Downtown Charlottetown Inc. hosts Annual Award Presentation
May 29, 2026
For Immediate Release
Charlottetown, PE – Downtown Charlottetown Inc.’s Annual Business Awards took place on May 28th at Peake’s Quay. The event celebrated the remarkable achievements of DCI members and recognized the businesses and individuals helping shape a vibrant and thriving downtown.
The awards program recognizes excellence, innovation, leadership, and community impact within Downtown Charlottetown’s Business Improvement Area (BIA). Award categories included Culinary- Retailer of the Year, Business Development of the Year, the DCI President’s Award, and the inaugural DCI Lifetime Achievement Award.
Introducing the Award Recipient’s for 2026:
DCI 2026 Retailer of the Year Award
Recipient: Ada Culinary Studio
The Downtown Charlottetown Inc. Retailer of the Year Award recognizes businesses that demonstrate excellence in customer experience, innovation, and community impact.
In just over two years, Ada Culinary Studio and Grab & Go has become one of Prince Edward Island’s most dynamic culinary ventures. Founded by Island entrepreneur Adam Loo, Ada combines dining experiences, catering, grab-and-go offerings, and hospitality consulting into a unique concept that celebrates food, creativity, and community.
Ada has quickly earned recognition for its innovative events, including the popular Hall of Food experience during Fall Flavours, and for representing Prince Edward Island internationally at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan. The business is also known for supporting local farmers, fishers, producers, and collaborators throughout the province.
Through culinary experiences, storytelling, and community partnerships, Adam Loo and the Ada team continue to showcase the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity that make downtown Charlottetown unique.
DCI 2026 Business Development of the Year Award
Recipient: Isla Clothing
The DCI Business Development of the Year Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the growth and beautification of Downtown Charlottetown through investment, design, and business development.
Owner Emma Hill has built Isla Clothing around personal connection, community, and exceptional customer service. With the expansion to its new Queen Street location, Emma transformed the former Bookmark building into a welcoming, stunning boutique that has quickly become a standout downtown retail space.
Emma’s investment reflects both entrepreneurial vision and a strong commitment to downtown Charlottetown and its locally owned business community.
DCI 2026 President’s Award
Recipient: Port Charlottetown
The Downtown Charlottetown Inc. President’s Award recognizes exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment to the long-term prosperity of Downtown Charlottetown.
Port Charlottetown is being recognized for its significant contribution to the economic growth and vibrancy of both downtown Charlottetown and Prince Edward Island. Through leadership in tourism, marine activity, waterfront development, and community investment, the Port has strengthened Charlottetown’s position as a premier destination.
Recent milestones include the development of Founders’ Food Hall & Market, continued cruise industry growth, major infrastructure investments, and the announcement of a transformational shore power project focused on sustainability and responsible marine tourism.
The Port also continues to support numerous community events and initiatives that contribute to the cultural and social vitality of the city year-round.
DCI 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award
Recipient: Debra Wellner
Downtown Charlottetown Inc. is proud to present its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award to Debra Wellner in recognition of her remarkable impact on downtown Charlottetown’s business community.
Since beginning her entrepreneurial journey in 1982, Debra has built and operated several beloved Island businesses, including Chameleons Hanger, Merle Norman Cosmetics, and Senses Spa & Salon. Over more than four decades, she became known not only for her success in retail, but for her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to customer relationships.
Debra was also a founding member of the Downtown Charlottetown Inc. board and a passionate advocate for downtown businesses and retailers throughout her career.
This award recognizes Debra’s lasting contribution to downtown Charlottetown and her legacy of leadership, entrepreneurship, and community spirit.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to honor and celebrate some of the exceptional business leaders in Downtown Charlottetown and share their inspiring stories at this annual event,” says Dawn Alan, CEO of Downtown Charlottetown Inc. “We are deeply appreciative of these individuals, as well as all of our downtown members, for their ongoing passion and collaboration in helping to build a vibrant, welcoming, and thriving downtown.”
Downtown Charlottetown Inc. (DCI) is a non-profit organization that works with businesses to create and maintain a vibrant downtown through its established Business Improvement Area. DCI focuses on initiatives that support commerce, culture, and community while helping make Downtown Charlottetown an exciting place to live, work, and visit.
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For more information, please contact:
Dawn Alan, Executive Director
(902) 368-8636
Support for Proposed Weymouth Properties Development – Queen, King & Dorchester Streets March 24, 2026 Downtown Charlottetown Inc is pleased to express our strong support for the proposed Weymouth Properties Development on Queen Street, between King Street and Dorchester Street. Downtown Charlottetown is historic, vibrant, and the heart of the province’s economic, cultural, and tourism activity, welcoming roughly one million visitors annually. To sustain this momentum and attract businesses, residents, and talent, we need thoughtfully designed new development that complements our heritage. The proposed seven-storey mixed-use building balances growth with heritage, adding approximately 40 residential units alongside commercial and office space. The project thoughtfully respects streetscape character, preserves key sightlines—including St. Dunstan’s Basilica—and transforms a former alleyway into a lively street-level commercial and art space. Burying overhead power lines along Dorchester and King Streets will further enhance the pedestrian experience and visual appeal. New developments like this support economic growth, increase property values, enrich the quality of life, and strengthen community identity. Planning staff have noted its merit and the project’s potential to bring more residents and vibrancy to downtown, and we share this view. Downtown Charlottetown must grow in ways that honor our history while embracing the future. This project exemplifies that balance. We are delighted to support its progression to public consultation—and, with hope, to its realization. We commend Weymouth Properties for their vision, commitment, and investment, and we look forward to the energy, opportunity, and beauty this development will bring to the heart of our city. Sincerely, Dawn Alan, CEO, Downtown Charlottetown Inc.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Coats for Kids 2025 Campaign: Winter Wear Collection Runs Until October 27th Charlottetown, PEI – The annual Coats for Kids campaign gets underway on October 14th , collecting gently used or new winter clothing for Island children in need. Organized by Downtown Charlottetown Inc. (DCI) in partnership with The Salvation Army, Confederation Court Mall, and Sterns Laundry , this important initiative ensures that local children—from infants to teens—stay warm through PEI’s long, cold winters. Items needed include: Winter coats and snowsuits Snow pants Hats, mittens, and gloves Scarves and winter boots “Island winters are long, harsh, and unforgiving—and far too many children face them without proper winter clothing,” says Dawn Alan, CEO of Downtown Charlottetown Inc. “Each year, we collect hundreds of coats, and every single one finds a home. That tells us just how urgent the need truly is. As temperatures drop, time is of the essence. Let’s come together as a community, fill those bins at the drop-off depot, and make this winter warmer, safer, and brighter for Island children in need.” Donation Details: Drop-off deadline: Monday, October 27th Location: Confederation Court Mall (main level, base of the escalators) Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM “We are once again proud to support Downtown Charlottetown’s Coats for Kids program,” says Sophie Palmer-Still , Marketing Manager at Confederation Court Mall. “This local, annual initiative is essential for many Island families struggling to provide warm winter clothing. Our central downtown location makes it easy for the community to contribute, and we look forward to seeing the donation bins filled once again.” All donated items will be cleaned by Sterns Laundry and then distributed by The Salvation Army at their “Free Shop,” which will be open to families from November 3–6 . Children and parents will be able to browse and select from racks of clean coats, snowsuits, hats, mittens, and more. Questions about distribution: contact The Salvation Army at 902-892-2281 . “Coats for Kids is a program that has an immediate positive impact on a child’s well-being. A warm coat can bring a warm smile during the cold winter months,” says Lt. John Burton of The Salvation Army, Charlottetown DCI invites local businesses and organizations to rally their teams by organizing staff or office-wide outdoor winter clothing drives and dropping off their collections at the Confederation Court Mall depot. It’s a meaningful way to give back and make a direct impact in our community. Together, we can keep Island kids warm this winter. For more information, Dawn Alan, CEO, Downtown Charlottetown Inc. info@downtowncharlottetown.com 902-368-8636
L-R: Dawn Alan, CEO DCI; Nathan Clark & Rebecca Barrett of Courtside Sneakers; Steve Dunne, President DCI; Mark Rodd, Carolyn Bertram, Mark Rostad of Rodd Hotels & Resorts; Hal Bevan.
Downtown Charlottetown Inc. Announces Winners of 2025 WinterDine People’s Choice Award For Immediate Release Charlottetown, PE - WinterDine, A celebration of Charlottetown’s culinary landscape, returned for its 20 th year last month. Featuring 23 of downtown Charlottetown’s distinguished fine di ning restaurants, over three consecutive week s. Participating dinner restaurants offered three-course meals, and lunch participants offered two-course meals, exclusively curated for WinterDine by some of Charlottetown’s top culinary artisans. The “People’s Choice Menu Award” is an online contest held during the event that allows the public to vote for their favorite WinterDine menu. The Chef’s creation with the most votes receives the 2025 WinterDine People’s Choice Menu Award. Downtown Charlottetown Inc. was pleased to announce this year’s winners and present them with their awards at today’s Annual General Meeting: WinterDine 1st Place People’s Choice Menu: Slaymaker & Nichols Gastro House This award was presented to Head Prep Chef Debora Salvini . Chef Debora created three different WinterDine menus this year featuring entrees of chicken, pork loin, and short ribs. We are pleased to award Slaymaker & Nichols with their 3rd WinterDine People’s Choice Award this year, previous wins include 1st place in 2023 and 2nd place in 2021. WinterDine 2nd Place People’s Choice Menu: Claddagh Oyster House This award was presented to Chef Landon Thaxter . Chef Landon created three different WinterDine menus this year featuring entree’s utilizing island beef and seafood. We are pleased to award Claddagh Oyster House their fifth WinterDine People’s Choice Award this year, previous wins include 1st place in 2024, 2022, 2019, and 2018. Frost Bites WinterDine Lunch People’s Choice Award: TIE: Punjabi Bites & The Cork & Cast We are pleased to announce that there was a tie for 1 st place for the Frost Bites People’s Choice Award. This award was presented to Owners Saubrah Sharma, Shifali Bandal & Chef Vijay Singh of Punjabi Bites & Chef Rebecca Reardon of The Cork & Cast . Punjabi Bites offered a delicious 3-course meal. The Cork & Cast offered a classic lunch - a ½ sandwich, soup & salad which was so popular they are adding it to their full-time menu. This is the first time earning a People’s Choice Award for both establishments. -30- For more information, please contact: Dawn Alan, Executive Director, Downtown Charlottetown Inc. (902) 368-8636 Email Here
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