LePage celebrates 150 years by giving back to its P.E.I. roots

In the rural community of Montague, Prince Edward Island, about 45 km east of Charlottetown, LePage is helping transform an aging property owned by BGC Charlottetown into a vital youth centre while creating hands-on learning opportunities for the next generation of skilled trades workers

The 1,725-square-foot building had previously been used for after-school programming before sitting largely unused in recent years. The 66-year-old property needs considerable improvements before it can re-open, including a roof replacement, basement upgrades and an overhaul to bathroom and kitchen facilities to serve multiple users. Once complete, it will offer a dedicated space for youth ages 12 to 18, offering meals, a range of programming that includes life skills training, music, physical literacy and STEAM education, as well as other supports.

LePage, a manufacturer of glues, adhesives, and sealants for construction pros and DIYers, is supporting renovations to the home as a focus of its 150th anniversary celebrations in 2026. The project holds special significance for the brand, whose namesake founder, William Nelson LePage, was born in Charlottetown. The initiative represents an opportunity to invest in the province where LePage has its roots, while supporting youth and skilled trades development.

Better Serving a Rural Community
According to Caroline Woods, executive director of BGC Charlottetown, the project helps respond to gaps identified in a community needs assessment conducted in the fall of 2025. This revealed how older youth and teens needed a safe gathering space – along with meals and the type of programming and supports BGC is planning to offer from the Montague facility.
“With our main location in Charlottetown, we’re able to offer a wide range of programming, but we know that young people in rural communities often face barriers in accessing those same opportunities. This project is about bringing services closer to where they live and creating a space that feels welcoming and safe.”

Construction is expected to begin in June 2026, with completion targeted for the fall. When operational, the home is expected to provide a more accessible gathering space for youth in eastern Prince Edward Island, where access to similar services often requires significant travel.

The renovation will involve substantial upgrades across the property. Planned work includes replacing the roof, improving insulation, upgrading and sealing the basement, reconfiguring washrooms for multiple users, expanding the kitchen with commercial-grade functionality, and incorporating accessibility improvements throughout the building. LePage is contributing materials, planning support, labour assistance and technical expertise to help deliver the project.

For project partners, one of the key challenges is adapting a residential-style structure into a durable community facility while maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere. “We want youth to feel comfortable and at home in the space,” adds Woods. “At the same time, it also needs to be functional, safe and able to handle the level of activity that comes with programming for young people.”

Supporting Young Trades
Another key component of the project is its workforce development focus. LePage has partnered with Holland College in Charlottetown and the project’s general contractor to open paid apprenticeship opportunities to future trades within the streams of construction, plumbing, electrical and HVAC, providing invaluable hands-on experience for students.

Construction professional Gordon South, who is contributing an accessibility-focused component to the renovation effort, says the educational aspect of the project offers apprentices a chance for real-world learning that complements what they receive in the classroom. The on-site mentorship between experienced tradespeople and apprentices can play an important role in their development.

“Working on a live project like this gives apprentices a chance to apply skills under a range of real-world conditions, to understand and adapt to site constraints, to gain experience in problem-solving and collaboration and to build their overall confidence,” notes South.

Once complete, the renovated facility is expected to provide a gathering space for 25-50 youth each day. It will also serve as a model for how community investment, workforce training and corporate partnerships can come together in a single project. For Caroline Woods of BGC Charlottetown, the benefits extend beyond an individual level. “By connecting young people to their community, we also connect them to opportunities to pursue their own dreams close to home. That’s a win for everyone.”

Eligible trade students interested in joining the project can apply at
www.lepage.ca/en/lepage-150.html for a chance to be a part of the crew.

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