Jim Dunlop

Wellington Ward Three

Jim Dunlop is looking for re-election to his fourth term on council. It would be his third term as councillor for Ward Three in Wellington. Dunlop was also the 142nd and final Warden of Prince Edward County in 1997. The Warden’s position was then replaced by the Mayor after amalgamation in 1998. Dunlop did run for the Mayor’s position, but lost to Jim Taylor. But community service has been nothing new to Dunlop. Ever since he started working, Dunlop has also been volunteering. A deep desire to give back to his community was instilled in him at a young age. In 1966, he was the president of the Picton JC’s. In 1969, he was the Chamber of Commerce president. Dunlop has also been a hockey coach and referee for over 20 years, and was instrumental in the Wellington community getting such a great community centre. Dunlop has also been a member of the Elk’s Lodge in Picton for 50 years.

Career-wise, Dunlop worked his way up the ranks at the cement plant, eventually leaving on great terms after 34 years with the company. He started as a labourer, but worked his way up to Maintenance Clerk and eventually to Personnel and Health and Safety Resource Manager at the plant.

“I’m a big Human Resources person. I’ve always enjoyed working with people. Back in the ‘70s and ‘80s you took responsibility for the people working at your company like you were are all part of a big group. You helped them out with health benefits and filled out forms on bereavement and sickness when employees needed help,” says Dunlop.

Dunlop was born in Picton and married Mary Kellough from Wellington, where they have been for 41 years. This year they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Together they have two daughters and three granddaughters. Dunlop does suffer from Parkinson’s but says that he feels just as good if not better than he did four years ago. He says that his doctors credit the multitasking, heavy reading and ability to think on your feet needed as a councillor to helping him stave off the disease.

As for concerns, there is a major one for Dunlop rising above the rest in Ward Three this time around, and it has to do with water pressure.

“The biggest issue facing Ward Three is water pressure. We know Wellington on the Lake residents are having water pressure issues and are concerned that we are not focused on that. But if we fix the infrastructure in the village, it will mean an increase in pressure for Wellington on the Lake. There are currently two studies being done to help choose the best option on how to move forward,” says Dunlop.

Housing is another concern, with opportunities being lost on the Airbnb front in regards to licensing and monetizing shor tterm rentals occurring in the County. Dunlop’s goal would be to free up some of the short term rentals in the area and offer them to long-term renters and people trying to move to the County on a full-time basis. Another thought of Dunlop’s has do with getting away from the urban centres of the County a bit and offering two-acre plots of land for sale at an aggressive price in the smaller hamlets of the County.

As for opportunities that present themselves to council over the next term, Dunlop thinks we should start lobbying the government for infrastructure money while we have Todd Smith and the government on our side.

“Let’s have a plan for the Wellington water pressure issue on the shelf and ready to go,” says Dunlop.

As for the crosswalk, the study should be completed soon, with a recommendation coming that will be dealt with at budget time. It’s a big cost, but one that is worth it for Dunlop and the safety of the people in Ward Three.