Archive for February, 2024
Stalled affordable housing project example of need for better provincial support
A stalled affordable housing project in Picton is being used by the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) as part of examples of why the provincial government needs to step up support for rural communities. “Provincial programs need to be reviewed with a rural perspective and funding should be earmarked accordingly,” the EOWC states in an […]
County Road 33 bridge reopens to two-way traffic
A bridge on Loyalist Parkway (County Road 33) has reopened to two-way traffic. The $1.5 million rehabilitation began in August 2023 – and it is expected the life of the bridge has been extended for 65-75 years. Believed to have been built in 1948 when the road was part of the provincial highway system, it […]
Chief reports grass fire challenge access was due to mud
Prince Edward County Fire & Rescue responded to a large grass fire at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 11. Fire Chief Chad Brown reports about five acres was found burning in a field off Highway 49. Firefighters from Stations 1, Picton and 4, Sophiasburgh, took more than three hours to extinguish the fire. “Firefighters were challenged […]
McKeil Spirit makes first voyage of year a month earlier
The McKeil Spirit arrived Sunday at Picton, an entire month earlier than last year, on its first voyage of the year to the cement plant. The February arrival was a first in 20 years for photographer Paul Wallace, who lives on the reach. Last year the cement carrier crunched through ice on March 11 to […]
Grant Howes named to Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame
County cider-making legend Grant Howes is being inducted into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame (OAHF) in June – among six leaders who have positively influenced Ontario agriculture. Richard Grant Howes was nominated by his wife and partner Jenifer Dean, who continues their vision at the company as cider maker and managing director. The County Cider […]
Belleville declares state of emergency following multiple drug overdoses; strain on emergency services
UPDATE FEB. 9: Both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford have pledged they will support Belleville. Trudeau spoke with Mayor Neil Ellis Friday and Ford noted MPP Todd Smith was “on the ground” discussing the issue. Provincial Minister of Health and Addictions Michael Tibollo is expected to visit the city next week. FEB. […]
Outdoor rinks in Ameliasburgh vandalised
Outdoor rinks in Rossmore and Consecon will be delayed to be opened when the cold returns due to acts of vandalism. The municipality reports the ice was chipped causing damage to the liners. County staff have ordered new liners and will work to rebuild the ice rink later this week, weather dependent. The County has […]
Multi-part radio documentary focus on Outsmarting the Scammers
Fraud prevention – with a focus on a wide variety of scams against seniors – will highlight a six-part Outsmarting the Scammers – Helping Seniors Fight Fraud series beginning Thursday on radio 99.3 County FM. The multi-part radio documentary has been created to educate listeners on what to watch for, steps to take to avoid […]
Picton resident wins $100,000 on lottery
Kathy Vidito, of Picton, has won a $100,000 prize playing the Instant Gift Pack lottery game. She told the Ontario Lottery Corporation she is a regular lottery player and enjoys playing instant tickets. The winning ticket was a Christmas gift from her sister. “I checked my ticket and saw all the zeroes. I thought maybe something […]
Art Together free drop-in program returns
Art Together, a free drop-in community art-making program returns to the County Arts Lab (PEC Arts Council) this month. Participants receive guidance as they explore a variety of visual art forms, and can also bring their own projects to work on, or create with the County Arts Lab’s abundance of art supplies. No artistic experience […]
