The 2018-2022 term of Council met for the final time on Tuesday, November 8. Mayor Steve Ferguson presented a review of the accomplishments of the outgoing Council:
- The adoption of a new Official Plan, a crucial document with policies aimed at building strong communities, protecting natural heritage systems, protecting agricultural resources, and protecting human health and safety when considering development in the County.
- An extensive review of 189 municipal by-laws and policies to ensure they are relevant, efficient, and meet the needs of the municipality and community.
- The formation of the Affordable Housing Corporation to enable Council’s support for the acquisition of properties for the creation of affordable housing. Council also approved numerous changes to by-laws and introduced new ones to expedite the development of affordable housing.
- The creation of the Environmental Advisory Committee to address the growing need to consider the environment and related issues and topics.
- The introduction of the Tourism Management Plan to manage summer visitor traffic, reduce overcrowding, manage excessive waste, and discourage illegal parking.
- The implementation of a Municipal Accommodation Tax to support tourism infrastructure development and tourism marketing and development.
- The increase in financial support to attract new doctors.
- The establishment of financial support programs to help residents and businesses struggling as a result of the the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor Ferguson recognized County staff for their hard work and dedication toward achieving the above accomplishments.
On behalf of the municipality and residents, Mayor Ferguson thanked non-returning councillors Mike Harper, Ernie Margetson, Stewart Bailey, Bill McMahon, Jamie Forrester and Andreas Bolik for the for their dedicated efforts and extended best wishes to them.
Watch the recording of the Mayor’s remarks on the County’s YouTube channel.
Presentations
Mayor Ferguson presented Civic Recognition Awards to the following recipients:
- Barry Davidson for being the driving force behind the upgrades to the Millennium Trail.
- Judy Kent for her induction into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame and receiving the Order of Sport award as a builder. Judy has worked tirelessly to create sporting opportunities for women, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous athletes.
- Adam Engel and Christopher Moore for their acts of selflessness and bravery demonstrated by rescuing three drowning people and bringing them to safety at Sandbanks Dunes Beach on July 12, 2019.
Council Resolutions
Council passed a motion strongly opposing the provincial legislation Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act (Bill 3).
Council also passed a motion to advise the provincial government that it does not support certain aspects of the More Homes Built Faster Act (Bill 23). Council directed Mayor Ferguson to submit objections through the formal comment process established by the provincial government.
Deputations
Jennifer Goheen and Neill Kennerney made a deputation to Council regarding Rogers broadband expansion in Prince Edward County.
Announcements
Councillors made several announcements related to National Indigenous Remembrance Day in Canada (November 8), upcoming events in their wards, and staff recognition.
Other Business
Council approved a by-law to provide an Interim Tax Levy for 2023 for the payment of taxes by installment on or before the due date of March 15, 2023, and to provide penalty and interest charges on taxes in default.
Council reviewed and approved reports from various committee meetings.
Next Council meeting: December 13, 2022
This summary is not a complete record of the proceedings of the meeting. 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.