News

Good afternoon. From the heart of Prince Edward County, I’m Will Pearson with your County FM News. 

Last night, County Council addressed the use of Delhi Park. Brenda Little has more. 

It was a busy agenda for the council meeting last night and the chamber was packed with people interested in the meeting. A big-ticket item was pickleball in Delhi park. There were deputations and audience participants supporting the plan for six courts to be constructed in Delhi park but there were also deputations and audience comments opposed to the plan supporting the natural conservation of the area. Council deemed the plan as a project of community interest several years ago and the Prince Edward Pickleball group has been fundraising since then and now has $166,000 to contribute to the project. Lisa Lindsay stated courts could be constructed and in use in 2027 if funding from grants comes through. Councillor Neiman made a motion to bring all stakeholders together for a meeting to ensure everyone has all the correct information and with an amendment, it was carried.

Another hot topic at Council last night was the Drake Devonshire Inn expansion. The hotel is building an addition and asking council to approve a heritage permit. It is complicated and there was great discussion to clarify details regarding the Ontario Heritage Act, the role of the heritage committee, and time lines. In the end, council approved an amended motion which would allow additional windows on the north side of the building.

Council had good news for Wellington last night. Sarah Bobas and Christine Ziedler of the Wellington Town Hall Stewardship Association made a deputation, saying they have completed the necessary requirements of the Memorandum of Understanding from January of this year regarding the town hall project. They are now ready to assume stewardship responsibilities, and are keen to get started. When the sales agreement goes through, they will return to council for the transfer. Mayor Ferguson noted that this may be a way forward for other municipal properties in the county.

The County is looking for public input on its master plan for fire and emergency services, as well its other services. Community members, and even visitors, can comment through a short, anonymous, online survey, or in-person at Shire Hall, the Picton Fire Station on McDonald Drive, or County library branches.

A final reminder: The County wants to recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to the County’s heritage. Nominations for the County Heritage Awards are open now until August 31st at 4:30 pm. Download the nomination form and send it to the County clerk’s office, or pick up a paper copy at Shire Hall. The award recipients will be announced next February.

A 35-year-old from Montreal is facing a criminal charge of mischief under $5,000 after spray painting graffiti on a commercial building in Picton early this morning. The suspect was arrested without incident, transported to the County OPP detachment, and then released from custody. The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Picton on November 4.

And, finally, a reminder from the local OPP: motorized scooters are prohibited on public sidewalks, streets, and highways in the County. The governing by-law defines a motorized scooter as a two-wheeled skateboard driven by motor power.

Sports

In MLB last night, the Toronto Blue Jays started the last stretch of the season, with all games against teams with records currently no higher than .500. In the opener of a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals, the Jays lost 5 – 3. They play again tonight and tomorrow night. The Jays have won seven of their last eight series, but they have fallen back into last place in the AL East, five games below .500, and are now tied with the Seattle Mariners and the Minnesota Twins, three games out of the last wild card spot. 

In the WNBA tonight, the Toronto Tempo visit the Seattle Storm, who have been eliminated from playoff contention. Toronto still sits in sixth spot in the Eastern Conference, but they have lost nine of their last 10 games, and have also been eliminated from playoff contention. 

In tennis, Montreal’s Félix Auger-Aliassime and Alexandra Eala of the Philippines lost yesterday in first-round mixed doubles action at the U.S. Open. Auger-Aliassime was the last Canadian in the tournament.

Finally, at the Little League Baseball World Series: with their win last night, Canada is one of four international teams left standing. The team from Vancouver plays Japan tonight. The loser goes home; the winner moves on to the championship for the international group and a chance at the World Series.