Twelve New Cottages Planned at Dalvay by the Sea to Boost Tourism

Twelve new cottages are set to be constructed at Dalvay by the Sea, complementing eight existing cottages in the area. The development, a collaborative effort between D.P. Murphy, the holding company managing Dalvay by the Sea, and Parks Canada, aims to enhance the local tourism experience by facilitating year-round usage. Discussions regarding this project have been ongoing for several months, culminating in a public information session held on Saturday, where community members were invited to learn more about the initiative.

According to Danny Cusack, the realty adviser for Parks Canada, the primary objective of the new cottages is to make Dalvay by the Sea more self-sustainable. “The twelve proposed cottages will bring more people to the area,” Cusack stated. “It matches what is the use of the property consistently now. So, we’re not changing any use of the property. That’s what it’s there for, it’s for the tourism sector.” This sentiment reflects a shared vision between Parks Canada and D.P. Murphy, focusing on reinvesting the additional revenue generated from the cottages back into the hotel and its services.

Environmental Considerations and Future Plans

The development plan will utilize land beyond the confines of D.P. Murphy’s current lease. Cullen Mullally, legal counsel for D.P. Murphy, confirmed that the project has already undergone a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, Indigenous consultation, and an archaeological dig, which have all contributed to the project’s advancement.

Mullally indicated that the design of the cottages allows for their removal if necessary, an aspect both Parks Canada and D.P. Murphy prioritized. “We’re hoping that everything goes to plan and we can start construction on some of the civil work later this month and continue that after the winter when the weather permits,” he noted.

The construction timeline is optimistic, with hopes to break ground later this month. This timing aligns with the company’s strategy to capitalize on the winter season, thereby extending the tourism season at Dalvay by the Sea, which is a significant draw for visitors to Prince Edward Island.

Overall, the introduction of these twelve cottages is seen as a vital step toward enhancing the local tourism landscape and ensuring that Dalvay by the Sea remains a premier destination year-round.