Prince Edward County is celebrating Earth Day with several events and activities leading up to and surrounding the occasion.
Earth Day began in 1970 to raise awareness of environmental action. Today, countries around the world take part in events that showcase what organizations are doing to address various environmental issues.
Events planned in Prince Edward County include:
Large Item Swap
Saturday, April 18 to Sunday, April 19. All weekend, County-wide
Residents within settlement areas are encouraged to place their lightly used large items at the curb for other residents to take and continue to use.
For those living in rural areas, the municipality encourages residents to post their items and location on the event page on Facebook for people to peruse. This will help reduce greenhouse gases and improve interest in the program. Those living in the settlement areas are also welcome to post the items they will be offering.
Bay of Quinte Greens’ Speaker Series: “Thinking of Going Green? Real Experiences from the County”
Wednesday, April 22 at 6:30 pm, The Andrew (31 King Street, Picton)
If you are unable to attend in person, click here to register to attend virtually.
Curious about insulation upgrades, geothermal and solar systems, and electric vehicles but aren’t sure where to start? This event brings together installers and those who have already made the switch, sharing real experiences, costs, benefits, and lessons learned from going green in the County.
This event will include discussions on the following topics:
- Solar energy with Tyler Blower of Otterenergy
- Electric vehicles versus hybrid vehicles with Tyler Obrien of Belleville Hyundai
- Ground versus air heat pumps with Matt Bully of County Heat Pumps
Pitch-In Picton
Pitch-In Picton is a monthly, one-hour mini trash bash meets nature walk and local history tour. From April to October, Feral Folc and the Picton BIA are walking the streets of Picton in search of trash. Join the cleanup by meeting outside of the Picton Library (208 Picton Main Street) on Thursday, April 23 at 6 pm. No registration is required. Garbage and recycling bags, gloves, hand-sanitizer, bag tags, and snacks are supplied by the Picton BIA.
The walk will cover 1 – 2 km of distance, mostly on sidewalks, in alleys and parking lots but can sometimes include parks and other uneven surfaces. Options for those with reduced mobility are available. If you require support, please email feralfolc@gmail.com before the event. Each participant will receive a local gift certificate!
Owen Jones Memorial Community Cleanup
The Owen Jones Memorial Community Cleanup in support of the Quinte Trash Bash returns on Saturday, April 25.
Trash bash supplies will be available for pick up at 115 Lake Street in Picton and at Shire Hall (332 Picton Main Street) in the days leading up to the event. Supplies will also be available at the Wellington and Picton Home Hardware locations.
Residents who are interested in participating alone or in a group can register by contacting Evan Nash at 613.399.3203, evannash@gmail.com or via this form.
Waste collected on the day of the cleanup can be dropped off at the following locations free of charge:
- Picton Home Hardware (13544 Loyalist Parkway)
- Midtown Brewery parking lot (266 Wellington Main Street)
- 15 Coleman Street (Ameliasburgh), next to the works garage
- 2179 County Road 17 (Milford), in front of the fairgrounds
Participants are encouraged to send a photo of your group participating in the cleanup to communications@pecounty.on.ca for a chance to win prizes.
PEC Repair Café
Saturday, April 25, 11 am – 3 pm, Picton branch of the Prince Edward County Public Library (223 Picton Main Street). Event hosted by Feral Folc.
Help prevent common household items from ending up in the trash/landfill by bringing them to the PEC Repair Café. It’s an opportunity to have your items repaired for FREE by community volunteers who believe in a shared responsibility of care and maintenance for material items.
Meet skilled community members who will help you diagnose your repair and take the necessary steps to complete it with you. Organizers will be focused on offering repairs for items in these categories:
- Fabrics/clothing
- Electronics
- Household items
- Small appliances
- Small furniture / wooden items
- Bicycles
- Knife/scissor sharpening
Trees will be available on Saturday, May 2 from 9 am to 12 pm at the following locations:
- Prince Edward Community Centre (375 Picton Main Street)
- Wellington and District Community Centre (111 Belleville Street)
- Ameliasburgh Town Hall (13 Coleman Street)
Residents can collect up to 10 free saplings per household for planting on their property. Trees will be available on a first come, first served basis and while supplies last. Varieties available will depend on the supplier.
Please note: this program is only available for residents of Prince Edward County. Please bring proof of residency.
Visit the Sustainability Hub on the County website for more information about these events. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, contact Albert Paschkowiak, Environmental Services and Sustainability Supervisor, at apaschkowiak@pecounty.on.ca or call 613.476.2148 extension 4004.