President's Message 
The History of Prince Edward County
I was speaking with Dave McFaul recently and he told me that his children are twelfth generation Prince Edward County residents. He felt that their family roots were probably as deep as it gets in this community. It got me thinking about the long and diverse history of this County that we call home. Historically Prince Edward County has been shaped by Indigenous peoples, Loyalist settlers, farming, and trade. Before European settlement, the area was home to Indigenous peoples, including the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe, who used the land and surrounding waters for travel, hunting, fishing, and gathering.
European settlement increased significantly after the American Revolution in the late 1700s, when United Empire Loyalists arrived in the area. I suspect that Dave McFaul’s relatives arrived in the area at about this time. In 1792, the region was named Prince Edward County in honour of Prince Edward Augustus, Duke of Kent. The new settlers established farms, villages, roads, and mills, and the area gradually developed an agricultural economy.
During the 1800s, towns such as Picton, Wellington, and Bloomfield became important centres for trade. The county's location on Lake Ontario made shipping an important part of its economy. Farmers exported products such as grain, fruit, and livestock, while local businesses supported the growing population.
In the 20th century, Prince Edward County remained largely rural, although tourism became increasingly important. Today, the county is known for its historic buildings, farms, beaches, arts, and wineries. Places such as Sandbanks Provincial Park attract visitors from across Ontario and beyond.
Prince Edward County's history reflects the changes that shaped much of Ontario, from Indigenous stewardship and Loyalist settlement to agriculture, industry, and modern tourism. Its historic communities and landscapes continue to connect the present with its past.
Quote of the week:
The past is not something we leave behind; it is part of the landscape that we live in today.
Bad Dad Joke of the week:
I have a fear of speed bumps – I’m slowly getting over it.
Chris Compeau
President 2026-27
This Week's Zoom Meeting Details:
Topic: Weekly Rotary Meeting
Time: Sept 08, 2026 07:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 828 6879 3340
Passcode: rotary
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Notes from Rotary Meeting on September 1, 2026
President Chris opened the meeting at 7:07 with 31 members present and one guest. Shawn was warmly welcomed back for his first meeting after rejoining the club. Roger circulated signup sheets for the next round of Fellowship Dinners, which will take place in the September – November timeframe. Chris displayed photos of the beach sign unveiling with the mayor, as well as a photo of the cheque presentation to the Big Lake Festival.
Guest Speaker
Lyn introduced our guest speaker, Brian McLean. Brian is the founder of Achilles Cabada, a national non-profit that creates opportunities for physically challenged athletes to participate in athletic events. In 2023, Brian acquired the Prince Edward County Marathon and since that time has significantly grown the marathon from just over 600 participants in 2023 to more than 2100 participants for the upcoming 2026 event.
Brian provided full financial transparency, sharing the Marathon’s 2025 Financial Impact Report that has been submitted to County Council. He indicated that more than 70% of the 1600+ participants in 2025 came from outside the PEC region. Factoring in the entry fee, accommodation cost, meals, etc. the race therefore brought in approximately $975,000 to the County assuming a single runner came alone. If the participant was accompanied by a family member or friend, that total could be very significantly more. Brian stressed that this event is a community effort, with Route Marshall being the most critical volunteer role. This year, with four weeks until race day, they have 500 registered for the full marathon (which is a Boston Marathon qualifier,) over 1100 for the half marathon and this year they have added a 1k kids run on Saturday, with a goal of 150 kids between 4 and 12 years old. In addition to supporting PECMH this year, they also plan to support the Special Olympics and the ROC. Brian recognized our club’s longstanding support for the County Marathon and thanked us for helping out again this year. He will be requesting a donation of $1,000 to purchase $10 gift cards for each volunteer. Each volunteer this year will also receive a volunteer shirt, so when you sign up please provide your size.
Club Business
The David Smith Golf Challenge brought in more funds to the Foundation. Keep it up guys!
Roger moved that the club donate $1200 to Shelterbox for the flooding in Nepal, seconded by Bill M., motion carried.
John Hatch has a letter prepared related to the Vulnerable Sector Check. Talk to him if you are ready to do your check.
Update on tickets sold for upcoming County Cares Concert – 265 to date, vs capacity of 400.
Update on Silent Auction – 77 items posted with a stated value of over $15,000, and bids to date totalling over $8,000.
Upcoming events
Sep 6 – County Cares Concert
Sep 7 - Online auction closes
Sept 20 – President’s Walk at Point Traverse – Margo will bring refreshments
October 4 – County Marathon
Birthdays – David M, today
Anniversaries – Bill & Nancy P, 45 yrs on Sep. 5; Shawn & Julie, 7 yrs on Sep 7
50/50 draw – Chris’ ticket was drawn and although he picked a spade it was not the Ace.
Chris closed the meeting at 8:31 with the Four-Way Test.
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