Vote for Victor Lind

Hello, my name is Victor Lind and I am seeking your vote for
Ward 2, Bloomfield/ Hallowell this October 26th, 2026.As your councillor, I will think from a broader perspective and listen to the
many sides of an issue before coming to a conclusion.As a professional urban planner, I see potential for new ideas in urban forms, such as transportation and housing, to take root here in the County. Ideas that respect our past, acknowledge our present and thoughtfully plan for our future.Above all, I can bring the necessary tools to provide professional stewardship
on Council for the benefit of taxpayers.

Background

I graduated from the University of Waterloo with a degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the faculty of Environmental Studies. As an urban planner of development and community initiatives for four decades:• I liaised with rural communities for the Royal Commission on the Northern Environment on their future growth
• I co-authoured Ontario's first Heritage Master Plan
• I led the urban design and development of multiple residential and commercial projects across Ontario as a senior director of a major publicly traded Canadian corporation
• I was often making deputations before numerous Municipal and Regional Councils and Committees; and
• I was recognized as an expert planning witness at the Ontario Municipal Board (now known as the Ontario Land Tribunal).

Throughout this varied career, I managed multiple projects - a skill required as a Councillor to balance the interests of both taxpayers and County staff on complex issues. I successfully managed projects that involved surveyors, engineers, architects, planners, environmental specialists and lawyers. Finding balance, I then sought common ground by negotiating solutions with local residents as well as politicians.

More Recently

After moving to Prince Edward County in 2011, the environmental challenges of Picton Terminals caught my attention. As a co-founder and Director of Save Picton Bay, I was proud to be part of a grass roots advocacy group that's focused on preserving the aquatic environment to protect a key source of our County's clean drinking water.We made presentations to the Rotary, Quinte Conservation, the Provincial Government, Town Halls, MP's, MPP's and County Council. We even took Picton Terminals to Court.

Save Picton Bay was successful in gaining Council's support to reject the rezoning of Picton Terminals. A judge agreed that portions of the property are in violation of local zoning by-laws. We negotiated a settlement in which Picton Terminals agreed not to ship municipal waste or handle toxic chemicals. This fight continues to this day as many residents believe this shipping terminal is really an illegal quarry, with no oversight by any level of Government.Now the challenge is to ensure that County Council and staff continue to actively enforce our existing by-laws. As your Councillor, I will bring deep and seasoned experience to help ensure the defence of our Official Plan and Zoning.

Current Issues

Growth

We need to embrace the beauty of the County and direct urban growth to existing settlements, avoiding urban sprawl. How can we do this?I believe that the environment and business are not mutually exclusive. We need to protect our natural and cultural heritage while continuing to promote logical, measured growth for our urban areas.• What pressures are being felt by farm families as farmland is being converted to residential/commercial development?• Recent reports to Council have recommended setting long term growth rates for the County at 1% versus previous models of 2.4%. This would add over 9,300 residents over the next 25 years. How do we balance this demand for housing with the financial risk of expanding infrastructure too quickly?• Rural land prices will continue to climb. Will this make it more difficult or even impossible for younger farmers to participate in this vital economy?As your councillor, I will advocate for exploring existing zoning in the urban cores, such as Bloomfield, Picton and Wellington. Moderate increases in density along main streets, while still preserving heritage character, could:• Take pressure off surrounding green fields• Utilize existing infrastructure and promote walkable downtowns, and• Support local existing businesses.It's a fine balance.

Creative Land & Housing Alternatives

If we want to expand jobs for young County residents, especially in the new tourist economy, we must do more to provide affordable housing. As our senior population grows, we also need space for new assisted living residences.In the same way that we should be encouraging the private sector to add moderate density in the downtowns, and alternative formats like modular and tiny homes, the County should be reviewing the use of vacant parcels of land which have sat disused for decades, including those owned by the county, and reimagine their use for targeted residential apartments.This creative use of existing municipal lands could support multiple generations who want to live within walking distance of downtown shopping.

Environment

Nature tourism and all the job benefits that come with it, is largely driven by the natural environment. Historically driven by Sandbanks Park, tourism in the County now takes place in every corner.In the same way that I fought for clean water, I will fight for the cultural heritage and natural environment across Prince Edward County.If we keep our environment healthy, word of mouth will draw people to visit, live and enjoy our incredible natural resources.

Healthcare

We have a new hospital and long term care facility under construction. While the County has made progress to recruit more doctors and get residents off waiting lists, we cannot afford to lose focus on recruiting many more healthcare workers, especially as the County has one of the highest aging demographics in Canada. I will strongly support Council and the Family Heath Team in these efforts.

Size of Council

There is a question on the ballot:"Are you in favour of a third-party review of Council size and related ward boundaries?"The estimated costs of this third-party review would be between $75,000 - $100,000.With a population of close to 27,000, PEC has 14 members on Council. This is a legacy from the amalgamation of numerous wards in the 1990's and is totally unnecessary for such a small population.Belleville, with about 55,000, has 9 on Council.I strongly believe that to run more efficient meetings and make better decisions, we should reduce this number from 14 to around 7.One of the unintended benefits of a smaller Council may be more time available for the real exchange of ideas.I will encourage Councillors to engage in more Q&A with those taxpayers who take the time and energy to come before Council- less silence and more openness and transparency.

For Further Information

Email me: [email protected]

Call me: 613-503-2271

Voting Details

You can vote online starting October 17 until election day October 26, 2026.
The voter notification card you receive in the mail will include the URL to vote online.

To ensure you are on the voter's list, head to the link below, or call 1-866-242-3025: