Ernie Margetson

As far as knowing the County both historically and from an engineering perspective, Ernest (Ernie) Margetson has got everyone beat by a long shot. Margetson was born and raised on a mixed farm in Hillier Township. He is married with two children and is still living in Hillier Ward. University educated with an Engineering Degree, and practising as a professional engineer since 1990, Margetson once worked as a Public Works Engineer for the County of Prince Edward. He has also worked on local projects, including the Moira River ice control dams with Quinte Conservation, and an urban development review for the Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan.

Margetson has made it a point over the years to focus his career as an engineer almost exclusively on clients and projects within the County. In focusing his energies and expertise towards one region, Margetson has years of first-hand experience under his belt dealing with the engineering of large projects in the County and feels that now is a good time to focus all his expertise towards positive change around the horseshoe. A self-proclaimed history buff, Margetson also has an extensive knowledge of the history of the County, and Hiller in particular.

“I am running for council because I believe that with my experience, insight and knowledge of Hillier and Prince Edward County, I could make a positive contribution to the County council team. I see my role as councillor for Hillier Ward as a natural progression from my professional and volunteer work that is continually building on my municipal experience,” says Margetson.

From speaking to his constituents, he says the main concerns are with road surface conditions and how roads are ranked and prioritized for upgrades. Margetson also says that many discussions have been had recently about vegetation management in the corridor, especially brush control with the proliferation of buckthorn in Hillier. The short-term housing crisis is also creating a lot of buzz right now and, according to Margetson, these discussions inevitably lead to the competition for real estate, the increase in traffic and general congestion of the County during the high season.

Fiscal responsibility is also vitally important for Margetson, as it relates directly to property taxes, user fees and the ability to meet the future demands on the County’s aging assets. Road standards and the sustainability of the County’s infrastructure demands also rank high in concerns coming from Ward Seven. Also, making sure that the healthcare services stay in the County via a new hospital is very important to Margetson.

Housing is a tricky subject these days, but Margetson knows the lay of the land better than most and has possible solutions as it relates to directing development to appropriate areas and ensuring that designated lands have the infrastructure planning to allow development to proceed.

As for possible opportunities for the next council to capitalize on, Margetson hopes that there is an opportunity for council and staff to enhance their profile in working together as a team, and to provide fact and evidencebased decisions that balance the many alternative and competing views from his Ward. He would also like to see the County establish a long-term plan for water/sewer rates and come to terms with the widening gap between the County’s ability to meet future needs and the state of the County’s aging assets.

Margetson’s community commitments have kept his calendar full. He volunteered with the Heritage Advisory Committee, helped with upgrades to Hillier Hall, the Quinte Educational Museum and the Prince Edward County Historical Society. He is currently a self-employed consultant working on projects that include wineries, and large residential and commercial developments.

“I welcome the opportunity to play a positive role in community-building and expanding my knowledge of public service and municipal affairs,” says Margetson.