Five years in, Base31 builds on momentum, unveils plans for next chapter in Prince Edward County

Base31 today unveiled its evolving vision for a destination and community in Prince Edward County, building on five years of transformation and continuing to convert the historic former WWII air training base into a thoughtfully-planned community and destination defined by creativity, connection, and shared experience. As Base31 marks this milestone, the team reflects on what has already been built, from concerts and exhibitions to supporting local businesses and family needs, continuing the momentum to shape what comes next. Today’s announcement includes:

The continued build-out of Base Living, a multi-phase collection of residential villages planned around Prince Edward County's natural landscape, with housing, trails, gardens, and shared amenities integrated across the villages

The ongoing evolution of the B31 District into a popular cultural destination strengthening the County's creative economy through music, culinary offerings and local vendor partnerships.

The launch of new brands and digital platforms designed to improve transparency, community access, and ongoing public engagement, and to support next phase of growth in a meaningful way

Together, these initiatives honour the heritage at Base31's core while also shaping its future — solidifying it as a place where people can discover, live, and belong.

A New Chapter for a Historic Site

Set on the site of a former WWII air training base in Picton, Ontario, Base31 has spent the past five years transforming a historic military site into a year-round gathering place for Prince Edward County and visitors to the area. Over the past five years, the team has steadily reactivated one of Canada’s most significant collections of WWII-era buildings — transforming hangars, barracks, and service buildings into spaces for music, food, exhibitions, and community gathering. Spanning approximately 750 acres, with a historic 70-acre core, the site continues to evolve as both a cultural destination and the foundation for future neighbourhoods.

Today, the site is being redeveloped through a phased, long-range framework that integrates residential living, cultural programming, small business growth, and public space, while restoring and adapting historic buildings for contemporary cultural use. Visitors to the site can learn more about its history at the Exhibition Hall. Housed in a transformed WWII aircraft hangar, the immersive space invites guests to explore more than 14,000 years of human history connected to the site through curated exhibitions, interactive installations, and rare artifacts. Landmark buildings such as the expansive Drill Hall continue to be reimagined as large-scale performance and event spaces, while across the site, gathering spaces such as The Commissary, an open-air food and drink market, sit alongside former service buildings now housing creative studios and family-focused spaces.

“Adaptive reuse at this scale remains relatively rare in Canada,” says Alexandra De Gasperis, Vice President, DECO Communities. “Base31 stands apart for its integrated vision. Historic structures continue to anchor the identity of the site even as new programming and partnerships reshape how the space is used year-round.”

Discovery and Cultural Programming at B31 District

Launching a new name, website, and evolving brand identity, B31 District represents the cultural heart of Base31, inviting both locals and visitors to connect through food, music, and shared experiences in the County. Anchored by The Commissary’s food and beverage offerings, concerts and large-scale gatherings at the Drill Hall, and seasonal activations—including Fairgrounds pickleball courts and rotating popups and vendors—Base31 District continues to grow as a year-round destination.

New partnerships and expanded programming are designed to support local artists and businesses while strengthening the region’s tourism landscape across Canada and beyond. Visitors to the District can explore a range of cultural and recreational experiences across the site, from dining at The Commissary and discovering local history in the Exhibition Hall to exploring art spaces, gardens, shopping, and recreational amenities. The site also hosts food experiences, health and wellness pop-up activations, and other unique experiences throughout the year, creating ongoing opportunities for discovery and gathering for the whole family.

Building the Base for a Life in the Making

Alongside cultural growth, Base31 is prioritizing the advancement of Base Living, an initiative exploring new models of housing within Prince Edward County. Guided by ongoing community input and a commitment to sustainable neighbourhood planning, Base Living reflects a vision of belonging and a return to the essence of living. Neighbourhood plans envision a dynamic mix of uses, including retail, restaurants, places to work and create, parks, trails, and recreation areas, alongside a full complement of community amenities and a range of housing options, including rentals designed to meet changing needs across different stages of life and to fill a much needed gap in the County, Base Living is a return to community and supports connection of both people and the land.

“We studied international models of intentional community design and integrated those lessons here, to create something genuinely different for Ontario,” says Jordan Taylor, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, DECO Homes. “The result is a neighbourhood built to return to the true essence of living — better connections to your neighbours, better connections to nature and wellness, and streets and public spaces with a unique sense of County character.”

The first Village is expected to launch this summer and brings a wide range of housing options to new buyers. Interested residents and prospective homeowners can register to learn more at www.baseliving.ca.

Supporting the Future of Prince Edward County

Guided by ongoing dialogue with local business owners and residents, legacy partners, and community organizations, Base31’s evolution reflects a commitment to balancing heritage with growth, ensuring that future development responds to both the County’s history and its changing needs.

As Base31 continues to take shape, the project is expected to generate year-round economic activity and expanded opportunities for local businesses, while also helping to extend tourism beyond peak seasons. Recent partnerships, including the introduction of Wildlings Play Café and a new licensed child care centre through The HUB Child & Family Centre, reflect Base31’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that supports families and responds directly to vital long-term infrastructure needs. This commitment is further strengthened through community investments with the County Foundation, Prince Edward Chamber of Commerce, and County Transit, which together support the long-term infrastructure and socio-economic development of the region. The site also acts as a gateway to the wider Prince Edward County region, encouraging visitors to discover local wineries, farms, makers, and independent businesses while supporting sustainable, year-round growth.

“From summer concerts in the Drill Hall to new families moving onsite, Base31’s vision is to create lasting economic opportunity while helping shape a future that feels locally rooted and built together,” says Liz Kohn, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Base31.

ABOUT BASE31

Base31 is a cultural hub and future housing community in Prince Edward County, Ontario, located on a historic former WWII air training site in Picton. Spanning approximately 750 acres, the project brings together adaptive reuse, arts and culture, culinary experiences, and future neighbourhood planning to create a place where people can live, experience, and belong.

Since opening to the public in 2022, Base31 has transformed a collection of historic hangars and service buildings into dynamic spaces for live music, exhibitions, food and drink, recreation, and family programming. The site continues to evolve through events and experiences at B31 District, the cultural destination within Base31, alongside the long-term vision for Base Living, focused on neighbourhood planning and residential housing.. Through partnerships with local organizations, artists, and businesses, Base31 aims to support Prince Edward County’s vitality, economic strength, and long-term growth. For more information, visit base31.ca, and follow on social @base31_pec, @baselivingpec, and @b31districtpec.