Sticky things
Subtraction by addition The County has a lot of buildings. Most of them need repair. Some more than others. It has neither the money to fix them, nor the ability to part with any to raise cash to restore the buildings it may think essential. Every few years, municipal staff assemble a list of buildings […]
The sweetest season
Maple in the County begins its twenty-first season It was a relatively late start to the sweetest season of the year, but the County’s maple syrup producers are in full flight for Maple in the County on March 29 and 30. Colder temperatures through the latter half of February and into the first few days […]
Under the microscope
Council supports third party review of Planning and Development Department At last Tuesday evening’s council meeting, a resolution put forward by Hillier councillor Chris Braney was passed that would see an external review of the County’s Planning and Development department. According to Braney, increased development applications and significant changes in planning legislation have placed pressure […]
Lakecroft
Noise top of mind for neighbours of proposed event venue A high-end event venue, complete with five suites, nine glamping tents and a three-bedroom cottage could soon be lining the shore of East Lake in Cherry Valley. At last week’s Planning meeting, Council heard of the proposed construction of a 100- person event venue for […]
Campfire Circle
Development on Natural Core Area worries local groups A camp for children affected by cancer, and other serious illnesses, on a 32.8- hectare property on the north-eastern shore of West Lake located south-west of Bloomfield off Wesley Acres Road was back in front of Council last Wednesday evening for a decision. The proponent—Campfire Circle—filed an […]
Who’s in charge?
Mayor’s office blowup reveals Shire Hall thinking about infrastructure spending Mayor Steve Ferguson has discouraged a council member from asking questions about how well Shire Hall is functioning—for fear of retribution from developers. Mayor Ferguson worries that an internal organizational review, demanded by Councillor Chris Braney, might prompt senior leadership to quit. He fears this […]
Hiring freeze
Council looks to get a grip on rising costs How many folks does it take to make Prince Edward County work? Shire Hall will spend 34 per cent more on staff and wages in 2025 than it did just six years ago. The steady rise in Shire Hall’s management ranks and workforce is causing some […]
Hospital of wood
Eschewing steel and concrete creates warm spaces that may aid in healing A new hospital is taking its first steps. After decades of planning, designing, and haggling over purpose and money, a new hospital is emerging in Picton. It is still early days. Ninety holes are currently being drilled 400 feet beneath the surface. The […]
Hospital update
Virtual update as new County hospital build gets underway The site of the new County hospital is a hive of activity as the long-awaited build gets underway. The ground has been cleared and rock excavation is in progress. A new west entrance has been constructed and a new power feed to the existing hospital has […]
Cost of guessing
Committee weighs the validity of growth forecasts against $300 million infrastructure expansion What happens if Shire Hall spends $300 million getting ready for an unprecedented homebuilding boom—which doesn’t arrive? Or it happens over a longer timeframe than planned? It is the issue burning most brightly at a committee tasked to set waterworks rates for 2027 […]