Annual house tour funds largest built heritage grant to date

This year’s Built Heritage Fund grants include support for preserving the Regent Theatre, Baxter Arts Centre, and County Museums’ Ameliasburgh Heritage Village.

This was a landmark year for the fund, with the Regent Theatre receiving $15,000 – the largest grant in the fund’s history, to help restore the iconic marquee of the building.

“The Regent Theatre’s historic marquee has become a symbol of Picton’s vibrant Main Street. It’s our privilege and responsibility to maintain this landmark to the quality that will make the County proud,” says John Galway, Executive Director of the Regent Theatre. “This vital and historic support from the County Foundation’s Built Heritage Fund will form the foundation of a larger campaign to restore the marquee to its former glory. There is always a small group of supporters who are the first to believe in a project, and we are honoured that the Built Heritage Fund has put their trust in us with this generous grant.”

The purpose of the Built Heritage Fund is to offer interim funding which will aid the preservation, protection, or restoration of a heritage structure within the geographic area of Prince Edward County deemed historically or culturally significant to the community. It is supported by proceeds from the annual County Christmas House Tour.

“It is delightful to see the ongoing success of the annual Christmas in the County House Tour which funds the Built Heritage Fund,” stated the committee. “It continues to grow thanks to the energy and commitment of the Christmas in the County House Tour team and the generosity of the many owners of historic homes and distinctive new properties who open their doors in December. It is especially gratifying for the Built Heritage Fund to be able to give its largest grant ever to the Regent Theatre.”

The Built Heritage Fund was established after the Methodist Episcopal Church, a 135-year-old historical landmark on Picton’s Main Street, was demolished in 2010. A group of concerned citizens realized that without intervention many of these buildings could be lost to us – and to future generations.

“Protecting our built heritage means preserving the stories and identity that make our community unique,” said Dominique Jones, Executive Director of The County Foundation. “This fund exists because a dedicated group of residents and volunteers recognized the importance of safeguarding these historic places and took action to make a difference. Their commitment has helped make possible the largest grant in the fund’s history,”

The 2026 Christmas in the County House Tour is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 6th.

2026 GRANT RECIPIENTS
The Regent Theatre – $15,000
A contribution toward the full restoration of its iconic marquee and vertical blade sign. The project will help to preserve the theatre’s heritage character, improve public safety, enhance downtown vibrancy, and support year-round cultural programming at the Regent.

Baxter Arts Centre – $5,000
Replacement of existing eavestrough and downspouts to new larger capacity rain gutter system. The project will ensure water moves away from the building and does not damage inside or lead to icy buildup on surrounding walkways.

County Museums – Ameliasburgh Heritage Village – $2,500
Receiving a grant to assist with the structural repair of the balcony at the Ameliasburgh Heritage Village to ensure the safe storage of the museum’s collection.