Municipal councillors in Ontario receive widely varying levels of compensation, depending on municipal size, budget capacity, and governance structures. Prince Edward County (PEC), with a population of about 25,700, currently pays councillors approximately $24,615 annually, while the mayor receives about $49,229. These figures are notably low when compared with many other municipalities, especially when considering the workload involved.
To assess whether PEC councillors should be paid more, it is useful to examine how similar and larger municipalities structure compensation:
| Municipality | Population (2021) | Councillor Salary | Number of Councillors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | 2,794,356 | $170,588.60 | 25 |
| Mississauga | 717,961 | $173,117 | 11 |
| Hamilton | 569,353 | $97,357.26 | 15 |
| Ottawa | 1,017,449 | $105,684 | 23 |
| London | 422,324 | $33,337 | 14 |
| Windsor | 229,660 | $45,748 | 10 |
| Guelph | 143,740 | $32,000 | 12 |
| Oshawa | 175,383 | $44,000 | 10 |
| Peterborough | 83,651 | $26,000 | 10 |
| Prince Edward County | 25,704 | $24,615 | 13 |
PEC’s councillor salary is among the lowest in the province, despite having more councillors than some cities with significantly larger populations. At $24,615 annually, the role is essentially a part-time commitment for full-time responsibility, making it inaccessible to many residents who cannot afford to serve without earning a living wage.
The debate over council remuneration in PEC is not new. A previous proposal to raise councillor salaries to around $35,300 was defeated in 2023. Supporters of an increase argue that higher compensation would attract more diverse and qualified candidates, reduce financial barriers to civic engagement, and reflect the real workload involved. Critics fear public backlash and emphasize budget constraints.
To be a truly representative and accessible council, remuneration should not be a deterrent to public service. Aligning councillor pay with a living wage—estimated at $37,000 to $50,000 annually in Ontario—would signal that PEC values the work of its elected officials and seeks capable leaders from all backgrounds.
A council salary of $140,000, while in line with some senior municipal staff positions, would be unprecedented in a community the size of PEC and likely unfeasible under current fiscal conditions. However, a phased increase to the $40,000–$50,000 range could offer a more realistic and defensible improvement.
Ultimately, fair compensation is not about enriching politicians—it is about removing structural barriers that prevent ordinary citizens from serving. For PEC to foster strong, inclusive local democracy, compensation reform should be seriously reconsidered.