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The Harbour Trail

Overview:

The concept for the Harbour Trail is a 2.15 km walking trail around Picton Harbour connected by seven lookouts providing views of Picton Bay.

The lookouts include amenities such as shade structures, landscaping, interpretive panels (historical and ecological information), seating (e.g. benches, tables), wayfinding signage and more.

Funding was secured through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund to upgrade four of the lookouts along the Harbour Trail in 2022/23. Staff continue to seek external funding sources to complete the Harbour Trail project.

Picton Harbour with sailboats docked in the water on a bright blue day.

Budget information:

Project Status:

Completed

Phase 1 - Complete Summer 2023

To Be Confirmed

Phase 2 - TBC upon securing funding

Project Details:

A task team of the Community and Economic Development Commission (CEDC) developed the conceptual plan for the Picton Harbour Trail in 2021. The task team included members of Council, CEDC, Accessibility Advisory Committee, Heritage Advisory Committee, and the Picton BIA.

With Government of Canada funding, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario),  the County of Prince Edward was able to upgrade the landscaping at four (4) of the seven (7) lookouts along the Harbour Trail, including Chimney Point, Queen Elizabeth Park, Bridge Street and Picton Marina with completion in Summer 2023. The improvements now accommodate persons with mobility concerns to help them enjoy the views, as well as access to Picton Harbour. Other features include places for rest, shade and picnics.  Interpretive panels were installed to touch on the history and ecological importance the of Picton Harbour.

Public consultation

In 2021, Staff consulted with a number of community groups and organizations to collect input on the Harbour Trail concept including: Regulatory Bodies (e.g. Quinte Conservation, Ministry of Natural Resources), Mohawks on the Bay of Quinte, Property Stakeholders, Community Organizations (e.g. Community Care for Seniors, The ROC, Discover YOUth, Community Living), and municipal committees of Council (e.g. Environmental Advisory Committee, Heritage Advisory Committee).

In 2022, the municipality worked with a cultural interpreter to create seven information panels that tell a variety of stories about the harbour. The panels included information about the history, ecology, industry and people that shaped the harbour. The public was invited to contribute to the storytelling by sending in stories of the harbour. 

Consultation on this project is now closed. 

Long-term plan

In addition to the seven lookouts, the conceptual plan for the Picton Harbour Trail includes a number of other elements – pathways, sidewalks, boardwalks, green spaces, foot bridges. Implementing these elements will take place in future years as external funding becomes available. The municipality continues to work with private property owners to negotiate easements in order to eventually create a continuous boardwalk around the mouth of the Picton Harbour. 

View the final report of the Picton Harbour Trail task team 

Staff Contact

Ashley Stewart
Community Services and Program Coordinator

Phone: 613.476.2148 ext. 2508
Fax: 613.476-8356