Part 2: Impact on Health, Accessibility, Traffic, and Energy – 02/13/2024
- PECConnect
- Feb 13, 2024
- 4 min read
The meeting was chaired throughout by Mayor Steve Ferguson, who opened proceedings, delivered the traditional land acknowledgement, and managed debate and voting. The agenda was confirmed on a motion moved by Councillor Bill Roberts and seconded by Councillor Roy Pennell, with no objections raised.
During announcements, Pennell highlighted Maple in the County and upcoming local events, while Councillor Phil Prinzen promoted the Bloomfield/Hallowell Town Hall meeting. Ferguson formally proclaimed Heritage Week and Canada’s Agriculture Day, emphasizing the County’s cultural and agricultural foundations.
Council then paused to recognize The Reasons with a Civic Award. Ferguson, supported by Pennell, spoke about the band’s long-standing role in community fundraising and their performances for seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This item was ceremonial and did not require a vote.
View the entire PEC Council Meeting; or view our recap.
Health Care Access and the Family Health Team Clinic
Attention shifted to health care with a presentation from Barinder Gill, Executive Director of the Prince Edward Family Health Team, on the launch of the PEFHT Community Clinic. Councillor David Harrison asked about uptake of incentives for unattached patients. Roberts questioned how additional provincial funding could expand the role of nurse practitioners.
Councillor Janice Maynard raised concerns about continuity of care and record-sharing, while Councillor Phil St-Jean asked about clinic locations and booking access. Pennell stressed the need for ongoing advocacy to provincial representatives.
The presentation was received on a motion moved by Roberts and seconded by Pennell, and it carried.
Accessibility Advisory Committee: Progress and Advocacy
Council next heard from Irene Harris, Chair of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, who outlined the committee’s 2023 annual report and issued a call for a provincial accessibility fund. Roberts cited disability statistics and framed accessibility as a priority issue. Councillor John Hirsch praised the committee’s progress in its first year. Pennell and Councillor Chris Braney highlighted the committee’s organization and scope of work. Maynard questioned how accessibility challenges are addressed in older commercial areas.
The report was received on a motion moved by Roberts and seconded by Councillor Brad Nieman, and it carried.
Traffic Advisory Committee: Speed, Safety, and Priorities
The Traffic Advisory Committee report followed, presented by Kelly McGillivray, who detailed public requests, particularly around speed reduction and traffic calming. Pennell questioned how quickly concerns are resolved. St-Jean asked about tracking costs associated with traffic measures. Maynard explained how the committee prioritizes requests, while Prinzen defended the committee’s balanced approach. The report was received on a motion moved by Prinzen and seconded by Maynard, and it carried.
Public Input and Resolutions
During Comments from the Audience, Don Wilford and Mary Warner both spoke to Item 9.4, addressing the Ontario Energy Board decision and Enbridge’s request related to natural gas infrastructure. Their comments were received on a motion moved by Prinzen and seconded by Pennell.
Council then debated the Reserve List of Commemorative Street Names and revisions to the Commemorative Street Naming Policy. Maynard expressed concern about the use of personal names and long-term implications. Staff responded on emergency services considerations and consultation limits. The package was approved on a motion moved by Hirsch and seconded by Roberts, and it carried.
A major policy moment followed with a resolution introduced by Roberts calling for increases to Ontario Works and ODSP rates. Roberts spoke at length about poverty, dignity, and the long-term costs of inadequate social assistance. Councillor Kate MacNaughton and St-Jean voiced support. The resolution was carried unanimously, signalling full Council backing.
Mayor Ferguson then brought forward a resolution supporting a comprehensive social and economic prosperity review in partnership with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. Councillor Janice Maynard seconded the motion. Questions from Braney and Maynard focused on the scope and intent of the review.
The motion carried.
Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus and Enbridge Position
The most procedurally complex discussion arose during the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus update. Pennell and MacNaughton stated they could not support advocacy tied to Enbridge. MacNaughton moved an amendment to remove Council’s support for Enbridge’s request, which carried. Council then received the EOWC update as amended.
A subsequent motion, moved by MacNaughton and seconded by Councillor Sam Branderhorst, directed the Mayor to urge EOWC members to pause their support position and consider cleaner technologies and the Ontario Energy Board decision. That motion carried.
Council completed the evening with committee appointments, naming Councillor Sam Grosso to the Built & Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee and Councillor Brad Nieman to the Audit Committee. Consent items and committee reports were approved, including a clarified $7,500 heritage grant in Bloomfield and amendments to the Accessibility Advisory Committee report related to future Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion training.
What This Means for Locals
For Picton and Wellington, the new community health clinic directly affects access to care for residents without a family doctor.
Across settlement areas, Council’s focus on speed management signals changes in how traffic concerns will be addressed.
County-wide, Council’s unanimous votes on poverty advocacy, accessibility, and energy policy position Prince Edward County as an active voice on issues that affect household costs, infrastructure, and long-term sustainability.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a meeting with an approximate duration of 2:42:39. 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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