Flashback February
Week-long exhibits explore the heritage of the County Flashback February began six years ago as a celebration of County heritage as part of Ontario Heritage week and has since evolved into an exploration of the rich and diverse history of this area. “We have a lot in our history to celebrate, but we also have […]
A vanishing legacy
Documentary recounts fishing industry on the South Shore When Suzanne Pasternak moved to Long Point in the 1980s, it soon became apparent to her that she was witnessing the end of a way of life that had nurtured families for more than a century. The fishing industry was in decline, and there were fewer and […]
Up
County proposes a big hike in taxes Shire Hall is proposing a 7.2 per cent increase to the tax levy $70.8 million operating budget in 2023 versus $66.7 million in 2022 $2.9 million in new debt servicing approved in the capital budget (about a 5 per cent hit to the tax levy) doesn’t kick in […]
Soul Table forum
Community conversation series puts focus on food insecurity Starting last September, a monthly series of community conversations have been taking place at Bethany Christian Reformed Church in Bloomfield. “The community here wanted to discuss issues of common concern, and we thought we could facilitate that. We approached the County and they wanted to partner with […]
Big spenders
Council approves $110 million in capital spending for 2023 Anew term of council approved $85.1 million in capital spending last week—funds earmarked for repairs, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of things the County owns—assets, including roads, bridges, and buildings. Council also approved $25.1 million in capital spending for its waterworks utility—funded by users. Despite approving big capital […]
Against the clock
Funding drama grips McFarland home redevelopment We’re in a very difficult situation,” acknowledged Chief Administrative Officer Marcia Wallace. The County manager warned Council at several points during the capital spending discussion last week that tough decisions lie ahead. Perhaps none more precarious than redeveloping H.J. McFarland Home. The current estimate to build a new 160-room […]
Community Land Trust
Seeking ways to provide affordable housing The lack of affordable housing threatens to change the very character of Prince Edward County. Housing prices have increased dramatically, despite the recent downturn, and rental accommodation is difficult to find at any price. One possible solution may lie in the creation of a Community Land Trust (CLT). A […]
The power of words
New student artwork displayed at the HUB The big reveal for the Power of Words art project took place on Saturday at the HUB. The project was led by glass artist Kirei Samuel and made possible by a grant from the Arts Council. Starting on January 7, a group of students were asked to select […]
Towards better health care
Wellington Community Association holds public meeting By some estimates, there could be as many as 4,000 County residents who do not have a primary health care provider, and this situation may worsen without the addition of new family physicians or nurse practitioners to the Prince Edward Family Health Team (PEFHT). A packed house filled the […]
Mixed signals
Council balks at creating a new tax levy before it sees the 2023 budget It was a wee taste of a what-is-likely-to-be turbulent budget debate. A week earlier, Council had signalled support for a new Roads Plan—that called for massive (three and half times) annual spending increases on the roads—roads downloaded upon the municipality from […]