Ontario Heritage Conference
June 19–21, 2025 Prince Edward County, Ontario
HIGHLIGHTS
A wide variety of sessions are planned for an informative and interesting few days that expand on the theme How Tourism, Economic Development & The Local Community Benefit from Adaptive Re-Use.
June 19: Registration opens at 2 PM at the historic Crystal Palace, Picton. Enjoy a welcome reception and heritage walking tours.
June 20: Sessions, panels, and interactive workshops at Base31, a unique heritage site.
June 21: Excursions and specialized tours across Prince Edward County, from architectural treasures to celebrations and reflections on National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Preserving Stories, Building Futures in Prince Edward County
We’re thrilled to welcome you to Prince Edward County as we celebrate Ontario’s heritage. Over the next few days, we’ll explore innovative approaches to preservation, adaptive reuse, and the cultural and economic impact of heritage. This event brings together heritage planners, municipal staff, society members, architects, and those passionate about heritage to learn about current policies, best practices, and heritage adaptation, while sharing ideas and exploring the host community. View the Conference Program.
Early Bird
$300 plus taxes and fees from March 15th - April 30th
Regular
$400 plus taxes and fees from May 1st -June 8th
Student
$200 plus taxes and fees
Exclusive Accommodation Rates for Attendees
Make the most of your visit by booking a 3-night stay (check-in: Thursday, June 19th, check-out: Sunday, June 22nd). With limited room availability, we recommend booking your accommodations early to secure your stay. Conference attendees can enjoy special rates at these partner accommodations.
Enjoy 20% off your stay with the code OHC2025
Enjoy 20% off your stay
Enjoy 20% off your stay
Enjoy 20% off your stay
Located walking distance from Main Street, come and shop at the many uniquely curated locally-owned and operated specialty stores.
Discover the perfect blend of rustic elegance and modern relaxation at this chalet-style Bed & Breakfast in Bloomfield.
Enjoy 20% off your stay with the code OHC2025
Enjoy 20% off your stay with the code OHC2025
Enjoy 20% off Premium Rooms and Suites
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What are the conference dates?
Thursday June 19th Registration 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM; Welcome Reception & Networking 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday June 20th Registration 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM; Programming 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM; Celebratory Dinner 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM with activities on site afterward for those interested!
Saturday June 21st is an excursion-based day, so there is not a dedicated registration space, however
volunteers may be at individual locations to assist and mark attendance for conference goers.
Where is the conference taking place?
Various venues throughout Prince Edward County. Thursday takes place at Crystal Palace (375 Picton Main Street), while Friday is primarily at Base31 (343 County Rd 22, Picton, ON). Saturday’s events are spread across various locations—please refer to your program for details.
How can I get to Prince Edward County and are shuttle options available?
Due to the geography of Prince Edward County, the abundance of participating Heritage venues, and accommodations spread throughout the region, transportation to and from locations is the responsibility of conference attendees, unless an event specifically includes it. Please plan to arrive at your destinations on time. Carpooling is encouraged wherever possible.
Visit ‘Getting Here’ for more details about travel distances, options for travel and getting around once
you’ve arrived.
Where do I go to register?
Thursday June 19th Registration 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM at The Crystal Palace, 375 Picton Main Street, Picton
Saturday June 21st Registration 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Base31, 26-343, County Rd 22 Building 26, Picton.
How do I identify staff or volunteers?
Staff and Volunteers will have 'County Ambassador' lanyards. Please feel free to approach staff and volunteers with any questions or assistance needs you may have.
What is the dress code?
Prince Edward County is a smart-casual atmosphere. Prioritize dressing for weather and mobility, especially for walking around town and conference sites. The celebration dinner is business casual-cocktail attire.
What do I do in a medical emergency?
For emergencies dial 911 and secure appropriate help. The local hospital is: Quinte Health Care Prince Edward Memorial Hospital at 403 Picton Main St, Prince Edward, ON K0K 2T0 Contact Phone: (613) 476-1008. Please notify a staff member or volunteer as an incident report will need to be completed.
Will I receive a gift bag at the Ontario Heritage Conference?
In lieu of “swag bags”, each delegate will receive a pre-loaded $30 purchase card that can be used
anywhere within Prince Edward County. Organizers encourage Conference Goers to use their card for
breakfast/lunch on Saturday or for a locally purchased item that supports the businesses of Prince
Edward County and will remind them of 2025's conference!
The Purchase Cards may only be used within Prince Edward County and are valid for 15 months. If you
don’t spend all your money this time, consider visiting PEC again!
Where can I find conference information in a pinch?
Please view the Conference Program PDF. Additional programs, maps and information may be available at each venue.
What if I haven’t chosen my sessions yet or want to change them?
Sessions must be chosen at point of purchase with your conference tickets and cannot be changed as capacities are limited and on a first booked, first served basis.
For additional support reach out to cpalmer@pecounty.on.ca
What if I forget the sessions I chose?
Please review your confirmation email from Ticketscene for all your chosen session information.
What if I have trouble booking my conference ticket?
Conference tickets can be purchased at this link. If you have any challenges with this process
please contact Ticketscene at info@ticketscene.ca or 1.519.489.4444 ext 200
Will there be notes/slides/recordings available?
No, please come prepared to capture useful content in your sessions. Organizers encourage all
Conference Attendees to network and continue these and other conversations beyond the boundaries
of the conference.
About Prince Edward County
Prince Edward County is a charming collection of small hamlets and villages with deep roots in farming, agriculture, and trade, thanks to our historic waterways and stunning natural features. With 800 km of shoreline, "The County" is a haven for artists, entrepreneurs, farmers, winemakers, chefs, and creative souls of all kinds. Known for captivating hearts and inspiring imaginations, The County has a way of turning weekend visitors into lifelong admirers. You’ve been warned—you might not want to leave!
What are the must-do activities in The County?
June is the perfect time to explore all that The County has to offer. Here are some must-dos to add to your list:
- Walk or Cycle the Millennium Trail
Traverse this scenic 46-km trail that stretches across The County, offering stunning views and a chance to connect with nature. - Explore the Arts Trail
Visit local galleries and studios to discover unique works by talented artists and makers. - Sip Your Way Along the Wine Route
Sample exceptional wines at some of The County’s renowned wineries. Don’t forget to enjoy the views while you sip! - Discover the Arrow Trail
A perfect mix of history, nature, and adventure for those looking to immerse themselves in The County’s story. - Indulge in Farm-to-Table Dining
Savour fresh, local flavours at The County’s incredible restaurants, many featuring produce and ingredients sourced from nearby farms. - Relax by the Water
With 800 km of shoreline, enjoy beaches, kayaking, or simply soaking in the lakeside beauty. - Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day
Join in the local events and activities honouring Indigenous heritage and culture on June 21st. - Discover The County’s Craft Breweries and Cideries
Don’t miss the opportunity to taste The County’s growing selection of craft beer and cider at local breweries and cider houses. - Browse the Local Markets
Shop for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and handmade treasures at one of the many farmers’ markets. - Attend a Festival or Event
June is bustling with events like live music performances, art shows, and food festivals—perfect for soaking in The County’s vibrant culture. - Tour Sandbanks Provincial Park
Spend a day at one of Canada’s most beautiful parks, with its pristine sandy beaches and unique dune systems. - Take a Cooking Class or Workshop
Learn something new with hands-on experiences offered by local chefs, artists, or makers.
Thank You to Our Generous Partners
The Ontario Heritage Conference is presented by Community Heritage Ontario, Ontario Association of Heritage Professionals, and Architectural Conservancy Ontario. 2025 is hosted by the municipality of Prince Edward County with support from Base31, The Regent, Visit the County, ACO PEC, Prince Edward County's Built Heritage Committee, and all the many presenters.
