Letter from PECRA: A Call to Action

Dear Friends and Neighbours,

Welcome to the latest edition of the PECRA Newsletter.

As Prince Edward County continues to grow and change, so too do the challenges we face as a community. That’s why it’s more important than ever to stay informed, engaged, and proactive. We are deeply grateful to each of you who have supported PECRA’s mission so far. Thanks to your involvement, our advisory council is expanding, and more residents are stepping forward to help shape a stronger, more accountable County. From improving road safety to advocating for affordable housing, PECRA is beginning to make a meaningful difference on the issues that matter most.

With new members joining regularly, we are well on our way to building broad grassroots support and a 30-member advisory council. If you are passionate about the future of our community, we encourage you to get involved. Below, you will find 10 timely articles addressing key challenges and opportunities facing the County—along with actions we can take together to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all PEC residents.

Together, we can continue to drive positive change. Share this newsletter with a friend. Encourage them to subscribe.

Warm regards,
PECRA

Editorial: In Response to the Picton Gazette’s “County Fake”

The July 16 editorial published by the Picton Gazette—ironically titled “County Fake”—accuses CountyFirst and the Prince Edward County Residents Association (PECRA) of being anonymous, unaccountable, and misleading in our analysis of local media funding and bias in our article: Audit of Media Coverage in PEC (Jan 2023–May 2025). We believe these accusations demand a clear and public response. [Read more]

PECRA Strategy & Action Plan Blueprint

For Advisory Council and Councillor Engagement: Governance & Transparency; Objective: Improve public accountability and access to information in municipal government. [Read more]

How You Can Help: Become a Member, Join our Advisory Council

PECRA is powered by volunteers, and we need your help! Whether you’re interested in helping to spread the word on social media, or supporting our campaigns in other ways, your contribution can make a difference.

Become a member. It’s free. Join our Advisory Council: We are recruiting new members to help guide PECRA’s mission and strategy.

PECRA Advocacy Updates: Working for You

Here are ten important themes that our members believe are important to the County.

1. Tourism Impact vs. Local Businesses

Prince Edward County’s tourism industry has brought significant economic benefits, but it has also created mounting pressure on local infrastructure, housing, and small businesses. Residents are increasingly concerned about rising property taxes, deteriorating roads, and the limited availability of affordable housing—challenges that have been exacerbated by the rapid growth in tourism. [Read more]

2. Property Taxes and Their Impact on County Families

Rising property taxes in Prince Edward County are placing increasing pressure on families already coping with the rising cost of living. With tax increases consistently outpacing inflation, many residents are finding it harder to afford everyday essentials—from children’s recreational programs to dental care and healthcare expenses. A growing concern is that these rising taxes are not being allocated in ways that directly benefit residents. Investments in critical infrastructure—such as road repairs, water systems, and core community services—often appear underfunded, while spending on discretionary initiatives continues unchecked. PECRA is calling for greater transparency and fiscal responsibility in how public funds are spent.[Read more]

3. Climate Action in Prince Edward County

PECRA believes all major developments should proceed only with transparent, science-based environmental assessments. We are exploring available legal and civic avenues to ensure public access to environmental documentation and to strengthen oversight by both the County and Province. Development projects, especially ones affecting ecology, are squarely within the domain of public discourse. Prince Edward County must remain a home for biodiversity—not just building lots. Responsible growth and climate stewardship must go hand in hand. [Read more]

4. Emergency Preparedness in PEC

PECRA is calling for the development of a County-specific emergency preparedness plan that outlines clear evacuation procedures, identifies resource stockpiles, designates shelter sites, and ensures reliable communication during crises. This strategy must also account for seasonal population surges, isolated communities, and aging infrastructure that can complicate emergency response efforts. By investing in proactive planning now, PEC can minimize property damage, protect public safety, and ensure continuity of critical services when disaster strikes. A well-prepared community is a safer, more resilient one—and it’s time for the County to lead with action. [Read more]

5. Local Economic Diversification Beyond Tourism

Supporting local entrepreneurs, improving access to capital, and expanding critical infrastructure—especially high-speed broadband—are key steps toward building a more inclusive and future-ready economy. A diversified economic base will not only enhance financial security for residents but also foster a stronger, more self-sufficient community. Now is the time for Prince Edward County to broaden its economic vision—one that balances the benefits of tourism with lasting local opportunity. [Read more]

6. Infrastructure Deficits: The State of PEC’s Roads

Many of Prince Edward County’s roads are in a state of disrepair, with potholes, cracks, and crumbling surfaces posing growing safety risks and driving up vehicle maintenance costs for residents. The County’s widening infrastructure deficit is no longer a long-term concern—it’s a daily reality affecting quality of life and public safety. A well-maintained road network is essential not only for resident mobility but also for economic activity, emergency response, and tourism access. Yet too often, road repair and maintenance are underfunded or inconsistently prioritized. Pursuant to Section 44(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, a municipality is obligated to “keep a highway or bridge in a state of repair that is reasonable in the circumstances,” and is liable for damages sustained by any person as a result of the municipality’s failure to do so. PECRA is calling for a significant increase in investment by the Province in core infrastructure, with a focus on systematic road repair, preventative maintenance schedules, and transparent long-term capital planning. Without urgent attention, small fixes will become major reconstruction projects—at far greater cost to taxpayers. Safe, reliable roads are not a luxury—they are a fundamental responsibility of local government. It’s time for the County to act decisively to preserve and rebuild this critical public asset. [Read more]

7. Public Transit in PEC: A Growing Need

Improved public transit isn’t just about convenience—it’s a matter of equity, environmental sustainability, and economic opportunity. It would reduce emissions, ease congestion, and increase access to healthcare, employment, and education. Under the Ontario Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.50, the Province has a legislative mandate to promote and fund municipal transit systems across Ontario. Section 2 of the Act states that the Ministry “may assist in the construction and maintenance of highways and the development of transportation systems” including public transit. Furthermore, provincial programs such as the Community Transportation Grant Program are designed specifically to support transit in rural and underserved communities. PECRA formally calls on the MPP for Bay of Quinte to present a rural transit funding strategy for Prince Edward County within six months, consistent with the Province’s legal obligations and stated policy goals. Rural residents deserve the same mobility, dignity, and access as those in Ontario’s urban centres. [Read more]

8. The Importance of Green Spaces in PEC

PECRA strongly advocates for the integration of green spaces into all new development projects, with a recommended minimum of 50% of land area dedicated to public and ecological use. This is key to maintaining PEC’s rural character, controlling urban sprawl, and preserving sensitive natural environments. Under the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13, municipalities have a legal mandate to require parkland dedication or cash-in-lieu from developers (Section 42), and to implement official plans that preserve open space, protect environmental features, and promote sustainable development. The Provincial Policy Statement (2020) also emphasizes the importance of green infrastructure and the conservation of natural heritage systems in land use planning (Sections 1.5 and 2.1). By aligning Prince Edward County’s planning policies with these legislative frameworks, we can ensure that growth respects and preserves the natural assets that define our community. [Read more]

9. Planning for PEC’s Future

Under Ontario’s Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13, municipalities are required to adopt official plans that guide long-term development in a way that is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS, 2020). The PPS emphasizes the importance of managing land use to promote efficient infrastructure, affordable housing, and the protection of farmland and ecological features (Sections 1.1 to 2.1). Additionally, the Growth Plan for Eastern Ontario encourages municipalities to align development with servicing capacity, environmental constraints, and community needs. By ensuring Prince Edward County adheres to these principles and legislative frameworks, we can manage growth without sacrificing the natural and cultural fabric of our community. [Read more]

10. Challenges of Rural Healthcare in PEC

Healthcare is a mandated responsibility of the Province of Ontario, under the Canada Health Act and Ontario’s Commitment to the Future of Medicare Act, 2004. It is not within the core mandate of municipalities to fund physician recruitment. Yet, Prince Edward County has diverted local tax dollars—originally intended for infrastructure and resident services—to attract family doctors. This is both fiscally unsustainable and a violation of the principle of equitable healthcare access for all Ontarians. More than 4,000 PEC residents are currently without a family physician—a situation that reflects provincial failure, not municipal oversight. PECRA urges MPP Tyler Allsopp (Bay of Quinte) to act urgently and deliver a provincial funding and physician retention strategy tailored to PEC’s rural needs. Read our open letter to MPP Allsopp calling for action, accountability, and a sustainable plan to restore access to care for all County residents. [Read more]

Thank you for staying informed and engaged. PECRA is committed to advocating for a sustainable and thriving Prince Edward County, but we need your help to make it happen. Get involved today and make your voice heard in shaping the future of our County. PECRA will actively advocate and litigate to ensure the best interests of tax payers are protected. Together, we can create a stronger, more resilient PEC!

Stay tuned for our next update—together, we can shape the future of PEC!

Prince Edward County Residents Association
County First. Stronger Together.
www.countyfirst.ca