Prince Edward County downsizes council

By Meaghan Bury

BELLEVILLE – Prince Edward County council is getting smaller.

On Tuesday night council voted to downsize itself. The 10-6 vote means there will be nine wards instead of 10.  Bloomfield and Hallowell will merge. Sophiasburgh is also losing a councillor. Overall, council will have 14 instead of 16 members.

Mayor Robert Quaiff said the issue with the size of council has been discussed since 2008. Quaiff said that during the last campaign it became clear that the residents of Prince Edward County wanted council to review of the size of council.

“There were some plans that were proposed that didn’t gain council support” says Quaiff, adding that the 9-ward option was the mildest and accomplished voter parity.

Quaiff didn’t vote for the 9-ward option, but says that he will stand behind the decision that has been made.

“In my position as mayor the majority of council has selected an option and that’s the one that we’ll have to support going forward.”

The plan is subject to appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board.