Province looking for new home for provincial archives

“They are exploring a relocation of it, but they’re still in the process, they have to go through different types of approval for an archive space. We would only consider a move if it was an appropriate space for an archives.” Jean Doherty

P.E.I.’s Public Archives is looking for a new home.

The Island’s Public Archives and Records Office, currently located on the fourth floor of the Coles Building, is widely used by Islanders for historical and genealogical research. However, the office is in need of more space due in part to the continuing renovation of Province House.

The fourth floor of the Coles Building also houses the current Office of the Third Party, the caucus office of the Green Party. The Public Archives also currently uses space in the basement of the building for storage.

Jean Doherty, a communications officer with the Department of Education, Early Learning and Culture, said the current separation of the basement storage with the fourth-floor office is “not ideal”.

But, she said, a final decision on a relocation has not yet been made.

“They are exploring a relocation of it, but they’re still in the process, they have to go through different types of approval for an archive space,” Doherty said.

“We would only consider a move if it was an appropriate space for an archives.”

Doherty said a new location of the public archives would require certification by the Canadian Conservation Institute. A final decision on a new location has not yet been made.

Doherty said a decision on the move by the department of Education, Early Learning and Culture is expected within the next few weeks. If approved, a move would be unlikely before this fall.