We are a growing grassroots coalition of dedicated volunteers committed to serving the collective interests of all full-time residents of Prince Edward County, Ontario.
Our mission is to foster a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community by promoting active civic engagement, ensuring transparent governance, and advocating for responsible development that reflects our shared values, heritage, and long-term needs. We are independent and do not answer to special interests nor do we accept advertising dollars from anyone. We welcome constructive criticism.
PECRA (Prince Edward County Residents Association) is a volunteer-driven initiative built by residents who are donating time, energy, and skills to elevate public dialogue in Prince Edward County. If you believe transparency, rigour, or journalistic integrity are lacking, join us. Help us raise the bar.
Regarding anonymity: PECRA is not a for-profit news organization backed by lots of real estate and developer advertising. We are a civic forum—a space to surface facts, concerns, and alternatives that may be underrepresented elsewhere. Our focus is on policy, accountability, and community well-being—not personalities. Calls for transparency from public institutions are not undermined by volunteer privacy. Many advocacy groups—especially in small communities—begin cautiously. That does not make them illegitimate.
As our organization matures, we intend to publish our advisory structure and operating principles, subject to consensus and member consent. Until then, let the work speak for itself, imperfect as it is, but getting better. If something is inaccurate, correct it. If a claim is unsupported, show us how to strengthen it. Use the form at the end of each article. Suggest topics that concern you. We will research the topics and publish our findings.
We value respectful and fact based civil discourse and recognize the contribution of elected officials and public servants in shaping our community. We recognize the challenges they face daily in dealing with expectations of County residents. That’s why we are advocating for a raise for Councillors and the Mayor. They make decisions on millions of dollars every year and deserve to be compensated equitably.
PECRA Governance Structure
To guide our work and ensure we are truly representative of all Prince Edward County wards, PECRA is organized around three levels of involvement:
- Advisory Council: The heart of our governance structure. This council is composed of engaged residents from across the County who provide strategic guidance, shape advocacy priorities, and participate in working groups focused on issues such as infrastructure, environment, healthcare, housing, and governance reform. Advisory Council members are selected for their expertise, experience, and dedication to civic improvement.
- General Membership: Open to all full-time residents of Prince Edward County, membership is free and provides individuals with access to newsletters, consultation sessions, and opportunities to contribute input on major initiatives. Members may also be invited to participate in committees or events based on their interests and skills.
- Volunteer Teams: PECRA thrives on volunteerism. Our volunteers assist with research, public outreach, communications, events, and policy development. Whether helping distribute materials, build public awareness, or analyze municipal documents, volunteers play a vital role in advancing our shared mission.
PECRA is growing rapidly—and we welcome your involvement. Whether you’re interested in joining the advisory council, volunteering time, or simply staying informed, there’s a role for everyone in shaping a better future for Prince Edward County.
Our Core Objectives
- Fiscal Responsibility: Advocate for prudent financial management to ensure taxpayer funds are allocated efficiently, with a strong emphasis on value-for-money principles across all municipal expenditures.
- Transparency and Accountability: Promote open governance by encouraging practices such as the establishment of a public lobbyist registry, transparent procurement, and the public disclosure of council votes, ensuring that decision-making is clear and accessible to all residents.
- Infrastructure and Community Services: Prioritize the maintenance and modernization of essential infrastructure—including roads, emergency services, and public facilities—to support safe, high-quality living conditions for all residents.
- Sustainable Development: Support thoughtful, evidence-based development that aligns with the County’s long-term environmental, economic, and cultural interests. We advocate for growth that benefits all ratepayers and respects the County’s rural identity and ecological assets.
- Civic Participation: Strengthen civic engagement across all wards by encouraging informed resident participation, and mobilizing expertise in legal affairs, planning, housing, and finance to contribute to meaningful dialogue with municipal leaders.
Governance Reform
PECRA is committed to advocating for modern, transparent, and accountable governance in Prince Edward County. We believe that local government should operate under the highest standards of integrity and resident responsiveness. To that end, we are calling for:
- A Lobbyist Registry to ensure public transparency regarding meetings between developers, private interests, and public officials.
- Mandatory Disclosure of Council Voting Records to allow residents to understand how elected representatives are making decisions on their behalf.
- Council Performance Reviews and Training to promote governance competence and continuous improvement among elected officials.
- Resident-Led Oversight Mechanisms, including ward-level community panels, to provide constructive input and review of key municipal policies, budgets, and bylaws.
- Clear Implementation of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act and improved enforcement to ensure decisions are made free of undue influence or personal gain.
We believe that good governance is not only about compliance with the law—it’s about building trust, encouraging accountability, and delivering outcomes that reflect the public interest.
Our Approach
To effectively represent and address the diverse concerns of our community, PECRA is establishing a “council” framework with ward-based representatives. Each PECRA ward representative will monitor and engage with their local municipal councillor, helping to ensure that resident perspectives are brought into every council deliberation. This structure also allows us to cultivate a disciplined and credible team of future candidates for municipal office—supported by data-driven outreach, canvassing, and strategic community engagement.
Educate and Empower Residents
A core focus of PECRA is to help residents understand their rights under the Municipal Act, 2001. For instance, Section 44(1) mandates that municipalities maintain their highways and are liable for damages if they fail to do so. We provide tools, templates, and legal references to help residents formally request repairs or raise concerns in accordance with the law.
Commitment to Legal Integrity and Civil Discourse
PECRA operates within the legal frameworks established by the Municipal Act, 2001, the Planning Act, the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, and other relevant legislation. We value respectful, civil discourse and recognize the contribution of elected officials and public servants in shaping our community. By uniting residents across wards and promoting strategic, law-abiding advocacy, PECRA aims to safeguard the public interest and strengthen democratic governance across Prince Edward County.