Summerside showcases new business centre

Summerside Mayor Bill Martin said he had a 'wow' moment on Wednesday when he walked into the city's new business centre and saw the progress of renovations.

"It's incredible," said Martin, referring to the nearly $2 million in renovations at the former Co-op building at 54Central Street.

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The business centre is slated to be the new home of the Montreal-based IO Solutions Call Center Inc.

This is the single largest job creation initiative in the City of Summerside since the opening of the Summerside Tax Centre.- Bill Martin, Summerside mayor

Between 35 and 40 employees are being trained at the company's facility in Bloomfield before business operations begin in Summerside near the third week of July, Martin said.

About 100 full-time jobs are expected at the centre. The company's official opening is anticipated for September.

Wage contribution to economy more than $4M

"We estimate the wage contribution to be in excess of $4 million a year. And the multiplication factors for every dollar that's paid out in wages, it multiplies six or seven times in your community," said Martin.

"This is the single largest job creation initiative in the City of Summerside since the opening of the Summerside Tax Centre."

Martin said the city is contributing just under $800,000 towards the renovations. The federal government is providing $990,000through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency fund, while Innovation P.E.I. is providing $28,000 for architectural and design costs.

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