News

Train Station Renovations Underway!

Part of PEI’s history was the railway which spanned the island for decades. With the increased use of trucks and automobiles the use of the train declined sharply with the last passenger train running in 1968. 

One of our iconic buildings at Wood Islands Market and Heritage Seashore, is the replica train station. This building recreates the train station that was once at the corner of Douses Rd and Hwy 315. Some of the interior woodwork used was salvaged from the Melville Train Station in 2005, preserving a little piece of PEI history.

Over the years this building has housed various cafes and restaurants that have served tourists and this community. However, the building has been slowly sinking and is now in need of repair to the foundation.

Thanks to the Province and funding from the Rural Growth Initiative, we are able to secure the services of Whiteway Construction to begin this important work. Our little replica train station is now being lifted so that a new insulated foundation can be put into place. Once replaced, the electric and HVAC systems can be upgraded to make this once seasonal building a place that can be used all year round. It will then serve as the new home of the Rural Municipality of Belfast (RMB) which currently operates out of space next to the Visitor’s Information Centre. 

Next time you are passing by, have a look at the progress we’ve made.  

Our efforts don’t stop there! We are continuing to work towards the vision in our Revitalization Project. 

This summer we completed the Confederation Trail extension that connects the Wood Islands Market to the Ferry Terminal. Many thanks to Island Coastal Services Ltd.! Please keep in mind, this extension like the rest of the Confederation Trail, is for hiking or bike riding and not meant to be used by vehicles. 

Our season end is coming up soon but the trail is open year round for your recreation. The Japanese often prescribe “forest bathing” as a tonic for health and well being. So next time you are feeling stressed, take some time to walk our trail and do a little forest bathing. It’s a great way to clear the mind and nourish the soul. 

Train Station Renovations Underway! Read More »

Another successful 70 Mile Coastal Yardsale

This was our 25th year of hosting the 70 Mile Coastal Yardsale, which has grown in size over the years. This year we had more vendors onsite than ever before. Thanks to good weather and all of the time and efforts of the volunteers that helped pull this all together, we had another successful event. Our BBQ and Mega 50/50 draw helped raise funds to support future events, and to contribute to the funds needed for repairs and renovations needed at our Wood Islands Lighthouse.

Vendors were offering a wide variety items to appeal to just about everyone. Visitors were able to snack on roasted corn, sausages and ocean air infused coffee while wandering through the rows of vendors. The Sweet Company was busy serving up ice cream and fudge, and our agency Liquor Store and Saltwater Commissary were busy as well.

The Mega 50/50 draw marker flew up our Lighthouse model thermometer and generated a lot of excitement. A number of additional prizes were donated for secondary draws after the grand prize winner was drawn. Many thanks to Northumberland Ferries, Red Clay Construction, Wood Islands Cafe Express, Treena’s Takeout, Bar Vela Pizza and an anonymous community member for donating all of the secondary prizes.

And the winners are….
Grand Prize $1840 – Chance White
Northumberland Ferry Pass – Josephine MacNeil
Northumberland Ferry Pass – Wendal MacMaster
Bar Vela $25 Gift Certificate – Wayne Devoe
Wood Islands Café Express Dinner for Two – Virginia Higgenbotham
Treena’s Takeout $40 Gift Certificate – Margo Stewart
T-shirt and Hat from Red Clay Construction – Rick Kirkpatrick
Salt Lamp Essential Oil Diffuser – Rachel Haygett
Crystal Table Lamp – Ann MacDonald
Space Heater – Christine Evans
Juicing Machine – Johnny Herbert

As always, the Yardsale signals the time when seasonal things start winding down here on the Island. Cooler weather is creeping in, children are returning to school and thoughts are starting to turn to fall and winter activities to come. We still have a few events to plan so stay tuned to our website and Facebook pages for announcements.

We sincerely hope that everyone onsite and offsite had a wonderful weekend, and that all of you shoppers found some bargains and those special items on your shopping lists.

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Warming Facility

The Wood Islands & Area Development Corporation is pleased to announce that our facility has been chosen as a secondary warming facility for the Rural Municipality of Belfast. In the event that the main warming facility in Belfast is down during an extended power outage, Wood Islands Market will be the secondary facility to go to.

April 22nd was an exciting day as installation of the generator that will provide power during an extended power outage has begun!

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