What event in Summerside’s history launched a mini-industry of souvenir postcards?
Summerside had two major fires – one in 1906 and the other in 1916. The second was so bad it was said that downtown resembled a city devastated by the great war.
Entrepreneurial spirit was ignited with a mini-industry of souvenir postcards showing the fire damage.
How did the tax centre come to be in Summerside?
When the closure of CFB Borden was announced, community leaders immediately began lobbying Ottawa for a replacement industry and were successful in attracting the tax centre, which is now one of our largest employers.
What was the Million Dollar Train?
We all know that Summerside was built in part upon the Silver Fox industry, starting in 1890. But did you know Summerside was known as the silver fox capital of the world?
- In 1926, the largest and most valuable shipment of 855 live silver foxes were shipped to the U.S., each having a retail value of $900. This was commonly referred to as the “Million Dollar Train.”
What does Summerside have that historians love?
Summerside has one of the highest concentrations in Canada of residential heritage buildings within easy walking, in a heritage district with approximately 400 properties
The Indian Head Lighthouse, which began operating in 1881, is a very rare architectural specimen, with its octagonal keeper’s dwelling on the first level, topped by a two storey tower and its red lantern.
What Summerside business was once the largest employer on PEI?
The R.T. Holman department store was established in 1858 and was once the largest employer on PEI. Today it is the site of numerous businesses and our ever-popular Farmer’s Market.
How many Summerside sports celebrities can you name?
While you may be aware of Heather Moyse,our two-time Olympic gold medalist, Summerside has been home to golfer Lori Kane and a number of well-known hockey figures as well, chief among them: NHLers Darryl Boyce and Steve Ott, plus former NHL players Dave Cameron, John Chabot, Gerard Gallant and Errol Thompson. FYI, The first person to join the NHL from PEI was Charlie Cahill of the Summerside Crystals.
Name 2 Summerside renewable energy initiatives.
A large portion of Summerside’s energy needs are met with renewable energy.
- Most months, 35 – 45% of the city’s load is generated by wind.
- And the Summerside Wastewater Treatment plant produces approximately 4K tons of quality biosolid fertilizer that is used on farmland.
- Summerside is the first in Canada to have an energy Solar & Storage System Demonstration Project.
What is the average commute time to work in Summerside?
4 minutes.
How many businesses operate in Summerside?
Summerside has 600+ businesses representing many sectors. ( 43% of our workforce has been with the same employer 6+ years.)
When was the Journal Pioneer newspaper launched?
The Journal Pioneer started as a weekly newspaper in 1865, becoming a daily in 1939 and even in an industry which is constantly changing, it continues to publish 6 days a week, feeding our appetite for local news.
How old is the Lobster Carnival?
Summerside’s first Lobster Carnival was held in 1956, making it 61 years old.