CHARLOTTETOWN — The historic provincial legislature in Charlottetown officially reopened Saturday after a painstaking, much-delayed restoration that took 12 years to complete.
The neo-classical building, known as Province House, opened for its first legislative session in 1847, making it the second-oldest legislature in Canada. Nova Scotia’s legislature in Halifax was completed in 1819.
Prince Edward Island’s legislature is best known as the site of the negotiations -- and raucous, late-night revelry -- in September 1864 that led to the founding of Canada as a self-governing dominion three years later.
The Speaker of the P.E.I. legislature, Brad Trivers, issued a statement Saturday saying it was clear Islanders were excited about the reopening.
“We look forward to celebrating the return of our provincial parliament to this historic building to continue its democratic work for Islanders in its traditional home,” his statement said.
Also known as the Birthplace of Confederation, the building on Richmond Street has undergone several rounds of upgrades and conservation work over the years. But in February 2014, a report from an engineering firm made it clear that major work was needed.
The report revealed the building’s foundation was crumbling and part of it could collapse. As well, the roof was leaking, intricate masonry was deteriorating and its plaster walls and ceilings were peeling.
In 2015, the building was closed for repairs and the legislative chamber was moved to the nearby Honourable George Coles Building.
The original plan was to have the renovations completed within three to five years.
But the project encountered a number of challenges, including delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, supply-chain issues, inflated material costs and a shortage of skilled tradespeople.
Parks Canada, which has been responsible for maintaining the national historic site since 1974, announced in 2023 that the “total investment for long-term preservation” was pegged at $138 million.
Aside from major repairs to the masonry and plasterwork, the project included interior painting, window restoration and other heritage woodwork, new flooring, a new elevator and upgrades to plumbing, electrical, ventilation and fire and safety systems.
The plans also called for installation of a “geothermal wellfield” for heating and air conditioning and a “multi-perspective visitor experience.”
Federal officials could not be immediately reached Saturday to comment on the final cost.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 24, 2026.
By Michael MacDonald in Halifax
