It appears capital projects, also known as infrastructure, will be front and centre for the coming 12 months in Prince Edward County.
We chatted with His Worship Steve Ferguson to get a look at 2025.
He tells Quinte News nothing is more critical than Highway 49.
Ferguson says it would be $52,000,000 to do the project by themselves.
“A one per cent tax increase is about $500,000,” Ferguson says.”If we funded the project alone, we would need a 100 per cent tax increase and that will not happen.”
He did indicate the province is ready to support the project and he is hopeful the federal government will do their part.
Currently the municipality has earmarked $7,000,000 in the 2025 budget for Hwy 49.
Another priority for Ferguson and council in the year ahead is physician recruitment.
“Of the 14 physicians needed in the county, we have signed seven on, meaning there are still vacancies,” His Worship says. “We are going to be very aggressive in recruitment, as this is a major need for the municipality.”
Economic development, affordable housing, and the continuation of work on the Wellington Regional Water Treatment Plant are priorities over the next 12 months.
In 2024, more than $18,000,000 was announced by the province as part of the Housing Enabling Water Systems Fund.
Ferguson says this has unlocked the potential for thousands of new homes.
“One of the necessary conditions for getting that housing is expanding our drinking water infrastructure. We have a strong financial plan in place to do just that, with ensuring that growth pays for growth.”
The 2025 operating budget is set at $81,000,000, with $54,000,000 million raised through taxation.
The capital budget is $59,600,000.
