Picton Gazette Express Vol. 2 No. 1

January 16, 2025

In partnership with

That January Feeling

A look back — and ahead — to major funding for Highway 49

The County has asked the province for $20 million to support the rehabilitation of County Road 49. New MPP Tyler Allsopp, noted Prince Edward County staff and the Mayor have been in regular contact regarding that request.

“We’ve had good dialogue on a number of planned projects but 49 is top of mind for everyone right now,” he told the Gazette. “I’ve had great conversations with Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria and Premier Ford.” 

“Everyone recognizes that’s a road that needs to be fixed and we are hoping to have some news to announce in the next couple of months,” he said.

Duarte Da Silva, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, asks for more collaboration between the municipality and its business community.

“It was a challenging financial year across the board,” noted Mr. Da Silva in Council last month. “Inflation hit raw materials, shipping costs, labour costs, debt financing — everything.”

At the same time, a steep decline in tourist numbers put “incredible pressure” on County businesses.

The Prince Edward County Chamber does not receive any municipal support — unlike those of Quinte West and Belleville.

Council’s Planning Committee introduces a two-step process — while opportunities for public consultation diminish under Ford’s Bill 185: Cutting Red Tape

Council amendments to the structure of Planning and Development Committee meetings that went into effect January 1 make public consultation and Council deliberation separate stages in a new, two-part planning process.

But other changes mean opportunities for  public consultation are diminishing. Municipal staff will no longer host Public Information Centres. These will be held only at the discretion of the developer. 

A swim at Lake on the Mountain on January 1

Editorial: Shake it Up

Amalgamation brought about a system designed to protect a patchwork of small wards and hamlets from the overbearing “urban centres” of Picton and Wellington. Keep everyone honest and dispel fears the little guys from South or North Marysburgh were going to get lost in the shuffle in the brave new world of a unified County.

Spring comes early to County Real Estate

Chris announces the Gazette is back in the hands of Canada Post. For now.

The Weekend Ticket

It’s a quiet week in the County

But there’s always The Regent!
A Real Pain (Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin) screens tonight and retreat to the darkness with Nosferatu, adapted from Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It runs all weekend.

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