IV.

Economy

During the last half of the 19th century, the golden age of the wooden sailing ship, Charlottetown was one of the major shipbuilding centers of Prince Edward Island. It became home to various industries related to shipbuilding. Other industries, such as furniture and carriage factories, also flourished. The nearby rivers connected Charlottetown to the central and most populous area of the province, and it became the chief import-export center for the province.

Today, Charlottetown’s economy is based primarily on tourism, agriculture, fisheries, and business associated with the provincial government. The city has light industries and services. However, compared to the rest of the province, a lower percentage of the workforce is engaged in industry and manufacturing. Charlottetown, with its excellent harbor, is the chief port of Prince Edward Island. It also has a commercial airport.