Main Street Makeover officially under way

At the ceremonial start to the Main Street Picton construction and BIA campaign, from left, are: Justin Haight, Project Manager, Taggart Construction; Robert McAuley, Commissioner of Engineering, Development & Works, PEC; James Hepburn, CAO, PEC; Councillor Lenny Epstein; Mayor Robert Quaiff; Matthew McIntosh, Greer Galloway; Penny Morris, Owner of Penny’s Pantry; Rick Szabo, Owner of Vic Café; Neil Carbone, Director of Community Development, PEC; Councillor Gord Fox; and Joe Angelo, Project Manager, PEC.

A ceremonial groundbreaking for Picton Main Street’s construction Monday morning also launched the Picton BIA’s “Main Street Makeover” campaign.

Work on the Royal Hotel continues.

“We are excited, as council and staff, that this project has finally coming to fruition,” said Mayor Robert Quaiff, noting he was also excited about the revitalization of the Royal Hotel. “I can hardly wait until the projects are complete. We’ve waited a long time for this to come, but now that it’s here, there’s a little bit of edginess and nervousness in how we can make it easier for people to access the businesses.”

A hiccup last week, regarding parking, he said, has been resolved and weekly meetings will be held to keep on top of any concerns.

Picton councillor Lenny Epstein said that while some headaches, and bumps in the road will be expected, “when it’s all done, it will be amazing. When we’re all done we are going to have a Main Street that is going to be incredible and we’ll all be proud of the work that’s been done.”

Penny Morris, on behalf of the BIA, unveiled the group’s “Main Street Makeover” branding campaign for the duration of the construction project.

“The Picton BIA has committed to acting as an advocate for the business community in the planning stages,” said Morris. “As the project moves forward we will continue to act in a liaise position between the business community and construction crews.”

She noted that although it is out of the scope of the BIA mandate, it has committed resources to branding, signage, advertising and promotions and events to assist in driving traffic to downtown Picton.”

Construction began last week in the area from Bridge Street to the Post Office for underground infrastructure including the replacement of water mains and sewer services, followed by new sidewalks, curbs, lighting and crosswalks. Access to stores will remain at all times. Construction will be halted in the town’s busiest months of July and August. Upon the completion of phase one, the section of Picton Main Street from Bridge Street to Ross Street will be reopened to vehicle traffic, and the second phase of the project will begin from Ross Street to Elizabeth Street. The project is expected to be completed in December, 2016.