County Raises Rural Priorities at ROMA Conference, Including Emergency Calls and Infrastructure Funding
Prince Edward County officials brought several key rural concerns to the table during this week’s Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference in Toronto.
Led by Mayor Steve Ferguson, the County delegation met with provincial representatives to discuss issues ranging from emergency service pressures to infrastructure funding and housing affordability.
One major concern highlighted was the growing number of non-emergency or false calls originating from nearby provincial parks. Officials say these calls place added strain on local fire and rescue services, particularly during peak tourism months.
The delegation also pushed for increased provincial investment in water and wastewater systems, critical infrastructure needed to support future growth in the municipality.
Housing affordability was another focus, with Ferguson urging the province to reconsider rent control measures and resume property reassessments, which have not been updated since 2016.
Meetings were also held with officials from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, where the County proposed working together on solutions to reduce unnecessary emergency responses. Provincial representatives have been invited to visit the County later this year to continue discussions.
Delays in vulnerable sector checks were also raised as a concern, with officials noting impacts on hiring for long-term care, volunteer roles, and local businesses. The delegation was told improvements are underway to speed up processing times.
In addition to individual meetings, County representatives joined other Eastern Ontario leaders through the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus to advocate for broader regional priorities, including affordability, paramedic regulation, and a more sustainable OPP billing model.
The ROMA conference, held Jan. 18–20, brought together nearly 2,000 participants from municipalities across Ontario to discuss shared challenges and policy solutions affecting rural communities.
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