One of Picton Main Street’s most recognizable landmarks is set to shine a little brighter.

The County Foundation’s Built Heritage Fund gave its marquee restoration project a significant boost with a $15,000 grant—the largest award in its history.

Through fundraising, The Regent has secured $30,000 toward the $120,000 project.

The remaining funds might come through provincial and federal grant applications, including Main Street revitalization grants, along with public donations and special events.

Major Project

Deteriorating roofing and drainage, aging electrical systems, broken neon lighting and damaged decorative elements are all in line for repairs that will enhance the heritage appearance of the marquee and theatre facade. 

Photos documenting its current condition show water pooling on the roof, damage allowing moisture into the structure, and several lighting and decorative elements no longer functioning.

“It’s our privilege and responsibility to maintain this landmark to the quality that will make the County proud,” said John Galway, The Regent’s Executive Director. “This vital and historic support from The County Foundation’s Built Heritage Fund will form the foundation of a larger campaign to restore the marquee to its former glory.”

While the marquee is one of downtown Picton’s most recognizable features, Mr. Galway noted much of its lighting has not been fully operational for some time.

“There’s an understructure there where almost all of the bulbs are broken, and so it’s not used at all.”

Several neon elements are also no longer working, including some of the marquee’s distinctive crowns. Once restored, visitors will be able to see features that have been dark for years illuminated once again.

“I think people will see, either for the first time, or for the first time in a long time, the full glory and potential of the marquee,” Mr. Galway said.

Some of the most important work, however, will be largely invisible.

The surface on top of the marquee has deteriorated, allowing water and snow to penetrate and contribute to further electrical damage. Repairs to the roof and its membrane will be among the project’s priorities before the more visible restoration work is completed.

“Certainly, the biggest risk factor is the deterioration of the surface on top of the marquee because that’s where water and snow continue to get into it,” Mr. Galway said.

Neon will continue to be used for features such as the distinctive crowns, but other parts of the marquee could potentially use more energy-efficient lighting. The Regent is exploring whether it can be incorporated where appropriate. 

The marquee is not the original installed when The Regent was founded in 1918. Different versions have appeared throughout the theatre’s history.

Mr. Galway pointed to the story of Regent founder George Cook standing on Ross Street and switching on what he described as the theatre’s first “proper marquee” shortly after WWII. That marquee has since been altered and restored.

Today, its image extends well beyond the theatre itself.

“There are a lot of artists who have painted the marquee over time,” Mr. Galway said, noting it is also frequently used in tourism imagery. “I think it is a symbol of the vitality and history of the County and of Picton.”

The restoration is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Work will proceed in stages. The theatre will remain operational, with visitors redirected to side entrances at times.

A fundraising film event is being planned, along with a concert featuring well-known local musicians expected in the spring. Further details will be announced as plans are finalized.

Mr. Galway said the contribution from the Built Heritage Fund provided the momentum needed to begin the larger campaign.

“Every project starts with a small group of supporters who are the first to believe in it, and we are honoured that the Fund has put their trust in us with this generous grant,” he said.

The Regent Theatre Foundation is a registered charity that owns and operates the historic Regent Theatre, founded in 1918. The theatre presents first-run and independent films alongside live performances and events throughout the year.

Donations to this project or the Regent Theatre more generally can be made through Canada Helps.