Community Cuts

It has come to my attention in recent days that there has been a defunding of post secondary programs. Specifically, the culinary program at Loyalist College. 

I am a concerned parent of three and community member. For 16 years I was a secondary school teacher in Belleville, and my school was closed (Quinte). Now the building sits empty, while other schools are built and others still are full to the brim. I always think — what a waste. 

Similarly, when programs close at the local community college, that leaves classrooms full of equipment, and faculty who lose their jobs, and young people whose dreams are ruined. 

Community college is supposed to be a place where people can access education and skills — especially locals. Our community has a rich and thriving restaurant and tourism culture — specifically Prince Edward County. The travel and tourism sector of PEC is one of the largest areas of income for our community. 

I have been in real estate in the County now for nearly a decade, and the growth I have seen in this sector is amazing. Truly transformative for our community. These restaurants, hotels, wineries, breweries, bistros, and even food trucks, need people with culinary skills that they will now need to go elsewhere to learn.  And often when people go elsewhere to learn, they stay elsewhere. Our young people are a resource and this program was an excellent outlet for many. 

On a personal level, I have an autistic son (with Asperger’s). He has been working at a local brewery for two years now (currently in grade 11 at PECI) and his only passion thus far has been working in the hospitality sector. He is not able to face all the challenges that would mean living on his own in a city away from his family just yet, but he will likely get there. He is in university and college-level classes in high school and is successful, with the amazing support of teachers and the special and specific support one receives from a community school. 

Having Loyalist so close by, and specifically the culinary program was a beacon for us. Something to strive towards in the next coming years. 

I would imagine that other families with children with differing needs also rely on the community college as a means to learning skills in post-secondary, or a stepping stone. The level of care that a community college can offer is the fabric of what it means to be community. 

There have been visits from Loyalist to the high school explaining programs, as well as college fairs, brochures about the program and research online that started in the Grade 10 Careers class.

Why promote a program, sell it to high school guidance counsellors, parents, and the community, and then take it off the table, and (forgive my obvious pun) then put the program on the chopping block? 

This is a disservice to a community that obviously benefits from the knowledgeable staff and faculty, a community rich in hospitality and tourism. And it’s also a disservice to the high school students, looking towards their futures and having fewer and fewer options. I’m not sure when government officials and boards of directors will stop seeing education as a monetary bottom line, and instead see it as an investment in all of our futures. 

I will be encouraging owners of hospitality establishments in our communities to also share their thoughts on this matter.  

Tammy Noyes, Prince Edward County 

Lack of Due Process at Committee of Adjustment

Re: No Variance Required (News, February 26). Initially we were not opposed to the P&H application for a grain terminal as it fell under the shipment of bulk cargo supported by the 2018 Save Picton Bay decision. But P&H’s application for a Building Permit and request for a Minor Variance have shed more light. We are now concerned about the impact to the property and all those who reside on Picton Bay. 

In particular we believe the Picton Golf Club (est. in 1907) will be adversely impacted by the erection of the grain silos. The restaurant at the club, aptly named The View, could have that view impeded by eight 150-foot high silos.  

Further, an Environmental Impact study is needed to be completed prior to issuing a Building Permit. Oceans and Fisheries have expressed concern about destroying fish habitat and some consideration should be given to the fact that Picton Bay is the source of drinking water for over 7,000 citizens. 

Of note is the fact that P&H walked away from a similar operation in Port Colborne, leaving similar huge concrete silos behind. That location had the benefit of a rail link — but it was still not viable. 

The town of Collingwood is looking to spend $14 million to demolish grain silos that are an eyesore on their waterfront. They have a rail link as well.

The Committee of Adjustment is composed of Councillors David Harrison and  Phil St-Jean and three members of the public. Unfortunately 2 of those 3 members were absent from the meeting, and few questions were asked. We have explored appealing any decision to the OLT, but third-party appeals are not permitted. Options to appeal an approval by three people that failed to consider the environmental impacts of the building required are very limited.     

A report from the newly appointed Integrity Commissioner ruling on one councillor’s potential conflict of interest regarding decisions affecting Picton Terminals is due soon. A good reason to delay this decision. 

Finally, P&H said it would hold public meetings to discuss this proposal. Why haven’t they? 

Ken Stewart, The County Conservancy