The seawall around the Charlottetown Yacht Club needs a $5.5 million replacement after 75 years of being battered by wind, waves and ice.

A big night on Wednesday as the Special Olympics PEI Team PEI 2024 Send-Off Celebration was held.  The celebration was held to cheer on  the Team PEI 2024 athletes, coaches, mission staff, volunteers and supporters who will be taking part in the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary.  The Games are set for February 27th through March 2nd and Team PEI leaves in just a few days. 

Jim Sark, a long-time leader and former Chief of Lennox Island First Nation and Abegweit First Nation, passed away Wednesday at the age of 84.  Jim Sark’s legacy as a community builder and tireless advocate for his people will forever be remembered. The Epekwitk Assembly of Councils says that throughout his lifetime, Sark dedicated himself to improving the lives of Indigenous Peoples. It says that from pioneering the distribution of electricity in Lennox Island to overseeing the construction of essential facilities such as community halls, gyms, and housing, his dedication to progress was evident in every aspect of his work.

Matt MacFarlane is now officially a member of the PEI Legislature.  In the Legislative Chamber on Wednesday, MacFarlane was sworn in as the MLA for District 19 Borden-Kinkora after having won the by-election in early February for the Green Party.  The Greens now have 3 seats in the legislature, the same as the Opposition Liberals.  

A P.E.I. teacher who works with students displaced by war and conflict spent two weeks in Ukraine with Ukrainian friends who have now made the Island their home.

National cybersecurity educator Tim King was on P.E.I. this week. His main focus is teaching young Canadians about the personal security risks they face online, and how to limit them.

George James (Jim) Sark died Wednesday morning at the age of 84, the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils said as it honoured his legacy and his 'many years of service.'

A councillor from Murray Harbour, P.E.I., who argues his right to share 'a personal opinion' on a sign was infringed by sanctions imposed by his fellow councillors has filed documents seeking a judicial review of the case.

Prince Edward Island’s need for construction workers to build homes has never been greater amid the province’s housing crisis, but funding announced Wednesday could have job sites bustling with workers soon. 

Calling all political nerds! This one is for you. The P.E.I. legislature opens for the spring sitting next week. Good Question, P.E.I. host Nicola MacLeod and legislative reporter Kerry Campbell answer your questions about the room where it happens.

The Green's Matt MacFarlane was sworn in today at the P.E.I. legislature, after winning a byelection in District 19 Borden-Kinkora earlier in February.

Melanie Fraser will be the new CEO of Health P.E.I., following in the footsteps of Dr. Michael Gardam and interim CEO Corinne Rowswell at the helm of the provincial health agency.

Health PEI will soon have a new Chief Executive Officer.  Melanie Fraser, a senior Public Sector executive with 20+ years of experience, has accepted the position and will assume the role next month.

Fraser was formerly the Associate Deputy Minister for Health for the Province of Ontario, and has led numerous portfolios including the creation of the Ontario Health Agency, Mental Health & Addictions, Data and Digital Transformation, Hospital Operations & Capital Development, Home & Community Care, Agency Oversight, Health Human Resources, Labour Relations and Ambulance Services.  Prior to that she held executive positions including the Corporate Chief Information Officer for Ontario, the Chief Administrative Officer at Treasury Board and the Director of Operations for the Ontario Death Investigation System. 

In announcing the new CEO, Health Minister Mark McLane also praised the work of Interim CEO Corinne Rowswell, who will stay on until Fraser begins her new role on March 11th.

An executive search firm, Odgers Berndtson, was engaged to lead the search for the next CEO of Health PEI. There were also meetings to collect input from key stakeholders and a survey of Health PEI staff on what qualities they wanted in a CEO.

The new CEO of Port Summerside says it’s full steam ahead for the western P.E.I. cargo hub and tourism destination.

The director of the Centre for Free Expression is joining the call for the P.E.I. government to protect Islanders from lawsuits that are meant to silence citizen protest.  

Through ACOA, the federal government is providing $210,000 in support to help grow the construction workforce in Atlantic Canada. 

The investment is to help the Construction Association of PEI develop and implement an immigration strategy to connect construction companies in the region with immigration expertise, and help them connect with qualified workers at international recruitment events.

The Province, through Skills PEI, is also contributing $160,000 toward the Construction Association’s development of a human resource plan in collaboration with PEI construction employers. 

Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister and Cardigan MP Lawrence MacAulay is on a trade mission to the Indo-Pacific markets of Malaysia and the Philippines.  While in Manila, MacAulay took part in the official opening of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office.  Officials say the new Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office will be the hub for a mobile team that’s aimed at building strategic partnerships that will grow export opportunities and increase demand for Canadian products. 

A 21 year old Charlottetown man has been charged with uttering threats, possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes and pointing a firearm.  The charges stem from an incident in the early morning hours of last Saturday.  A Charlottetown Police officer was flagged down in the downtown area by a group of men who said they were in an altercation with some others, including a man who pulled out a black hand gun and threatened them.  They told the officer that the suspects were inside a vehicle in the Fitzroy Parkade and police were able to stop the vehicle as it was exiting the parkade.  Four men inside the vehicle were detained and Police located a black pellet hand gun inside the vehicle.  The one man was charged and he’s been released with conditions and will soon appear in Provincial Court.

There are ongoing talks to lower the prices of the Confederation Bridge and ferry service on P.E.I. But the province's transportation minister says any drops aren't likely soon.

There was a fire in a warehouse in the New Glasgow area on Tuesday afternoon.  The fire was in a warehouse on Route 224, and smoke billowing out from the structure could be seen from several kilometres away.  No injuries are reported.  Firefighters from the New Glasgow, North Rustico, New London and North River Fire departments all responded.

Some coffee shops on Prince Edward Island are doing away with plastic lids in a push to be more environmentally friendly — and now one of Canada's biggest coffee players is joining them.

The land purchase follows some moves by the hospital to secure housing — including a recent investment in a duplex and renting multiple apartments — that is used by travelling health-care professionals.

Some coffee shops on P.E.I. are getting rid of plastic in a push to be more environmentally friendly — and now one of Canada's biggest coffee chains is joining them.

A group of two dozen young artists in Charlottetown celebrated the Year of the Dragon by making one of their own. Find put why they did it, and what the Lunar New Year means to them.

The provincial government has announced 2.7-million dollars to
increase social program rates in the province.
Social Development and Seniors Minister Barb Ramsay says residents getting Social Assistance or Assured Income benefits will
see a five per cent increase to their basic unit rate.
That’s the monthly allowance to meet the individual’s basic needs including food, clothing, and household supplies.
The increases to social program rates will come into effect on March 1st.

The P.E.I. government is spending $27 million to increase social assistance rates next month, according to a news release on Tuesday.

Prince Edward Island's inflation rate in January 2024 was 1.6 per cent, down a full percentage point from December 2023, according to figures released by Statistics Canada on Tuesday. 

A new emerging sport tourism industry event is heading to Charlottetown.  Spo Ho Xperience will take place this coming October 28th and 29th at the PEI Brewing Company and the Confederation Centre of the Arts. It’s the second year for the event, which draws together sport event rights holders, tourism professionals, event management firms and suppliers/vendors from the sport hosting industry.  The event is projected to generate $480,000 in economic impact for the City of Charlottetown.

Summerside native Logan McLellan has announced that he’ll be running for the Conservative nomination in Egmont.  McLellan, an entrepreneur, was the conservative candidate in Egmont in the 2019 federal election.  He finished second to Liberal Bobby Morrissey.

Statistics Canada says the country’s annual inflation rate fell to 2.9 percent last month.  The sharp decline comes after inflation ticked up to 3.4 per cent in December.  The consumer price index report says the largest contributor to the decline was lower gasoline prices on a year-over-year basis.  Price growth for groceries also decelerated significantly, rising 3.4 per cent annually in January compared with 4.7 per cent in December.  PEI’s annual inflation rate stood at 1.6 percent in January, down from 2.6 percent in December.

P.E.I.'s Transportation and Infrastructure minister said he's been assured that federal funding for road improvements will continue on the Island following controversial comments from Canada's Environment Minister.

On Tuesday, Statistics Canada is set to release its January consumer price index report.  Canada’s inflation rate has zipped up and down over the past several months, but has still trended downward as global prices pressures fade and the economy slows.  Economists expect that inflation slowed last month.  PEI’s inflation rate in December was 2.6 percent

Sports organizations on P.E.I. are being encouraged to reach out to Indigenous youth across the Island and offer a no-commitment chance to try different types of athletic activity. A recent cultural workshop at Abegweit First Nation was a starting point.

A beloved ice maker in Tignish was celebrated over the weekend. Billy Keough has done the job for more than two decades and he just turned 80.

In an Islander Day matinee, the Charlottetown Islanders host the Acadie-Bathurst Titan at 2:00pm.

The Summerside Western Capitals are in action Monday afternoon, hosting the West Kent Steamers at 2:00pm at Credit Union Place.  

In Major U18 Hockey, the Charlottetown Knights host the Saint John Vitos at Maclauchlan Arena at 3:30pm, while the Kensington Wild are on the road in Moncton

The Men’s and Women’s Holland College Volleyball Hurricanes both won on Sunday and prepare now for the playoffs.  The Women will face St Thomas in the quarterfinals while the Men face St Thomas in the semi-finals.  

SCOREBOARD

Sunday’s Scoreboard

NHL

N.Y. Rangers 6 N.Y. Islanders 5 (OT)

Colorado 4 Arizona 3

Los Angeles 2 Pittsburgh 1

—

AHL

Bridgeport 2 Laval 1 (OT)

Utica 7 Rochester 3

Cleveland 6 Chicago 3

Charlotte 5 Springfield 3

Providence 3 Hartford 0

Coachella Valley 6 Henderson 1

Colorado 5 Bakersfield 2

—

PWHL

Montreal 2 Minnesota 1

—

NBA

East All Stars 211 West All Stars 186

—

NLL

Calgary 17 Halifax 11

* * * * * * * * * *

Monday’s Schedule

(All times Eastern)

NHL

Anaheim at Buffalo, 12:30 p.m.

Dallas at Boston, 1 p.m.

Toronto at St. Louis, 1 p.m.

Vancouver at Minnesota, 2 p.m.

Detroit at Seattle, 3:30 p.m.

Edmonton at Arizona, 4 p.m.

Vegas at San Jose, 4 p.m.

Winnipeg at Calgary, 4 p.m.

Chicago at Carolina, 7 p.m.

Ottawa at Tampa Bay, 7 p.m.

—

AHL

Hershey at Belleville, 2 p.m.

Rochester at Toronto, 2 p.m.

Milwaukee at Manitoba, 3 p.m.

Calgary at Abbotsford, 5 p.m.

Rockford at Iowa, 6 p.m.

—

PWHL

Ottawa at Boston, 4:30 p.m.

The Holland College Foundation’s $2.5 million Thrive campaign has received a $100,000 donation from Kent and Inger Scales. The campaign is a special fundraising effort to establish a centre for student wellness, resilience, and success at Holland College.

Kent Scales is chair of the Holland College Foundation Board of Directors. The centre will provide services that include mental health supports, a health clinic, academic support services, and career and academic counselling. 

The RCMP in PEI says its Provincial Priority Unit has been buddy so far in 2024 asd it focuses on ensuring safety on Island roads.  Since January 1st, the RCMP PEI Provincial Priority unit has issued 405 tickets and 156 warnings across the province, to promote road safety.  PEI RCMP formed the unit in 2020 to address impaired driving and road safety in the province.  It does so by using proactive, educational, and enforcement initiatives –  and partners with local MADD Canada Chapters, and takes part in anti-impaired driving speaking events with schools and organizations.

Eva O'Hanley's experience with the shingles virus began last year, but she's still experiencing lingering symptoms to this day. Meanwhile, a P.E.I. doctor wants the province to further lower the age of eligibility for Islanders to get a free vaccine.

Erin Gillespie always wanted to start up a homestead someday. When opportunity knocked, the idea of moving her life and her business to the country seemed impossible at first.

New data from Statistics Canada says that almost half of francophone students in Prince Edward Island receive their education in English-language schools.

The UPEI men’s hockey season came to an end Saturday night as the visiting Saint Mary’s Huskies won 2-1 in overtime before a packed crowd at the MacLauchlan Arena. The Huskies took the quarterfinal series, 2-0 over the young Panthers.  The Huskies scored 30 seconds into OT. 

The Charlottetown Islanders doubled the Armada, 4-2 in the QMJHL.  
The Charlottetown Islanders are back in action against the Acadie Bathurst Titan on Islander Day tomorrow afternoon in Charlottetown

The league leading Summerside Western capitals stopped Amherst, 5-2 in the MHL.
The Summerside Western Capitals will take on the West Kent Steamers in Summerside tomorrow afternoon

The Charlottetown Knights got by the Northern Moose, 3-1 in Major Under 18.

With Saturday’s AUS Basketball action, the UPEI Men’s Basketball Panthers clinched a playoff spot and are heading to Halifax for the AUS Championships. 

The Holland College Men’s Basketball Hurricanes beat UKC 92-78, while the Women’s Hurricanes dumped UKC 92-81.   

PEI’s Jane DiCarlo lost 8-3 to Manitoba to fall to 0-and-2, and faces BC at the Scotties National Women’s Curling Championship in Calgary.

Saturday’s Scoreboard

NHL

Toronto 9 Anaheim 2

Edmonton 4 Dallas 3 (OT)

Winnipeg 4 Vancouver 2

Washington 4 Montreal 3

Chicago 3 Ottawa 2

Detroit 5 Calgary 0

Los Angeles 5 Boston 4 (OT)

Buffalo 3 Minnesota 2 (OT)

Florida 9 Tampa Bay 2

Nashville 5 St. Louis 2

New Jersey 6 Philadelphia 3

Carolina 3 Vegas 1

Columbus 4 San Jose 3

PWHL

Minnesota 2 Ottawa 1

New York 2 Boston 1

AHL

Calgary 2 Abbotsford 1

Milwaukee 4 Manitoba 0

Belleville 3 Utica 2

Hershey 3 Toronto 2 (OT)

WB/Scranton 6 Laval 3

Tucson 3 Ontario 2

San Jose 7 Bakersfield 3

Springfield 2 Charlotte 1 (OT)

Hartford 2 Bridgeport 1 (OT)

Syracuse 2 Lehigh Valley 1

Grand Rapids 3 Rockford 2

Texas 3 Iowa 2

Chicago 4 Cleveland 3 (SO)

Colorado 5 Coachella Valley 2

Henderson 2 San Diego 1

NLL

Albany 13 Colorado 11

Sunday’s Schedule

(All times Eastern)

NHL

N.Y. Rangers vs. N.Y. Islanders, at MetLife Stadium, 3 p.m.

Arizona at Colorado, 6 p.m.

Los Angeles at Pittsburgh, 6 p.m.

AHL

Laval at Bridgeport, 3 p.m.

Utica at Rochester, 3:05 p.m.

Cleveland at Chicago, 4 p.m.

Springfield at Charlotte, 4 p.m.

Hartford at Providence, 4:05 p.m.

Colorado at Bakersfield, 8 p.m.

Henderson at Coachella Valley, 8 p.m.

PWHL

Minnesota at Montreal, 1 p.m.

NBA

East All Stars vs. West All Stars, 8 p.m., Indianapolis

NLL

Halifax at Calgary, 7 p.m.

US  authorities say the second critically endangered North Atlantic right whale found dead in the last month showed injuries consistent with a collision with a ship. 

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says it was notified of the dead right whale floating off Savannah, Georgia, on February 13th. 

The announcement came just days after the agency released details about a dead right whale off Massachusetts that showed signs of entanglement in fishing gear, which is the other major threat the animals face.

Right whales in the North Atlantic number less than 360.

A combined investment of more than $21.4 million from the federal and Provincial governments will go towards road improvements on the island.  Funding for four projects was announced by MPs Lawrence MacAulay and Heath MacDonald, provincial Minister Ernie Hudson, and Abegweit First Nation Chief Junior Gould.  The projects in Kings County, Queens County and Prince County include upgrades to approximately 149 kilometres of roads. The Abegweit First Nation project on Route 2 will mean a reduced speed limit, making it safer for  pedestrians and cyclists within the community.

Two Charlottetown women were arrested by the Charlottetown Police Services Street Crime Unit Officers following a 4 weeklong investigation on Thursday afternoon on Euston Street. Police say the pair were seen conducting a drug transaction and a short time later the Street Crime Unit executed a search warrant at the place of residence of one of the females on Euston Street. A total of 3056 methamphetamine tablets and $4,300 cash were seized by police. The two, both from Charlottetown, have been charged with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking and have been released from custody on conditions and will appear in court on a later date.

The P.E.I. government needs to do a much better job of targeting immigration to fill critical worker shortages, the province’s two opposition parties say.

Somewhere on Prince Edward Island right now, chances are good that a knitter or crocheter is putting the finishing touches on a family heirloom that was otherwise doomed to be thrown away. The province has about 20 "finishers" connected with a U.S.-based initiative called The Loose Ends Project. 

Monday, Feb. 19 is Islander Day, a provincial holiday on Prince Edward Island. All government offices are closed, as are most stores and businesses.

The annual Beautiful You free prom dress pop-up boutique takes some of the financial stress out of saying yes to the dress for P.E.I. students and their families.

Charlottetown is expected to break records this summer for cruise ship port calls and passenger visits.

The UPEI Men’s Basketball Panthers earned a key win as they try and clinch a playoff spot, beating the Capers 79-78.  The Women’s Basketball Panthers dumped Cape Breton 75-64.

The UPEI Men’s Hockey Panthers are home to the St Mary’s Huskies Saturday night at 7:00pm in a must-win Game 2 of their best-of-three quarterfinal series. The Huskies are up 1-0 in the series.

The Charlottetown Islanders host the Armada Saturday night at 7:00pm

In the Maritime Junior Hockey league, the Summerside Western Capitals are in Amherst at 7:00pm.

At the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, PEI’s Jane DiCarlo rink lost 11-8 to Saskatchewan. On Saturday they face Alberta.

The Holland College Basketball Hurricanes are home to UKC Saturday with the Women at 2pm and the Men at 4pm.  The Women’s Volleyball Hurricanes are home to Mt. Allison Saturday night while the men are on the road to face St Thomas.

SCOREBOARD

Friday’s Scoreboard

PWHL

Toronto 3 Montreal 0

—

NHL

Carolina 5 Arizona 1

—

AHL

Laval 5 Hartford 2

Toronto 4 Belleville 3

Cleveland 4 Grand Rapids 3

Bridgeport 3 Providence 2

Rochester 5 WB/Scranton 3

Rockford 4 Chicago 0

Texas 6 Iowa 4

Ontario 8 Tucson 1

—

NLL

Halifax 14 Buffalo 12

Toronto 16 New York 10

Philadelphia 10 Las Vegas 8

—

Saturday’s Games

(All times Eastern)

NHL

Los Angeles at Boston, 12:30 p.m.

Edmonton at Dallas, 3 p.m.

Ottawa at Chicago, 3 p.m.

Detroit at Calgary, 4 p.m.

Buffalo at Minnesota, 5 p.m.

Florida at Tampa Bay, 5 p.m.

Nashville at St. Louis, 5 p.m.

Anaheim at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Washington at Montreal, 7 p.m.

Philadelphia vs. New Jersey at MetLife Stadium, 8 p.m.

Winnipeg at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

Carolina at Vegas, 10:30 p.m.

Columbus at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

—

PWHL

Minnesota at Ottawa, 2 p.m.

New York at Boston, 4 p.m.

—

AHL

Milwaukee at Manitoba, 3 p.m.

Hershey at Toronto, 4 p.m.

Springfield at Charlotte, 4 p.m.

Laval at WB/Scranton, 6:05 p.m.

Belleville at Utica, 7 p.m.

Hartford at Bridgeport, 7 p.m.

Syracuse at Lehigh Valley, 7:05 p.m.

Cleveland at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Grand Rapids at Rockford, 8 p.m.

Iowa at Texas, 8 p.m.

Colorado at Coachella Valley, 9 p.m.

Henderson at San Diego, 9 p.m.

Ontario at Tucson, 9 p.m.

Calgary at Abbotsford, 10 p.m.

San Jose at Bakersfield, 10 p.m.

—

NLL

Colorado at Albany, 7 p.m.

—