Part 2: Wellington Waterworks, Soccer Shed, and Transit Updates - 04/08/2025
- PECConnect
- Apr 8, 2025
- 4 min read
This meeting coverage focuses on who spoke, who moved motions, and where councillors clearly positioned themselves during the April 8, 2025 Council meeting. It follows the order of the meeting and sticks closely to what was said and voted on in the room, based on the transcript and official minutes.
The meeting was chaired by Mayor Steve Ferguson, who handled procedural items, introductions, proclamations, and the overall flow of debate. Ferguson opened the meeting, delivered the land acknowledgement, reminded the public about meeting rules, and later read the Owen Jones Memorial Cleanup Day proclamation.
Throughout the meeting, Ferguson invited presenters forward, called votes, and closed discussion when motions were ready. He did not debate items substantively but responded at key moments, including thanking presenters and acknowledging concerns raised by councillors.
View the entire PEC Council Meeting; or view our recap.
Wellington and the waterworks statement
The most direct and emotionally charged statement of the night came from Councillor Corey Engelsdorfer (Wellington). During announcements, Engelsdorfer spoke at length about the Wellington waterworks project, saying residents were frustrated by detours, business disruption, and changing decisions. He stated that trust had been broken and that he could no longer defend the project’s execution to his community.
Councillor Engelsdorfer made it clear he did not support the project originally but felt responsible to support residents once council directed it to proceed. He concluded by formally announcing that he would bring forward a notice of motion for non confidence in the Mayor, to be seconded by Councillor Prinzen, at a future meeting. No vote occurred on this item at this meeting, but the notice itself was officially recorded.
Policing presentation and council response
The OPP Detachment Board Annual Report was presented by Staff Sergeant John Hatch, Detachment Commander, alongside Chris Braney (Hillier), who serves as Chair of the OPP Detachment Board.
Braney outlined the board’s role, accomplishments, and funding approvals, while Hatch focused on long-term policing outcomes, including declining crime rates, mental health response programs, and officer wellness. Hatch also publicly raised the idea of CCTV cameras for the County.
Council response was unanimously supportive. Janice Maynard (Ameliasburgh), Bill Roberts (Sophiasburgh), Sam Grosso (Ameliasburgh), and others offered praise and thanks to Hatch ahead of his retirement.
The motion to receive the report was moved by Maynard and seconded by Roberts, and it carried unanimously.
Visit The County presentation and council support
Sarah Fox, Executive Director of Visit The County, delivered a detailed update on tourism results and plans. Her presentation drew broad support from council members across multiple wards.
Sam Branderhorst (Athol) thanked Fox for listening to the arts community and tourism operators. Braney and Phil St-Jean (Picton) emphasized tourism as a major economic driver. Maynard and Grosso discussed visitor trends and cross-border travel interest. The motion to receive the presentation was moved by Branderhorst and seconded by Kate MacNaughton (Picton), and it carried.
Soccer shed project and security cameras
The deputation from David Walcott, President of the Prince Edward County Soccer Association, received strong and immediate council backing.
Branderhorst spoke passionately about the importance of PECSA to community life and openly supported both the shed replacement and the installation of security cameras. Discussion also included Councillors MacNaughton, Pennell, and staff, who clarified policy requirements.
Council voted to declare the shed replacement a Project of Community Interest, to explore partnerships, and to allow security cameras under municipal policy.The motion was moved by Councillor Branderhorst, seconded by Councillor Prinzen, and carried unanimously.
Tax policy and vacant home tax discussion
The 2025 tax tools and policies report prompted the most technical discussion of the evening. The motion was moved by Councillor St.-Jean and seconded by Councillor Branderhorst. While the core tax ratios were approved without opposition, discussion focused on the direction to reassess a municipal vacant home tax.
Councillor MacNaughton asked about consultation and data needs. Councillor St.-Jean pressed staff on timing and whether this was aimed at 2026 or 2027. Councillor Pennell questioned how a vacant home would be defined. Staff clarified that this was a future review only, not implementation. The motion carried as written.
Transit vehicles and service expansion
Council endorsed the purchase of three County Transit vehicles, fully funded by grants. The motion was moved by Prinzen and seconded by Pennell. MacNaughton asked about fuel options and sustainability. St.-Jean questioned how the vehicles would be used and whether service levels would increase.
Staff explained that one vehicle replaces an aging bus while the others support expanded local and on demand service. The motion carried.
How this affects residents
For residents, the strongest takeaway is that concerns about the waterworks project were voiced publicly and forcefully, with a future non-confidence motion now formally on record.
Council reinforced support for policing, tourism, and downtown economic activity, while approving practical investments like transit vehicles and student staffing.
For families, the PECSA decision means improved recreational infrastructure and better security at a heavily used community facility.
Overall, the meeting showed council alignment on service delivery and economic priorities, alongside visible internal tension on trust and project oversight that will likely shape future meetings.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a meeting with an approximate duration of 2:17:40. 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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