Mr Williams,

As long time residents of Prince Edward County, we are very strongly opposed to the idea of expanding Picton Terminals to a Great Lakes Port.
Since this company already has a lengthy list of infractions against the Ministry of the Environment and municipal regulations, which it is choosing to ignore, why would we even consider granting them the right to expand their facility?

You claim it would facilitate the movement of goods from manufacturers in Belleville, Quinte West and other areas to their respective markets.
Maybe so, but this can only lead to more truck traffic 24/7 on County Road 49 and all the associated undesirable effects of noise, pollution and road deterioration. This road is already in extremely bad shape, largely due to the fact that the Conservatives under Mike Harris downloaded it onto the county.

It has also been suggested that cruise ships would be able to dock here. We have been on several cruises and know that shore trips by bus run on very tight schedules because the cruise ship needs to as well. If you are not back at the appointed time the boat leaves without you. No waiting!

We suspect the only venues they would consider visiting would be a few of the wineries, most of which are on the narrower roads in the county. These large buses could prove hazardous to all traffic on these narrower roads. Such travellers would not patronize the local restaurants. There will not be enough time to do this and meals are already provided and paid for on the cruise ship. We already find extreme traffic congestion on Picton streets during the summer months. Do we need to add tour buses to this congestion?

What about the water condition of the bay? We know its current state. Will it remain the same or better with all the added shipping traffic?
We think the answer to that is obviously no.

This is a project plan that we need to put quietly away and just forget.

H & J Tremeer
Belleville