Prince Edward County’s Interim CAO Adam Goheen presented the Second Quarter Report on July 22, 2025, offering a snapshot of ongoing initiatives and unfinished work. Mayor Steve Ferguson noted, “It’s not just the year, it’s the term of Council too,” said Mayor Ferguson. “We have to be mindful of what will not be completed at all.” This reflects a pragmatic approach as the municipality tracks 115 Council motions, with some projects still in progress.
The 2025 Tourism and Transit Management Plan continues to support invasive species management, the PEC Summer Pass, and increased service for public washrooms. A key highlight is the fixed-route loop connecting Wellington, Bloomfield, Picton, and Belleville Friday night through Sunday dinner time, enhancing regional accessibility. The Growth and Development Phase Charges study remains underway, with a developer consultation freeze in the second quarter. The municipality is reviewing infrastructure needs, and recommendations from the Development Charges study will be reviewed alongside the Master Servicing Plan, mapping infrastructure needs for anticipated growth in coming decades. Perry Group Consulting is conducting a third-party review of the planning process, with results expected by October.
Environmental sustainability efforts include a shift in blue box recycling responsibility to producers starting in 2021, mandating that recycling producers become responsible for collection. As of July 17th, subcontractor E360 Solutions will pick up residential recycling and industrial/commercial/institutional (ICI) properties are responsible for arranging their own recycling. These include businesses, non-profits, and places of worship, with drop-off sites in Wellington, Sophiasburgh, and Picton on Wednesdays.
Affordable housing saw the Affordable Housing Corporation invite a representative from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to review rental data collection methodologies. The visit resulted in a follow-up meeting with additional CMHC staff, municipal staff, and Affordable Housing Corporation Board Chair, Councillor Phil St. Jean. The meeting looked deeper into the particulars of PECAC’s development projects and prospects for CMHC funding.
Transit and roads dominated the second quarter, with 225 out of 781 service inquiries related to potholes. The municipality completed 12 kilometers of micro surfacing and 22 kilometers of asphalt roadway crack sealing. In Ameliasburgh, five kilometers of Salem Road and two kilometers of Victoria Road were returned to gravel, with grading and dust suppressant as part of municipal road maintenance until full repairs are budgeted.
The municipality’s website highlights its commitment to community engagement, with public consultations shaping projects like the Development Charges study. Services include waste management, transit schedules, and housing initiatives, all accessible online. With a population of around 26,000, Prince Edward County thrives as an island community known for its wineries, beaches, and cultural events, supported by proactive governance and infrastructure investment.
As Council navigates this term’s challenges, the Second Quarter Report underscores a balanced approach to growth, sustainability, and resident needs, setting the stage for continued progress.