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We have just learned that all property owners in Prince Edward County are going to be paying a substantial increase in property taxes in 2026.
This was both predictable and inevitable. The responsibility for this increase, (and the complaints about it), does not belong to our local beleaguered County Council and Mayor Ferguson. The responsibility for the increase, and complaints about it, should be directed to the office of our Provincial Member of the Parliament Tyler Allsopp and to Premier Doug Ford.
The tax increase is due to the action of the Progressive Conservative Government of Premier Michael Harris, which decided to balance the Provincial Budget by downloading the care and maintenance of almost all the roads in the province to municipalities. Prior to this action, highways were the responsibility of the province.
The Province has revenue from sales tax, income tax and gasoline tax (to name only three sources) with which to fulfill its responsibilities. Municipalities have only property taxes. The action of the Harris Government meant that the thousands (if not millions) of miles of roadways now have to be maintained and repaired through municipal budgets.
We all experience, on a daily basis, the deterioration of our roads and streets. They are almost all in need of substantial attention. So, we as property tax payers are left with the bill.
This is not fair and just – especially here in our County, where we welcome millions of visitors who travel our roads and streets. This traffic leads inevitably to increased maintenance and repair costs.
So, Mr. Allsopp and Mr. Ford, what are you going to do about this situation? The responsibility is yours. Perhaps you can give the municipalities of Ontario a substantial percentage of the gasoline tax? But even a few pennies per litre would make a substantial difference. That seems a reasonable solution.
Reverend Phil Hobbs, Picton
It took this Picton girl seven decades to make her first trip to Prince Edward Island.
What did I discover? PEC and PEI are like fraternal twins, sharing over 50 percent of their characteristics.
Farming and tourist based economies, close proximity to water, island mentality and geography (PEC since 1889 courtesy of the Murray Canal), and sand everywhere after a visit to the beach in either Prince Edward County or Prince Edward Island.
Why fraternal and not identical twins? Red sand, salt water and lobsters.
Carol-Ann McNeil, Bloomfield
Well done, Gazette. I’m sure you don’t have to be asked by anyone, but please keep pursuing this file and keep it in front of residents. Staff has, once again, over-reached. Regarding the video: I’m hoping it’s in the hands of the Thompsons’ lawyers, and they have kept a copy for themselves — and kept it safe.
The Residents of The County of Prince Edward really do need a Public Inquiry conducted on the entire operation and senior positions held in Shire Hall. Both elected and staff.
Teena Karsai, Prince Edward County
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