Part 2: Delhi Park Plan Endorsement, Lions Club Road Toll Approval, and Road Asset Planning – 06/13/2024
- PECConnect
- Jun 13, 2024
- 4 min read
Early discussion was started by Councillor Chris Braney (Hillier), who questioned whether the Mayor could unilaterally change the timing of a future Committee of the Whole meeting. Braney raised concerns about precedent and whether such decisions should be made collectively by Council.
Municipal Clerk Catalina Blumenberg explained that the procedural bylaw allows the Mayor to change meeting times, though rescheduling for non-emergency events is less clearly defined. Mayor Steve Ferguson clarified that the suggested change related to an invitation from the Air Force Museum and stated he would assess councillor availability before proceeding. No motion resulted from this discussion. Council voted unanimously to confirm the agenda as presented.
View the entire PEC Council Meeting; or view our recap.
Lions Club Road Toll
The first decision item involved a request from the Prince Edward County Lions Club to continue its long-running road toll fundraising on Stanley Street in Bloomfield.
Don Lyons, speaking for the Lions Club, outlined safety procedures, volunteer management, and the community benefits supported by the fundraising. Councillor Kate MacNaughton asked about the history of the tolls, noting their longevity. Councillor Phil St-Jean spoke in support, stating that the tolls have operated efficiently for decades without disrupting traffic.
Two motions followed. The deputation was received, and the fundraising request was approved for long weekend Mondays from July through October for the remainder of the Council term, ending in 2026. Both motions were moved by Councillor Brad Nieman and seconded by Councillor Bill Roberts. Both carried unanimously.
Delhi Park 2034 – Youth Input and Design Vision
Discussion around Delhi Park spanned multiple agenda items and generated the most debate.
Youth engagement was presented by Keaton Zachariah, Project Coordinator with the Greater Than County Youth Collective. Councillor Roberts asked whether youth participants had discussed the deteriorated bridge near the dog park. Councillor MacNaughton asked how the program achieved strong youth turnout. Zachariah emphasized relationship-building and trust as key factors.
The deputation was received on a motion moved by MacNaughton and seconded by St-Jean, which carried. Landscape architect Victoria Taylor, Principal of VTLA Studio, then presented the full Delhi Park 2034 Accessibility, Community Connections, and Active Transportation Plan. Councillor Janice Maynard (Ameliasburgh) asked whether consultation extended beyond Picton. Taylor confirmed that a county-wide survey and open public sessions were held. The presentation was received on a motion moved by MacNaughton and seconded by Mayor Steve Ferguson.
Public Input on Delhi Park
Two members of the public addressed Council. Ian Chodikoff spoke about the park’s historic and landscape value and asked about fundraising and next steps. Kelly McGillivray, Chair of the Traffic Advisory Committee, framed Delhi Park as a missing transportation link in Picton, emphasizing accessibility for seniors, youth, and residents without vehicles. Council voted to receive the public comments.
When Council debated the staff report recommending endorsement of the Delhi Park plan, viewpoints diverged.
Councillor MacNaughton emphasized safety, noting that informal paths already exist and are being used, regardless of whether they are formally supported.
Councillor St-Jean raised concerns about proposed connections toward County Road 22 and Base31, suggesting sidewalks may be a better solution. Councillor Maynard questioned long-term maintenance costs and how the project fits among county-wide accessibility priorities.
Ashley Stewart, Community Programs Coordinator, responded that certain routes, such as Pitt Street, were not feasible due to slope and accessibility standards.
An amendment brought forward by St-Jean and seconded by Roberts declared the Delhi Park project a Project of Community Interest, allowing donations and tax receipts. The amendment carried.
The main motion to endorse the Delhi Park Community Connections Active Transportation Plan as a long-term, multi-phase project, subject to external funding and continued consultation, carried as amended.
York Street Laneway – Picton
Council then addressed whether the York Street laneway in Picton should become pedestrian-only. Councillor St-Jean confirmed the Picton Business Improvement Association was aware of the recommendation. Councillor Maynard asked about funding for future infrastructure work. Staff confirmed costs would be split between water and wastewater rates and the tax-supported budget.
The motion to keep the laneway open to vehicles while allowing pedestrian use for special events was moved by Councillor David Harrison (North Marysburgh) and seconded by Councillor Roy Pennell (Ameliasburgh). It carried.
Urban Road Asset Management
The final major decision concerned road asset management planning.
Arryn McNichol, Director of Corporate and Legislative Services, presented the report. Councillor Hirsch emphasized the need to invest before roads reach failure. Councillor Pennell stressed balancing data with on-the-ground experience. Councillor Maynard questioned how paved rural roads fit into the model.
Council directed staff to return before the 2025 budget with progress toward a multi-year urban and rural roads plan. The motion, moved by St-Jean and seconded by Hirsch, carried.
What This Means for Residents
The Lions Club road toll fundraising will continue as a familiar and supported community activity through 2026.
Delhi Park is now officially endorsed as a long-term accessibility and transportation project, with future construction dependent on funding and phased Council approvals.
For residents, road planning will become more structured and transparent ahead of the 2025 budget, with Council signaling that both data and local knowledge will shape future infrastructure decisions.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a meeting with an approximate duration of 2:20:16. 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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