SUMMERSIDE, PE - The City of Summerside is pleased to announce the opening of the project known as the East-
West Housing Corridor (EWHC), a major infrastructure project that will support housing development, improveconnectivity, and strengthen long-term community growth across the city.
As part of the corridor’s opening, the City is also announcing the official name of the new roadway: Cairns Boulevard. The name was selected following a public naming process that invited residents to submit suggestions. Many of the submissions emphasized the long-standing connection between the Cairns family and the land through which the corridor now runs.
The opening of Cairns Boulevard is a cornerstone of Summerside’s long-term growth strategy. The new roadway improves traffic flow, enhances access for emergency services, and supports active transportation, while unlocking
land needed to address growing housing demand.
“This project isn’t just about a road — it’s about building neighborhoods, expanding housing opportunities, and making Summerside more connected, safe, and sustainable,” said Mayor Dan Kutcher. “Council believes it is anecessary and forward-looking investment that will benefit our community for generations.”
The project will open approximately 345 acres of land for development, enabling the construction of more than 2,000 new housing units over time. This development will help ensure that housing supply keeps pace with
Summerside’s rapid population growth while supporting a mix of housing types to meet community needs. “This is a once-in-a-generation project for Summerside,” said CAO JP Desrosiers. “Cairns Boulevard unlocks land
for housing, improves traffic and emergency response, and strengthens our active transportation network. Our focus is on delivering a high-quality piece of infrastructure that reflects years of planning and community input.”
Planning and consultation for the project began more than a decade ago, with studies first identifying the need for an east–west connection as early as the late 1990s. The project was advanced to construction in response to unprecedented housing demand and population growth.
When selecting a name for the completed project, community submissions highlighted that the Cairns family owned and farmed much of the surrounding land for more than a century, dating back to the early 1900s. Multiple
generations contributed to the Wilmot area and the broader Summerside community through farming, tourism, entrepreneurship, and public service.
Many submissions specifically referenced the late Ben (Benny) Cairns, a long-time Wilmot and Summerside councillor who served during the city’s amalgamation in 1995. He was also remembered as a farmer, business
owner, school bus driver, and dedicated community member. The nearby Cairns Motel, long associated with the family, remains a well-known Summerside landmark.“The naming of Cairns Boulevard reflects the strong desire from residents to recognize the people and families who helped shape this area of our city,” shared Councillor Carrie Adams, representative for Emergency Services. “It ensures that as Summerside grows, we continue to honour the history and contributions that brought us here.”
Members of the public, as well as Federal representation, Mayor Dan Kutcher, members of Summerside council, and City of Summerside staff, were present for the official opening ceremony on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at
the Water Street East entrance to the roadway.
The opening of Cairns Boulevard marks a significant milestone for Summerside, improving mobility and safety while laying the foundation for new housing and sustainable growth—grounded in respect for the land’s history and
the community it has long supported.
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The City of Summerside is located in Prince County, Prince Edward Island, Canada with the mindset of promoting and advancing its small city with big opportunities. Summerside offers a diverse market and skilled workforce and is a leader in sectors such as green energy, sport tourism and rapid economic growth. To learn more, please visit www.summerside.ca or connect through Facebook, X, LinkedIn, or Instagram.
For more information or media inquires:
Tanner Doiron
Acting Director of Communications
City of Summerside
[email protected]