Since Prince Edward County was amalgamated in 1998, its governance structure, including the size of council and the division of electoral wards, has been in question.

In 2010, a ballot question asked, “Are you in favour of…a public consultation to review the size of Council?” The referendum received 80 percent support. But because voter turnout was low, below half the electorate, it was not considered binding.

Nevertheless, Council acted. Reviews in 2013 and 2015 led to reducing wards from 10 to 9, and the number of councillors from 16 to 14 — the current configuration.

Yet again, in March 2023, Council requested a staff report on the governance structure, delivered in February 2024. Council then declined a governance review or to add the question to the ballot.

A year later, however, in February 2025, Council was ready. It asked staff to for a report, presented at the Committee of the Whole last week.

Two deputations were also on the agenda. One argued against putting a question on the ballot, especially over concerns about changing ward boundaries. The other argued in favour. In discussion, many councillors suggested a review was long overdue. Councillor Roberts noted there is no real connection between “communities of interest,” as cultural associations, and electoral wards as political organizations.

Councillor Hirsch noted he had changed his view since the previous year. “I agree that it’s time to ask the public: we are hearing every day in all forms of media that people are dissatisfied, that respect for Council is lacking. So it’s about time to ask the public what they think. A ballot question is the way to start that process.” He expressed hope that a Council overhaul would “attract candidates of quality” to run in the next election.

With an 11-2 recorded vote, with Councilors Harrison and Pennell dissenting, the Committee of the Whole moved the following:

THAT the following question be considered for inclusion on the ballot for the 2026 municipal election, “Are you in favour of a comprehensive governance review which would look at Council size, ward boundaries, structure and method of election?”

Staff will obtain legal advice on the wording of the question to meet the  legislative requirements.

A final report will come to Council for approval, after which a legal review will take place in time for the March 2026 election deadline. 

Any changes to the current governance structure resulting from the review would be enacted only after the 2030 election.