Rick Conroy, Publisher of the Wellington Times.(Photo/Quinte News).
It’s time to take fast and forceful action to kick-start the building of new housing in Prince Edward County.
That’s what the Publisher of the Wellington Times told county council yesterday (Thursday).
Rick Conroy says the county’s population continues to decline while house prices continue to skyrocket, often beyond the means of the
the average working family.
Conroy says there is too much demand and not enough supply, adding new home construction is booming in Belleville and Quinte West.
Conroy said a realtor estimated the value of a house in Wellington last year at around $175,000. but late in the year it sold for much more,
$330,000. The longtime businessman suggests the demand/supply imbalance is badly warping the housing market in the county.
Conroy says action has to be taken to improve fees, services and the application process.
Conroy says that currently there are 1,700 housing units of various types in various stages in the planning process, but many of those plans have been left dormant as developers continue to shy away from actually putting shovel to ground in Prince Edward County.
Conroy warned council that a continuing decline in population will be toxic to the community, hurting munipal services, education, and healthcare.
Meanwhile, also speaking to council was Gary Morrison of the large regional construction company BGS Homes, who also complained about the high development and connection charges in the county.
Council, municipal staff and local developers continue to consult to find ways of attracting new development to the county, including affordable housing.
