County to welcome Lt.-Gov at inaugural council meeting

Elizabeth Dowdeswell

Ontario Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell is to attend the official inaugural ceremony for the incoming council Monday, Dec. 5 at a public gathering at the Regent Theatre, Picton.

“We are extremely honoured to welcome the Lieutenant Governor for this special occasion,” said Mayor Steve Ferguson. “Her Honour has been a strong supporter of Prince Edward County over the years. She has visited our community on several occasions, taking a keen interest in local environmental issues as well as our thriving arts scene.”

As the representative of His Majesty The King, Dowdeswell carries out constitutional and ceremonial duties and engages with communities around the province.

Rochelle Byrne, A Greener Future founder, Lt-Gov Elizabeth Dowdeswell and PEC mayor Steve Ferguson. Sharon Harrison photo

Dowdeswell has made sustainability an area of focus. In June 2019, she joined the environmental group ‘A Greener Future’ to help clean-up Wellington Rotary Beach  and raised awareness of the large amount of garbage dumped into Lake Ontario that eventually washes ashore. A few months later, she hosted a meeting of mayors from across Ontario to discuss environmental and climate change issues, which Mayor Ferguson attended.

The inaugural meeting of the 2022-2026 term of council is set for the Regent Theatre (224 Picton Main St., Picton) beginning at 7 p.m. on Dec. 5. The mayor-elect and councillors-elect will take the Declaration of Office. Following the oaths, mayor Ferguson will deliver an inaugural address.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting. The meeting will also stream live on the County’s YouTube channel.