On the heels of a ground- breaking and productive year, the Picton Business Improvement Association is planning more marquee events, robust advocacy, and increased social media engagement.

Executive Director Mark Rose was before Council last week to both review the achievements of 2025, and give a taste of what’s ahead.

A new Governance Committee updated BIA policies and procedures to define board and staff roles this year, as well as created a code of conduct, and clear vendor and artist agreements.

The Marketing Committee fostered successful marquee events such as Picton Fashion Week and the Night Market. It introduced the Elbows Up shop local campaign, and continued with staples like Pitch In Picton, a mini trash bash, and the Christmas Tree Lighting celebration.

“I like to say it’s our job to bring people to Picton. From there, it’s the businesses’ job to bring people inside their doors,” Mr. Rose said, noting Picton Fashion Week’s success.

“The Elbows Up campaign is a great example of how the BIA can react to things as they happen.”

Mr. Rose highlighted the BIA’s 2026 operating budget and noted a 5 percent increase this year, from $143k in 2025 to $151k. Most of the increase will support a dedicated social media content creator. 

A campaign for better street illumination at the town’s west end is on the agenda for the year ahead. 

“It’s very dark in west Picton. We cannot hang holiday decor, banners, and flowers at that end of town because of the old infrastructure, and there are levy payers there who would like to benefit from some of the great things going on with the BIA, even if it just starts with beautification,” Mr. Rose explained.

The BIA is also calling on Council to address lighting and pedestrian safety in Market Lane.

“Affordable housing is in our wheelhouse too. Our businesses need employees, and those employees need places to live. Affordable housing is something that we support and were happy to advocate for, especially at the Queen Elizabeth project in 2025,” he added.

Mr. Rose’s deputation led to a successful motion to cost out lighting solutions for the west end of Picton Main Street in time for the 2027 budget deliberations.

Councillors St-Jean, McNaughton, Gorsso, Hirsch, Maynard, Branderhorst, and Mayor Ferguson voted in favour of the motion. Councillors Pennell, Nieman, Prinzen, Harrison, Braney, and Engelsdorfer were opposed.