Public Information Centre: Former Queen Elizabeth School Redevelopment

The County of Prince Edward purchased in 2024 the 1.8-hectare (4.5 acre) Queen Elizabeth School property, located at 35 Barker Street in Picton, from Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board. The purchase of the property, which was declared surplus to the needs of the school board in November of 2018, supports the municipality’s commitment to developing new purpose built affordable rental housing and community hub.

In March 2025, County Council finalized a public-private partnership with New View Holdings Inc. for the redevelopment of the property. The redevelopment will result in 198 new residential units over two phases with 50 per cent offered as affordable housing and 50 per cent at market rates. There will also be a 22,500 square foot community hub for use by local service agencies, a green amenity space, and a playground.

The framework to implement that public-private partnership includes several agreements that address the short and long-term obligations of both parties and facilitate the next steps of this project, including:

• Public consultation
• Detail design
• Planning Act approvals
• Construction and operation

Project Consultation:

As part of the redevelopment agreement, New View Holdings committed to a consultation process that includes a facilitated charette or visioning session with stakeholders from the neighbourhood and various community representatives, which took place in August 2025. Click here to view the engagement summary report from the charette(External link).

The work at the charette will influence the design of the project including elements such as streetscaping, landscaping, architectural design, arrangement and location of amenities such as the playground, community garden and greenspace, and more.

The proposed designs will be presented at a public information session on Thursday, November 6 from 6-8 pm at the Rotary Hall inside the Prince Edward Community Centre (375 Picton Main Street).