One mayoral among 23 candidates who responded to questions from nature groups

With advanced voting for the 2026 municipal election being held Saturday in person, and beginning online until election day Oct. 26, the Prince Edward County Field Naturalists (PECFN), supported by 17 other local organizations focused on nature, has released the results of their survey asking municipal candidates where they stand on issues affecting the County’s natural environment.

Gerry Jenkison, PECFN President, reports all 35 candidates were invited to respond to four questions addressing conservation, development, natural heritage protection and municipal planning. Twenty-three candidates (including one of three mayoral – Ernie Margetson and one acclaimed – John Hirsch) participated, and their complete, unedited responses are now available to the public on the PECFN website and below.

“The survey reflects a shared concern among local environmental organizations about the future of Prince Edward County’s natural heritage and the important role municipal government plays in protecting it,” states Jenkison. “Decisions made by the municipal council have far-reaching implications for the County’s wetlands, woodlands, shorelines, wildlife habitats and watersheds. As development pressures continue, the need to balance growth with environmental protection has become increasingly important. By bringing together the perspectives of candidates from across the County, the survey offers residents an opportunity to consider how those seeking municipal office approach these challenges.

“Our goal is to ensure that the protection of Prince Edward County’s natural environment remains an important part of the municipal election conversation,” said Jenkison, on behalf of PECFN. “We hope the survey will encourage voters to consider these issues when deciding who will represent them on council.”

The survey included participation by 18 environmental organizations in the County, representing a wide range of interests and expertise in conservation, biodiversity, habitat protection and environmental stewardship.

“PECFN acknowledges the considerable demands placed on candidates during an election campaign and thanks all those who carved out time to participate,” added Jenkison.

“The survey is strictly nonpartisan. It does not rank or endorse candidates, but presents their responses in full, allowing voters to draw their own conclusions. PECFN encourages residents to read the survey, share it with neighbours and friends, and make the County’s natural environment part of their conversations leading up to election day.”

Click here to read the candidate survey on the PECFN website — Questions and Responses
The PDF includes clickable links to individual candidates and their wards, making it easy to navigate.

If reading it below, click open, or click the three line symbol at top left to remove the left hand navigation, then use the + magnification to view the right hand pages and use the links to navigate between candidates.