Mayor considering veto authority to move waterworks planning forward
Administrator | Sep 12, 2026 | Comments 2
PEC Mayor Steve Ferguson
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.
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
Filed Under: Local News
The strong mayor veto power gives the mayor power to veto a bylaw. In this case, no bylaw was passed and in fact it does not seem that a bylaw was even proposed. The Council chose not to accept a consultant’s report and the recommendations of staff. With all due respect there is nothing for the mayor to veto.
This is a perfect example of why Strong Mayor Powers were brought in to ensure Provincial Priorities were met. The Mayor is well within his authority to bring this forward in order to protect the interests of the County.