Ben Thornton

North Marysburgh Ward Eight

Ben Thornton’s family history in Prince Edward County runs five generations deep. In 1912, his great-grandfather James Carter, a descendent of United Empire Loyalists, founded the Waupoos Canning Company, which grandfather Ed “Bumpy” Carter took over and ran until his death. Thornton’s election sign was designed to recall one of their vintage canning labels, a reminder of that history. Today, Thornton and his wife are working and raising their three children ages five to 16.

“The charms of this place are why we are here, why so many choose to come, and why so many choose to stay,” he said. “I want Prince Edward County to be a vibrant, livable, inclusive community where my children (and yours) have a fair chance to succeed, to find a career and a place to call home.”

Thornton, who is a real estate agent, currently serves as chair of the Regent Theatre, on the board of Glenwood Cemetery, on a council advisory committee and as a radio newscaster with 99.3 CountyFM.

He cites affordable housing as one of his main priorities. “The best way to promote affordable housing is to promote affordable rentals,” he said, adding that affordable rentals would help young people get a start in the market and would also help local employers find and keep staff. He also said he would be in favour of a pilot project that would give short-term rental operators a financial incentive to turn their units into long-term rentals.

On the issue of tourism management, Thornton pointed out there is a shortage of tourist accommodations in the County. “Tourism is critical to the success of the County. Our small population benefits from the influx of visitors we get every year.” But he said short-term rentals can only go so far and that the County needs “more commercial accommodations, hotels, motels and lodges [that] fit with the character of the community and don’t put undue demands on infrastructure or the environment.”

He sympathizes with residents who are paying ever-increasing water bills to maintain an expensive and aging water system. “It is a large burden for a small population,” he said, noting that future development should ease that burden. “Future decisions should always be guided by getting the best value for taxpayers.”

Another issue of major concern for Thornton is climate change. “Every planning, zoning, and infrastructure decision made by a municipal council should be made through a lens intended to minimize contributions to climate change and to mitigate the effects of climate change now and in the future.” He also said that responsible stewardship of the County’s natural places is critical in a community where it helps drive tourism.

He also sees heritage as one of the great charms of the County. “A municipal council can, and should, make preserving built heritage one of its aims, and encourage the promotion of historical and heritage institutions. Municipalities do well when they partner with the expertise of such groups towards common goals.”

When asked about the ongoing question of the size of council, Thornton said he would be open to revisiting the issue. “It is undeniably true that many jurisdictions make do with smaller councils, or larger ratios of voters to politicians. A smaller council could certainly work here if distributed properly.”