Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island — The Atlantic Provinces (North America)
History of Joseph A. Ghiz Memorial Park
Photographed by Jay Noble, August 21, 2026
1. History of Joseph A. Ghiz Memorial Park Marker
Prior to 1990, this land contained the Weeks Coal Yard; swamp land; railroad tracks and parking spaces. In the summer of 1990, the Charlottetown City Council resolved to change the zoning of this municipal property from industrial to parkland and began a redevelopment plan to turn the site into the Grafton Street East Park.
Ten years later, on June 23, 2000, the park was renamed the Joseph A. Ghiz Memorial Park as a memorial tribute to Ghiz who served as Prince Edward Island's 27th Premier from 1986-1993. The former premier grew up at the corner of Grafton and Hillborough Streets; just blocks away from teh park that bears his name.
Premier Ghiz was also recognized at the national level for his tireless efforts on behalf of Canadian unity. After a battle with cancer, he died in 1996 at age of 51. His son, Robert, was sworn in as Premier of Prince Edward Island on June 12th, 2007. This has resulted in the second time in history of Prince Edward Island that a fater-son team became Premier.
The Lake of Shining Waters IODE was responsible for the major restoration and upgrading, with the support of the City, including
this page online
The Grand Opening of the Park was September 21, 2001.
This group divested from the park project in 2006.
The Dr. Marlene Bryenton Ghiz Park Fund was established in February 2006 and assumed the responsibilities of fundraising and helping with ongoing maintenance. An Endowment Fund was created providing annuals in perpetuity for the park. This fund is also responsible for the wrought iron amenities in the park, including the gazebo, entrance gates; the perimeter fencing and the storyboard.
Major sponsors of this park development included City of Charlottetown, Lake of Shining Waters IODE, Dr. Marlene Bryenton Ghiz Park Fund, Province of Prince Edward Island, Government of Canada, Vesey's Seed Ltd and the Cotton Trust Fund for Public Parks.
The 10th Anniversary of the park was celebrated in 2010 and included the retirement of Marlene Bryenton, volunteer Project Coordinator.
The City's 11 km portion of the Confederation Trail, a linear trail created from the former Island Railway, also commences in this park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Government & Politics • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is September 21, 2001.
Location. 46° 14.416′ N, 63° 7.152′ W. Marker is in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. It is at the intersection of Edward Street and Grafton Street, on the right when traveling west on Edward Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Charlottetown PE C1A 7N4, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Maritimes and in Atlantic Canada. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony and also the Viceroyalty of New France.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Trans Canada Trail on Price Edward Island (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Preserving Our History (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Keeping the City Green (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Open Green Spaces in the City (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Choices For Higher Education (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Transportation from Tip-to-Tip (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); The Once Great Island Railroad (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); The Lay of the Town (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charlottetown.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2026, by Jay Noble of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on August 21, 2026, by Jay Noble of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
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