New Year’s Levee in Prince Edward County

With the arrival of 2026 came the Prince Edward County’s annual New Years Levee.

Held at the Prince Edward Community Centre in Picton, Mayor Steve Ferguson and members of council mingled with guests while children were able to participate in some activities.

Mayor Ferguson took the opportunity to say a few words about the year that passed, and what’s to come in the year ahead.

“The COVID 19 pandemic altered our world in ways that, quite honestly, we’re still grappling with. Nearly six years later, we’ve been pushed further into a state of flux over the last year by the administration leading our neighbours to the south,” said Mayor Ferguson. “We must and we will prepare for more flux, unpredictable threats, and uncertainty in the future.”

Looking at goals for the year, the mayor spoke about extensive road work plans, including the often requested rehabilitation of County Road 49. While plans are already in place for several major road works this year, the plans to restore County road 49 still lack full funding.

“The hard reality is that approximately half of the $52.3 million rehabilitation project cost remains currently unfunded,” said Mayor Ferguson. “We are doing everything we can to get the federal government to join us.”

He also spoke about developing water and wastewater infrastructure, increasing housing supply, and efforts to improve affordability so youth remain in the area rather than moving away to other communities.

Mayor Ferguson ended his speech by discussing upcoming elections in October, encouraging people to run if they feel they would be a good fit for the municipal council. He noted that a diverse council with many different viewpoints and experiences is needed to ensure all residents receive proper representation.