Prince Edward County has announced it has agreed to enter discussions with Picton Terminals that could lead to a negotiated settlement from both sides.
This stems from a battle that began after a County council denied a rezoning application from the company in 2020 that would allow expanded docking for large tour boats and more storage area for dry goods.
The application was denied after it was deemed incompatible with the vision for the County.
The Doornekamp family, owners of Picton Terminals, filed an appeal on the decision which was then later withdrawn in the latter half of 2021.
“We hope to avoid a costly and protracted legal battle,” Prince Edward County Mayor Steve Ferguson stated in a release regarding settlement talks.
“Our goal is to arrive at a settlement that addresses the County’s and the public’s serious concerns with the operation of Picton Terminals that Council stood up against in 2020, while also ensuring the best interests of the public and of the local and regional economy in the long term.”
According to the release, Picton Terminals has agreed to not perform any major construction on the property.
The County says it will continue with its by-law enforcement order against Picton Terminals, related to shipping containers on the site.
They allege that, because Picton Terminals did not comply with the order within the two-week period granted and that the municipality is in the process of laying a charge against the company “in order to achieve compliance.”
The negotiation window for a settlement will last from May 1 to May 31.
The County’s Chief Administrative Officer and legal team have been directed to negotiate the agreement which will be brought back to council for review and final approval.
