Part 2: PEC Council Advances Housing, Climate & Services - 10/24/2023

Following the closed session, Council considered the sale of municipally owned land in Picton to Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward–Hastings.

The motion was moved by Councillor Kate MacNaughton and seconded by Councillor Phil St-Jean. Council voted unanimously in favour to authorize the sale, approve the related by-law, and require Habitat for Humanity to pre-consult with Development Services regarding a future zoning amendment.

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During the public comment period, Hazzem Koudsi, representing Habitat for Humanity, addressed Council to thank members for their support and acknowledged that the decision would allow the organization to proceed with planning permanent housing.

Notices of Motion

Two notices of motion were formally introduced.

Councillor John Hirsch announced, on behalf of Councillor Bill Roberts, an intention to bring forward a future resolution related to poverty and guaranteed livable income.

Councillor Janice Maynard gave notice of a forthcoming motion related to a Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks proposal concerning permit-by-rule expansion for waste, stormwater, and water-taking activities.

No debate or vote occurred at this meeting on either notice.

Hastings–Prince Edward Regional Growth Analysis

Council received a detailed presentation from Jamie Cook, Managing Partner, Planning & Land Economics, on long-term growth trends affecting Prince Edward County and surrounding municipalities.

Councillor Chris Braney raised concerns about economic volatility, global uncertainty, and recent slowdowns in housing activity.

Councillor Janice Maynard questioned how income levels, particularly for seniors and younger workers, align with housing affordability trends.

Councillor Phil St-Jean asked how the projections related to previously approved Wellington-area growth numbers.

Councillor David Harrison commented on the relationship between the projections and infrastructure planning assumptions.

The motion to receive the presentation was moved by Councillor Sam Branderhorst and seconded by Councillor Brad Nieman and carried unanimously.

Paramedic Services Performance Update

Council received an update from Carl Bowker, Chief Paramedic, Hastings–Quinte EMS, regarding response times and service coverage following additional ambulance staffing.

Councillor Phil Prinzen asked about cross-border response impacts and ambulance availability.

Councillor Janice Maynard questioned deployment strategy, data tracking, and attribution of improvements.

Councillor Roy Pennell spoke in support of observed improvements and coordination with other agencies.

The motion to receive the presentation was moved by Councillor Phil Prinzen and seconded by Councillor Janice Maynard, and carried unanimously.

Parkland Reserve Fund

Council debated the annual Parkland Reserve Fund statement and future allocation approach.

Councillor Phil St-Jean raised questions about historical allocations and geographic clarity.

Councillor Janice Maynard highlighted disparities between reserve balances and existing park infrastructure.

Councillor Roy Pennell questioned underused park assets and potential alternative community uses.

The motion was moved by Councillor Janice Maynard and seconded by Councillor Corey Engelsdorfer and carried unanimously.

Corporate Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target

Council considered a proposed corporate emissions reduction target. Councillor Albert Paschkowiak raised questions about how population growth and infrastructure expansion would affect emissions modeling.

Councillor Janice Maynard noted comparisons with other municipalities and asked about target ambition.

Councillor Roy Pennell raised cost and fleet transition concerns.

The motion was moved by Councillor Corey Engelsdorfer and seconded by Councillor Sam Branderhorst, and carried unanimously.

Corey Street Consent and Land Agreement Amendments

Council reconsidered consent motions related to 27 Corey Street.

Councillor Phil Prinzen introduced amendments requiring staff to review the existing agreement to include a municipal first right of refusal before planning fee waivers would apply.

The amended motions were moved and seconded by Councillors Prinzen and Brad Nieman and carried, followed by approval of the full consent file as amended.

Kate’s Rest Home and Farm Initiative

Council voted on a motion directing the Mayor to provide a letter of support for the Kate’s Rest Foundation Home and Farm Initiative.

The motion was moved by Councillor Sam Branderhorst and seconded by Councillor Phil St-Jean.

A recorded vote was requested. Twelve councillors voted in favour, with Councillor Brad Nieman voting opposed.

What This Means for Residents

Taken together, the October 24 Council meeting advanced affordable housing initiatives, confirmed the County’s approach to long-term growth planning, and reinforced priorities around emergency services reliability, parkland investment, and corporate climate commitments. Decisions made at this meeting set the groundwork for future zoning, budgeting, and infrastructure discussions that will affect how growth, services, and community amenities are managed across Prince Edward County in the years ahead.

Council decisions advanced affordable housing and clarified growth pressures tied to infrastructure and services. 

Land-use safeguards and development oversight were strengthened through amended consent conditions. 

Parkland funding discussions may lead to long-awaited recreational improvements. 

For Wellington, growth projections continue to influence infrastructure and service planning assumptions.

Improvements in paramedic response times and new climate commitments will shape service delivery and municipal spending priorities in the coming years.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on a meeting with an approximate duration of 3:20:19. 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.