The first snow storm of 2024 didn’t dampen spirits at the annual Prince Edward County Levee at Rotary Hall in Picton on Sunday.

The annual new year’s gathering welcomed members of the community, councillors, and dignitaries from neighbouring municipalities, including Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith, Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison, Brighton Mayor Brian Ostrander and Hastings County Warden Bob Mullin.

In his address, Mayor Steve Ferguson recalled the Christmas storm of 2022 and hoped attendees enjoyed a calmer holiday season with more traditional gatherings and revelry.

The Mayor noted that a roadmap for the next decade was approved this past year. “At a time when the pace and intensity of change only seem to increase every year, it’s comforting to know that we have a vision of where the community wants to go,” the Mayor said.

The answer to the question, “What should Prince Edward County look like in 10 years?” evolved with the ideas of residents, businesses, community leaders, and other stakeholders. This “living document” sets out a common vision for the future of the County. Its five key pillars are: open and effective local government; investing in and protecting rural character; good infrastructure and a diversified economy; rising to the challenge of climate change, and being a community that cares.

Looking to the coming year and beyond, the Mayor noted that development and growth need to be well managed to protect the unique character of the County. While the promise of new home construction is exciting, Council is aware of the strain many are under trying to find affordable and sustainable housing.

“Last year we developed the inaugural County Housing and Homelessness Plan to provide goals and direction for the next five years,” the Mayor said. “The County, together with its housing partners, will ensure all residents have safe, appropriate and affordable housing choices.”

The ongoing work of the County Docs physician recruitment initiative continues to bear fruit and those efforts, combined with the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital build, slated to commence this fall, means there is much to look forward to.

Mayor Ferguson recognized former Mayor Leo Finnegan for his tireless dedication to local hospital services; the Hospital Foundation for its Herculean efforts to raise the municipal portion of funds for the new build; Quinte Health, particularly President and CEO Stacey Daub; and MPP Smith.

“This new hospital is a testament to the power of this community. When we come together, we can accomplish great things. And for that, we should be proud,” the Mayor said.

Refreshments were prepared by the Friends of the County Museums group.