Downtown Charlottetown Inc Launches New Gift Card

For Immediate Release August 2nd, 2024 Charlottetown, PE - Downtown Charlottetown Inc. (DCI) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Adopt A Corner Program. The program, which is entering its 18th year, encourages local businesses and organizations to enhance our city’s beauty through designing creative blooming gardens all over the city. This year’s competition saw seventy-eight garden corners planted by the business community over the summer, no two alike. DCI would like to celebrate and thank all the participants in the program, and the City of Charlottetown for their partnership in keeping the gardens looking their best. Since its first year in 2006, the program has continuously elevated the quality of life for residents of Charlottetown by changing the physical and social environment for Islanders. “We live in a very diverse city, and this program allows expression and brings soul to our surroundings” says Dawn Alan, Executive Director of Downtown Charlottetown Inc. “Beautification affects the way people interact; the way they feel not only about the city they live in but about themselves and their neighbours.” The Adopt a Corner Program is a great example of how with great partners we can change how we think, work and feel. This program would not be possible without the working partnership with the City of Charlottetown and the business community. The awards were presented at the City's Make Our Hometown Beautiful Awards Night on August 1st, 2024. The Returning Entries Winners are: 1st Place – Trinity United Church (Prince/Richmond) 2nd Place – Island Coastal Landscaping (Great George/Kent) 3rd Place – Slaymaker & Nichols (Fitzroy/Queen) The New Entries Winners are: 1st Place – Innovation PEI (Kent/Queen) 2nd Place – HR Atlantic (Great George/King) 3rd Place – Laird Tree Care (Kent/Queen) -30- For more information, please contact: Dawn Alan, Executive Director Downtown Charlottetown Inc. (902) 368-8636 dawn@downtowncharlottetown.com

For Immediate Release Downtown Charlottetown Inc. (DCI) announces the 2024 DCI Annual Awards recipients. The awards ceremony and reception took place on June 11th at Peake’s Quay, celebrating individuals and businesses that have made outstanding contributions to our city within the Business Improvement Area (BIA). Along with our awards celebrations this year, DCI is celebrating our 20th anniversary; Incorporated in June of 2004 the Staff and Board of Directors of DCI have proudly managed the BIA while fulfilling our mandate to support our members and elevate and enhance our Downtowns. The Awards: Established in 2005, the DCI Awards Program aims to recognize remarkable achievements and contributions to the community. This year's award categories include Retailer of the Year, Business Development of the Year, and the prestigious DCI President's Award. DCI’s 2024 Retailer of the Year Award was presented to: Trailside Music Hall Trailside Music Hall is an intimate, award-winning, 3,000-square-foot, live music venue located on the main floor of The Arts Hotel, 155 Kent Street. Open year-round, the Trailside is the place to experience some of the best Canadian and international music while enjoying delicious local food and drink, provided by the Dali Café. Founded on a dream, nurtured with passion, and elevated by dedication, Trailside Music Hall embodies what an entertainment business should be — more than just a venue, but a home for musical spirits to thrive. Meghann & Pat Deighan purchased the original “Trail Side Music Café”, Mount Stewart, in 2011. They envisioned a place where music transcends boundaries and connects the community. In September 2020, Pat & Meghann embarked on a new chapter, relocating to The Arts Hotel, and changing the name to “Trailside Music Hall”. Although 2020 was a difficult year for even established businesses, Trailside had its grand opening on September 1st, boasting a sold-out audience for September 1st, 2nd, and 3rd with a live performance by Amanda Jackson Band. These days you can find something for everyone in their packed entertainment line-up from kid-friendly matinee shows to cover bands. Trailside Music Hall attracts dozens of live acts every month. Trailside fosters collaboration through partnerships with local businesses: The Dali Café offers food service, Locarius operates its ticket sales, and organizations are encouraged to utilize the space for other major events throughout the year, including PEI Fashion Weekend, Music PEI Week, the ECMA’s, and so many more. Meghann & Pat Deighan were out of the province, unable to attend and so the award was accepted, on their behalf, by Jenny Allen, Director of Food and Beverage at Dyne Holdings. DCI’s 2024 Business Development of the Year Award was presented to : Abbiocco The concept of Abbiocco began taking shape in 2018 when Mike Ross and Brett Hogan noticed a gap in Charlottetown's culinary scene—a lack of Italian-themed dining experiences downtown. As they gazed across the street from their first location, Hopyard, at the spacious windows of 150 Kent Street, a prime corner property with a history of various businesses, they mused about the need for an Italian restaurant in that space. Over two years of observing the neighborhood evolve, they realized they were positioned to bring this idea to life. With the assistance of the property owner and architect Chris Tweel and Nine Yards Studio, they began revitalizing the space. Today we see a beautiful corner property, a great façade, attractive signage, an inviting entrance, and an attractive modern interior, all while preserving the original architectural design of the building. "Playfully elevated" has always been Mike and Brett’s (also owners of Hop Yard), guiding principle. As business partners, they've prioritized infusing their restaurants with vibrant energy. The recent additions of Nick Tomasic as our General Manager and Chef Jane Crawford have played pivotal roles in reconnecting with this core value. As Kent Street transforms into Charlottetown’s Entertainment District, they envisioned a bright future for an area that may have been previously overlooked. Abbiocco takes great pride in being part of this neighborhood alongside Hojo’s, Ada Culinary Studio, Taste of India, Craft Beer Corner, Trailside Music Hall, the Dali Café, Arts Hotel, Pony Boat, Hunter’s Ale House, The Beer Garden, The Factory, and a few more exciting establishments. With initiatives like the streetlight program and upcoming landscaping projects, we're thrilled to witness this area evolve and be a part of the growing destination of businesses in this vibrant downtown district. The award was presented to Mike Ross and Brett Hogan, owners of Abbiocco. DCI’s 2024 President’s Award was presented to: Kent Scales, CEO of the Scales Group of Companies Kent Scales serves as the CEO of The Scales Group of Companies, overseeing a diverse portfolio of local businesses, that employs more than 400 people, including: the Olde Dublin Pub and newly renovated Claddagh Oyster House, Robin’s Donuts, ServiceMaster, Kensington Agricultural Services, Landfest Inc., Advantage Communications, Spruce Grove Landscaping, the Lobster Barn, Landmark Oyster House, Coach’s Restaurant and Sports Bar, and the Local Pub and Oyster Bar. In recognition of his entrepreneurial prowess, Kent was honored as PEI’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2014 and received Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. His leadership extends beyond the boardroom, as he actively participates in various community organizations and lends his expertise to support local charities. Kent's commitment to community service is exemplary, as evidenced by his extensive involvement in various organizations, including but not limited to: Chair of the Holland College Foundation, Board Member of Make a Wish – PEI Chapter, Board Member of Restaurants Canada, President of TIAPEI, Chair of the Capital Campaign for the Red Cross Building. Kent's entrepreneurial journey began in the family business, Island Fertilizers, before transitioning to roles within the provincial government as CEO of PEI Business Development and Deputy Minister of Tourism. However, driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, Kent ventured back into the business world, where he invested in companies with significant growth potential, and guides and mentors aspiring entrepreneurs. His diverse investments span call centers, real estate development, disaster restoration, and food service, reflecting his passion for nurturing businesses and driving them toward success. Downtown Charlottetown Inc. (DCI) is a non-profit organization with the mandate to work with businesses to create and maintain a vibrant downtown through an established Business Improvement Area. DCI focuses on projects that will improve living and commerce in Downtown and rejuvenate the city core into an exciting place to live, work, and play – the Centre of business, government, culture, and entertainment. -30- Photo: Left DCI CEO Dawn Alan, Brett Hogan – Abbiocco, Accepting for Trailside Music Hall – Jenny Allen, DCI President Steve Dunne, Mike Ross – Abbiocco, Kent Scales

This Mother's Day, give Mom the gift of choice while supporting local businesses with the Downtown Charlottetown Gift Card Mother's Day Sale! 20% off face value, one day, online only, May 7th, from 10:00 AM until allocated packages are sold out, shoppers can take advantage of this exclusive promotion to express their love for Mom while enjoying significant savings. The Downtown Charlottetown Gift Card is the ideal present for even the most "hard to shop for" moms. Accepted at over 130 participating locations, including restaurants, retailers, salons, and accommodations, the card provides Mom with the flexibility to select exactly what she desires. A recent survey conducted by Miconex Ltd. sheds light on the preferences of mothers across Canada. According to the survey, 75% of moms expressed feelings of guilt when spending money on themselves. Additionally, 98% of moms expressed a desire for a local Gift Card, emphasizing the appeal of supporting local businesses. "Through our Mother's Day Sale, we aim to alleviate the stress of decision-making for shoppers while bolstering our downtown businesses," says Dawn Alan, Executive Director of Downtown Charlottetown Inc. "Our Gift Card not only offers convenience and flexibility but also contributes to the prosperity of our community." To seize the opportunity of our Mother’s Day Sale and purchase the Downtown Charlottetown Gift Card, visit our website at https://www.downtowncharlottetown.com/giftcard starting May 7th at 10:00 AM. Act quickly, as this online sale is available for one day only, while the supply lasts. Purchases are limited to one per person, up to a maximum of $200, until the budgeted $20k is depleted. For those unable to participate in the limited-time sale, Downtown Charlottetown Gift Cards are available for purchase year-round, providing an effortless way to support local businesses and commemorate special occasions throughout the year. Businesses within the BIA interested in becoming participating merchants can easily sign up by contacting us directly. The Downtown Charlottetown Gift Card can be seamlessly integrated with any POS system, ensuring smooth redemption for both businesses and customers. About Downtown Charlottetown Inc.: Downtown Charlottetown Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization and promotion of Charlottetown's historic downtown district. Through various initiatives and events, Downtown Charlottetown Inc. strives to create a vibrant and thriving community for residents and visitors alike. The Downtown Charlottetown Gift Card is issued by Peoples Trust Company. Card funds are not insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) or any other government deposit insurer or agency. Funds do not expire, non-reloadable and no cash access. 

WinterDine, A Celebration of Charlottetown’s Culinary Landscape, returned for its 19th year last month. Featuring twenty-six of Downtown Charlottetown’s distinguished fine dining restaurants, over three consecutive weeks. Participating restaurants offered three-course meals, exclusively curated for WinterDine by some of Charlottetown’s top culinary artisans. The ‘People’s Choice Menu Award’ , an online contest held during the event, allows the public to vote for their favorite WinterDine menu. The Chef’s Creation with the most votes receives the 2024 WinterDine People’s Choice Menu Award. 1st Place People’s Choice Menu: Claddagh Oyster House Chef Landon Thaxter created three different WinterDine Menus this year featuring entrees of Island beef and seafood. We are pleased to award Claddagh Oyster House’s fourth WinterDine People’s Choice Award this year, as they have also won in 2022, 2019, and 2018. 2nd Place People’s Choice Menu: Taste of India Charlottetown This year’s award goes to Taste of India, their first time wining a WinterDine People’s Choice Award. Chef Harry Singh created a unique menu this year featuring a Chef’s Tasting menu. We are excited to welcome Taste of India to the list of distinguished past winners. WinterDine Lunch People’s Choice Menu: Redwater Rustic Grille This is the first year, we hosted the WinterDine Lunch ‘People’s Choice Menu Award’ contest. We are pleased to announce that the inaugural award is presented to Chef Pepper McLean of Redwater Rustic Grille. Chef Pepper created not one but three different Winterdine Lunch Menu’s. Congratulations to the winners & thank you to all our participating restaurants.

THANK YOU to all who Donate to our 2023 Coats for Kids Campaign! Charlottetown, PEI – The collection of gently used or new winter coats, (snowsuits, snow pants, hats, mittens, gloves, scarves and boots) for families is under way; infant through teen sizes are needed. Coats for Kids 2023 event is organized by Downtown Charlottetown Inc in partnership with The Salvation Army, The Confederation Court Mall who provides a Drop off Depot, Sterns Laundry who clean all the collected clothing and the Guardian – our Media partners. “Island Winters are long and cold, and there are many Island children who don’t have adequate winter clothing. We collect hundreds of coats each year and they are always all picked up, so we know the need is there, especially during pandemic times. The cold weather is quickly approaching so it’s important to get coats to families in need as soon as possible. Let’s fill up those bins in the drop off depot and make this winter a little warmer for Island children” Says Dawn Alan Executive Director of DCI. Donations can be dropped off until Saturday October 28th at our Drop off Depot in The Confederation Court Mall – at the base of the escalators on the main level. Depot is open Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm. Salvation Army will open the “Free Shop” on November 6 - 9th : 9:30am - 12pm & 1pm - 3pm . They welcome all families to come and pick out what they like from racks of clean winter coats and snow suits. There will also be lots of hats and mittens to choose from. If you have any questions about distribution, please contact the Salvation Army at 902-892-2281. “For an ever-increasing amount of island families, putting on a coat, let alone a choice is simply not an option. Their children may have outgrown or outworn their coat from last year and purchasing a new one is out of their budget. We are so THANKFUL to be a part of this opportunity to partner again this year for campaign and look forward to seeing everyone at our Free Shop Days”, says Justin Able from Family Services, Salvation Army Charlottetown. “Supporting Island kids in keeping warm during the coldest months is a tremendous cause Confederation Court Mall is honoured to support. Seeing the generosity of Islanders supporting Islanders in filling the bins is a beautiful thing, and we look forward to contributing to the continued success of the program” says Keri Charlton, General Manager, Confederation Court Mall We encourage local businesses and organizations to get involved and do an office wide collection to bring in to the drop off depot. For more information; Dawn Alan 902-368-8636

PRESS RELEASE. Charlottetown, P.E.I. The success of the Downtown Dollars initiative in Charlottetown is being built on with a new high tech Gift Card. Downtown Charlottetown Inc. is introducing the new Downtown Charlottetown Gift Card to make shopping locally easier for customers and businesses and keep even more dollars downtown. The Downtown Charlottetown Gift Card can be purchased online or in person from the Downtown Charlottetown Inc. office (160b Queen) and spent with 100+ registered businesses in the Downtown area, including restaurants, shops, salons, hotels, and venues. Cards can be purchased at: https://www.downtowncharlottetown.com/giftcard Dawn Alan, the Executive Director at Downtown Charlottetown Inc., said the time is right to upgrade to the new Gift Card: “We’re pleased to offer the new Downtown Charlottetown Gift Card, the next generation of our very popular Downtown Dollars; an easy, convenient way to buy local, gift local, and support local. Rather than a gift card which can be redeemed at only one business, this new card will be accepted at 100+ shops and services in the BIA. Using the Downtown Gift Card assures you, your money stays in our downtown,” says Alan. Cards can be loaded to a set value and shipped directly to the recipient or picked up at the DCI office. Organizations can easily place bulk orders. DCI will also be using the Gift Card in our promotions to drive footfall to the Downtown area. The technology for the Downtown Charlottetown Gift Card is provided by fintech Miconex in association with international payments technology solutions provider EML Payments. The Downtown Charlottetown Gift Card is issued by Peoples Trust Company. Card funds are not insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) or any other government deposit insurer or agency. Funds do not expire, non-reloadable and no cash access. For Cardholder Agreement or Customer Service: www.getmybalance.com or 1-833-558-1108. Press information For media inquiries, please contact: Dawn Alan, Executive Director, 902-368-8636

June 30, 2023 For Immediate Release Charlottetown PE – This year, 2023, marks the 150th anniversary of Prince Edward Island joining Confederation as Canada's seventh province. In honour of this occasion, Downtown Charlottetown Inc (DCI) has designed an infographic for our infamous 2023 BIG RED numbers. The graphic which overlays on our 2023 display includes historical facts of the year: clippings from local papers, photos of the Mayor and Premier of the day, newspaper ads, and stories, and photos capturing historic properties, as they looked 150 years ago. This project provides Islanders and visitors a chance to explore the beautiful visual and celebrate the anniversary, learning about the past along the way. Check out the ‘market prices’ of the day from the local paper, learn about the Charlottetown Railway and so much more. Our BIG RED # have been the location of thousands of commemorative photos over the past 10 years. The backdrop of so many happy occasions, weddings, Graduation, family reunions, birthdays, visit keepsakes. This beautiful installation enhances this important downtown feature and makes it even more interesting. So come celebrate with us, learn some history and capture the memory. Thanking the The PEI 150 Celebration Fund – for supporting this impactful project. For more information, please contact: Dawn Alan, Executive Director, Downtown Charlottetown Inc. dawn@downtowncharlottetown.com (902) 368-8636

For Immediate Release                       June 7th, 2023 Charlottetown PE- Downtown Charlottetown Inc is pleased to announce the winners of their 2022 Business Awards. These awards were presented at their Annual Awards presentation on June 7th @ Peake’s Quay. In 2005 Downtown Charlottetown Inc. developed an awards program to recognize exemplary contributions to our city by individuals, businesses, and property owners' members in the Business Improvement Area (BIA). The award categories include Retailer of the Year, Business Development of the year and the DCI Presidents Award. DCI 2022 Retailer of the Year Award was presented to Red Island Hospitality Group Jeff Sinnott and Chad MacDonald met in 2005 as part of the original staff of Hunter’s Ale House. Thirteen years later in 2018, together they purchased Hunter’s Ale House, as well as three other restaurants - John Brown Richmond Street Grille, The Factory Downtown, and Charlottetown Beer Garden, which comprised the properties of Red Island Hospitality Group (RIHG). Quality service, quality product, and giving back to the community were three of the premises on which RIHG was founded and continues to grow, most recently with the addition of Phinley’s Restaurant. Personalized, attentive service is the foremost focus of a positive dining experience, and one in which Jeff and Chad both lead their RIHG team by example. If you’ve dined at one of their restaurants, chances are one of them has served you! They have been major contributors to the arts and music scene in Charlottetown over the years, from providing stages for musical acts to sponsoring local theatre. In addition to sponsoring several sports teams (and feeding many more!), RIHG restaurants support numerous causes, from large scale corporate events to grassroots community fundraisers. RIHG continues to be a leader in PEI’s hospitality industry. Jeff, Chad, and their staff provide exemplary guest service in the Downtown Charlottetown area and beyond. The award was presented to Paula Sinnott, Marketing Manager of RIHG. DCI 2022 Business Development of the year Award goes to Sea Rocket Oyster House 110 Queen Street is a rare property that was able to keep all of its historic charm and architectural splendor for over its centuries of existence. Stamper Block, the building on the corner of Victoria Row, and Queen, most known as the Anne of Green Gables Store over the past several years, along with the adjacent building, 102 Queen, were painstakingly renovated, and restored to house the restaurant that would become Sea Rocket. Using the inspiration of creating an oyster house with a light and modern feel that could stand the test of time, the entire design build team worked tirelessly through the challenges of taking a historic property up to modern day building and safety codes; while still preserving as much natural character as the building has to offer. Partnering with Raspberry Point oysters, Chef Richard Court, whom we all know from the very successful Pilot House, has made it his goal to share the bounties of our seas, shores, and farms to locals and visitors alike. Sea Rocket aims to be one of Charlottetown’s go to places for the community to engage and celebrate. The Award was presented to Richard Court, Sea Rocket Oyster House. DCI 2022 President’s Award goes to The Board of The Charlottetown Library Learning Centre Opened in July 2022, the new Charlottetown Library Learning Centre now fills all 42,000+ square feet of the ground floor of the former Charlottetown Post Office in the Dominion Building. In 2017, Dawn Alan, Executive Director approached then DCI President Brian Howatt with an idea of turning the empty space in the Dominion Building into a new Library. Not “just a library”, but a new facility in the style of the new Halifax and Calgary Libraries. Incredible physical facilities, hugely expanded programming, and true community centres and hubs. Not only would this be a huge upgrade for the existing Charlottetown Library, it would return much-needed space to the Confederation Centre of the Arts and make it available for even more downtown upgrades and improvements. Acting as a catalyst for the project, the DCI team recruited a working group, later to become the CLLC Inc. Board, to work towards the fulfillment of the vision. The group-initiated discussions with provincial, federal, and municipal government organizations to explore the possibilities. It took over a full year of meetings, discussion, and presentations, but the new group secured agreement in principle for financial support from the Province and the Federal government. By 2019, a Board consisting of Brian Howatt, Stan MacPherson, Shawn Murphy, Dawn Alan, Myrtle Jenkins-Smith and Ron Waite were actively working with project managers CADC, architects Nine Yards Studio, Library Services management and government financial supporters. With a start-up budget of $0, a team of just six people and an engagement for 4-6 years each, the CLLC Inc. Board has driven the creation of a $17 million Downtown Charlottetown crown jewel. An incredible public facility that welcomes people at a rate of $1,000+ daily and growing, a hub that will continue to bring traffic and community to Downtown Charlottetown. For this outstanding commitment and effort, we are pleased to award the 2023 DCI President’s Award to the CLLC Inc. Board of Directors; Brian Howatt, Stan MacPherson, Shawn Murphy, Ron Waite, and Myrtle Jenkins Smith. Downtown Charlottetown Inc. (DCI) is a non-profit organization with the mandate to work with businesses to create and maintain a vibrant downtown through an established Business Improvement Area. Working with these businesses, DCI will focus on projects that will improve living and commerce in Downtown and rejuvenate the city core into an exciting place to live, work and play – the Centre of business, government, culture and entertainment. -30- For more information, please contact: Dawn Alan, Executive Director, (902) 368-8636, dawn@downtowncharlottetown.com

For Immediate Release