“Participation in the process is so vital to our democracy. The local party members really felt it was important we had a candidate that could voice our green values in this campaign,” Ms. Borthwick said.

“We’ve been working so hard over the last five years through our outreach efforts to really learn what’s going on in the lives of residents in the Bay of Quinte.”

The candidate noted Prince Edward County voters are experiencing much change and growth in the community. She says the rate is too rapid for what’s in place in terms of infrastructure.

“The County is seeing a high demand from people who want to live here — but the infrastructure to support that quick growth isn’t in place yet.

πWater, wastewater, roads and even family doctors are resources that need to be factored in.” Ms. Borthwick said she would advocate at Queen’s Park for solutions to support phased in growth in Prince Edward County.

“Instead of building first and hoping it can arrange everything on the fly, growth should be slow and structured.”

The province loses upwards of 400 acres of farmland per day to development. Ms. Borthwick said as a provincial legislator she would advocate for greater farmland protection. She also said she empathizes with local farmers who have to contend with busy County roads jammed with tourists all summer.

In terms of County Road 49, the candidate said the County was in a tough situation due to a legacy of downloading by other governments.

“Municipalities in Ontario are struggling with infrastructure deficit. It’s a condition of a property tax system that was never designed to support these types of projects and responsibilities. There needs to be better leadership and a stable source of infrastructure support from the Government of Ontario.

“If they are going to download roads, they need to download the money to help maintain them.”