(Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber Quinte News)
Prince Edward County could fast track plans to ensure there is more parking in Picton by 2017.
Tuesday night, council opted to have staff look at ways to bring the cost of the 55 King Street project down from $300,000 so that it may be completed to complement the installation of a dual electric vehicle station. The charging station will be built at the site in March 2017 to adhere with grant guidelines.
At a September 30 Committee of the Whole meeting, it was decided to hold off on the lot that will feature 47 paid parking spaces as it wasn’t approved for 2016.
Councillor Kevin Gale pulled the motion stating it would be a shame and an embarrassment if council doesn’t look at the entire project before the 2017 budget. “Before we know it we are back to tourism season again and it’s not reflective of a town that’s developing,” said Gale pointing to the current condition of the lot. He suggested deferring the matter back to staff to come up with a more economical way to complete the task.
Councillor Steve Graham agreed.
“We have an opportunity to get it done, why would we do a partial job?” he asked. “Do it, get it done!”
However, councillor Brad Nieman said he would rather see more public washrooms in Picton and councillor Roy Pennell declared more should be spent on fixing roads.
“Tax payers are concerned about us spending money,” Pennell said raising his voice. “There are so many roads in this County that are in such terrible shape. The money should be spent on roads or we are not going to have any tourists here!”
Council purchased the property for $300,000 in 2015.
The matter will come back to council at a later date.
