Press Conference - 15 November 2006

The Societies' expansion to the Customs House / Post Office building, Main Street, Picton

[Background material available at <http://www.aandc.org/pdf/mission_statement_151106.pdf>]

     It is with great pleasure that the Archives and Collections Society (ACS) (a federal Charitable Organization established in 1998) and the Canadian Society of Marine Artists (a federal not-for-profit established in 1983) announce the signature of an agreement with Canada Post allowing the purchase by ACS of the building on Main Street that has housed the Post Office and Customs House since circa 1896.

     This step forward for our two Societies represents a major expansion that has been in the making for some two years now. After an independent feasibility study that returned positive values, considerable planning activities have already taken place in the background. All the results returned thus far have confirmed the solid founding of our decisions to date.

     Our Board of Directors is therefore happy to present to our local community - and subsequently to our further Canadian and international community - the facts behind our project. Some details will become available as the weeks ahead progress, but today we will share with you what we can and try and answer your questions.

     Let me present to you some of our Board who will be sharing their thoughts with you:

• Ms Betty Ann Anderson, a founding Director and Executive Secretary - to explain the community background.
• Mr Ross Trant, a Director and Co-chair of the Fundraising Committee - who will have much more to present over the next little while
• Mr Allan Rae, a Director, and the architect who has been involved in the selection and planned restoration and development of this building for more than two years

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     Any questions?

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     Thank you all - we will be making sure that you are all kept up to date on developments. As I am sure you have all realized, we are very enthusiastic and will appreciate your help in communicating and spreading this enthusiasm to our community.

For further information, please contact Ms Betty Ann Anderson, Executive Secretary, 1 613 476 1177 or e-mail