A Letter of Appreciation.

When we were elected to council in 2018, we never imagined we would be tested to extent we have, especially over the past three years. The serious flooding in 2019 was followed in March 2020 by the onset and effects of the pandemic representing an unexpected and unprecedented threat to both residents and businesses within our community.

Now that nominations have closed for the municipal election on October 24th, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to those members of the 2018 – 2022 council who are not running for re-election.

The dedicated efforts of Councillors Mike Harper, Ernie Margetson, Stewart Bailey, Bill McMahon and Andreas Bolik were critical to our responses to those crises, as were those of Councillor Jamie Forrester who has served the Athol community and The County for 12 years. Notwithstanding the breadth of issues that struck consecutively, the departing members of council – along with the seven other current members – each rose to the occasion to navigate our community through unfamiliar and extraordinary times.

Each member contributed greatly to Council’s many achievements as we weathered the worst days of the pandemic – the completion of the new Official Plan; extensive revisions to municipal bylaws and policies; support for the acquisition of properties for the creation of affordable housing; infrastructure issues; and assisting where necessary in healthcare-related matters to name just a few. Their active participation and engagement in Council, Committee of the Whole and planning meetings, as well as investing time as members on many of our advisory and ad hoc committees, are only some of the examples of the ways in which they have served our community.

All six gave of themselves during these demanding times, and it has been both an honour and a privilege to have served with them over the past four years. I offer my sincere gratitude and that of the other members of council, as well as our residents and businesses, for their years of devoted service. They leave council with my appreciation and very best wishes for the years ahead, hopeful that their expertise will serve The County in other ways.

Steve Ferguson

Mayor

Prince Edward County