HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings CEO Hazzem Koudsi. (Jason Parks/Gazette Staff)

A 4-5 unit Habitat for Humanity project is coming to Bowery Street. Council approved an agreement with Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings in the amount of $31,363 for lands at 2 Bowery St.

The motion calls for Habitat for Humanity to pre-consult with Planning with respect to the future submission of a zoning amendment to support the proposed development. Habitat CEO Hazzem Koudsi thanked council for approving the sale of the lands. Municipal government should “sleep well,” he said, knowing they opened the door to housing for a number of local hard working families.

KATE’S REST

Council approved a motion that emerged from an Agriculture Advisory Committee meeting earlier this month to support a “Home and Farm” initiative at Kate’s Rest on Big Island. It provides training and education in aquaponic farming and creates affordable homes for local farmers. The AAC believes the  project will enhance access and the quality of life for all persons, including those experiencing poverty. The aquaponics project is expected to grow lettuce and spinach in its initial phase. The Agricultural Advisory Committee will work with Kate’s Rest on their federal funding application to support the ongoing project.

NEW AMBULANCE

Chief Carl Bowker of Hastings Quinte EMS. (Jason Parks/Gazette Staff)

Chief Carl Bowker of Hastings Quinte EMS gave an update on paramedic services in Prince Edward County. This spring, Council approved an increase of $436,000 for ambulance service funding to allow for a second PEC-based ambulance during the overnight hours.

The enhancement addressed increased response times, decreased response-time plan performance, cross-border inequities, and the County’s growing reliance on Hastings County ambulances. Chief Bowker said that although just three months of information gave a premature and incomplete snapshot, preliminary data indicated improved metrics regarding response times and County-based ambulance response. More figures will come in spring 2024.