Mayor Steve Ferguson has decided not to use his “Strong Mayor” powers to intervene in council’s latest decision on water/wastewater planning.

The Mayor announced Sept. 10 that he was considering a veto of council’s decision to jettison a financial strategy to fund the new water infrastructure required to support housing development.

Provincial Strong Mayor legislation requires an intention to veto to be announced within 48 hours of the decision in question.

On September 22, the Mayor wrote, in a formal note to the community, “I was considering the use of Strong Mayor powers in connection with financial planning for the water and wastewater infrastructure needed to support future housing development.”

“I believed it was important to consider every available option given the challenges our community faces in providing the infrastructure needed to support growth and housing development.

“As Mayor, I felt a responsibility to examine whether the tools available to me could help advance this important discussion.”

In the days following that announcement however, the Mayor told the Gazette, “I talked to a lot of people. Our director of finance and planning staff, other counsellors, our legal team.”

“I wanted to understand the longer term implications of council’s decision not to proceed, and what using Strong Mayor powers would mean.”

Top of mind is losing a total of $40 million in combined provincial and federal grants to fund infrastructure expansion in support of new housing development.

Mr. Ferguson is also concerned about the municipality’s reputation moving forward, should it lose such funding. “The County has an excellent reputation right now with both the provincial and federal governments. We are receiving important grants.”

“Nonetheless,” he continued, “this council has spent years discussing the water and wastewater file. Using Strong Mayor powers now, with an election underway, would just prolong that discussion into the next council term. That is not what I want.

“Realizing that, I have opted to withdraw from the discussion. This important file can be debated by a new council, one that will bring fresh perspectives, and make the appropriate decisions.”

In his formal statement to the community, the Mayor notes:

“While I recognize the importance and urgency of establishing a sustainable financial plan for water and wastewater infrastructure, I have concluded that these long-term decisions are best made through Council’s deliberative process.

“I encourage the next Council to continue this important work and to move forward with a sustainable plan for the infrastructure needed to support housing development in our community.

“As a long-time resident of Prince Edward County, I want to see our community continue to grow and thrive. I want future generations to have the opportunity to live, work, and raise their families here.

“The challenge before us is significant, but so is the opportunity. I am confident that with thoughtful discussion, careful planning, and collaboration, the next Council can chart a path forward that supports both responsible growth and the long-term interests of our community.”