Brent Kleinsteuber for Wellington

We want your expertise and enthusiasm! Now accepting applications for several committee positions. Apply today http://bit.ly/PECBoards

Today’s the day ppl..Get your emails in and have your say!! If you’ve already done it thanks!

Mayor Ferguson has issued the following response to the COVID-19 update from Hastings Prince Edward Public Health - https://mailchi.mp//mayors-response-to-covid-19-update-fro

Communications of all sorts are circulating about short-term accommodations, and the municipality's role to force closures of those that remain 'open for busine...ss'. I'd like to offer some information and clarification as to what we have been doing to address this matter. Based on the need to protect the safety and well-being of residents and businesses in The County, I made a request last week of roofed accommodations to cancel reservations until the May long weekend. That request was unanimously supported by all members of council. Many STA operators and traditional accommodations complied with that request, and I am grateful to receive their support, along with that of many tourism organizations, STA owners and the general public. In addition, I have been speaking with the corporate offices of STA's, multiple senior executives and employees underscoring the necessity and urgency associated with their compliance. Under the terms of the laws and rules that municipal governments must abide by in Ontario, there are limitations as to what we can and cannot do, enact and enforce. Among those is the inability to shut down a business or class of business; such matters are controlled strictly by provincial and federal governments. As we have seen during the past week, those levels of government have exercised their powers to pass emergency legislation and will likely continue to do so for the foreseeable future (yesterday, it became prohibited for more than five people to congregate in one place). The matter of continued travel by the public throughout the province, including to Prince Edward County, is a serious impediment to controlling the spread of COVID-19, and that threat is understood by the provincial government. MP Neil Ellis, MPP Todd Smith and I, along with our extraordinary municipal staff and members of council, have been working extremely hard to remain proactive to keep ahead of COVID-19; however, we must have the co-operation and the commitment of others to win this war at the front lines. Very few of us will be unscathed after the COVID-19 crisis ends, financially or otherwise. We at the municipal and public health levels remain deeply entrenched in discussions to mitigate risks, protect our way of life and to maximize our overall safety. In the absence of provincial legislation at this point, I must remind accommodators that remain open and taking reservations until the May long weekend, that the lodging of intermittent travellers and guests during this crisis poses colossal risk to everyone in our community, every place, and every business. I ask for, and would appreciate, your cooperation.

Mayor Ferguson has issued the following response to the COVID-19 update from Hastings Prince Edward Public Health - https://mailchi.mp//mayors-response-to-covid-19-update-fro

NOTICE: The County’s geographic information systems (GIS) tool showing areas potentially vulnerable to flooding is now available online. - https://mailchi.mp//notice-flood-modelling-viewer-now-avai

News Release: County proposes Municipal Accommodation Tax - https://mailchi.mp//county-proposes-municipal-accommodatio