“County businesses continue to be squeezed by uncertainty, disruptions and rising costs,” said Chamber of Commerce CEO Duarte Da Silva in a deputation to Committee of the Whole this month.

“Losing Highline Mushrooms to Leamington, the recent shuttering of Starbucks, Scotiabank’s announcement of their Wellington branch closure in June, and continued Loyalist job and program cuts. The difficulties are clear.” 

Mr. Da Silva noted that the majority of Chamber members are in the tourism and hospitality industry. In partnership with the County’s Economic Development office, the Picton BIA, County Arts, and Visit the County, it has applied for a $100,000 grant to support a Four Season Visitor Economy in the County.

The application to the Rural Ontario Development Fund requires matched funds. The municipality has pledged $45,000 in support. The allocation will be included in the proposed 2026 budget, and is subject to Council approval.

“Funding applications for the following year are typically due before the municipal budget is considered by Council,” explained County spokesperson Mark Kerr. “It’s ultimately Council’s decision to approve any funding during its budget deliberations.”

“Losing Highline 
Mushrooms to Leamington,
the recent shuttering of
Starbucks,
Scotiabank’s 
Wellington branch closure,
and continued Loyalist job and program cuts. 
The difficulties are clear.”

—Duarte Da Silva

Of the new partnership, the goal is to “work collaboratively to increase off-season vibrancy and build long-term economic resilience,” said Mr. Da Silva. “We want to stabilize employment, reduce unpredictability in income, attract and retain youth, and support local businesses operating year-round.” 

This means focusing on attracting businesses, activities and events that aren’t seasonal, such as arts programming. 

“The season of visitors in the County is getting longer and longer every year,” said Sarah Fox, Executive Director of Visit the County. “This evolution is already happening naturally; our goal is to help the County prepare for it.”

Service Level Agreement

Mr. Da Silva also reported on the Service Level Agreement the municipality and Chamber of Commerce entered into last April.

Underway are a transit awareness campaign to reach workers and employers that addresses the lack of transportation options, and door-to-door visits to highlight low cost upgrades businesses can make to improve accessibility. A microgrant will support such upgrades.  

The Chamber’s first trade show, “PEC Connect,” will bring together entrepreneurs and businesses.

“Every one of these initiatives is open to all County businesses, large or small, Chamber member or not,” noted Mr. Da Silva.

He highlighted the Chamber’s role as a community hub on Picton Main Street. MP Chris Malette has established a satellite office at the Chamber. It is open to the public every second and fourth Friday of the month. 

Ultimately, Mr. Da Silva noted, the Chamber is “focused on the workforce in PEC. We are increasing that workforce, day in and day out.”  

—With files from Karen Valihora