Municipal government is where decisions most directly impact daily life—from road maintenance and housing policy to water service and emergency planning. In Prince Edward County, councillors play a central role in navigating the growing complexities of rural governance, and while their work is not without criticism, it is grounded in service and increasingly shaped by transparency, public engagement, and measurable progress.
Delivering Results Across Core Areas
Over the past few terms, Prince Edward County Council has overseen key accomplishments across infrastructure, planning, and public service delivery:
1. Asset Management and Capital Investment
In 2022, the County released an updated Asset Management Plan, highlighting over $800 million in infrastructure assets and outlining long-term investment needs. Council has since committed capital to road rehabilitation, water and wastewater upgrades, and facility renewal, including recent upgrades to the Picton wastewater treatment plant and Sandbanks sewage lagoon.
2. Affordable and Attainable Housing
Council approved a Municipal Housing Strategy, established a Housing Corporation, and allocated County-owned land for mixed-income housing projects. These initiatives aim to address one of PEC’s most urgent issues—housing affordability—by supporting public-private partnerships and leveraging provincial and federal funding.
3. Official Plan Modernization
In 2021, after several years of consultations and revisions, Council adopted a new Official Plan, balancing growth management with environmental protection and heritage preservation. The plan emphasizes infill development, village intensification, and natural heritage protection—priorities that reflect both resident feedback and climate planning considerations.
4. Emergency Services and Public Safety
Council has invested in fire hall infrastructure, expanded the use of automatic aid agreements, and advocated for rural EMS support through the Quinte Health system. These actions respond to increasing emergency call volumes and long-standing concerns about rural response times.
Areas for Improvement and Ongoing Challenge
While progress is evident, significant challenges remain—and many residents have called for stronger leadership, clearer communication, and greater fiscal accountability. Key areas for improvement include:
1. Infrastructure Deficit
Over 30% of County roads remain in poor condition, according to the County’s own Asset Management Plan. Despite increased investment, the pace of rehabilitation has not kept up with need. A long-term, needs-based infrastructure fund—potentially supported by sustained provincial advocacy—is still lacking.
2. Service Delivery Transparency
Residents continue to express frustration about inconsistent communication, permit delays, and complex bureaucratic processes. Improved public reporting, customer service standards, and online service portals are areas where council could enhance accountability and efficiency.
3. Fiscal Management
Prince Edward County has one of the highest residential tax rates in Ontario. Council must continue to scrutinize operating costs, address rising contracted service expenses, and ensure capital budgets are directly tied to measurable service improvements.
4. Healthcare Advocacy
While healthcare is a provincial responsibility, council has stepped into physician recruitment and ER advocacy—but questions remain about the sustainability of municipally funded health incentives. Continued collaboration with MPPs and Ontario Health is essential.
Conclusion
Prince Edward County Council has made credible, meaningful progress on several fronts, including housing, planning, and infrastructure investment. Yet persistent challenges around fiscal pressure, road conditions, and service quality signal the need for more structural reforms and proactive communication.
As the County evolves, residents will benefit from continued engagement, constructive scrutiny, and clear benchmarks for performance. Councillors must be not only responsive but strategic—balancing the present with the long-term resilience of the community they serve.