News
In local news, The Picton Harbour Marina has started its fall operating schedule that runs from October 1st until November 8th. The marina will be open only on Saturday and Sunday from 8 am – 6:30 pm. The marina will continue to offer pump outs, fuel and all regular services during this time. Users are asked to place launch fees in envelops and place in the slot within the pump house.
A new fund has been established to support a sustainable future for Picton Food Bank. Last year, the Picton United Church Food Bank provided over 110,000 meals For this year they are experiencing a 40% increase in visits to the food bank. This sharp and sudden increase reflects the escalating number of families and individuals dealing with food insecurity in the County.
To respond to this critical need, a new fund called the Picton Food Bank Endowment Fund has been established at The County Foundation. The Picton Food Bank is seeking to raise an initial $1 million, which will generate interest that can be used by the food bank annually to ensure shelves are stocked with meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables, dried goods and other essentials.
The idea for the Fund comes from Picton Food Bank volunteer, Mark Houghton and his wife Erika, who see it as a way to help alleviate the uncertainty that comes from operating a food bank that is dependant on fluctuating community donations. And to ensure that the Fund gets off to a healthy start, the Picton couple have seeded it with a donation of $100,000.
Still on the local scene, The County of Prince Edward is partnering with Quinte Transit to offer free transit to all electors on Advanced Voting Day on Saturday, October 17 and on Election Day on Monday, October 26.
The free transit service will bring voters to and from any voting location in Prince Edward County. Voters must book ahead to access a free ride. Voters are encouraged to call 613.392.9640 as soon as possible to book a ride.
Poll locations, opening hours and transit schedule can be found on the County website.
NEXUS
The Canada Border Services Agency announced deadlines for Canadians applying for Nexus travel card. Nexus cards expedite the border clearance process for travellers between Canada and the U.S. and may grant access to priority lanes at certain points of entry.
Starting April 1, 2027, applicants must schedule their enrolment interviews within two years of receiving conditional approval. This is an update from the five-year time-frame CBSA temporarily extended due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants who are conditionally approved before April 1, 2027 must schedule their interview within five years of their approval date, or by April 1, 2029, depending on which day comes first.
For anyone still waiting for an interview, CBSA said to book your appointment as soon as possible so your application does not expire.
After submitting an application, would-be Nexus travellers need to schedule an interview with both CBSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
And finally, if the skies clear tonight as predicted, there is a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights this evening until about 11 PM. You will need to be in dark area like the South Shore to get the best chance to see the lights in the north sky.
Sports
In hockey news, the Wellington Dukes hope to keep their good start to the season as they welcome the St. Michael’s Buzzer to LeHigh Arena tonight at 7:30. Then on Sunday afternoon, they are off to Markham for at 2:45 game. The Royals have won all of their 11 games this season, so hopefully the Dukes can break that streak. Remember that the Dukes away games are carried live on 99.3 County FM with our own broadcaster, Craig Foster.
In the Northern Premier Hockey League, the County Royals have their first home game at the Lehigh Arena on Saturday at 7:30 PM. The Royals are coming off a road 9-3 win over the Tamworth Sabres in their first game of the season.
F1 racing continues this weekend with the Bahrain Grand Prix that has been moved to Malaysia due to the conflict in the Arabian Gulf. You will have to be a bit of a nighthawk to watch it live. The qualifying round is Saturday morning at 4:00 am. The 56 lap, 310 km race starts at 3:00 am on Sunday.
There is a considerable difference between the two tracks. Of the two, the Segang circuit on the outskirts of the capital Kuala Lumpur has much higher tire degradation and very unpredictable weather. High temperatures, wind and thunderstorms are forecasted throughout the weekend.
