While residents enjoyed the snacks and children decorated gingerbread men, Mayor Ferguson reflected on the year past, and looked ahead to 2026, but not before thanking every councillor for “tough work requiring sacrifices of time otherwise spent on vacation and with family.”

“Although we may disagree, we try to do so respectfully, without being disagreeable…most of the time it works.”

More than once, he thanked staff as “the level of government closest to the people. They impact people’s lives daily. For example, our roads did not plow themselves on New Year’s Eve and early New Year’s Day,” he said, to well-deserved applause.

Mr. Ferguson’s speech detailed highlights of the year gone by and the one to come. Alongside $14 million for road reconstruction in 2026, courtesy of the County’s brand new Asset Management Plan, the Mayor said he hopes the rehabilitation of Road 49 will commence during his term.

One year ago, he noted, the province announced it would provide nearly $20 million to support the rehabilitation project. Council approved $7.8 million in the 2024 municipal budget. These funds are being used to reconstruct the western portion of Picton Main Street between Spencer Street and Folkard Lane.

“We are extremely grateful to the provincial government for stepping up and joining us in supporting this project. However, the hard reality is that approximately half of the $52.3 million rehabilitation project is unfunded,” the Mayor said. 

“We have a strong motivated champion in our MP, Chris Malette, and I want to thank him for his advocacy and tenacity to cure this lingering problem. With continuous advocacy I am confident we will solve the County Road 49 problem this year.”

The Mayor also highlighted the new and expanded long-term care home; the new PEC Memorial Hospital; and the Campfire Circle development, an important overnight camping facility for children with cancer on Wesley Acres Road. 

He noted the County Docs program has recruited 9 physicians so far, with five more “high-potential leads in the current pipeline.” So far, 1750 residents have come off the doctor waitlist.

The infrastructure necessary for attainable housing development is one of Council’s first orders of business this year, he noted. 

“Affordable housing remains top-of-mind. The success of the Leeward House transitional housing gives hope that public-private collaborations will bring affordable rental housing to the County.”

Economics are uncertain, he noted, pointing to the closure of Highline Mushrooms, as well as the turmoil of Trump’s tariffs and destabilizing foreign policy. The Economic Action Plan will foster a four-season economy, at once building on traditional strengths, such as farmers’ new access to local grain shipping, and create new directions for tourism. 

Finally, “in less than a year, this Council will pass the torch to the next group that will seek to make Prince Edward County a better place to work and live,” he noted. “I encourage any of you who might be interested in the well-being of our community to put your name forward for the next election. We need candidates with a variety of backgrounds and life experiences so that the municipality can better meet the needs of all.

“Being on Council may be the toughest work you’ll ever do, but it will very likely be the most rewarding work you’ll ever do.”