Council also given update on Amico’s hotel project

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“The ferry is vital for the safety of the island,” added Courtney.

Councillor Molly Allaire asked how old the ferries were, with Mayor Michael Prue saying they are over 80. Prince said the engines are regularly maintained and they are in “top mechanical condition.” Prue believed a new ferry, with ice breaking capabilities, could solve many of the issues.

McArthur asked about the mainland hotel, proposed for the corner of Dalhousie St. and Gore St. He said it was announced as a Hampton Inn & Suites in 2021 with a groundbreaking to be held in Spring 2022.

“It’s almost Spring 2023. What happened?” McArthur asked.

Prince said costs of materials and interest rates have shot up with the associated construction costs making it not viable at this time to build the hotel. She added there is still a deal in place with Hilton and that the situation regarding costs is improving, telling McArthur they hope to be in a position to proceed with the hotel in approximately six months.

Prue, an island resident, stated at the start of the meeting he discussed his involvement at an Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) with the integrity commissioner.

That hearing is still an open file, he noted, and cautioned he would have to declare a conflict of interest should the matter stray from the issue at hand and into matters that were part of the LPAT hearing.