Development in the County could Model a Better Future for All

Re: “A City on a Cliff,” (Editorial, December 4). I was surprised at your description of the County as “slowly fading“ before the wineries came. I was reminded of the County I found in 1986, with its many farms; artists; lots of small, well functioning towns; well maintained roads and lots of public access to shorelines. Much has changed since then — since about the time wineries came and the County got noticed.

Many of the changes have hurt local residents, especially those with lower

incomes. Small hobby farms, which once produced food crops, have been turned into short-term stay accommodations (STAs). Many residents in small towns have had to live with tourists coming and going from houses converted to STAs. These were once affordable homes, housing long term residents who were friends and neighbours. 

The resulting MAT tax, seen by some as a good result because it is a new “revenue tool,” fail to appreciate that what was lost is not being replaced by the tax. Too many residents can’t get a family doctor. Those who chose the stunningly beautiful and peaceful Glenora Road now face Picton Terminals.

Base 31 has unveiled its “Village A” plans, which make it clear that no affordable housing units will be included in this first village. The village also has plans for dangerous sidewalks wide enough to allow a bike path and space for walkers. The design of these sidewalks has been opposed by the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) Alliance because the sidewalk design is a disaster for blind and sight limited people. Since the bike lane is not divided from the walkers, it is just plain dangerous. Why put these in a new development?

As the Urban Land Institute works to “shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide,” I hope this work includes a commitment to equal access. Do we have standards? How do we protect low-income residents from being bought out of their communities? Are we increasing the number of family doctors, child care spaces, schools, and teachers to keep up with population growth? Are we building in accessibility, so that persons with various disabilities have equal access to housing, services, stores, and recreation? Are we maintaining roads, parking, and parks to keep up with increased use?

Prince Edward County, unfortunately, has not provided the model for ways to remain an equal-access and well-serviced community as it attracts more residents. But the County could be the model, with a commitment to higher, established standards; accessibility and equal access for people of all income levels and abilities.

Irene Harris, Prince Edward County

Canada Post Workers Deserve Our Support

I took a picture of Albert Spavins, my father, and our Canada Post carrier on his last day in the house where he had lived for 60 years. 

My dad and his letter carrier shared a bond that went beyond mere transactions — it was a relationship built on trust and community. As someone who had always taken the postal service for granted, I didn’t fully appreciate the significance of this connection until now.

The ongoing strike by Canada Post employees is deeply upsetting for those of us who value fairness and are troubled by the mismanagement of such a vital public service. The divide between urban and rural communities regarding this essential service has become more apparent than many of us realized. Small business owners, especially in rural areas, are now experiencing first hand how critical Canada Post is to our lives and our connections with one another.

Without Canada Post, it’s not hard to imagine the increased burden on our roads, with more vehicles replacing postal services, along with the sky-high costs of private courier companies.

For those of us in town, the Picton Post Office is more than just a place to pick up mail — it’s a community hub. On many days, I find myself chatting with neighbors and friends while collecting my letters.

Speaking of letters, Canada’s first postage stamp was issued in 1851, designed by railway surveyor Sanford Fleming. It features the iconic Canadian Beaver surrounded by Trilliums — a symbol of industriousness and natural beauty. It’s a reminder of how integral the postal service has been to our identity and our daily lives for over 170 years.

On our Prince Edward County Facebook page, I’ve been moved by the overwhelming support for Canada Post workers during this strike. Our community recognizes the importance of the work these dedicated employees do and the unfair treatment they’ve faced from management. 

It’s worth noting that Canada Post owns 91 percent of Purolator, a highly profitable courier company with revenues of $2.7 billion in 2023. Despite this immense profit, Canada Post management hasn’t directed the same level of investment into improving the services that Canadians rely on every day. Purolator is focusing on transforming its network, improving customer experience, and ensuring a safe work environment. Canada Post seems to have neglected these priorities for its own employees.

Getting back to my father and the photo with his letter carrier, it’s clear that Canada Post is not just a business — it’s a vital service, one that connects us all. We must stand in solidarity with those who serve us, ensuring they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

Chris Spavins, Picton