BASE31 NEWS AND PRESS COVERAGE

Check out what’s happening at Base31

Request for Expressions of Interest

Request for Expressions of InterestCulinary Entrepreneurs and Food & Beverage Creators Join Base31 in the Summer and Fall of 2024Base31 warmly invites culinary entrepreneurs and food & beverage creators from Prince Edward County, the Bay of Quinte and beyond to express their interest in being part of our flourishing cultural destination and vibrant community during…

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In Conversation with Shakura S’Aida

Shakura S’Aida has made waves with her powerhouse vocals for more than two decades, and she’s not slowing down. Her latest album, Hold on to Love, was released in 2022 and nominated for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year at the 2023 JUNO Awards. S’Aida first performed at Base31 — Prince Edward County’s newest cultural…

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Base31 + BIGLAKE Present: Sarah Slean Tribute to Joni Mitchell in The Drill Hall August 26

What You Need To KnowConcert Details BIGLAKE Festival closes out its festival with a premiere epic event in The Drill Hall as Sarah Slean pays tribute to one of the greatest singer-songwriters of our age, Joni Mitchell. Accompanied by BIGLAKE 48-piece Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Johannes Debus, featuring musicians from the best orchestras across Ontario.…

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Base31 and County Arts co-present Murals and Public Art 101: a workshop for local artists in Prince Edward County

After the beginnings of a long-term creative placemaking journey, Base31 will continue the efforts through unique art partnerships, offerings and installations on site.  Base31 and County Arts have partnered together to co-present a unique learning opportunity to ensure local artists have the skills and confidence to apply for mural and public art call for proposals.…

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2022: A Year in Review at Base31

The team at Base31 is taking time to thank you for a history-breaking first year at Base31.Over the past year, so many incredible moments, happenings and learnings have happened at Base31.  We have had four seasons of concerts, renovations, connection, art, and most of all a growing community of people who care about what we’re…

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Base31 Construction Updates

Base31 is working diligently to revitalize over 70 acres of land and the 46 buildings that are on the site.As part of this important work, Base31 engaged a structural engineer who determined that Building 8 cannot be saved. Demolition of Building 8 will begin in December. Base31 will be salvaging materials from the building where…

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Base31 Blog

From left: Kevin Windsor (Executive Director, National Air Force Museum); Tim Jones (CEO, Base31); Steve Ferguson (Mayor, Prince Edward County); Susan Scarborough (Board Chair, National Air Force Museum); Assaf Weisz (Chief Placemaking Officer, Base31) and Jacqui Burley (Museum Consultant, Base31)

Lancaster Bomber KB 882 Restoration Project on the Move

National Air Force Museum of Canada and Base31 Partner on Restoring and Showcasing Nationally Significant Aircraft March 18, 2024 (National Air Force Museum of Canada (NAFMC) / 8 Wing / CFB Trenton, ON) TRENTON – The National Air Force Museum of Canada and Base31 are thrilled to announce an exciting partnership celebrating Lancaster KB 882.…

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Request for Expressions of Interest

Request for Expressions of InterestCulinary Entrepreneurs and Food & Beverage Creators Join Base31 in the Summer and Fall of 2024Base31 warmly invites culinary entrepreneurs and food & beverage creators from Prince Edward County, the Bay of Quinte and beyond to express their interest in being part of our flourishing cultural destination and vibrant community during…

Read more

In Conversation with Shakura S’Aida

Shakura S’Aida has made waves with her powerhouse vocals for more than two decades, and she’s not slowing down. Her latest album, Hold on to Love, was released in 2022 and nominated for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year at the 2023 JUNO Awards. S’Aida first performed at Base31 — Prince Edward County’s newest cultural…

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Indigenous Veteran’s Day: The Stories of Five Soldiers

November 8 is Indigenous Veterans Day.In honour of this day, we are highlighting the stories of some Indigenous individuals who lived in Prince Edward County and the surrounding region, and who served in World Wars I and II. Many thanks to the researchers of The Mohawks of Bay of Quinte for sharing their records and…

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54•40 SET TO ROCK THE DRILL HALL STAGE AUGUST 5

CONCERT DETAILSRock out like it’s 1994 to the seminal sounds of Vancouver’s alt-rock quartet 54•40 live in The Drill Hall at Base31. The long-anticipated show opens up with The Cory James Mitchell Band this Saturday, August 5, 2023. The licensed patio opens at 6 pm where you can enjoy local food and beverage. The doors…

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The Sheepdogs Live at Base31 in Prince Edward County

CONCERT DETAILSJoin Base31 in Prince Edward County for a night of live music in The Drill Hall with The Sheepdogs and show opener The Redhill Valleys this Saturday, July 29, 2023. Grab your tickets here. The licensed patio opens at 6 pm where you can enjoy local food and beverage. The doors to The Drill…

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Base31 in Prince Edward County is officially Rainbow Registered

We are thrilled to announce Base31 is officially Rainbow Registered We are proud to be among several County organizations who provide an inclusive space in the community. The Base31 team and site partners will continue to make meaningful connections with like-minded people, community groups and organizations to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies.  Base31 is 50%…

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Base31 Blog: Music, Food + Beverage, Experiences + You

Calling all Musicians, Performers, Food + Beverage Entrepreneurs and Hosts: Base31 Needs You! PICTON, ON, FEB. 7, 2023 – Base31 is pleased to invite three groups of collaborators to join us for the 2023 season: musicians and performers, food and beverage entrepreneurs and individuals looking to host unique ticketed experiences on site. Base31 is a…

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Base31 and County Arts co-present Murals and Public Art 101: a workshop for local artists in Prince Edward County

After the beginnings of a long-term creative placemaking journey, Base31 will continue the efforts through unique art partnerships, offerings and installations on site.  Base31 and County Arts have partnered together to co-present a unique learning opportunity to ensure local artists have the skills and confidence to apply for mural and public art call for proposals.…

Read more

2022: A Year in Review at Base31

The team at Base31 is taking time to thank you for a history-breaking first year at Base31.Over the past year, so many incredible moments, happenings and learnings have happened at Base31.  We have had four seasons of concerts, renovations, connection, art, and most of all a growing community of people who care about what we’re…

Read more

Base31 Construction Updates

Base31 is working diligently to revitalize over 70 acres of land and the 46 buildings that are on the site.As part of this important work, Base31 engaged a structural engineer who determined that Building 8 cannot be saved. Demolition of Building 8 will begin in December. Base31 will be salvaging materials from the building where…

Read more

Truth and Reconciliation | Base31

Across Canada, people come together September 30 to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.This day is meant to honour survivors of the Canadian residential school system, and to mourn the loss of Indigenous children who never returned home and the survivors who did come home. In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, Base31…

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Base31 Installation of Archival Family Photographs

The CallBase31 has been collecting archival photographs and stories from the community, who have a connection to the site. We put out this call in June, and continue to ask for more.  More stories, more faces, more people, more community. Do you have a photo of a relative who was stationed at Base31? We would…

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Creative Placemaking at Base31

Creative Placemaking is the practice of engaging arts and culture to catalyze the transformation of places.It involves processes and strategies to re-imagine places, change their look and feel, inject new energy, create new narratives and in the process create new experiences. Creative placemaking done well is respectful of the past while engaging creative minds and…

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SLOAN Rocks The Drill Hall at Base31

What You Need to KnowSLOAN is coming to Base31 on Saturday, August 27 to play The Drill Hall.Concert DetailsJoin Base31 for a night of live music – the third concert to take place at Base31. The Drill Hall is located at the south end of the property.  Doors Open – 6:30 p.m. Featured Opener: Enrights…

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What’s Open on Site | Base31

Your guide to what’s operating and open to the public at Base31Base31 – previously known as Loch Sloy Business Park and Camp Picton – inherited a number of existing business on site. Some of those businesses and tenants use the site for storage, others are open for business and open to the public. Base31 is…

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Historical Walking Tours of the Site | Base31

What You Should KnowEverything you need to know about Base31 Historical Walking Tours. Delve into the history and stories of Base31 with resident expert Jacqui Burley, the former Property Manager of the site when it was known as Loch Sloy. With over 22 years of experience in managing the day-to-day business and hosting events onsite,…

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Natures Aviators art installation and unveiling 

The unveiling plus a look at the first archival community photo selected to be installed on a Base31 building It’s official – Base31 has installed the seven pieces of art that were chosen to explore the theme of Natures Aviators.  Photo Credit: Ophelia Spinosa Base31 commissioned a series of artworks that meaningfully explore the theme…

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Base31 Community Open House July 9th 2022

What To DoEverything you need to know about our Community Open House. Base31 is excited to welcome Prince Edward County to our Community Open House on Saturday, July 9 from 12pm to 6pm! Come explore the site, participate in one of our many free activities offered by local artists, enjoy some awesome food, take a…

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Aviators Garden Announcement

The structural art pieces will be featured in the Aviators Garden pictured above. Photo credit: ZMIIMAGERY The Call After a highly competitive round of applications, the finalists have been chosen. We are deeply grateful for the tremendous effort and the unique perspectives each participating artist contributed through their application. We know it takes many hours…

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Base31 needs your cardboard!

Contribute to a large scale public art sculpture being installed this summerIn early May of this year we issued a call out for artists to submit their visions for sculptures in our soon to be completed ‘Aviators Garden’ – a public art garden for anyone and everyone to enjoy. The idea is you visit Base31…

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Call for images and stories from Base31

Everyone has a story.Base31 has a rich and glorious history in both Prince Edward County and with people around the world.Base31Base31 was built in 1940 as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. This place helped train aircrews from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand during World War II. We’ve outlined some…

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Historical Walking Tours of Picton

When was the last time you took the time to explore the place you live in?Or to visit a new place and go deep into that new place? Learn about its facts and figures, quirks and quarks. Hear about tales and take in simple breathtaking moments. A historical walking tour is like bathing in the…

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Natures Aviators ~ Public Art + Placemaking

The call  Over the past century, Base31 played an important role in the nation’s aviation history, first as an air training base, and in the decades since as a hub for local flying clubs and aviation lovers.  Yet Prince Edward County is home to over 300 bird species and reminds us that aviation is not…

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Press Releases

Media Coverage

Joni Mitchell tribute

Clad in a glittering turquoise dress Sarah Slean, accompanied by a full symphony orchestra under the direction of Johannes Debus, performed some of Joni Mitchell’s iconic songs to a capacity audience in the Drill Hall at Base31 last Saturday night

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Arkells’ “Campfire Night” Was a Love Letter to Fans

As the hype builds for the September release of their eighth record Laundry Pile, Arkells — well known for their infectious energy and stellar performances — are treating fans to two stripped-down outdoor shows titled “Campfire Nights.” One of these exclusive events took place at the picturesque Base31 in Picton on July 15, offering lucky attendees a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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Arkells Campfire Nights in Picton, ON at Base31

During the pandemic, the Arkells saving grace was working on a stripped-down album called Campfire Chords. Last night, they took that dream even higher and performed their very first Campfire Nights. With opener, Ben Kunder who also braved the pouring rain along with the crowd, the Arkells and Base31 put on a once-in-a-lifetime show to remember.

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Serena Ryder

Serena Ryder performs to a full house in the Drill Hall at Base31 last Saturday night. The seven-time Juno winner sang a selection of her chart-topping hits from a decadea go as well as some of her newer works that were more introspective and soul-baring.

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Flying Club celebrations

Prince Edward Flying Club (PEFC) is launching its 70th anniversary celebrations on Saturday, June 17 with a fly-in breakfast on Father’s Day weekend. Breakfast will be served at the Flying Club, 343 County Rd 22, Picton at Base31. Rain date is June 18.

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Art in the County

Art in the County launched its thirtieth annual season last Thursday by unveiling its new logo and making a call for submissions, as well as announcing that the show will be held in the Lecture Hall at Base31, opening on June 23 and running until July 2.

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Base31 concert schedule

Summer is looking bright for music lovers in Quinte. Article content Base31 has unveiled a concert lineup of more than 40 performances at its historic Drill Hall and Sergeants Mess Hall venues in Picton. The concerts will showcase a diverse lineup of musical genres, including rock, folk, jazz, and blues, as well as comedy from…

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Ambitious plans for Base31

It served as an air force base for years and in the years to come it will be turned into an entire community. On Monday, Base31 officials shared their ambitious plans for the 750-acre property that included the former air base in Prince Edward County.

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Picton library expansion

Thanks to a generous matching donation by Picton Home Hardware, the library expansion project could be tantalizingly close to its fundraising goal by year’s end. A library fundraiser called Swing Into the Future is planned in the spring of 2023 at Base31. It will feature the music of Brian Barlow and the evening will have…

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Holly Jolly

Firefighter Frank Tantalo, with Linda Boysen and Gillian Fedchak offered a selection of colourful poinsettias as a fundraiser for the hospital and local foodbank, sponsored by the Wellington and Hillier stations, during the Holly Jolly Market at Base31. Forty nine vendors took part in the three-day market, which featured a Friday evening event with entertainment…

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Keeping Their Words Alive

Youngblood Maracle, David R. Maracle and eaoh Argos perform at Digging Roots: a benefit concert for the Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na Mohawk Language and Cultural Centre held at Base31 Saturday. The centre was established in 2000 by a group of community members concerned with the revitalization of the Mohawk language in Tyendinaga.

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When The Night…Feels My Song

Lead singer Jay Malinowski of the Canadian reggae ska band Bedouin Soundclash gets into one of the group’s hit songs at Base31 Saturday evening. The trio of Malinowski, bassist Eon Sinclair and drummer Chuck Treece performed for a few hundred fans.

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Reggae rock

Juno award winners perform at Base31 Eon Sinclair plays bass during the Bedouin Soundclash concert at Base31 on Saturday night. This was the band’s final appearance on their 2022 tour and they kept the audience dancing with a high-energy set featuring songs dating back to 2004. Their latest album drops in October.

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Base31 looks to support Indigenous community

Things have been stirring at the site of the former World War II airbase in Prince Edward County. The languishing green-shingled buildings that housed only dust, cobwebs and memories of a former era have been transformed into a platform for creative collaboration through an evolving fusion of art, ecology, heritage, industry and innovation.

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Buster Brown

Often through the generations there are names that come up in conversation, names of past family members that have a certain panache that accompanies their story, a bit of ‘out there’ that conjures the imagination. My recent recall of that story is related to my visit to a drill hall at what is now called…

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Picton Gazette

What is old will soon be new again, at least at the site of the former Camp Picton. After sitting mostly derelict for several decades, the former air base changed hands in December 2021. Plans are already underway to transform the space, beginning with the 70 acre chunk of land that boasts multiple heritage buildings.

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Quinte News

The group working to revitalize Loch Sloy, or Camp Picton, says they are still in the discovery phase of working towards building something they believe will be truly extraordinary.

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Toronto Star

A 700-acre property in Prince Edward County formerly home to a Second World War airbase has officially been sold to a group that has vowed to “honour the heritage” of the Camp Picton site.

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County Live

PEC Community Partners Inc. – a group of community builders based mainly in Toronto and area announced today it has finalized the purchase of Loch-Sloy Business Park and Picton Airport lands. The property was last listed with a Toronto real estate firm asking $14.9 million.

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Quinte News

The sale of the former Camp Picton has been finalized.

The former WWII airbase, a 700-acre property which includes the former Loch-Sloy Business Park and Picton Airport Lands has been sold to Ontario-based PEC Community Partners Inc.

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In Quinte

A historic property in Prince Edward County has been sold.

InQuinte News has learned the Loch-Sloy Business Park, formerly Camp Picton, a WWII airbase at 343 County Road 22, was sold last week.

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Toronto Star

Tucked away in Picton, Prince Edward County’s largest community more than two hours east of Toronto, sits nearly 700 acres of history — history that can be bought for the price of nearly $15 million.

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Media Assets