Part 2: Accessibility Gaps, Picton Marina Decision, and Integrity Commissioner Appointment – 02/13/2025
- PECConnect
- Feb 13, 2025
- 4 min read
Much of the discussion following Irene Harris’s presentation centred on County-owned buildings, with Shire Hall repeatedly cited as a visible example.
Councillor Bill Roberts (Sophiasburgh) directly questioned the lack of progress on Shire Hall’s elevator and ramp, calling them a “glaring example” of why patience is wearing thin. Roberts asked whether the County knew what it would cost to fix them. Harris responded that the KPMG 2021 facilities report confirmed both elements do not meet accessibility standards, but that she did not have cost figures.
Later, during staff discussion, Adam Goheen, Director of Housing and Acting CAO, confirmed staff would look for any earlier cost assessments related to Shire Hall renovations and report back. That exchange matters for residents who attend meetings, work in County buildings, or rely on accessible public spaces, because it signals that Shire Hall itself remains unresolved despite years of studies.
View the entire PEC Council Meeting; or view our recap.
Councillor Kate MacNaughton (Picton) focused less on infrastructure and more on process. MacNaughton pressed staff on how accessibility and plain language are embedded into reports, procedures, and public-facing materials. Staff explained that internal training is underway to simplify language and improve clarity.
Committee formally received both the Accessibility Advisory Committee presentation and the staff progress report on the 2022–2026 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. The vote also directed staff to return in Q2 2026 with the 2025 progress report, setting a clear timeline for public accountability.
Picton Marina: ending an agreement
The most detailed debate of the afternoon focused on the Picton Marina, and the tone was more urgent.
Troy Gilmour, Director of Operational Services, told Committee that staff had made repeated attempts to obtain compliance from the current tenant and recommended terminating the agreement immediately. He stated that delays would jeopardize the 2025 boating season.
Several councillors pressed on fairness and alternatives. Councillor Phil St-Jean (Picton) asked whether staff could also report on the feasibility and cost of the County operating the marina in-house, noting that costs would exist regardless of who runs it if the marina needs work. St-Jean also referenced a late-breaking letter from the tenant requesting further discussion and asked whether another conversation should occur.
Gilmour responded that issues had been ongoing throughout the season and that opportunities to resolve them had already existed. He emphasized the calendar, noting it was already late February and action was needed to avoid losing the season altogether.
Albert Paschkowiak, Environmental Services and Sustainability Supervisor, supported moving forward quickly, stating that timing was critical if the marina was to operate at all in 2025.
After extended debate, Committee agreed to broaden staff’s direction. An amendment carried requiring staff to report back with all viable options for Picton Marina operations for 2025, including the Expression of Interest process and other operational scenarios. Committee then carried the main motion as amended, which included terminating the existing marina agreement, rescinding By-Law 174-2020, and issuing an Expression of Interest to secure an operator.
Integrity Commissioner: appointment confirmed
The Integrity Commissioner item involved less debate but still drew pointed comments.
David Boghosian, speaking as an audience member, introduced himself as the incoming Integrity Commissioner, outlining his municipal-law background and approach to the role.
When Committee debated the staff report, Councillor St-Jean noted that Boghosian had previously been dismissed by another municipality, emphasizing that this information was public. He added, however, that integrity commissioners often face criticism because they serve as watchdogs, and that dismissal elsewhere did not automatically disqualify a candidate.
Albert Paschkowiak responded that, in his view, previous removals reflected municipalities being uncomfortable with oversight rather than a flaw in the role itself.
Committee ultimately carried the motion to appoint Boghosian, end the interim Integrity Commissioner contract, and bring a confirming by-law to Council. The decision also included direction to organize refresher training for Council on the Code of Conduct and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
No items were deferred. All major reports were received, and all motions discussed were carried. The meeting adjourned at 2:31 p.m. The decisions made at Committee now move forward to Council for final consideration, where residents can expect: future updates on accessibility spending and Shire Hall improvements, concrete next steps on who will operate the Picton Marina in 2025, and a formal by-law confirming the Integrity Commissioner appointment.
Together, these discussions show how Committee debates translate into decisions that affect day-to-day access, waterfront services, and governance oversight across the County.
What This Means for Local Residents
This meeting reinforced that accessibility is becoming a standing expectation, not an optional add on, especially when it comes to County buildings, sidewalks, parks, and communication.
For Picton residents and waterfront users, the Picton Marina reset signals real change ahead before the 2025 boating season, with council pushing for a solution that keeps the marina operational and publicly accountable.
The appointment of a new Integrity Commissioner strengthens oversight and transparency, giving residents another layer of confidence that council conduct and decision making will continue to be independently reviewed.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a meeting with an approximate duration of 1:32:19. 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.
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