Re: Something In The Water (May 22). I feel a certain kinship with Karen Valihora’s feelings of vertigo while reading the Times. After last fall’s Wellington trunk line histrionics and various conspiracy theories (one of which concerned developers and my supposedly flush bank account), I decided it was time to let it all go. So no more commenting on water infrastructure renewal. Which will be a relief to my wife.
But the thing I do want to reflect on is the state of journalism in the County. I don’t have the credentials to comment on what is good or great journalism, but I do have a feel for what is responsible journalism. And you’re showing us what that looks like. The other week, another editorial was critical of the proposed Fawcettville development, but focused on policy, not the people involved. Forceful, yet respectful. So the Gazette is no cheerleader for staff or Council. But it is willing to compliment them when the facts warrant it. Balanced reporting, less gaslighting. That’s what residents need to help navigate these challenging times.
Mike Harper, Wellington
Re: County Not An Island (Letters, May 22). “No one, ever, born and raised in the County, referred to this area as an ‘island.’ It is an affectation of newcomers.” Well, I disagree – and I was born and raised here.
I’ve been calling the County an island for 77 years. I picked up this “affectation” from my parents, who were also born and raised here. And they picked it up from their parents, all of whom spent decades living here. I figure that if you have to cross water to get from a big place to a little place, you’ve got yourself an island.
For the sake of argument, I know the reasons for not calling the County an island, just in case the social media warriors are poised to pounce. When the Murray Canal, which cuts across the isthmus that separates the Bay of Quinte from Presqu’ile Bay, was built in the 1880s, a “human-made island” was created. At least that’s what a geographer once told me. Some argue, therefore, that the County is not technically an island.
So be it, whatever. Me? I was born on this island and I’ve retired back to this island. I’m sticking with island.
Larry Taylor, Picton
Re: County Not An Island (Letters, May 22). Don Montgomery wrote a letter slamming the idea that Prince Edward County is an island. “Only people not from here, would ever call the county an ‘island’,” he wrote.
Wrong, Mr. Montgomery. PEC is actually technically, by definition, an island. An island is, “a piece of land surrounded by water.” PEC has been surrounded by water since the Murray Canal opened in 1889.
Furthermore, we locals have always called PEC an island. As I approach my 80th birthday this summer, I am proud to tell all and sundry that I have lived on an island all my life. Those who do not live on the island are referred to as mainlanders for a reason.
Mr. Montgomery may not have noticed, but to reach PEC from the mainland one has to cross a bridge or take a ferry, over or across water. We locals just love our little island.
Nigel Sivel, Wellington
Re: “Members Only” (Letters, May 22). I’m a local resident and I don’t go to Bailey’s all that often but it’s my understanding that the new membership fee is very affordable with perks of outstanding value. I have not joined, but really don’t see the need to slam this establishment when in fact it was the local residents during Covid that kept Bailey’s afloat. Locals, especially tradespeople and seniors, are Bailey’s bread and butter and keep the business going year-round. Why not give them preferred seating? It’s really a rather small area that is available.
The reason restaurants are failing in PEC is because the owners don’t understand the County. Business here for the most part is seasonal and if your grand opening is delayed from May 1st to June 1st, good luck making it through the winter of your first year. Most of these occupancies are tenants and really don’t understand the business cycle of the County.
Mike Drager, Prince Edward County
Re: Something in The Water (May 22). The Picton Gazette has been Prince Edward County’s “Newspaper of Record” since 1830. Development has always been a specific subject of interest. Today’s infrastructure must serve a city. The County is a single-tier political unit — a city. We’ll never develop like Mississauga, but here’s a quote to think about. “I don’t think Mississauga was ever meant to remain the same so that people could come from the city and look at us to see the trees and the river.” (Former Mayor Hazel McCallion).
Lawrence Cornett, Picton
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