Centre of history

Rendering of proposed design of town centre, complete with sculpture of Sir John A. Macdonald, to be unveiled on Canada Day.

Landmark sculpture may be impetus for development of town square

Despite a proud history that goes back more than two centuries, Picton has never managed to develop a town centre or civic square in which to gather and celebrate the town’s unique story. Geography was against the founders and builders, as the town grew out of opposite sides of a ravine that rose from the bay—the court house erected on one side, Shire Hall rising on the other—the town’s commercial sector beginning abruptly at the top of the town hill and spreading ever westward.

The first steps toward creating a proper town centre were taken this past week, along with plans to unveil the much-heralded statue of a young Sir John A. Macdonald on the lawn in front of the historic Armory building on Main Street.

Initially encompassing a small portion of the green space abutting the library, the proposed town centre design, prepared by landscape architect Scott Wentworth, envisions a grand town square, suitable for a wide array of outdoor musical and theatrical events, municipal ceremonies and civic occasions—anchored by the celebrated work of artist Ruth Abernethy depicting Macdonald larger than life in both scale and vitality.

The sculpture captures the spirit of the young, feisty Macdonald, not yet a lawyer, arguing to overturn a charge of assault, precipitated by a disagreement on Main Street. Macdonald won that day. Soon thereafter, he left behind his formative years in Quinte—the place he grew up and became a man.

David Warrick led the initiative to commemorate Macdonald’s time in Picton by forming the committee that commissioned the sculpture. Warrick advised council that the fundraising for the project—five years in the making—was now complete with generous contributions by the Canadian Heritage Foundation ($300,000) and the Parrott Foundation ($25,000) as well as 450 donations from individuals.

The remaining issue was where the sculpture should stand. The committee investigated five possible locations in Picton, and landed on the Armoury site, a central location linking the armoury, the library and the Regent Theatre—each an important cultural centre in its own right.

Warrick sees the proposed town square connecting these facilities together with Sir John A. Macdonald at the centre.

“He called this place home for 11 years,” says Warrick. “This is where the boy was formed into a man. In some respects, Prince Edward County may be considered the birthplace of Canada.”

But Warrick says it is now up to the municipality to take the lead on the project. It begins with the official unveiling of the sculpture on Canada Day. His committee will work with the County’s Community Development department to make arrangements for the event.

Realizing the broader town centre vision will require leadership from County council. The owner of the Armoury building has indicated a willingness to collaborate. It is clear, however, the opportunity to create a vibrant, central and inspiring town centre is within reach.