Vital Signs Data
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG 8: Ensure sustained and inclusive economic growth to drive progress, create decent jobs for all and improve living standards.
Thrive Prince Edward County is a community-driven initiative to create a renewed vision for community and economic development in Prince Edward County.
Thrive PEC Research & Projects
Thrive PEC projects are in various stages:
- Asset-based Community mapping - May/22
- Production of PEC Economy video - Oct/22
- Summary report by Guelph University, and presentation to Council - Oct/22
- Affordable housing community series - Jan-Feb/23
- Thrive Symposium - March/23
- Get Connected Directory to find communities of interest, activities, volunteer opportunities, and more - March/23
- People mapping - in progress
- Economy mapping - in progress
- Community Benefits Network - a group of local businesses, organizations, and individuals dedicated to ensuring that new developments positively impact the community - in progress
- A Workforce Development Pilot centred on skilled trades in PEC, supported by a RED Grant - commencing Sept/24
Community Vision
A report by University of Guelph researchers in 2022 observed that:
- PEC residents care deeply about the future of their community.
- The pace of change in PEC is on everyone’s mind.
- Residents acknowledge that new investment and visitors are driving a large portion of the local economy.
- Residents want a say in how to sustainably manage change and growth.
- Focus should be on striving for balance.
Following is a community vision based on input from 245 residents engaged in asset-based community development (ABCD) sessions, and from in-depth interviews with 18 long-time farming families, newcomers, environmental stewards, local thought leaders, business operators, non-profit leaders, and land developers.
| Theme | Details |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Residents can afford housing and they are food secure. |
| Quality jobs | Strong workforce with good paying, secure jobs and opportunities for training and development. |
| Economically diverse | Identifying how new and existing sectors of the economy can help build, grow and sustain the local economy. |
| Sustainable tourism | Creating policies and programs that promote tourism while protecting the landscape and quality of life of residents. |
| Climate protection | Developing a pro-active climate action plan focused on mitigation and adaptation. |
| Arts and cultural heritage | Celebrating and funding the region’s rich arts and cultural scene. Acknowledging and building on its Indigenous history. |
| Community connections | Building relationships between residents. Promoting diversity and equity. Mentoring and supporting youth. |
| Social infrastructure | Investment in parks, bike lanes, libraries, meeting places and public transit |
| Social services | Every resident has access to a doctor, schools and daycare. |
Evolution of Thrive PEC
Evolution of Thrive PEC
Thrive PEC was established to collaboratively develop a renewed vision for community and economic development in Prince Edward County. Prince Edward County is facing complex issues that require input from diverse groups, businesses and citizens. It’s not something that community groups can tackle by themselves. Nor is it something that local businesses can take on by themselves. Nor is it the responsibility of the municipality alone. We all need to work together.
Community Economies Pilot
Prince Edward County was selected as one of 5 communities in a 12-month national pilot launched by the Shorefast Foundation (led by Zita Cobb). As a model for the pilot, Fogo Island represents how small communities respond to, plan for, and build resiliency toward gentrification and change.
Thrive PEC was formed
Thrive PEC evolved as an outcome of the pilot project. Thrive PEC is about community-led development that engages stakeholders and citizens to co-create plans for the future that reflect the aspirations and values of residents.
Report: Prince Edward County Community Economy
County residents were interviewed by Audrey Jamal and Rebecca Gordon, University of Guelph. The report was released on October 28.
Community Activator is hired
A community activator will move the Thrive initiatives and community engagement along more quickly.
A community activator will move the Thrive initiatives and community engagement along more quickly.
Learning from experts & other communities
The pilot allowed PEC to access world-renowned experts in the areas of community engagement, financing, collaboration and data. Prince Edward County was represented by The County Foundation, the Municipality and Community Futures.
Community engagement commences
During 7 sessions in May & June, PEC residents participated in Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) workshops. This approach draws upon existing community strengths to build stronger, more sustainable communities for the future.
Video: Prince Edward County Community Economy
The video was recorded over the summer and was previewed by Thrive participants on October 28.
