Wellington on the Lake Citizens for Responsible Growth

01/22/2026

For the past 2 ½ years WOTL Citizens for Responsible Growth has been actively challenging Council’s plans to build out our water infrastructure based on their fanciful growth projections. Several hundred of you attended the meetings that we and the Wellington Community Association arranged and many of you wrote to Council expressing your concerns. We have endeavored to keep you up to date on water/wastewater developments and issues of significant impact to our community.

So far we have been proven correct in that population has remained largely steady and, as you may have read recently in the Wellington Times, building activity has not just stalled, but slowed down significantly in the past 4 years. With the departure of several of the senior County staff who had been largely responsible for creating this fiasco, it now seems that cooler heads are reassessing the situation. Our efforts have prompted Council to adopt a more practical approach to future growth and needs.

Now we are dealing with departures from our own ranks. As many of you know, Helen Prolas moved back to Ottawa and Dorothy Bothwell will soon be moving on too. Both Helen and Dorothy played key roles both in confronting Council and providing you with regular updates.

Dorothy drew on her experience as a former Councillor to rigorously question the assumptions and data presented by Council and its staff. Through her persistent efforts, she became a frequent delegate at Council meetings and a consistent and formidable presence, challenging decisions and highlighting issues for the community’s benefit. We wish Dorothy well in her upcoming move and thank her for her tremendous diligence in bringing Council and staff to account.

Given these leavings we have decided it is time to wrap up WOTLCRG, although as individuals we can continue to support and liaise with the WCA on this and other matters.

As we move forward, it will be vitally important for all of us to actively support candidates in the upcoming local elections who are committed to exercising restraint in municipal spending. We encourage everyone to back those who will insist on a fiscally responsible approach to investments in water and wastewater infrastructure—one that is grounded in practical and sensible growth projections, rather than unrealistic expectations.

By electing representatives (thank you to Councillor Engelsdorfer for all his efforts!) who prioritize careful planning and prudent financial management, we can help ensure that our community continues to thrive without unnecessary financial burdens.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has” Margaret Mead

Kevin Hanbury, Co-Founder and Member, WOTLCRG

11/25/2025

Council Proposes 11%+ Property Tax Hike
Say “NO”
Does your voice count? By speaking up, can we even alter the decisions Council make???
Yes, we can!!!

Collective pushback is effective. We have our own Wellington-on-the-Lake experience to show just that.

Back in August, 2023 an information meeting featuring Rick Conroy of the Wellington Times along with our Councillor, Corey Engelsdorfer, was held at the WOTL recreation centre to address the news that the County was considering to spend more than $100,000,000 on water/wastewater infrastructure to allow developers to build here. Folks were understandably concerned and they showed up: it was standing room only! Councillor Engelsdorfer texted the mayor a picture of the crowd. His response? “What’s the big fuss about?”

Petitions circulated garnering an amazing 70% uptake, residents wrote letters and a second meeting in August, 2024 at the Wellington Arena of about 500 County folks made a very telling statement Council could no longer ignore.

Outcome?

It is back to the drawing board using realistic, current population growth estimates and finally considering the fiscal capacity of ratepayers to shoulder the financial burden. The idea to build a pipeline from Wellington to Picton is under scrutiny. See point 3 below.

So yeah, it may have taken time and effort, but the right-sizing of this project is happening thanks to citizen engagement.

Here are current issues affecting County residents, many of which are being monitored by our CRG group.

1. Proposed Tax Increase of 11%

County population hasn’t changed much in years, so why have property tax rates increased year-over-year, almost always exceeding the rate of inflation? Critics point to the increase in the number of employees at Shire Hall and the use of costly consultants. Is this warranted?

Comments on the budget can be received in-person at the December 1st Budget Meeting only. Remember: our efforts pressed Council to re-evaluate their ambitious, expensive water infrastructure plans. What can you do? Show up at Shire Hall (6 pm) to voice your concerns or email Council at: [email protected]

More details can be found at:
https://www.thecounty.ca/county_news_notices/draft-2026-budget-now-available-for-review/

2. Road Paving Schedule

Clearway will start paving November 25-27. Lane restrictions and access to some businesses may be temporarily restricted.

Prince Edward Drive — 300 metres from Wellington Main Street to Mount Grove Crescent.

Wellington Main Street –– From 462 Wellington Main Street to Cleminson Street.

Cleminson Street —– 200 metres from Wellington Main Street to the Millennium Trail.

Belleville Street –– 300 metres from the Millennium Trail to First Avenue. Only the western side of Belleville Street will be paved as well as both sides at the trail crossing.

Details can be found here: https://www.thecounty.ca/county_news_notices/notice-final-paving-in-wellington-rescheduled-to-begin-november-25/

3. Regional Water Servicing Master Plan

An update from The County affecting the water/wastewater infrastructure project:

“Work on the broader, concurrent infrastructure initiatives has continued, but at a slower pace as staff reassess the Municipality’s growth projections and their impacts. As a result, timelines for several project deliverables have shifted. Staff will return to Council early in the new year with recommendations to support the ongoing infrastructure planning and growth discussions.”

What does this mean? Our efforts are evident here. Growth forecasts, water modelling and other factors are to be revisited to re-evaluate infrastructure recommendations and to consider all options before there is any further investment in regional infrastructure.

4. Water and Wastewater Rates for 2027 - 2031

A Committee is working on setting future rates we will pay. The Committee will be provided with preliminary forecasted rates at the February meeting. We will provide updates as they become available.

5. Kaitlin and the Cork & Vine Subdivision: Status

All available water allocation in Wellington belongs to this developer. County staff is to obtain an update on the developer’s intentions. Although Kaitlin paid $12 million in development charges and servicing connections along the trail are available for connection, there is no evidence they intend to proceed any time soon. Council and staff promised that “growth will pay for growth” … how long are we expected to carry the debt costs before this promise is fulfilled?

6. Water Allocation Policy

“Use it or Lose it”. The province has introduced legislation in their attempt to push builders to build. Our deputations have resulted in some changes to “use it or lose it” water allocation commitments, however, we continue to push for a stronger policy with respect to water/wastewater development charges and commitments undertaken in front-end agreements.

Here is the link to the proposed final policy:
https://princeedwardcounty.civicweb.net/FileStorage/20511653733245E0B1C0C5D9990CE7D1-Policy%20EV800%20-%20FINAL.pdf

7. Trail Restoration

A Nov 25 staff report to Council states that beginning this fall, the trail will be restored to its existing grade and grass seeding will occur in certain areas to help minimize erosion (which appears to be behind schedule as no evidence of this work yet). Final restoration and tree planting (saplings) is scheduled for Spring 2026. An open house will also be scheduled during the first quarter of 2026 for public feedback on the plan. The Trails Committee does not expect that the trail will be fully open to the public until at least the end of Q2 2026 (May/June). We will provide updates as they become available.

The full staff report is on the November 25 Council agenda:https://princeedwardcounty.civicweb.net/FileStorage/8C6E0612D20E46C6B6ADBB2FDC0CBAD9-DS-75-2025%20FINAL.pdf

11/18/2025

From the County website:
https://www.thecounty.ca/county_news_notices/draft-2026-budget-now-available-for-review/

Draft 2026 budget now available for review
November 17, 2025
The County of Prince Edward’s draft 2026 budget focuses on investing in key infrastructure and delivering vital services that contribute to a thriving and vibrant community.

“This budget represents more than numbers on a page – it is a reflection of our shared priorities, values, and vision for the future of our community,” Mayor Steve Ferguson says. “We know that every dollar matters. That’s why Council and staff are working diligently to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to make meaningful progress on the priorities that the community has identified for us, including roads, parks, and recreation facilities.”

The draft 2026 tax-supported operating budget is $90.9 million, of which $60.0 million will be raised through the tax levy. Property taxes are the County’s largest source of revenue and represent approximately 67 per cent of the revenue it receives.

The tax levy increase of 11 per cent (9.3 per cent after factoring in assessment growth) over 2025 is broken down as follows:

3.7 per cent (2 per cent after factoring in assessment growth) to maintain the same level of service the municipality delivers to the community every day. The main factors driving this increase are negotiated increases in wages and staff benefits, inflationary growth in fuel, utilities, insurance, and contract costs, continued supply chain challenges, and rising prices for construction, materials, and supplies. This increase will result in a homeowner paying an additional $34.08 annually, or $2.84 monthly, per $100,000 of assessed home value.
7.3 per cent for capital infrastructure investments. These additional funds will help ensure the municipality is properly funding the maintenance, renewal, and replacement of its core assets, like roads, buildings, parks, vehicles, and equipment. This increased investment follows the recently Council-approved Asset Management Plan, which set service levels and a long-term financial plan. This increase will result in a homeowner paying an additional $67.20 annually, or $5.60 monthly, per $100,000 of assessed home value.
In total, the tax levy increase will result in a homeowner paying approximately an additional $101.30 ($8.44 monthly) per $100,000 of assessed home value.

The draft 2026 capital budget identifies $22.8 million of new direct investment in community infrastructure, including $14 million for roads reconstruction and rehabilitation. The draft capital plan will help make the municipal assets that the community relies on every day — such things as parks, municipal facilities, and fire equipment — better, safer, and more enjoyable.

Click here to view the complete draft 2026 operating and capital budgets. If you require the budget in an alternative format for accessibility (e.g. large print, rich text) please contact [email protected]

Water and wastewater budgets

The draft 2026 budget for water / wastewater operating expenses is $5.5 million — a 1.66 per cent increase from 2025. The draft 2026 water and wastewater capital budget is $7.4 million.

The water and wastewater budget is supported entirely by rates; no property taxes go toward water and wastewater services. The water and wastewater rates for the period of 2022-2026 were approved through a Council by-law in 2021.

New budget process

Under Section 284.16 of the Municipal Act, 2001, the Mayor as head of Council is required to prepare a proposed budget for the municipality and present it for Council’s consideration. The Mayor cannot delegate this responsibility. However, Mayor Ferguson directed staff to prepare and propose the 2026 budget for Council’s consideration.

County Council will hold a special meeting at Shire Hall from December 1-3 for the 2026 draft budget:

Monday, December 1, beginning at 6 pm

A summary presentation from the treasurer
Deputations and comments from the audience
Tuesday, December 2, beginning at 9 am

Capital budget discussions
Wednesday, December 3, beginning at 9 am

Operating budget discussions
Following the special Council meeting, staff will work to revise the draft budget based on Council discussions and public input. The final budget will come before Council for consideration and adoption in January 2026.

Recognizing the complexity and scope of the budget materials, staff have produced a budget book. The goal is to help the public better understand and engage with one of Council’s most important tasks. The document touches on how the budget is created, different parts of the budget, key financial data, and highlights from departments across the corporation.

Click here to view the book. The document is in draft form, and it will be updated once the budget is approved by Council in January 2026.

Stay informed and get involved in the County’s 2026 budget process by:

Viewing the detailed documents for the draft 2026 budget
Attending in person or watching the Council meetings via live stream
Emailing a question or comment to [email protected] or call 613.476.2148 extension 1023.
Visiting the Have Your Say public engagement platform.

The draft 2026 budget focuses on investing in key infrastructure and delivering vital services that contribute to a thriving and vibrant community.

11/17/2025

Posted on the County website:
https://www.thecounty.ca/county_news_notices/traffic-disruptions-in-wellington-as-final-paving-begins-november-21/
TRAFFIC DISRUPTIONS IN WELLINGTON AS FINAL PAVING BEGINS NOVEMBER 21
Clearway Group, the municipality’s contractor, will begin final paving on several streets in Wellington on Friday, November 21, weather permitting.

Paving will take place in the following locations:
Prince Edward Drive — 300 metres from Wellington Main Street to Mount Grove Crescent.
Wellington Main Street –– From 462 Wellington Main Street to Cleminson Street.
Cleminson Street —– 200 metres from Wellington Main Street to the Millennium Trail.
Belleville Street –– 300 metres from the Millennium Trail to First Avenue. Only the western side of Belleville Street will be paved as well as both sides at the trail crossing.

Work will take place between the hours of 7 am and 7 pm on Friday, November 21, Monday, November 24 and Tuesday, November 25

There will be no full road closures during paving operations; however, lane restrictions will be in place. One lane will remain open during the work. Traffic control will be in place.

As paving takes place on Wellington Main Street, temporary access restrictions will take place in front of Carla Court, Twelve Trees Lane, MacDonald Street, Shourds Street and Cleminson Street.

Additionally, access to businesses and private driveway entrances along these sections will be temporarily restricted during the work. Once the work is complete and the asphalt has cooled, access will be restored.

Motorists are asked to approach the construction zones with caution.

Clearway Group, the municipality's contractor, will begin final paving on several streets in Wellington on Friday, November 21, weather permitting.

08/22/2025

Important Water/WW Allocation Policy Update

County staff recently proposed amendments to the policy used to allocate water/wastewater. This policy was last reviewed in 2010.

Why is this important? We are staring down significant increases to water rates: Taking back allocation from expired development approvals and effective policy amendments could result in modifications to current infrastructure plans that would, in turn, translate into consequential savings.

You may recall that ALL AVAILABLE water capacity within Wellington was allocated to one developer, Kaitlin. This has stopped any others from building here, whether it be a long-time local wishing to build a family home on their own property or a developer wanting to build new homes or businesses.

CRG conducted a review of the proposed amendments as well as researched the water allocation policies of other similar municipalities. Aside from identifying gaps in the current policy, we made several consequential recommendations. As you will see below, our Councillor, Corey Engelsdorfer, brought forward a motion that ensures close scrutiny of amendments to this policy - this is the time to get it right. We will be watching.

Remember…..

The County has spent an awful lot of money to make infrastructure improvements so that development can take place. The rationale was that development would pay 80% of these investments. The monopoly of water allocation given to this one developer has not resulted in promised development, thus only minimal recovery of monies spent so far, although they had insisted they were poised to put shovels in the ground the end of October, 2024.

CRG IN ACTION AT PLANNING COMMITTEE

Comments from the Audience: Dorothy Bothwell spoke to item 7.3, Proposed amendments to the Servicing Allocation Policy (EV800) and provided a presentation regarding the Water and Wastewater Capacity Allocation Policy - EV 800 Proposed Amendments

Result:
Motion 2025-442
Moved by Councillor Engelsdorfer
Seconded by Councillor Hirsch
THAT staff be directed to review other municipalities best practices, undertake an outside legal review, circulate to the Water and Wastewater Rates Community Committee for consideration to receive input and report back at a Committee of the Whole meeting with a draft amended EV 800 Water and Wastewater Capacity Allocation Policy for consideration in conjunction with the Development Charges Study.

CARRIED

The livestream of this meeting can be found here: https://youtu.be/kLE48NtoOHc