Peter Morch

Picton Ward One

Born at Belleville General Hospital and raised in the County, Peter Morch said he is passionate about what it means to live here. “I also feel optimistic about what the future holds for the County,” he said, adding: “I will work hard to make sure that we are headed along the right path—one that is respectful of our proud heritage, and ready to embrace an inspired vision of what comes next.”

He said one of the impediments to affordable housing is the often lengthy delay between acquisition of property and building a project. “Permitting and funding models are onerous,” he said. “Without streamlining these processes, the problem is exacerbated. If projects meet local planning requirements, they should not be held up.” Morch said affordable housing is the key to attracting younger families to the County.

On the subject of tourism, he said residents need to be reminded that it plays a vital role in the local economy. “Tourism is our economic spark plug!” he said. But Morch added that the County needs to have a voice at the table with the province as regards Sandbanks Provincial Park. He said the park’s services are outdated and the online booking system does not give County providers of accommodation priority for their paying guests. “Locals should be able to access the park early and later in the day for a walk without a complicated booking process,” he said.

Morch admitted that the waterworks system is a challenge and expensive. Noting that the water treatment plant in Picton is deteriorating with age, he said Picton’s water quality would be greatly improved “if our main water supply came from Wellington along the Millennium Trail” instead of from Picton Bay. “I will work to create a central water plant in Wellington to better serve those using this service,” he said.

He pointed out that there are a number of groups working to preserve the character and history of the County, including the Heritage Advisory Committee, Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, Picton Heritage Conservation, and South Shore Joint Initiative. “The challenge is creating a balance while assisting in sound decision-making,” he said.

As for the size of Council, Morch stated: “Our Council is too big, plain and simple.” He pointed out that the Kawartha Lakes Region, which is three times the geographic size of Prince Edward County is governed by eight councillors and a mayor. “If elected I will work to reduce the current size of the council,” he said.