The future of the Dominion Building

EDITORIAL as published in The Guardian - Jan 23, 2008

Now that federal employees have moved from this structure, the debate about its future can become more concrete.
Charlottetown residents who have an interest in what becomes of the Dominion Building should make a point of attending today's open house at the Confederation Centre's Memorial Hall. That's where they can view potential redevelopment suggestions and ask questions about them.

For years, capital city officials and residents have been discussing the Dominion Building on lower Queen Street and what should become of it once federal employees there moved to their new building on University Avenue. Suggestions have included everything from converting it into a condominium complex, a hotel or apartments to using it as a provincial heritage home or tearing the property down and making it available for much-needed parking space in the city core.

Now that employees have actually moved to their new workplace, those discussions have become more concrete. The Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce, along with the Canada Lands Company, the current owners of the site, are sponsoring today's open house to encourage the public to become more familiar with the redevelopment options. What's noteworthy about this open house is its structure. It's not a one-shot session. It's a drop-in format featuring displays of the options, an opportunity to ask questions of Canada Lands personnel and project consultants, and short presentations at specific times - 12:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

When it comes to accommodating the public, it doesn't get any better than that. Most people interested in the future of this building should be able to get to one of these presentation times if they want to.

The Dominion Building has a unique place on the streetscape of the capital city. It's not particularly pretty, but the old gray edifice is typical of the kind of building erected in the post-Second World War years. It's part of the capital city's built history. As well, for generations of Charlottetown residents who've crossed its threshold, the Dominion Building also houses many memories. The structure once served as a post office and housed many public services right up until employees made their move to the new building beginning late last year.

It's fitting that the future of this building be given thorough community discussion. Whatever option is chosen, it should have the support of the Charlottetown community and ideally should reflect what the community needs. Today's open house is an opportunity for people to take part in that process.