Heather Norlock

Wellington Ward Three

Born and raised in Wellington, Heather Norlock closed her interior decorating business during the pandemic and returned to school where she is in the final year of civil engineering. She said she has seen the trials and tribulations of small businesses through her job managing a local motel. “As a young female with progressive views, I feel my voice is needed on council,” she said. “Over my 27 years living in Prince Edward County, I have seen rapid growth and change. I would like to be an active partner in the community to manage any further growth and change.”

On the issue of affordable housing, Norlock feels that not renewing whole home short term rental licences would make more homes available to long-term renters. “I also am a strong advocate for allowing people to create a rental unit in their homes to help with the cost of owning a home,” she said.

When asked about tourism management, she said the present plan has not worked and has actually harmed residents because council was simply reacting to a problem. “Locals cannot even enjoy their own beaches peacefully, and I know many who have been fined unfairly,” she said. “I believe the council has gone too far with the fines and some serious reconsideration needs to looked at.”

Norlock said future development in the village should offset the high water rates in Wellington and she opposes any idea that rural residents should have to pay for urban waterworks because they have their own wells and water systems.

Heritage is an important issue in the County, but should not hurt small businesses or homeowners, she said. “I do feel heritage in Wellington could be going a bit overboard,” she said. “I do not want to see small businesses unable to do necessary renovations.”

The size of council is appropriate for a County that is large, Norlock said. “I think having a range of opinions on council is incredibly important.”