Prince Edward County, Ontario
Canada's First Creative Rural Economy
Founded by
Pioneers, Artisans and Entrepreneurs

Economic Development Team: Diana Cooper, Karin Desveaux

Prince Edward County is experiencing a rural renaissance of sorts, we are a new creative rural economy. For the last 30 or 40 years the County was off the map, so to speak. It was one of Ontario’s best-kept secrets, and the local economy was somewhat stalled. Today we are being revitalized by both locals and newcomers – pioneers, artisans and entrepreneurs. Economically speaking things have changed.

Located in Ontario’s "golden triangle" between Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa, Prince Edward County is attracting baby boomers, young families and professionals of all sorts. They are our “new settlers” and they come for the County’s lifestyle, its location and its bright future.

The County’s resurgence is based the creative rural economy, agriculture and industry, information technology and health care, retirement communities and rich arts & cultural communities, an emerging wine and culinary scene and a tourist industry that is growing full steam ahead.

Arts, Culture and Heritage
“It’s this very old and kind of sophisticated community…with great restaurants!” Layne Coleman, artistic director, Theatre Passe Muraille.

We wear our history with pride, in our colonial architecture and beautiful old farmhouses and in the tales we tell of County ancestors - mariners and farmers, rum runners and politicians. A thriving artistic community and sell-out performances at the restored Regent Theatre inspired the Globe and Mail to call us “Ontario’s other arts hot spot…” More

Agriculture
“Sixth generation dairy farmers, twins Gerald Pulver and Geraldine Leavitt have built their family farm into one of the most modern operations in Ontario” Picton Gazette.

Agriculture is alive and well in the County, in fact it’s the largest single industry with traditional cash crops, dairy and beef, and agricultural services is a growth industry here. We are excited that the success of new vineyards and wineries have made us Ontario’s fourth major winemaking region, and the increasing number of high-end organic farms could resurrect our nickname of “Canada’s Garden County…” More

Commerce and Industry
"Moving to affordable premises in the County meant we could expand and have control of our own manufacturing - and we’ve never looked back.” Arnold Robb, director, Universal Fan & Blower.

As well as traditional industries, our economic base includes many small and medium size enterprises from manufacturers to IT specialists, machinists to filmmakers, rock quarries to fine restaurants. More

Tourism
“It’s a haven for sunbathers, boasting three of the province’s largest, nicest swimming areas ..towering white dunes and 800kms of shoreline” Macleans Magazine

Our tourism industry is growing and hospitality businesses are booming. The County is a lifestyle destination with all the delights of the countryside and a growing sophistication, too. Spectacular shorelines, rolling countryside and quaint little towns plus luxury spas, world-class restaurants and art studios and galleries. More