(Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber Quinte News)
Plans to have the South East Local Health Integration Network declare Prince Edward County a rural health hub are in the works.
Ron Lirette, Executive Director of the Prince Edward Family Health Team made a presentation to the committee of the whole Thursday hoping for them to support their recommendations in principle.
Lirette said this unique opportunity will provide an improved health system through a better transmission of information and patient flow.
The committee of the whole carried a motion to accept the plan – it can be found by clicking here.
Prince Edward County is well on the way to finalizing a road map so they can achieve their vision for growth and sustainability over the council term and beyond.
Thursday, Chief Administrative Officer James Hepburn along with MDB Insight representative Lauren Miller presented a draft corporate strategic plan to the committee of the whole.
The last plan was altered in 2007 as the environment and the County began to change. In 2010 there were discussions regarding a plan, however there was no formal adoption.
The plan outlines five major priorities including: financial stability, business friendly environment, maintain rural and historic character, a community with employment and affordable housing and sustainable community healthcare.
Mayor Robert Quaiff says it’s a big task but committees like the Development Framework and Water and Wastewater ADHOC are up and running ready to tackle financial sustainability issues.
The plan also includes ways to respond to key trends such as: expanding base cultural amenities; an economy dominated by small business and entrepreneurs and an integrated tourism industry.
This plan is projected to last 10 years.
The plan will go back to a number of committees before coming back to council for final approval in August.
To read the draft plan click here.
Finally, the County is looking at getting out of the canteen and bar business – opening job opportunities throughout the municipality.
On Thursday, commissioner of corporate services Susan Turnbull told the committee of the whole that the County is losing $40,000 annually from canteens and bars run at town halls and private events.
She says the County could look forward to a $9,000 annual boost by renting the spaces out to a third party operator.
The Committee carried a motion that would discontinue providing bar services outside of the community centre properties.
