Ernie Margetson’s Positions at the Mayoral Debate: Find the Issues That Matter to You

What is Ernie Margetson's view about the County decisions that could affect your household, your work, or your neighbourhood?

In the first part of this series, we explored Ernie'ss intended approach to leadership through our conversation on his front porch, alongside the continuing role residents can play beyond election day. Here, we turn to his responses to the 15 questions asked at the mayoral debate.

Some answers expressed a clear position; others raised possibilities or left details open. These summaries describe what he said at the time, with room to consider what remains unresolved. Moving an idea forward will depend on the decisions, resources, and responsibilities involved. And, it’ll also depend on us.

You can read through all 15 debate questions below, along with an important bonus topic, thanks to a reminder from a community member! You can share your thoughts on anything and everything… just please keep the discussion constructive and respectful.

Whether you voted for him or preferred another candidate, you can help inform the conversations ahead. What would you support? What would you question? What experience might help the council understand an issue differently?

Let’s take a closer look, together.

Digging into the Details: Where Ernie Stands on 15 County Issues from the 2026 Mayoral Debate

Campaign discussions give us a helpful starting point. To truly understand what’s ahead for Prince Edward County, let's explore the specific topics that shaped the mayoral debate. Take a look at where Ernie stands on the issues that may affect daily lives of County residents. 

Q1: How will you balance decisions between development expansion and preserving farmland?

Ernie Margetson believes Prince Edward County has already made great strides in protecting our local farmland, pointing to our Land Evaluation and Area Review (LEAR) study, the Official Plan, and provincial planning policies. During the debate, he highlighted how restricting rural severances and steering urban growth toward serviced areas are practical examples of these protections in action.

"So, finding the balance in this municipality, I think we've advanced that a long way, and urban development is largely directed towards areas with services," states Margetson.

Ernie also reminded us that farmland isn't just lost to new development, but can also be lost through abandonment. His approach focuses on keeping current protections strong and actively applying them, though it leaves open the question of how effectively these policies will handle individual property challenges and growing development pressures down the road.

🗬 Do you think the County's existing planning tools are doing enough to protect agricultural land? And what does it mean to protect farmland in Prince Edward County? Share your thoughts in our comments!

Q2. Are you willing to support reducing the farm property tax ratio to prevent further increases in the tax burden paid by farmers? Do you support the Ontario Federation of Agriculture's position that all new farm buildings should be exempt from development charges?

When asked about easing the farm property tax burden, Ernie stopped short of making a firm commitment. He noted that provincial farm tax programs are already in place, but mentioned he wants to gather more information before deciding if additional municipal tax relief makes sense. He's also interested in exploring whether new agricultural buildings should be exempt from development charges, including how those builds fit into overall municipal infrastructure costs.

His open-ended perspective leaves plenty of room for us to discuss what kind of relief is genuinely practical, who stands to benefit, and how any shifts in municipal revenue would be balanced.

"I'm not in a position that I could say if that's valid at this point or not." Margetson, on his intention to further research relief for County farmers.

Lowering farming costs could help agricultural businesses, but what would it mean for the County's finances? Our article, If PEC Lowers Farming Costs, Who Pays the Difference?, examines the tax and development charge proposals and their potential implications. 

🗬 What kind of support would make the greatest difference to local farms, and how should the finances be balanced overall?

Q3. What specific actions would you support to improve labour mobility and ensure residents can reliably get to work while supporting economic growth and workforce development across the region?

For residents without reliable access to a car, getting to work can be just as challenging as finding a job. 

"If they could live closer to their job, that might be a solution beyond the traditional aspects of transit and car sharing." Margetson suggested looking beyond traditional public transit by exploring housing opportunities closer to rural workplaces. 

He also raised the possibility of employers helping workers commute through shared transportation, such as small vans. These ideas could offer alternatives in areas where regular transit is difficult to provide, but questions remain about affordability, employer participation, and how such arrangements would work.

Would housing closer to employment or employer-supported transportation make commuting easier? Our article, Getting to Work Without a Car: What Would Actually Work in Prince Edward County?, examines the practical challenges, costs, and possibilities behind the candidates' suggestions.

🗬 What should the County prioritize to help people get to work without a car? What transportation challenges have you experienced, and what would make a practical difference?

Q4. If the amalgamation discussion reoccurs during your term as mayor, how will you approach this?

Margetson made his opposition to amalgamating Prince Edward County with neighbouring municipalities clear during the debate. He argued that the County should maintain its independence and continue addressing its own challenges. 

"As far as us amalgamating, I don't support it. I think we should maintain our sovereignty. I think we can solve our own problems, and I think that is the trajectory we should plan for in the future." Margetson says on County boundaries.

At the same time, Ernie recognized opportunities for greater cooperation, pointing to existing water supply arrangements with neighbouring municipalities as one example. His position draws a distinction between sharing services where it makes sense and giving up local control, raising questions about where that balance should be drawn.

🗬 Which services, if any, do you think the County could manage more effectively with its neighbours?

Q5. What are your thoughts on the right size for our council and why

Margetson expressed openness to reviewing the size and structure of Prince Edward County Council, particularly in light of public feedback through the ballot question. 

"So based on that, I'm very willing to look at it." Margetson confirms on reviewing the size and structure of Council.

He suggested that the County has evolved since amalgamation and may be ready to reconsider some of its traditional ward boundaries. One possibility he discussed was dividing the County into four geographic sectors, each represented by two councillors, alongside the mayor. He presented this as an idea for consideration rather than a finalized plan, leaving questions about representation, accessibility, and how residents would be affected by any changes.

In fact, this non-binding question was on the voter ballot, asking voters to identify if they are “in favour of a third-party review of Council size and related ward boundaries”. 69.8% of voters responded “Yes”, while 30.2% responded “no”. (Unofficial results)

Explore the issue: What would a different council structure mean for residents across the County? Our article, Council Size on Your Ballot: What County Voters Are Being Asked to Decide, explores the debate over representation and the considerations involved in reviewing council's structure.

🗬 Have Your Say! What do you think is the best approach to council representation?

Q6. What is your position regarding the current regulated STA sector, and would you propose any changes?

Margetson generally defended the County's existing short-term accommodation (STA) regulations, saying the rules have helped manage the concentration of rentals in individual neighbourhoods. 

He pointed to the leveling off of licensed STA numbers as an indication that the system has been effective. 

"The only thing I could see changing on it is perhaps: some people have approached me and said, 'I only have a cottage. It's unheated. I only rent it for four months at the most, maybe three. Why do I have to pay the same license fee as a whole home in a town that's rented all year?'" Margetson says on licensing fees for seasonal cottages in Prince Edward County.

Ernie suggested that licensing fees might deserve another look, particularly for seasonal cottages that operate only a few months of the year but pay the same fee as year-round rentals. His comments suggest a willingness to consider targeted adjustments rather than a broad overhaul of the current system.

Explore the issue: Should all short-term accommodations be subject to the same licensing fees? Our article, After the Mayoral Candidate's STA Debate: What Problem Is Prince Edward County Trying to Solve?, takes a closer look at the County's regulations, the candidates' positions, and the questions that remain.

🗬 Should the County reconsider how it charges STA licensing fees? What changes, if any, would make STA regulations fairer for operators, residents, and neighbourhoods?

Q7. What is your plan to improve cell and internrt services for Prince Edward County residents?

Dropped calls and unreliable cellphone reception remain familiar frustrations for many County residents. Our article, Can You Hear Me? Better Reception in the County Starts With Better Answers, explores the obstacles to reliable coverage and the questions residents should be asking.

Margetson acknowledged the problem but emphasized that expanding coverage involves more than simply adding towers. He pointed to geographical challenges and concerns from residents living near proposed tower locations, suggesting that improvements require balancing connectivity needs with community impacts. He viewed federal initiatives and regional organizations as important drivers of future improvements, rather than presenting a specific municipal tower-building plan.

"So I think that I would leave that mostly to the federal and the EORN or whatever they're trying to get our cell coverage."

🗬 Where do you experience poor reception, and how does it affect your daily life?

Q8. Would you use your strong mayor powers to approve a single development? How do you see yourself using strong mayor powers?

Margetson was clear about his approach to strong mayor powers during the debate, saying he did not see himself using them to approve individual developments or make decisions outside the usual council process. 

"I see myself as building a consensus, if possible, leading with my knowledge and my values and what I think is best, and voting democratically with my council to come up with a decision." Margetson states about the use of strong mayor powers.

He also indicated that using such powers would not align with his preferred leadership style. As mayor, his stated commitment to collaboration provides a point of reference for residents watching how the council handles difficult or divided decisions.

In fact, all PEC Candidates Reject Strong Mayor Powers, But What Would That Mean in Office?, and what are the implications for local decision-making? 

🗬 What does effective and accountable mayoral leadership look like to you?

Q9. How would you balance housing, infrastructure and economic growth with the concerns of existing residents and communities?

Margetson acknowledged the need for housing and recognized that several residential developments were already moving through the County's planning process. He suggested that growth could be accommodated if it proceeded methodically, while also emphasizing the importance of funding infrastructure properly. 

In particular, he called attention to the County's development charge arrangements, questioning whether existing charges would be sufficient to cover growth-related costs. His response points toward a focus on aligning new development with the financial and servicing capacity of the municipality.

"We have a number of subdivisions already in some planning stage, draft approved, so that's there already and that'll be an organic growth and that can happen and I don't think it'll be a concern if it's done in a methodical way." Margetson states about growth and infrastructure in Prince Edward County.

How can Prince Edward County welcome new housing without placing an unsustainable burden on existing residents? Our article, New Residential Development in PEC and the Plans Behind the Promises, examines the relationship between development, infrastructure costs, and community growth.

🗬 What would responsible growth look like in your community?

Q10. What are three reasons why Prince Edward County's youth should vote for you?

Margetson highlighted the importance of existing community programs for young people, including the Recreational Outreach Centre, which provides support and opportunities for social connection. 

"I also think that we could do a better job at encouraging youth to participate in some of our committees." Margetson suggests.

Outreach through schools was one possibility he raised to encourage greater participation. His response focused primarily on helping young residents access community support and have a stronger voice in the decisions that affect them. Young Adults Have a Voice. Can They Build a Future in Prince Edward County? And how?

🗬 Question for youth in Prince Edward County: What would help you become more involved in our community? And what would make you feel that your voice is being heard? 

Q11. If you are elected, how will you support Prince Edward County's residents in need?

With many County households struggling to meet basic expenses, Margetson emphasized the value of maintaining existing municipal assistance programs. 

"So to continue that program is important, I believe, for those that find it difficult to meet those cost commitments to stay in their house or pay their water and sewer bill." Margetson states.

He pointed specifically to relief programs that help eligible residents manage property taxes and water and wastewater costs, along with municipal contributions supporting community services. 

At the same time, he expressed frustration that some responsibilities once handled by the province have increasingly fallen to municipalities. His response suggests support for continuing current assistance while raising broader questions about how those programs should be funded and which level of government should be responsible.

Explore the issue: Are existing municipal programs enough to help residents struggling with the cost of living? Our article, Making Ends Meet in Prince Edward County: What Would the Candidates Change?, examines the challenges facing local households and the different approaches raised during the debate.

🗬 Share with us: what existing programs (municipal, provincial, federal, charitable, or anything else) should our residents be aware of that can help support them in meeting their personal and financial needs?

12. What implications do you see resulting from an increase in the MAT, both for the local tourism industry and the broader community?

Margetson acknowledged that he had previously proposed increasing the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT), but his debate response emphasized the importance of consulting tourism operators before making any changes.

"We wouldn't do it without consultation with the operators in the County, and I'm not sure that we ever would, but if we did, it needs the consultation," confirms Margetson.

He recognized tourism's economic importance and expressed concern about increasing costs in ways that could negatively affect the industry. He also discussed reviewing how tourism tax revenue is allocated and supporting efforts to spread visitor activity more evenly throughout the year. His approach leaves open the possibility of future discussions about the tax, but not a firm commitment to increase it.

Our article, Don't Kill the Golden Goose: What Would a Higher Tourism Tax Mean for PEC?, explores the potential trade-offs and questions surrounding the proposal.

How should the County balance tourism's economic contribution with the infrastructure and services needed by residents and visitors?

13. Would you support increasing municipal arts funding, and how would you justify the investment in terms of economic development, tourism, and quality of life?

"I support the arts community, and we do have a vibrant arts culture here and it adds to the economics of our municipality." Margetson acknowledged the importance of Prince Edward County's arts community and its contribution to the local economy. 

However, when asked about increasing municipal arts funding from $50,000 to $200,000, he said such an increase was not realistic given the financial pressures facing the municipality. Our article, PEC Arts Fund Spending and the Case for Increased Funding, explores the proposed investment and the different arguments surrounding municipal arts funding.

He emphasized the distinction between discretionary spending and services council is required to provide, while leaving open the possibility of exploring other funding avenues. His response reflects a willingness to recognize the arts' value while placing limits on what he believed the municipal budget could support at this time.

🗬 How do you think the arts contribute to life and economic activity in Prince Edward County?

14. Will you support cost-stabilizing tax increases that help rebuild our reserve funds, or will you prioritize low tax increases?

Ernie shared that keeping annual operating budget increases close to the cost of living is a primary goal, though he acknowledged that capital projects and long-term financial commitments bring real challenges.

He pointed to essential asset management requirements and upcoming debt obligations as key pressures that council must tackle head-on. Rather than simply trimming spending to hit a lower tax target, he cautioned against quick budget cuts that could trigger bigger financial headaches for the County down the line. His approach emphasizes balancing immediate affordability with the long-term health of our community's finances.

"But trying to keep within the cost of living for certain aspects of our budget is going to be difficult, but we have to minimize end-of-budget cutting without looking at the long-term ramifications of that type of approach that's been handled in the past." Margetson explains. 

Our article, PEC Property Taxes, Reserves and the Cost of Catching Up, examines the difficult choices involved in municipal budgeting and rebuilding financial capacity.

🗬 How can the County manage property taxes while preparing for infrastructure replacement, debt obligations, and future expenses? What financial priorities would you like the new council to address first?

15. What are your thoughts on data centres in Prince Edward County?

Margetson suggested that Prince Edward County should examine its planning policies before receiving any potential applications for data centre development. 

He pointed to discussions taking place in neighbouring municipalities and raised the possibility of developing zoning provisions or other planning requirements suited to these facilities. At the same time, he questioned whether the County would attract such developments because of limitations in its electricity supply. Rather than taking a firm position for or against data centres, his response focused on understanding the issue and preparing a regulatory approach in advance.

"So don't wait until it happens and then scramble", Margetson warns.

Our article, Data Centres in PEC Deserve Evidence Before a Decision, examines the considerations involved and why early planning could matter.

🗬 What approach should Prince Edward County take toward potential data centre developments? And what information would you want the council to consider before making a decision on a proposed data centre?

Bonus Topic: Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

During the open debate, Ernie Margetson raised an additional issue he considered important: the future of water and wastewater infrastructure serving Wellington, Bloomfield, and Picton, including the proposed regional water plant.

Margetson emphasized the need to assess existing infrastructure before committing to major investments. He questioned whether Picton needs a new water source, identified Lake Ontario as a possible alternative, and suggested seeking provincial financial assistance to reduce the burden on existing ratepayers.

"I feel we need to appeal to the province to help, because the funding for this project [...] is just massive in terms of implications for existing ratepayers."

He also expressed concern that lower growth projections could leave current water users responsible for a greater share of infrastructure costs.

Rather than delaying necessary improvements, Margetson called for a practical, long-term strategy that addresses infrastructure needs while minimizing financial pressure on residents.

What do you think? How should the County balance necessary waterworks improvements with affordability for existing ratepayers?

A note of thanks: Participation like this is exactly what we’re about - thank you, Gary, for the reminder and feedback so we could update the article.

Everyone still has a piece to contribute (including you!)

These 15 responses offer a snapshot of the positions Ernie Margetson expressed during the October 5, 2026 mayoral debate. Some were clear statements of support or opposition, while others were ideas he suggested exploring or questions he believed required more information.

Campaign answers give us a starting point. A proposal brought before council gives us something more specific to assess: what would change, what it would cost, who would be responsible, and how the public could contribute. As the new council begins its work, residents will have opportunities to see how those positions develop through council discussions, staff reports, public consultation, and municipal decisions. 

Congratulations to Ernie on his election, and thank you to Brad and Terry for offering their time and ideas. The priorities raised during the campaign remain worth discussing, including those brought forward by people who were not elected.

Ernie is preparing to take on a particular responsibility in the PEC puzzle. Our neighbours, community organizations, businesses, and the people who work here continue to contribute knowledge that elected representatives need to hear. The picture will include different opinions about what the County should do next.

Which of these 15 issues matters most to you? Or is something else on your mind?

Share your thoughts in the comments or contact PEC Connect at hello@pecconnect.ca. Our goal is to encourage informed, constructive community conversations as Prince Edward County moves into its next council term.

For more local conversations and coverage to help you follow County issues, subscribe to PEC Connect. 

We look forward to understanding what you see from your part of the County.

— Andreea, PEC Connect

Notes & Disclaimers: 

PEC Connect’s coverage is intended to help readers understand local issues and make their own assessments. PEC Connect does not endorse any candidate or elected representative. Summaries distinguish Ernie’s stated intentions from decisions and outcomes.

Regarding Facebook comments shared: Though comments were made publicly on Facebook, we have blurred out the individuals’ names for their privacy on this post. If you identify your comment and wish to have your name included, please let us know and we will update the post accordingly.