The Pulse is SaltWire's deep dive series. In P.E.I., our reporters have been delving into the issue of housing. We have looked at housing supply, construction challenges, urban planning, and the experiences of those struggling to find homes. The coverage aims to highlight gaps and solutions to ensure affordable housing for all residents.
In 2023, Arsenault Bros. started two builds in Summerside. One, on Water Street, will have 44 units. Another development, on Schooner Street near Reads Corrner, consists of six buildings – three of which are currently complete. In Arsenault's opinion, it’s important to appeal to the younger generation and “make Summerside younger” – although the demand exists for all kinds of housing.
When it comes to housing, there isn’t just one type the city needs. Anything from single-family homes, to row houses, to apartments varying in the number of bedrooms will help Summerside grow. In 2019, Summerside saw a development boom – 171 housing units were built, up from 61 the previous year.“It feels good. It’s better to manage the challenges and opportunities of growth than those of decline,” said Kutcher. “I’d far rather be driving around the city seeing housing developments and economic growth, than empty houses.”A further housing boom occurred in 2023.
“We want to make sure that people have housing that they can attain and that’s affordable for them, whether it’s to purchase or to rent,” he said. “Too many people are spending too much money, too much of their take-home income, on a place to live.”