The Dominion Building has been vacant for two years. (CBC)

The public deserves to know what's going to happen to the Dominion Building, says a Charlottetown city councillor.

Developers from Halifax bought the former federal building in downtown Charlottetown last week, but so far they aren't talking about their plans.

"The Dominion Building is very, very important to the city," said Coun. Mitchell Tweel.

"The people of this city should know what's being proposed. I don't know why there's secrecy."

Halifax-based Rank Incorporated bought the building from the Canada Lands Commission on Friday. Gordon McIvor, Canada Lands vice president of acquisitions, said the company was chosen because it made a good financial offer and because it had sound plans for its future use.

But the developers aren't talking about those plans. Repeated calls by the CBC to Rank Incorporated and developer George Ramia have gone unreturned.

Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee has met with the developers. He said they didn't tell him what their plans are either, but said it's a private company and that's a normal business practice.

"I'm sure when the developer is prepared and has everything firmed up enough, that they will be approaching the city to inquire about the building permits and the use of the building and everything else."

Tweel said plans shouldn't have to be final for the developer to talk. The Dominion Building is crucial to downtown revitalization, he said, and people deserve to have an idea about what the new owners are planning.