over 530,000 visitors came to Summerside to enjoy our rich
heritage and culture on a spectacular waterfront backdrop. Now, imagine
if you lived here and got to experience it all year long!
Professional theatre, nationally recognized museums and galleries,
and high quality entertainment are among the city’s main attractions.
Summerside also plays host to many festivals and events throughout
the year… there is always something going on!
Looking for a great way to spend an afternoon? Browse the gift
shops and boutiques, explore the boating and fishing heritage that
helped to shape Summerside, or sip a latte while going for a stroll on
the boardwalk.
Fine restaurants, comfortable pubs, and an active live music scene are
among the many options for spending quality time with friends and family.
Top it all off with a first run movie multiplex, bowling alley, and topnotch
recreation facilities and you see how the ‘to see and do’ list fits
into our “never a dull moment philosophy”.
At PlayBack to Top
Getting active in Summerside is easy! Whether it’s a championship golf
course, curling rink, or a great workout you seek, Summerside offers
world-class recreational facilities at affordable prices.
Our Facilities Include:
Summerside Wellness Centre
• 3 large meeting rooms
• 2 regulation ice pads
• Rink seating for 3,500 and 500
• Meeting and VIP rooms
• Bowling lanes
• 3,500 square foot
Fitness Centre
• 2 full size Squash Courts
• 6 lane, 25 meter
Competitive Pool
• Leisure pool with water slides
• 2 saunas & hot tubs
• Summerside Raceway
on property
Silver Fox Curling
and Yacht Club
• 6 sheets of Curling Ice
• Marina facilities for 109 vessels
• Banquet facilities, groups
up to 1,500
Slemon Park
• Full Gym, Fitness Centre
• Tennis & Squash Courts
• Regulation Size Arena, Softball
and Baseball
• Outdoor Track, Trails,
Soccer Field
• Banquet Facilities, Groups
up to 350
• Central hall & classrooms
• 200 seat Lecture Theatre
Queen Elizabeth Park
• Tree -lined facility
• Three lighted Baseball Fields
• Press Box and spacious
Change Rooms
• Full-service Concessions
• Seating for 10,000
• Outdoor Tennis &
Basketball Courts
• Outdoor Track
Facilities Throughout The City
• Harbourfront Boardwalk
• Hiking, Biking & Walking Trails
• Outdoor Tennis & Basketball Courts
• Playgrounds, Parks & Greenspace – Over 15 Areas
• 4 Ball Diamonds
If you are looking for something a little more organized, there are a
number of teams and leagues available for players of all ages. Coaches
are always needed and opportunities to get involved are plentiful.
Prefer a seat in the stands? Summerside has hosted some of the
Atlantic region’s and Canada’s most prestigious events including:
Karcher Canadian Junior Curling Championships (Men’s & Women’s),
Canadian Junior Hockey Championships, Atlantic Canadian Strongman’s
Competition, Softball Canada – Royal Bank Cup and the 2002
Canadian Senior Games.
Want to get away? Leaving it all behind has never been easier. Long
sandy beaches, country life, and spectacular scenery are right on your
doorstep. The Island is waiting to be discovered.
WorkBack to Top
Summerside is in an exciting period of economic expansion. A key contributor
to the Island economy, Summerside is quickly emerging as one
of the most accessible and competitive markets in North America.
Opportunity Knocks
Small City. Big Opportunity. That’s the Summerside advantage.
Located in the Gulf of St Lawrence, much of the city’s early economic
development leaned on agriculture and the tourist trade. While
these continue to be very important to the economy, the past 10 years
have seen an impressive level of expansion in knowledge-based industries
including: Aerospace, Information Technology, Food Processing
and Manufacturing.
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 market share
• 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
partners’ 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 recognizes that planning for growth in a city should be
more than building homes for people to live in. It should also include
plans for business and industry, jobs, and services which make a city
work. The city has grown with an attentive eye to those who live here
and has delivered in providing jobs for the majority of residents.
There are over 1,000 businesses in Summerside that employ over
7,000 workers. A diverse economy has created a highly stable operating
environment for existing businesses and residents.
Thus, Summerside’s value proposition for the job seeker is
equally strong:
• Projected growth in employment
opportunities across several
industrial sectors
• Wide range of employers – key
industry players, public sector/
government, small – medium
sized firms, not-for-profit agencies
• Affordable, safe, and vibrant
community in which to work
and live
• Access to high quality educational
institutions and lifelong
learning opportunities
• Multitude of recreational and
cultural activities
Agencies and government offices offering assistance with job search,
establishing a small business, and career training are open, ready, and
willing to help you achieve success!
With higher incomes per capita, some of the lowest taxation rates
in the country, and an affordable housing market, Summerside places
value on the hard work you do for every dollar earned.
Skilled Workforce
Summerside’s workforce is well represented by individuals with strong
technical skills and quality training. Well over 50% of the population has
a High School Diploma or higher.
In combination with PEI’s record of low employee turnover, Summerside’s
workforce continually proves itself to be a valuable asset to
business enterprise in all sectors.
Diverse Industry
Several industry sectors are major players in the diverse business landscape
of Summerside. These include: primary industries/manufacturing
- specialized in: materials, goods production, and food /agricultural
processing; health and social services; the wholesale and retail trade;
and service sectors.
Over the last 10 years, Summerside has considerably increased its
market share in knowledge-based industries. The strongest area for
growth in this regard is in Aerospace – specifically in avionic production
and mass transit enterprises. Looking to build on this success, Summerside
is currently undertaking increased economic development
efforts in aerospace, information and communications technology, and
advanced manufacturing.
Collaborative Partnerships
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.
Partnership Success Story
Slemon Park Aerospace… an attractive location
The Aerospace sector is one of the fastest growing sectors on Prince
Edward Island, and represents over 20% of total provincial exports.
Some of the most world renowned companies call Summerside home
– Atlantic Turbines International, Honeywell, Wiebel Aerospace, Testori
Americas, and MDS-PRAD Technologies.
In cooperation with the efforts of Provincial and Federal government
partners, Summerside has created an attractive environment for the
aerospace industry. The concentration of leaders at Slemon Park Aerospace
Centre are leading the way.
The creation of an attractive business climate through the formation of a tax free zone for aerospace companies who locate to Slemon Park
is a major site selection advantage. The incentive program includes an
annual 100% rebate of Provincial Sales, Income and Property Taxes
until the year 2012.
Other attractive site selection advantages include:
• Low operating costs
• Very competitive and flexible
lease rates
• Private operational airport
• Hangar facilities for repair
and overhaul, aircraft modification
or research and development
activities
Slemon Park is just one example of how Summerside’s collaborative
efforts have been successful in maximizing innovation, profits, the
operational environment and industry cooperation. Consider the advantages
of putting Summerside and a partnership to work for you!
To learn about Partnership Success Opportunities contact the OED at
902-432-1255.
