“I am extremely pleased that Garry has decided to join our team. We want to ensure that our company integrates well within the community and the trades industry.  We could not have found a better candidate for the job,” said Howard ‘Chip’ Hall, President of Cottage Advisors of Canada, the developer of the $50-million construction project.

Garry has worked for the the Municipality of Prince Edward County as Chief Building Official for the last nine years. His career began in the City of North York in 1974 progressing to the City of Etobicoke in 1976 as a senior heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration inspector.  By 1985 his positions evolved to manager of permits and zoning for the Town of Oakville.  His retirement as Chief Building Official of Prince Edward County was announced late last week.

Sandbanks is somewhat of a mecca for visitors to the County. People come from all over the globe to enjoy the largest freshwater sand bar and dune system in the world! If you’re looking for a place to enjoy sand and surf with family and friends, this is definitely the place to do it.

As an Ontario provincial park, Sandbanks has plenty of different summer activities for visitors to enjoy. With swimming, camping, boating, fishing, hiking and biking all available in one location, it’s easy to see why it is such a popular destination. Sandbanks also boasts a variety of ways to get back to nature, including wildlife viewing and conservation areas complete with highly knowledgeable guides and educational programs. Sandbanks Provincial Park is even open in the winter, with over 10 kilometres of cross-country skiing trails and a cabin to cozy up in by the fire (but maybe it’s a little too early for that mental image!)

The Summer Village resort offers a private beach on West Lake exclusively for cottage owners, but it’s also conveniently located just minutes away from Sandbanks Provincial Park for those days when you want to try something new and explore one of the gems of Prince Edward County. If you come down to spend your final days of summer at the park, why not pay us a visit? We can’t wait to see you!

Sandbanks Summer Village will be built over 3 to 4 years. There are currently 35 reservations for cottages, and 21 units still available in Phase 2 and 3.  These cottages should be available for occupancy next summer (2011).

Stay tuned for more updates.

Photo (c) Vines Magazine

When it comes to County wine, each bottle is as unique as the winery it hails from. Whether you need something to go with your local steak dinner, to toast a special occasion with or just to enjoy with friends in the summer evenings, the County’s wine country has got you covered. The September issue of Vines Magazine, a national publication geared to the Canadian wine consumer, features an outstanding article on the local wine industry and showcases the work of some great County vineyards including Red Tail Vineyard, Lacey Estates Vineyard and Winery, Keint-He Winery and Vineyards and Hillier Creek Estates. Be sure to check out the magazine to get the whole story (or click through to the online article for some great interactive content)!

Getting to be right in the heart of this viticultural wonderland is just another bonus here at Sandbanks Summer Village. Between being just off the Taste Trail (which also includes a number of delectable restaurants to go with your wine) and the group winery visits that will be organized be the resort, you’ll have the best that the County has to offer virtually at your doorstep!

This year, Sandbanks Summer Village was excited and honoured to help kick off this amazing event by sponsoring the Russ Little Quintet at The Waring House last Friday. It was a night of great food and wine, fabulous company and, of course, swingin’ jazz music! Thanks to everyone who came out and helped make the night so spectacular.

Video courtesy of Quinte Live.ca.

Read about us in The Toronto Star (Saturday, August 7, 2010).

Since our interview with Tracy Hanes, we’ve received 10 more reservations in Phase 1 & 2. There are 15 units ranging in price from $164,000 to $199,000 still available. All of these cottages are ideally located with views of the beautiful wetlands or private parks, and steps away from the dog walking area and walking trails in the woods.

Summertime is not only one of the best times to take in the beautiful scenery of the County, it’s also the best times to be out on your bike. What do the two have to do with each other? Prince Edward County is a cyclist’s paradise! Between the bike-friendly country roads, the towns and landmarks that beg to explored and the gorgeous wooded trails that are part of the resort amenities at the Sandbanks Summer Village and you suddenly have a lot of reasons to have bike with you in the County.

If you don’t have a bike or happen to be in the market for a new one, you’re in luck. While recently exploring the town of Picton I came across a shop called Ideal Bike. I was strolling down the streets, minding my own business, when suddenly I found myself entranced by the variety of stunning bike models out on display. Next thing I knew, I was chatting away with Ed, Ideal Bike’s super friendly owner and a passionate cycling enthusiast.

It seems as if Ideal Bike has absolutely everything you could ask for in a bike shop: great variety (down and dirty mountain bikes to sleek street models), plenty of accessories (I’m going back soon for a transit rack) and knowledgeable staff (these guys LOVE what they do). I myself was in the market for a bike but wasn’t really looking to get a brand new one. I had a used bike in mind, something with a more vintage feel to it but also one that wouldn’t break the bank. As it turns out, Ideal also refurbishes older bikes and had exactly what I was looking for. Ed even helped me squeeze it into the back of my tiny car! Check out some shots of my new-old ride:

If you’re looking for a fun, engaging and healthy way to get out and experience the County and Sandbanks Summer Village, you owe it to yourself to check out Ideal Bike. You can visit Ed and the team at their brand new location at 252 Main Street Picton (be sure to try out their new indoor bike path while you’re there!) and follow them on Twitter!

Our resort will have two floating docks with a small fleet of fishing boats, kayaks and canoes for use on beautiful East Lake.

We’ve had many questions about sailing and boating on Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte.  This video was made by Pat Hyduk, and provides information about Picton Harbour and Marina, about 12 km from Sandbanks Summer Village in the heart of Picton.

Enjoy!

You stop and ask Pat for directions, of course!

Last Friday was the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for a brand new information kiosk, located at The County Way Restaurant in Consecon (20018 Loyalist Pkwy at County Rd 1). Sponsored by Sandbanks Summer Village, Hiller Creek Estates Winery and, of course, The County Way Restaurant, the kiosk was set up to help County travelers find their way to all of the great destinations PEC has to offer.

Next time you’re on your way through, why don’t you stop by and chat with Pat? Super friendly and knowledgeable on all things County, she’ll be able to point you in the right direction and provide you with all the important details about the great spots and events that you’re looking for (and maybe even some that you didn’t know you were looking for!). Don’t need directions? Just stop by and say hello!

Curious? Check out this video from the big day to see what we’ve been up to!

Great job by Liz in this one!