Canada’s oldest weekly newspaper
© 2025 The Picton Gazette
Since 1830
During a September board meeting, Executive Director John Galway shared that summer attendance at The Regent Theatre had increased by 248 percent over last year — a phenomenal feat!
The increase was due to a number of factors: added screenings and events, amazing programming (from blockbuster films to sold-out concerts and live theatre), greater marketing efforts and, of course, the undeniable success of the “10 to 10” pilot program: opening the Regent as a tourist information centre from 10am to 10pm every day.
This incredible initiative, in partnership with Visit the County, the Picton BIA, and County Transit, increased foot traffic — and provided bathroom accessibility — as well as greatly increased ticket sales.
This record-breaking summer would not have been possible without our amazing “10 to 10” partners, our year-round sponsors and individual donations, as well as our many dedicated volunteers, the truly exceptional Regent staff, and John’s leadership.
The renewed buzz on Main Street was palpable this summer. The Regent cemented its role as a key community hub. And that role continues into the fall. Just this past weekend, The Regent hosted CAFF, the County Adaptation Film Festival. It offered an exceptional lineup of films and conversations, including Academy Award winner Sarah Polley, best selling novelist and screewriter Emma Donoghue, and renowned Canadian director Clement Virgo.
Maintaining a historical building and running a not-for-profit theatre in the age of Netflix, Amazon and Disney+ is a herculean feat, but the PEC community showed up in droves, proving that nothing beats the joy of attending a screening, concert or live theatre alongside friends and neighbours.
If you have questions and/or are considering sponsoring the Regent please reach out to us at: [email protected].
Thank you, PEC, for your tremendous support. We look forward to seeing you at The Regent!
Isabel Gomez-Moriana, Chair, Regent Foundation Board
Re: Lakecroft Approved (News, September 10). Was anyone else gobsmacked at the Shire Hall staff comment, “Most commercial businesses start off illegal here”?
The comment was made by Manager of Planning Angela Buonamici at a Planning and Development Committee meeting last month. The comment was a response to neighbours of Lakecroft complaining that even without a Tourist Commercial designation, the East Lake venue has hosted weddings for the past two summers.
“We’re not in the business of reprimanding them,” she continued. Perhaps this attitude explains the Doornekamp debacle.
Michele Fansett, Wellington
The Asset Management Plan is creating steady tax hikes of 7.4 percent over 10 years. This of course, means compound tax hikes. A tax of 7.4 percent is placed upon the previous taxation each year for ten years.
If for example, your current 2025 taxes are $3,000 per year, then in ten years your taxes will be $6,125 — an increase of over 100 percent (and an over-50 percent tax hike in 5 years).
This is a heads up for those on fixed incomes, as many retirees are.
I wonder if Councillors did the math for their own homes with this plan. They should.
Even though taxes are not being set today, they will be very soon.
Barbara Dahlman, Prince Edward County
Hello from Maryland, USA. Having had my weekly look-through of The New Yorker, which precedes a full read later, I opened my e-mail, and found The PG Express. This offered a thoroughly enjoyable romp through The Picton Gazette.
What a delight! Having spent many summers in Ontario, closer to Ottawa, I am drawn to your town, the issues, and this wonderful newspaper. Your broad solution to the mail strike is impressive. The chief attraction of the Gazette, though, is the whole package: beautiful layout, excellent reporting on culture as well as news, lucid and fair editorials, and close attention to community life.
Above all, the literacy is unparalleled in any newspaper near me, including that famous daily, The Washington Post. Such delights your Picton Gazette offers! Thank you for your on-line site!
Mary Holmes Dague, Maryland, USA
See it in the newspaper
