‘I’m afraid we’re losing the opportunity for good ideas, good projects’
Plans to redevelop the former Confederation Bridge fabrication yard in Borden-Carleton, P.E.I., are more than a year behind schedule. The local MLA says people in the area want to see work get started there soon. CBC’s Wayne Thibodeau has more.
Nearly three decades after crews used a 45-hectare space in Borden-Carleton to construct components of the Confederation Bridge, the site remains vacant — and the MLA for the area is wondering why the province is taking so long to come up with a plan for it.
P.E.I. Green Party Leader and Borden-Kinkora MLA Matt MacFarlane brought the issue to the legislature Friday, asking Economic Development, Trade and Artificial Intelligence Minister Jenn Redmond about the status of development proposals for the former fabrication yard.
MacFarlane noted that the province’s request for proposals initially came with a deadline of February 2025 to reach an agreement with potential developers.
“People in the Borden area are coming to me wondering what’s going on. I wanted to find out, too, because business moves quicker than this,” he told reporters outside the legislature Friday.
“Government is moving slow. We’ve gone down this road before.”
Five proposals for the redevelopment of the fabrication yard, which is owned by Innovation P.E.I., landed on the desks of provincial and municipal officials in November 2024. Those proposals then moved to a selection committee for review and ranking.
In September 2024, MacFarlane organized a public meeting to discuss the site, which saw many area residents in favour of a golf course development.
By October 2025, the province had narrowed the proposals to just two. Government is not saying what the two proposals are.
Redmond told CBC News on Monday that the government is continuing to work through the process with the Town of Borden-Carleton. She said the province is also doing its duty to consult with the Indigenous community about developing on Crown land.
“We do want to make sure it’s right. We do want to make sure it’s a great fit for the town and that it does what the goal is,” Redmond said. “That is to continue to help the town grow, to ensure that there’s economic spinoff that’s really positive for them.”
In a statement to CBC News, a spokesperson for L’nuey said the Indigenous community is focused on the consultation process and is “hopeful a mutually beneficial outcome can be achieved” on the fabrication yard.
“This property also represents a significant opportunity to support Mi’kmaw economic development and advance greater self-sufficiency for First Nations on the Island,” the statement reads.
“On behalf of the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils, L’nuey has requested without prejudice discussions on the matter.”
‘They’re frustrated. They’re disappointed’
MacFarlane said the length of the process may cause the businesses interested in doing something with the site to move on to other projects.
He said area residents are also eager to see development on the land.
“They’re frustrated. They’re disappointed. It’s an opportunity to move the town and the area in a potential new direction. It’s an opportunity to take advantage of what this property offers to the community,” MacFarlane said.
“I’m afraid we’re losing the opportunity for good ideas, good projects to come forward and probably end up having to do this whole process over again.”
Borden-Carleton Mayor Randy Ahearn said in a statement that the fabrication yard “represents a significant economic and strategic opportunity” for the town, with potential to drive investment and growth.
“The extended planning timeline reflects the scale and importance of the project, and it is clear that a thorough and thoughtful approach is being taken to ensure it is done right and delivers lasting benefits,” the statement reads.
“The Town of Borden-Carleton remains committed to attracting new businesses, supporting job creation, and fostering investment that strengthens our community and the broader region.”
Redmond said one or both of the proposals could be approved, and there may still be room for others.
She said the public will be consulted before plans are finalized, but she wouldn’t say when that might happen.
“Certainly, we are staying connected,” Redmond said.
“We know how important the property is to the town and what it can do for these residents and the growth of that town. So we’ll continue to work through that process.”
Redmond said the project is not behind schedule, noting significant cleanup of the site was necessary.
The province said in a statement that about $35,000 has been spent on the request for proposals process.
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