Re: School Bus Shifts (News, January 28). The Tri-Board’s new contracts, awarded to companies outside the Quinte region — and even outside Canada — are defended as fiscally responsible. Lower bids, we are told, protect taxpayers and help school boards manage tight budgets.
On paper, that argument looks tidy. In reality, it ignores how local economies work. The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board annual budget is $260 million. Student transportation accounts for roughly 7–8 per cent of that total. That means $18–$20 million a year. When transportation contracts are awarded to externally controlled companies, much of that money no longer circulates locally.
Economists refer to this as leakage. It is not a political concept; it is a measurable one. Transportation services use a local economic multiplier of around 1.5. In plain terms, every dollar spent locally generates additional economic activity as it is re-spent in the community. When even $1 or $2 million leave the region, the real economic impact is closer to $1.35–$2.7 million. Over the life of a multi-year contract, that loss compounds.
None of this appears on a procurement score sheet.
The model used to award these contracts weighted price and technical compliance heavily, while assigning zero weight to regional economic circulation, workforce continuity, or long-term market resilience. That is not because such factors are illegal to consider. Ontario already allows “best-value” procurement models and community benefit criteria in other publicly funded sectors, including construction and infrastructure.
The exclusion was a policy choice.
There is also a practical risk. Reduced competition tends to drive prices upward, not downward. Centralized operators struggle more — not less — during driver shortages and service disruptions.
This is not an argument against competition, nor against outside firms. But it is one for honest accounting. Saving money by exporting it is not saving. If public institutions are serious about fiscal responsibility, they must measure outcomes, not just line items. Otherwise, today’s “savings” become tomorrow’s losses — quietly, predictably, and avoidably.
Wayne Brough, Picton
Re: Letters (January 21). I’m writing in response to the letters you published regarding the SWANA Festival that took place at the Picton Town Hall in November. I attended the event with my partner and two young children and had a wonderful experience.
We danced, sang, ate, read, and talked with friends new and old. We left buzzing with warm vibes, and our hearts full of community joy.
As a queer Jewish woman, I was thrilled to see an event in Picton that was so thoughtfully inclusive. My family felt safe and welcomed.
This is the kind of programming that our communities want. In these heavy times, we need opportunities to come together. Thank you for making it happen SWANA PEC!
Kira Abelsohn, Picton
I am writing to express the significant contribution to PEC our community that the SWANA event facilitated. The event organizers took incredible care to create a space that centred intergenerational gathering and activity while shining a spotlight on community businesses. Some activities included a table for learning traditional Armenian embroidery, a kids’ storytelling tent, a live DJ, and sharing in an array of foods. The atmosphere was celebratory. The event was packed throughout the day. This attendance is a testament to this community’s hunger for more events that centre diverse cultural gathering that is guided by ethics. It was truly an expression of the immense collaboration and diversity that is fundamental to our community’s health and growth. This is exactly the kind of event that funding organizations in PEC should support. This event connected Prince Edward County to a plethora of traditions that are both local and global. I’m grateful to the organizers for their intention and care.
Emily Sanders, Prince Edward County
Re: PEC Court Case, Editorial (January 21). It was good to read an update on the fiasco at Picton harbour front.
It appears to be a huge bungle. What a shame. Picton harbour has possibilities that are not being encouraged and promoted.
Common sense tells me that attracting boaters and sailors from up and down the lake, the bay and the river would be obvious for local businesses.
Prescott, Cornwall, Brockville, Gananoque, Kingston, Belleville, Trenton and Coburg among others, encourage the use of their waterfront.
The responsibility of all municipalities in Canada is to provide access to the water for all their citizens, walkers, day boaters and fishermen.
The Tenacity Marina initiative is a good step in welcoming everyone and showing the world that Picton is a destination that includes a properly run harbour.
Why let this get mired in court wrangling as another season goes by.
Victoria Moulton, Prince Edward County
See it in the newspaper
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