Council Recap – January 29, 2026, Regular Meeting of Council
The County Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 27 was postponed to Thursday, January 29, 2026, due to the weather conditions.
Council started the meeting off in a Closed Meeting. Council moved into closed session to consider litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board, related to an appeal before the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).
Announcements
- Councillor St-Jean announced a notice of motion to permit two-way traffic on Barker Street at the next feasible Council meeting.
- Councillor Engelsdorfer announced condolences to the family and friends of Cynthia Riordon, Storehouse Foodbank President. He noted Cynthia was community connector, always showing up with purpose to make a difference.
- The Mayor announced the Coldest Night of the Year team and proclaimed February “Black History” month.
Deputations
- Anne VanVlack, Vital Signs Coordinator to address Council regarding the County Foundation’s Vital Signs 2026 Update to Council. Click here to view the deputation.
- Gillian Armstrong, Interim Executive Director, the County Foundation to address Council regarding Municipal Community Grants. Click here to view the deputation.
- Lindsay Nash, Outreach and Stewardship Coordinator to address Council regarding Quinte Conservation’s application as lead for the Green Municipal Fund (GMF): Growing Canada’s Community Canopies. Click here to view the deputation.
Comments from the Audience
- Lise Bois provided a comment regarding Quinte Conservation’s application as lead for the Green Municipal Fund (GMF): Growing Canada’s Community Canopies. She spoke in support of the partnership and of the private sector opportunities.
Items for consideration
2026 Temporary Borrowing By-Law
Council approved a by-law to provide for the temporary borrowing of monies for the Corporation of the County of Prince Edward for the year 2026.
Click here to view the report.
Ontario Fire Protection Grant Transfer Payment Agreement
Council approved a by-law to authorize the execution of the Ontario Fire Protection Grant Transfer Payment Agreement between the County of Prince Edward and His Majesty the King in right of Ontario, as represented by the Solicitor General.
Click here to view the report.
By-Law for Question on the Ballot for the 2026 Municipal Election
Council went into a vote to bringing forward a by-law to add the following question on the ballot for the 2026 Municipal Election at the February 24, 2026, Council meeting: “Are you in favour of a third‑party review of Council size and related ward boundaries?”.
The majority were in favour this by-law and it will be brought back to Council on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Click here to view the report.
Wellington Town Hall Memorandum of Understanding
Council approved and authorize staff to execute the Memorandum of Understanding with the Wellington Town Hall Foundation.
Council then approved to dissolve the Wellington Town Hall Expression of Interest Working Group, effective immediately, as the objectives of the group have been met and no further action is required.
Finally, Council approved the use of the Wellington Town Hall as the Municipal Election Office for the 2026 election.
Click here to view the report.
Resolution of Councillor Branderhorst regarding support for Bill 21, Protect Our Food Act, 2025
Council of the County of Prince Edward supported Bill 21, Protect Our Food Act, 2025 and strongly urges the provincial government to support this and every measure to protect our farmland, to aggressively prevent further losses and to ensure the future of agriculture in Ontario for future generations.
Committee of the Whole Highlights – January 29, 2026
Deputations
- Tim Good, Chair of the Wellington Community Association addressed Committee regarding item 6.1, the Implications of Updated Population Growth Forecasts for Infrastructure Planning.
Comments from the Audience
- Kevin Hanbury, Andrew Eldebs, Ruth Estwick (CEO Quinte Home Builders Association), Fred Heller (CDAG Representative & FLC Group), all provided separate comments regarding item 6.1, Report of the Development Services Department, regarding Implications of Updated Population Growth Forecasts for Infrastructure Planning.
- Paul Mondell, Sterling Homes also provided a comment regarding item 6.1. Mondell spoke in support of a modular approach to incrementally add capacity to match real growth.
- Chris Marchese also spoke to item 6.1. Marchese noted that there will be growth in the County and municipality needs to be prepared with the infrastructure for this and committed to being a willing partner on creative funding solutions.
- Hazzem Koudsi, Habitat for Humanity provided a comment regarding item 6.1 and spoke in support of affordable home ownership opportunities, and the differences in price between the Bay of Quinte municipalities.
- Gary Mooney commented on item 6.1 and spoke to his professional experience and in support of the County population projections.
- Jane Lesslie provided a comment regarding item 6.1 and expressed support for the population growth projection and the impact return to work plans, immigration and other impacts on the projection.
Items for consideration
Report regarding Implications of Updated Population Growth Forecasts for Infrastructure Planning
Council directed staff to investigate the implications of adopting a County-wide growth rate of 1.0% as per the 2025 Growth Analysis Study on capital works infrastructure planning, with formal adoption to be considered at a future Council meeting.
Council also directed staff to undertake a detailed condition assessment of the existing Picton and Wellington water treatment plants to verify current state conditions, confirm remaining useful life, and assess potential viability of rehabilitation and/or expansion.
Further, Council directed staff to engage with the development community to obtain feedback on implications of adjustments to the utilized growth rate.
Click here to view the report.
The next Regular Meeting of Council will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 7 pm at Shire Hall, 332 Main Street, Picton.
The next Committee of the Whole meeting will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 1 pm at Shire Hall.
This summary is not a complete record of the proceedings of the meetings. For the official record, please refer to the minutes in the next Council agenda. A video of this meeting is available on The County’s YouTube Channel.