Mayor chooses not to use strong powers related to waterworks decision

SEPT. 22: Mayor Steve Ferguson released a statement Tuesday afternoon stating he has decided not to use strong mayor powers in relation to future water and wastewater financial planning.

“As my term as mayor nears its conclusion, I believe further consideration of this matter is best left to the next council, whose members will be responsible for implementing the decisions required to support the County’s future growth,” he stated. The final meeting of this council is Nov. 10.

On Sept. 10, Ferguson informed council he was considering the use of the powers in support of future housing development in Prince Edward County. He was required to announce considering a veto within 48 hours following council’s decision Sept. 8 and had 21 days to bring a motion to council.

“I believed it was important to consider every available option given the challenges our community faces in providing the infrastructure needed to support growth and housing development,” said Ferguson. “As mayor, I felt a responsibility to examine whether the tools available to me could help advance this important discussion.

“However, after consultation with others and careful consideration, I have decided not to exercise the powers available to me under the Municipal Act.”

Ferguson noted when the Ontario government granted strong mayor powers to the County in May 2025, he indicated that council members must continue to play a meaningful role in representing the interests of their constituents and making decisions on behalf of the community.

“Throughout my term, I have sought to work collaboratively with council and staff on significant municipal matters, including annual budget deliberations and long-term planning initiatives.

“While I recognize the importance and urgency of establishing a sustainable financial plan for water and wastewater infrastructure, I have concluded that these long-term decisions are best made through council’s deliberative process.

“I encourage the next council to continue this important work and to move forward with a sustainable plan for the infrastructure needed to support housing development in our community. As a long-time resident of Prince Edward County, I want to see our community continue to grow and thrive. I want future generations to have the opportunity to live, work, and raise their families here.

“The challenge before us is significant, but so is the opportunity. I am confident that with thoughtful discussion, careful planning, and collaboration, the next Council can chart a path forward that supports both responsible growth and the long-term interests of our community. ”

Mayor considering veto authority to move waterworks planning forward

SEPT. 12: Following a second failed vote to further investigate a financial strategy for waterworks infrastructure in the County, Mayor Steve Ferguson announced he is considering exercising his veto powers under Premier Ford’s Strong Mayor legislation.

PEC Mayor Steve Ferguson

He is required to announce he is considering a veto within 48 hours of failed legislation and has 21 days to bring a motion to council.

The mayor and councillors cannot make major spending commitments while in a “lame duck” council (fewer than 75 per cent of councillors confirmed to be returning). but the mayor could bring a new motion confirming water wastewater financial strategy investigation will continue as it involves no major spending commitment.

His notice is not a veto, and does not change council’s Sept. 8 decision. It serves only to preserve the mayor’s ability to continue considering whether a veto should be exercised within the legislated timelines.

Should he issue a veto, council will be provided with the written veto decision and supporting rationale. Under the Municipal Act, council may then consider an override of the veto, which would require a two-thirds vote of all members of council within the prescribed period.

“The basis for my consideration is my preliminary opinion that the council decision may interfere with prescribed provincial priorities, including: The construction and maintenance of infrastructure required to support housing growth; and the advancement of housing supply and related servicing capacity with the County of Prince Edward,” wrote Mayor Ferguson.

At the Sept. 8 council meeting, councillor John Hirsch reminded “Following this strategy allows us to protect $39 million in grants already committed, which would otherwise have to be foregone.”

It was stated council’s decision could stall development and growth; leave risk and uncertainty of water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades and replacement (with associated potential safety concerns), as well as even higher water rates increases for residents on the municipal water system.

Significantly, it puts in jeopardy existing and potential government funding and grant opportunities, as well as the potential for securing development charges, front-end financing agreements and the like, from developers.

Several developers spoke at the meeting, including representation from Base31, along with the Quinte Homebuilders Association (QHA) who spoke to “the cost of doing nothing” .

QHA CEO Ruth Estwick reminded that approving the decision tonight costs zero dollars, and approving the strategy does not approve construction and is not a commitment to council to spend significant dollars.

“It approves the framework that allows the work to continue more understanding the cost, determining who should pay what, updating the development charges background study, pursuing available funding, and determining how infrastructure can be phased.”

Second failed vote on exploring to plan County waterworks future