Like it has done to many things, the COVID-19 pandemic has hindered the plans for Picton Town Hall however there is some forward movement.
Prince Edward County Committee of the Whole received a progress report from the Picton Town Hall Board of Management on Thursday.
Chair of the Board Elis Ziegler told council that plans for a weekly farmers market on Sundays beginning later this year are on track.
“We’re expecting to start registration the beginning of April for the farmers market, having about 20 vendors in the space bordering the hall on two sides.”
Revenue from the farmers market will help subsidize activity in the building, including cleaning to allow user groups back in.
Ziegler told council that renting out the upper level became difficult last year due to capacity limits because of the pandemic and the high costs of proper cleaning that went along with the that.
“We’re optimistic that once the restrictions are lifted in terms of capacity that, in particular with revenue from the farmers market, we’ll be able to afford more intense cleaning and allow any use of the hall.”
Ziegler says there have been non-profit and private sector interest in the space.
The Recreation Outreach Centre is still planning to lease the lower level of the building with the hope of starting operations in the space by March 2022.
A by-law to approve the draft Memorandum of Understanding between the County and the ROC will be brought to a future council meeting for approval.
