New Year’s Levee

Mayor reviews 2019, looks forward to 2020

This time last year, the Mayor’s New Year’s Levee included newly inaugurated Prince Edward County Mayor Steve Ferguson who introduced his new council, many of them fresh faces at Shire Hall. At that time, Ferguson gave a detailed speech to the large gathered crowd, a crowd he noted he was a little overwhelmed by, where he outlined the municipality’s objectives and goals for 2019. Fast-forward one year and there have been many challenges that arose over those 12 months, but also many accomplishments to note. “Twenty-nineteen was a rewarding year in many ways, but we need to keep working and building on our recent successes,” noted Ferguson at the New Year’s Levee held at Picton’s historic Macaulay Church on Sunday afternoon.

Mayor Steve Ferguson and newly-appointed Chief Administrative Officer Marcia Wallace greet members of the public at the Mayor’s New Year’s Levee on Sunday.

The last 12 months also saw some key staff changes, notably Clerk Kim White, who retired after 30 years (replaced by Catalina Blumenberg), as well as the departure of James Hepburn, Chief Administrative Officer, who parted ways with the municipality in April. Hepburn was replaced by acting CAO Robert McAuley, who retired last month (replaced by Marcia Wallace) after 11 years of service with the municipality. “When we took office in December 2018, I stressed the importance of working together as a team for the betterment of all of Prince Edward County, not just our individual wards,” said Mayor Ferguson. “That challenge has been met admirably, and I thank all members of council for the co-operative spirit they demonstrated throughout 2019.”

The mayor introduced Councillors Kate Mac- Naughton and Phil St-Jean (Picton), Brad Nieman and Phil Prinzen (Bloomfield/Hallowell), Mike Harper (Wellington), Janice Maynard and Andreas Bolik (Ameliasburgh), Bill Roberts (Sophiasburgh), Ernie Margetson (Hillier), Stewart Bailey (North Marysburgh) and John Hirsch (South Marysburgh).

Absent were Jamie Forrester (Athol) and Bill McMahon (Ameliasburgh). He also introduced Amanda Carter (Director of Finance), Todd Davis (Acting Director of Community Development and Strategic Initiatives), Pat Heffernan (Acting Director of Operational Services), Lisa Lindsay (Manager of Community Centres and Events Marketing), and Fire Chief Scott Manlow.

Also in attendance at the Levee were Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith, and Bay of Quinte MP Neil Ellis. Mayor Ferguson welcomed elected officials from neighbouring municipalities, as well as representatives from many community organizations and groups, including Jim Harrison (Mayor of the City of Quinte West), Jim Alyea (Deputy Mayor of the City of Quinte West), Marg Isbester (Mayor of the Town of Greater Napanee and Warden for Lennox and Addington County), and Rick Phillips (Reeve of the Township of Tyendinaga and Warden for Hastings County).

The favourite annual tradition included the opportunity to meet and chat with the mayor, ward councillors, members of municipal staff and others along a receiving line. Pipe Major Josh McFarlane was also on hand to pipe in the mayor, council and staff members as they re-entered the church, and again as they left the church after the formal speech. While the mayor spun a positive and upbeat note, describing 2019 as a rewarding year, he said it was accompanied by unexpected challenges, such as high water levels. “We have emerged stronger, more focused and better prepared to address not only the challenges of 2020, but also those of the decade ahead.” Mayor Ferguson noted that along with fellow neighbouring mayors, he continues to lobby the International Joint Commission, as well as federal and provincial partners, to achieve water reductions in Lake Ontario in response to the extreme flooding experienced in Prince Edward County. In particular, he acknowledged Mayor Jim Harrison’s key role in this undertaking.

Last month, the municipality welcomed a new Chief Administrative Officer, Dr. Marcia Wallace, who also became a new County resident. Wallace holds a PhD in Urban Planning from the University of Waterloo, and brings to her position a strong policy and implementation background, as well as extensive knowledge of municipalities throughout Ontario. She most recently served as the Assistant Deputy Minister with the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. In her new role, she leads a staff complement of 291.

Ferguson touched on several topics during his formal speech, such as tourism, building permits, low vacancy rates and housing. An estimated 750,000 visitors came to Prince Edward County in 2019. “Tourism remains the largest employer and fastest growing industry in Prince Edward County and is a critical part of our economy,” he stated. Building permits for new houses totalled 158, up from 153 in 2018, representing up to $5 million in investment in the County. “With low vacancy rates and pressures on housing, construction activity remains strong in the County,” said Ferguson. “In addition, a variety of housing projects are at various stages of development, amounting to about 2,350 units.”

“In the next couple of weeks, we will refresh our strategic priorities and chart the path for 2020 and beyond,” said Ferguson, noting that council will begin budget deliberations during the last week of January. “Drafting a multi-million dollar budget is never an easy task,” he added, “And I expect this year will be no different, especially given that municipalities across Ontario are being asked to do more with less in 2020, and beyond.” Ferguson said council is looking to find savings within its own operations in order to limit the impact on all taxpayers. “Part of that process will involve reviews of our departments, our bylaws, our procedures and our policies, including those involving council.”

Ferguson noted that council members are committed to being responsible stewards of County dollars. “We are looking at what can be done in the short-term to respond to current challenges, but not losing sight of the longer term issues that will be important to the County’s future,” he said. “Fostering a strong financial foundation and becoming more efficient and innovative will allow us to better deliver the services that matter to people and really focus on tackling the key priorities.” He also noted that additional revenue streams will be pursued through the introduction of a Municipal Accommodation Tax this year, and through a gate levy at provincial parks. Also mentioned in his speech were climate change, environmental issues, infrastructure (roads, bridges, and water and wastewater facilities), and especially the funding required from both levels of government to redevelop County Road 49, as well as other vital assets.

On the affordable housing front, Ferguson noted there has been some movement with the Prince Edward County Affordable Housing Corporation. Its aim is to focus on increasing the supply of affordable rental housing through a broad range of activities. He also noted that the municipality has approached the Hastings Prince Edward District School Board for consideration of a request to take over the former Queen Elizabeth School property in Picton. “I believe this property should be used to address critical needs of the community, such as affordable housing.” He noted the opportunity to acquire such a large, strategic parcel of municipally-serviced land in the heart of Picton does not come along very often. “We want to ensure people have a place to live in Prince Edward County throughout their lives.” ‘ Ferguson said the provincial government’s budget made a specific commitment to moving forward with the redevelopment project of Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital. However, Ferguson noted an announcement from the provincial government concerning the move to stage three of the redevelopment process was overdue. Remaining on the healthcare front, Mayor Ferguson noted the provincial government’s commitment last summer to add 76 new longterm care beds at H.J. McFarland Memorial Home, and upgrade the 84 existing beds. “With this support, we will redevelop HJM in the coming years to serve more people and enhance the care we can offer in a warm, welcoming and modern environment,” said Ferguson. ‘ The mayor also acknowledged and thanked the many community volunteers who devote a significant amount of time and effort to the County and County projects. “They really are the lifeblood of our community,” he said. Undeterred by the many challenges that lie ahead, Mayor Ferguson said, “We are ready to face 2020 as a more stable, strategic organization to deliver the quality service that County residents and businesses require.” While much has already been done in the past year, he noted there is a great deal more to do, and emphasized the importance of every resident getting involved.

Informal Town Hall meetings are planned to be held throughout the County where the mayor, members of council and the leadership team will listen to the public’s concerns and receive ideas on the many challenges facing the County as a whole, as well as those challenges facing the various distinct communities that make up Prince Edward County. Ferguson says he is convinced the opportunities are far greater than the challenges. “I believe the future of our County is extraordinarily bright,” he concluded.