Newsletter
No longer under the radar, Summerside is a rising capital opportunity. Today, it’s a stable, business-ready city with strong fundamentals and growth potential. With a regional population of more than 45,000 in 2025 in Western PEI, and growing roughly 2.2% annually. New families, local relocations, and rural residents moving to the city are driving demand for housing, businesses, and services—attracted by Summerside’s amenities, vibrant lifestyle, and unmatched quality of life.
Strong Investment Fundamentals
Residential and commercial development in Summerside has accelerated since 2019. Building permit values consistently exceed $40 million per year, with a few years exceeding $100 million. This largely eclipses Summerside’s traditional total of $20 million per year. Also of note is that commercial and industrial permits topped $10 million annually since 2020, while downtown is experiencing renewed activity and high-density residential growth. Vacancy rates remain low—around 3% for residential rental units and 5% for commercial space—demonstrating steady absorption and market demand. These metrics signal a resilient, low-risk environment for investors seeking long-term value.
Business-Ready and Diverse Economy
Summerside offers a business-ready environment that supports growth across the full investment continuum—from businesses and workforce to infrastructure and community.
Anchored by aerospace, IT, health care, food processing, and retail, the city employs over 10,850 people across 750 businesses. Through streamlined permitting, modern utilities, strategic infrastructure, and active partnerships with industry and government, Summerside ensures investors have the support they need to expand, attract talent, and succeed long term.
Anchored by aerospace, IT, health care, food processing, and retail, the city employs over 10,850 people across 750 businesses. Through streamlined permitting, modern utilities, strategic infrastructure, and active partnerships with industry and government, Summerside ensures investors have the support they need to expand, attract talent, and succeed long term.
City with Strategic Opportunity
Summerside’s resurgence is being fueled by population growth and the expansion of local businesses, driving strong commercial demand and a growing customer base. High traffic volumes along key corridors reflect the city’s connectivity and accessibility, while ongoing redevelopment across downtown and uptown underscores Summerside’s commitment to modern, mixed-use opportunities and long-term investment potential.
Why Invest Now
Summerside combines affordability, skilled talent, proactive municipal support, and low-risk fundamentals—making it a smart choice for investors, developers, and businesses seeking steady, reliable growth. With commercial expansion, mixed-use developments, and a growing customer base, the city is ready for capital to be deployed today. Opportunities are available now, demand is proven, and early positioning can secure long-term returns—there’s no better time to invest in Summerside.
Downtown Summerside:
Scaling Up and Ready for Investment—
Introducing 68 Water Street
Last month, we highlighted two signature downtown projects reshaping Summerside’s investment landscape:
Commercial Vacancy: Healthy Demand, Limited Supply
Commercial vacancy rates are a key indicator of market vitality. In Summerside, overall commercial vacancy has remained below 5%, signalling strong demand for quality space and limited idle inventory. This reflects a business environment where tenants and building owners are committed, and properties are being actively utilized.
- The Regent: 40 modern residential units plus 10,000 sq. ft. of commercial space.
- Former Bank of Nova Scotia: Adding 14 updated residential units, commercial space, and ground-floor commercial opportunities
These projects reflect a broader trend: steady population growth, expanding businesses, and strong investment fundamentals are making downtown Summerside resilient and increasingly valuable.
Another major development shaping the downtown core is Arsenault Properties’ 68 Water Street—The Boardwalk, a luxury mixed-use waterfront project featuring 6,000 sq. ft. of modern commercial space with stunning views of Summerside Harbour.
Be Part of Summerside’s New Downtown!
As we look toward 2026 and beyond, Summerside continues to strengthen its position as one of Atlantic Canada’s most attractive destinations for business investment and expansion. With competitive operating costs, consistently low commercial vacancy rates, and a skilled workforce ready to support growth, Summerside offers a strategic platform for investors and companies looking to scale.Another major development shaping the downtown core is Arsenault Properties’ 68 Water Street—The Boardwalk, a luxury mixed-use waterfront project featuring 6,000 sq. ft. of modern commercial space with stunning views of Summerside Harbour.
Why Commercial Tenants Should Take Notice:
- Prime Location: Steps from a growing residential base and clustered businesses, with 44 luxury units offering a potential client base, The Boardwalk at 68 Water Street provides high visibility and foot traffic.
- Strong Demand: Downtown commercial space is in short supply, meaning tenants can secure space in a vibrant, active market.
- Modern, Flexible Layouts: With a blank slate prepared for commercial fit-up, the space is ready for your ideal design, as low as 1,000 or up to 6,000 square feet is available.
- Brand Positioning: Being in the downtown aligns your business with Summerside’s growth, momentum, and community activity.
Downtown Summerside isn’t just about leasing space—it’s about positioning your brand at the center of a city that’s quietly scaling up and delivering long-term value; The Boardwalk at 68 Water Street is achieving that scale.
Be Part of Summerside’s New Downtown!
Summerside Investment Technical Outlook:
A Business-Ready City with Momentum
A Business-Ready City with Momentum
Commercial Vacancy: Healthy Demand, Limited Supply
Commercial vacancy rates are a key indicator of market vitality. In Summerside, overall commercial vacancy has remained below 5%, signalling strong demand for quality space and limited idle inventory. This reflects a business environment where tenants and building owners are committed, and properties are being actively utilized.
Key Takeaways:
- Retail and office spaces have tightened significantly, reflecting growing demand.
- Industrial space remains very limited, with vacancy consistently below 5% in recent years.
- Across all sectors, Summerside presents strong opportunities for new development and investment.
In absolute terms, Summerside has approximately 3.77M sq. ft. of commercial space, of which only 165k sq. ft. is currently vacant. Low vacancy not only signals healthy demand but also supports income stability and predictable returns for property investors.
Cost Advantage: Where Dollars Stretch Further
Summerside’s operating environment is highly competitive. Costs for real estate, labour, and utilities are consistently lower than in major Canadian and U.S. markets.
A light manufacturing operation with 15 employees and 3,000 sq. ft. of leased space can save:
Access to a Ready and Growing Workforce
Talent is critical to business success. Summerside benefits from a regional labour market of approximately 45,000 people, spanning technical, administrative, and skilled trades.
Key advantages include:
Why Summerside Now?
Summerside offers a rare combination of stability and opportunity:
We invite investors and businesses to explore Summerside—a community with momentum, strategic planning, and a partnership-driven approach to growth. Together, we can turn potential into tangible success.
Summerside Quick Facts
If interested in learning more about investment opportunities, economic development support or opportunities for growth, please call our Economic Development Professionals.
We would love to chat.
Alternatively, you can email us at mike@summerside.ca.
It could be the most profitable email you have ever sent.
Michael Thususka
Director of Economic Development, City of Summerside
275 Fitzroy Street, Summerside PE C1N 1H9
M: 902.432.0103, E: mike@summerside.ca
LET’S BUILD THE FUTURE TOGETHER!
Cost Advantage: Where Dollars Stretch Further
Summerside’s operating environment is highly competitive. Costs for real estate, labour, and utilities are consistently lower than in major Canadian and U.S. markets.
Source: City of Summerside, EDO Cost Calculator
Example:A light manufacturing operation with 15 employees and 3,000 sq. ft. of leased space can save:
- ~15% vs. major Canadian cities
- ~50% vs. comparable U.S. centres
- Lower lease rates without compromising quality or location
- Competitive labour costs while maintaining access to skilled, reliable workers
- Municipal incentives, including rental support and capital grants
- Predictable utility expenses through Summerside’s municipally owned electric utility
Access to a Ready and Growing Workforce
Talent is critical to business success. Summerside benefits from a regional labour market of approximately 45,000 people, spanning technical, administrative, and skilled trades.
Key advantages include:
- Proximity to Atlantic Canada’s education institutions and talent pipelines
- Graduates entering sectors such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, IT, and food processing
- A workforce that is both adaptable and expanding, with the city projected to surpass 20,000 residents in the coming years
Why Summerside Now?
Summerside offers a rare combination of stability and opportunity:
- Low commercial vacancy and strong tenant demand
- Significant cost advantages
- A growing, skilled workforce
We invite investors and businesses to explore Summerside—a community with momentum, strategic planning, and a partnership-driven approach to growth. Together, we can turn potential into tangible success.
Summerside Quick Facts
If interested in learning more about investment opportunities, economic development support or opportunities for growth, please call our Economic Development Professionals.
We would love to chat.
Alternatively, you can email us at mike@summerside.ca.
It could be the most profitable email you have ever sent.
Michael Thususka
Director of Economic Development, City of Summerside
275 Fitzroy Street, Summerside PE C1N 1H9
M: 902.432.0103, E: mike@summerside.ca
LET’S BUILD THE FUTURE TOGETHER!