Part 1: Council Approves Two Solar Projects and Hears Major Update on Physician Recruitment - 09/09/2025

Council opened the meeting shortly after 6 p.m. following an earlier closed session. Mayor Steve Ferguson welcomed Councillor Roy Pennell back after an extended absence and delivered the land acknowledgement. The mayor also reviewed procedural reminders around public participation, livestreaming, and respectful conduct in chambers.

Photo: PEC Council/ YouTube

View the entire PEC Council Meeting, or continue for speaker comments and councillor votes >

There were no declarations of pecuniary interest, and council quickly approved the agenda before moving into closed session. When council reconvened in open session just before 7 p.m., the mayor confirmed that no items were coming forward from closed session at that time and that council would return to closed session later in the evening.

Community Fundraising, Events, and Proclamations

The open meeting began with announcements celebrating community fundraising and local events. Mayor Ferguson highlighted two major fundraisers.

The apple pie auction at the Picton Fair raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation, while a concert at the Regent Theatre in support of the Wellington Food Bank raised $37,000. Councillor Sam Grosso credited volunteers and food bank staff for the success of that event.

Councillors followed with community announcements. Councillor Grosso promoted the upcoming Ameliasburgh Fall Fair. Councillor Hirsch reminded residents about the Milford Fall Fair and parade. Councillor St Jean offered condolences to the family of Bob Lavender, a longtime Wellington sports figure and Dukes supporter. Councillor McNaughton thanked the Picton Fair board and volunteers. Councillor Roberts announced the Sophiasburg Trash Bash and extended condolences to former mayor Leo Finnegan on the passing of his wife, Maureen.

Mayor Ferguson added further notices about the Owen Jones Memorial Trash Bash and delivered a proclamation recognizing September 14, 2025 as Terry Fox Run Day, acknowledging the work of County resident Vicki Samaras and encouraging participation in the Belleville event.

Council then moved into three major deputations, all of which shaped the rest of the meeting.

County Docs Update: Physician Recruitment Progress and Space Constraints

The first deputation came from County Docs, presented by Adam Hambly and Berinder Gill. They delivered a detailed annual update on physician recruitment, reporting that nine physicians have been recruited since 2022, including two in 2025, with another potentially arriving by year-end. Council heard that the Healthcare Connect Premium program helped attach 1,750 residents to local doctors, representing an 84 percent reduction in the waitlist at launch. They also highlighted improvements to emergency department coverage and raised concerns about the growing challenge of securing affordable medical office space. The deputation included a request for a modest operational budget increase, which council formally received and referred to the 2026 budget process.

Public Comment on Agrivoltaics and Solar Development

The second deputation was from Electra Energy Solutions, proposing a 15-megawatt solar project on Clark Road as part of the IESO LT2 procurement process. The project would include a 50 percent equity partnership with the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and annual community benefit payments of $2,000 per megawatt. Council was asked to grant a municipal support resolution allowing the project to bid into the provincial procurement process.

The third deputation came from Compass Greenfield Development, proposing the Elmbrook Agrivoltaics Project on Highway 49. This project combines solar generation with agricultural use through sheep grazing. The proponent outlined land suitability, decommissioning plans, Indigenous engagement, and projected municipal revenue. The opening offer for a community benefit agreement was $1,000 per megawatt, with assurances that this figure could increase. Council also heard commitments to avoid concrete foundations and to restore land after decommissioning. Council received the deputation.

Public Comment on Agrivoltaics and Solar Development

During comments from the audience, resident John Thompson spoke in support of the Elmbrook agrivoltaics project, emphasizing soil quality, agricultural compatibility, greenhouse gas reduction, and alignment with provincial policy and the County’s Official Plan. The mayor also acknowledged letters from APEC opposing both solar projects.

Council then moved into items for consideration. Council approved routine 2025 property tax write-offs totaling just over $21,500. Council then considered and approved a municipal support resolution for the Elmbrook Agrivoltaics Project, following debate about grid capacity, agricultural impacts, Indigenous equity participation, and community benefits. Councillor Hirsch opposed the project, citing concerns about solar integration without storage, but the motion carried with strong majority support.

Council then approved a municipal support resolution for the Prince Edward Solar One project on Clark Road, proposed by Electra Energy Solutions. Discussion focused on public engagement, maintenance practices, ecological benefits, and the absence of significant public opposition. The motion carried.

Winter Road Maintenance Procurement Approved

Council also approved a large procurement package for winter road maintenance, including cold patch materials, sand screening, and highway salt supply, and directed staff to study the potential use of salt brine during the 2025 to 2026 season.

Consent items and bylaws were approved without debate. Council then recessed briefly to return to closed session before passing the confirmatory bylaw and adjourning at 9:18 p.m.

---

Disclaimer: This article is based on a meeting with an approximate duration of 3:12:045. Due to the length of the meeting, our team was not able to independently review the full recording in its entirety. As a result, we relied on software-generated transcription, automated summarization, and automated recognition of speakers and participants, which may not be entirely accurate. All transcriptions, summaries, and related content are prepared by our team in good faith and on a reasonable best-efforts basis. The content is provided for general informational purposes only and is intended to support public understanding of the topics discussed. While reasonable efforts have been made to present the information accurately, automated processes may result in errors, omissions, or unintended misinterpretations. This article does not constitute an official, certified, or verbatim record of the meeting, and it should not be relied upon as such. Readers are encouraged to consult original source materials, official minutes, or recordings where available for confirmation or clarification. Questions, requests for clarification, or suggested corrections may be submitted to hello@pecconnect.ca for review and consideration.