Prince Edward County Mayor Steve Ferguson says he will not use strong mayor powers in connection with future financial planning for the water and wastewater infrastructure needed to support
future housing development in the county.
During the county’s meeting on September 10, the mayor indicated that he was considering the use of the powers.
“I believed it was important to consider every available option given the challenges our community faces in providing the infrastructure needed to support growth and housing development. As mayor, I felt a responsibility to examine whether the tools available to me could help advance this important discussion,” Ferguson said in a statement to media on Tuesday.
“However, after consultation with others and careful consideration, I have decided not to exercise the powers available to me under the Municipal Act.”
Ferguson went on to say that he recognized the importance and urgency of establishing a sustainable financial plan for water and wastewater infrastructure, but concluded that these long-term decisions are best made through council.
“As my term as mayor nears its conclusion, I believe further consideration of this matter is best left to the next council, whose members will be responsible for implementing the decisions required to support the county’s future growth,” Ferguson said.
Council meets Tuesday night at 7 p.m. and can be viewed live on their YouTube channel.
You can read the full statement from the mayor below:
On September 10, I informed Council that I was considering the use of strong mayor powers in connection with financial planning for the water and wastewater infrastructure needed to support future housing development in Prince Edward County.
I believed it was important to consider every available option given the challenges our community faces in providing the infrastructure needed to support growth and housing development. As Mayor, I felt a responsibility to examine whether the tools available to me could help advance this important discussion.
However, after consultation with others and careful consideration, I have decided not to exercise the powers available to me under the Municipal Act.
When the Ontario government granted strong mayor powers to the County in May 2025, I indicated that Council members must continue to play a meaningful role in representing the interests of their constituents and making decisions on behalf of the community. Throughout my term, I have sought to work collaboratively with Council and staff on significant municipal matters, including annual budget deliberations and long-term planning initiatives.
While I recognize the importance and urgency of establishing a sustainable financial plan for water and wastewater infrastructure, I have concluded that these long-term decisions are best made through Council’s deliberative process. As my term as Mayor nears its conclusion, I believe further consideration of this matter is best left to the next Council, whose members will be responsible for implementing the decisions required to support the County’s future growth.
I encourage the next Council to continue this important work and to move forward with a sustainable plan for the infrastructure needed to support housing development in our community.
As a long-time resident of Prince Edward County, I want to see our community continue to grow and thrive. I want future generations to have the opportunity to live, work, and raise their families here.
The challenge before us is significant, but so is the opportunity. I am confident that with thoughtful discussion, careful planning, and collaboration, the next Council can chart a path forward that supports both responsible growth and the long-term interests of our community.
