Prince Edward County is celebrating Earth Day with a number of 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:
Environmental Expo
Saturday, April 12 from 10 am – 2 pm, Prince Edward Community Centre (375 Picton Main Street)
This event will include:
- 10 am – 12 pm: An in-person presentation from Enbridge and Humber College on helping homeowners incorporate best practice energy-efficient upgrades in home renovations and retrofits. Residents can register to attend virtually via this link.
- 12 pm – 1 pm: A panel discussion about the Partners in Climate Change Program (PCP), a national network of more than 500 municipalities with the shared goal of taking action against climate change and reducing local greenhouse gas emissions. Panelists will include representatives from various municipalities.
- 1 pm: A community consultation event centred on Prince Edward County’s efforts to create a Climate Action Plan as a PCP participant. We are seeking your input on developing a plan by the County for the County.
Owen Jones Memorial Community Cleanup
The Owen Jones Memorial Community Cleanup in support of the Quinte Trash Bash returns on Saturday, April 26.
Trash bash supplies will be available for pick up at 115 Lake Street in Picton and at Shire Hall (332 Picton Main Street) beginning Saturday, April 12. They 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 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.
Composter Giveaway
Prince Edward County recognizes the benefits of composting organics at home.
In support of this initiative, the municipality is giving away a limited supply of composters that will be made available to the public on a first come first serve basis on Saturday, May 3.
Residents interested in collecting a bin can visit one of the following waste sites between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm to collect a composter:
- South Marysburgh Landfill (1032 Old Milford Road)
- Sophiasburgh Waste Transfer Station (35 County Road 14)
- Picton Waste Transfer Station (27 County Road 22)
- Ameliasburgh Landfill (245 Valley Road)
Learn more about backyard composting
Tree Giveaway
Trees will be available on Saturday, May 3 from 9 am to 12 pm at the following locations:
- Lake Street Garage (115 Lake Street, Picton)
- 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 serve 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.
Large Item Swap
Saturday, May 3 to Sunday, May 4. 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 in 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.
PEC Repair Café
Saturday, April 26, 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 the items we own and use.
Meet skilled community members who will help you diagnose your repair and take the necessary steps to complete it with you. We are focusing on offering repairs for items in these categories:
- Fabrics/clothing
- Electronics
- Household items
- Small appliances
- Small furniture / wooden items
- Bicycles
Lawn Naturalization Sign Design Contest
The County of Prince Edward is hosting a contest for elementary students to design a lawn sign that promotes the benefits of lawn naturalization.
The winning design will be displayed on lawns throughout Prince Edward County.
Mayor Steve Ferguson will announce the winner at the April 22 Council meeting and present the winning student with an award. A prize will be available for the winning design.
Students must use the sign template provided. Entry packages can be attained from PEC teachers or online. Designs must be submitted with the contest entry form to communications@pecounty.on.ca or dropped off at Shire Hall (332 Picton Main Street) or at the Prince Edward County Roads Garage (115 Lake Street, Picton). The deadline has been extended to Friday, April 11 at 3:30 pm.
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.