Incoming council orientation includes meeting staff and bus tour to discuss issues

The incoming council for the County of Prince Edward participated in a mock council meeting as part of the orientation program

The new council for the County of Prince Edward has completed the first of its multi-day orientation program.

Mayor Steve Ferguson was returned to the mayor’s seat in last month’s election with all seven incumbents who ran for election, and six new faces.

County staff members were introduced to help the new councillors understand the various roles within the corporation and how they all work together. The incoming councillors also learned how the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed municipalities, and the related implications for their work over the next four year term.

“The orientation is spread out over several days in order to ease the transition. Instead of the “crash course” approach, we have given them time to digest the material as well as make those important connections with their fellow councillors and staff,” says Catalina Blumenberg, County Clerk.

Later this month, the incoming council will reconvene to receive department overviews from the municipality’s senior leadership team. Orientation concludes with a bus tour of the County where staff will provide additional context to the issues and topics discussed.

The official inaugural ceremony for the incoming council is set for Monday, Dec. 5 at the Regent Theatre (224 Picton Main Street, Picton) at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend in person or watch the live stream of the event on the County’s YouTube channel.

“The start of a new term of council is always a special time filled with hope and anticipation,” said mayor Ferguson. “We welcome the community to join in with family and friends as we celebrate this occasion.”

The first regular meeting of the incoming Council is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13 at the Highline Hall in the Wellington and District Community Centre. The meeting’s agenda is to be published online by Wednesday, Dec. 7.