Charlottetown hot spot to be ready in time for tourism season: Confederation Centre CEO

Construction wrapping up on Victoria Row before June

Macy Shaddick, assistant manager at Crow’s Nest, Canadian Makers & Small Producers on Richmond Street in Charlottetown, says Victoria Row draws people in with its string lights and patios, creating a cozy, but lively feeling in the summer, but that the construction has limited foot traffic in the colder months.

Victoria Row in Charlottetown will be cleared of construction and open for pedestrians in May.

The cobblestone block on Richmond Street, between Queen and Great George streets, with original architecture from the 1800s, is home to local restaurants, artisan gift shops, boutiques and an art gallery.

The street has been blocked off in the fall and winter seasons since 2024 while the Confederation Centre of the Arts worked on its $65 million renovations.

Angela Simpson, sales associate at Northern Watters Knitwear & Tartan Shop on Victoria Row, said Victoria Row is the “family-friendly party street” of the Island.

“You’ve got people out in the evenings that are listening to the music, and they’re dancing, they’re having fun,” said Simpson. “People are looking at the shops and sitting on the patios. It’s just a really energetic, happy vibe.”

The $65 million renovation project for the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown has been underway since 2024, with construction and work vehicles blocking off the street entrance to Victoria Row on Richmond Street. The roadway is expected to open for pedestrian use by June 2026.Patrick Martin, Simpson’s co-worker, agreed.

“It’s a very warm vibe. It’s very inviting and very friendly,” said Martin. “Everyone is there, just having a good time.”

The street is pedestrian-only during the summer, but Simpson said she would like to see it continue year-round.

“Most cities are designed around cars, not people,” she said. “This is designed around people.”

Macy Shaddick, assistant manager at Crow’s Nest, Canadian Makers & Small Producers on Victoria Row, said keeping the area clear of vehicles could help conserve the cobblestone street, which encapsulates the feeling of old Charlottetown.

“It is definitely one of the more historic streets downtown,” she said. “So, I feel like that’s kind of what draws people the most. It’s very cozy but lively.”

Steve Bellamy, Confederation Centre of the Arts CEO, said the construction project is on schedule for completion in the fall of 2026, with plans for a grand opening next summer.

“We’re not sure exactly what that looks like. It’s in the early days of planning,” he said. “But there will be some celebrations and a bigger opening event in July of 2027.”

Steve Bellamy, Confederation Centre of the Arts CEO, says renovations to the centre will be wrapping up in the fall 2026. The building is scheduled for staff to return by November, with a grand opening planned for July 2027.

“Once it’s open and the spaces start to get activated, we’ll see what the community wants and kind of grow in those directions,” said Bellamy.

Simpson said the renovations to the Confederation Centre of the Arts will benefit the businesses on Victoria Row.

“It will give you that place where the beauty of the art world meets the authentic rustic look of the street,” she said. “It just creates a better sense of community.”

Since construction began in 2024, a yellow fence blocks off the entrances with a “Road Closed” sign. There have been concerns of accessibility for customers from businesses on the street. Most shops on Victoria Row are open year-round and can be accessed through the sidewalks on Queen and Great George streets.