Abegweit banks on energy.(Circle of Trade)(alternative energy sources)

One could say the Abegweit First Nation's economic development plans are very energetic. As you read this, the First Nation--whose land base is spread over three reserves located near Charlottetown--is putting the finishing touches on its latest project, a gas bar scheduled to open at the end of June. The gas bar will boast an Ultramar service station, a convenience store, a craft shop and a drive-through Robin's Donuts franchise.

In the short-term the First Nation is providing members with a place to go to refuel their vehicles, but in the long-term the goal is to develop alternative energy sources on reserve.

Benny Sark, director of economic development for Abegweit First Nation, said one of the projects the band is looking at is setting up a system to save the cost of heating water.

"We're in phase two of a three-phase …