Former Queen Elizabeth School Redevelopment

As to Karim, point there were 2 other developments one on Dessareli and one in Wellington that were around 30 -50 units each. None of that has gone ahead. And why isn't affordable housing part of every development instead of trying to create a check box in one place. I am sure people on The Wellington side of the county or close to Belleville don't all want to live in Picton where businesses are closing, and jobs are disappearing.

I am involved in the design of the new hospital in Campbellford. For the parking lot we have included plantings that are esthetically and functionally more appealing. https://globalnews.ca/news/9942112/campbellford-memorial-hospital-rendering-proposed-campus-of-care/


BTW as to some health, wellbeing and safety risks.

Health Hazards of Light Pollution
1. Human Health Hazards
a. Circadian Rhythm Disruption

Exposure to artificial light at night (ALAN) suppresses melatonin and disrupts the sleep–wake cycle.
Leads to insomnia, daytime fatigue, and reduced cognitive function.
Evidence: Falchi et al. (2016); Cho et al. (2015).
b. Chronic Diseases
Metabolic & Cardiovascular: Misaligned circadian rhythms increase risks of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
Evidence: Scheer et al. (2009).
Cancer: IARC (2010) classified circadian-disrupting shift work as probably carcinogenic, linking ALAN to breast and prostate cancer.
Evidence: IARC Monographs, Vol. 98.
c. Mental Health
Excessive nighttime light exposure is associated with depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Evidence: Ohayon & Milesi (2016).
d. Vision and Eye Health
Glare and overexposure to blue-rich light cause visual strain, impair night vision, and may damage retinal cells.
Evidence: Pauley (2004).
2. Animal and Ecological Health Hazards
a. Disruption of Nocturnal Wildlife
Many species rely on darkness for foraging, navigation, and reproduction. ALAN interferes with these behaviors.
Evidence: Longcore & Rich (2004).
b. Birds
Migratory birds use moon and stars for navigation. Artificial lights disorient them, leading to collisions with buildings.
Evidence: Cabrera-Cruz et al. (2018).
c. Insects
Light pollution attracts insects, disrupting pollination and increasing mortality.
Contributes to insect population declines, which affects food chains.
Evidence: Owens & Lewis (2018).
e. Plants and Ecosystems
Alters flowering times, photosynthesis, and interactions between plants and nocturnal pollinators.
Evidence: Bennie et al. (2016).
Key References
Falchi, F., Cinzano, P., Duriscoe, D., et al. (2016). The new world atlas of artificial night sky brightness. Science Advances, 2(6), e1600377.
Cho, Y., Ryu, S. H., Lee, B. R., et al. (2015). Effects of artificial light at night on human health: A literature review. Chronobiology International, 32(9), 1294–1310.
Scheer, F. A. J. L., Hilton, M. F., Mantzoros, C. S., & Shea, S. A. (2009). Adverse metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of circadian misalignment. PNAS, 106(11), 4453–4458.
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). (2010). Shift-work, painting and fire-fighting. IARC Monographs, Vol. 98. Lyon: WHO.
Ohayon, M. M., & Milesi, C. (2016). Artificial outdoor nighttime lights and mental health: A population-based study. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 84, 9–16.
Pauley, S. M. (2004). Lighting for the human circadian clock. Medical Hypotheses, 63(4), 588–596.
Longcore, T., & Rich, C. (2004). Ecological light pollution. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 2(4), 191–198.
Cabrera-Cruz, S. A., Smolinsky, J. A., & Buler, J. J. (2018). Light pollution is greatest within migration passage areas for nocturnally-migrating birds. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 3261.
Owens, A. C. S., & Lewis, S. M. (2018). The impact of artificial light at night on nocturnal insects: A review and synthesis. Ecology and Evolution, 8(22), 11337–11358.
Witherington, B. E., & Bjorndal, K. A. (1991). Influences of artificial lighting on the seaward orientation of hatchling loggerhead turtles. Biological Conservation, 55(2), 139–149.
Bennie, J., Davies, T. W., Cruse, D., & Gaston, K. J. (2016). Ecological effects of artificial light at night on wild plants. Journal of Ecology, 104(3), 611–620.

Demolition and asbestos
Health Hazards of Demolition of Buildings with Asbestos
1. Primary Hazard: Asbestos Fiber Release

When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed during demolition, microscopic fibers are released into the air.

These fibers are inhaled and can lodge in the lungs or swallowed and reach the digestive tract.

The fibers are durable, resistant to breakdown, and bio-persistent in the human body.

Reference: World Health Organization (WHO, 2014); U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, 2023).

2. Acute Health Risks (Short-Term Exposure)

Asbestos-related pleural effects: Thickening and inflammation of the pleura (lung lining).

Respiratory irritation: Shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing from fiber inhalation.

Risk is higher for workers at the demolition site without protective equipment.

Reference: ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2001).

3. Chronic Health Risks (Long-Term, Latent Effects)
a. Asbestosis

A chronic, progressive lung disease caused by scarring of lung tissue from prolonged asbestos exposure.

Symptoms: Shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest tightness, and reduced lung function.

Often develops after years of exposure.

Reference: Mossman et al. (2011).

b. Mesothelioma

A rare but aggressive cancer of the pleural or peritoneal lining, strongly linked to asbestos exposure.

Can occur decades after exposure.

Reference: Carbone et al. (2019).

c. Lung Cancer

Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer, especially among smokers.

Reference: Straif et al. (2009, IARC Monographs).

d. Other Cancers

Evidence links asbestos to cancers of the larynx, ovaries, and possibly gastrointestinal tract.

Reference: IARC (2012).

4. Secondary / Community Hazards

Environmental contamination: Fibers can spread beyond demolition sites via air, soil, and dust.

Household exposure: Families of demolition workers may be exposed through contaminated clothing (“para-occupational exposure”).

Reference: Ferrante et al. (2007).

5. Occupational Safety Risks During Demolition

High fiber release during uncontrolled demolition, especially if ACMs are dry-cut, broken, or pulverized.

Risks elevated when proper asbestos abatement, wetting, containment, and disposal protocols are not followed.

Reference: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 2023).

Key References

WHO. (2014). Elimination of asbestos-related diseases. World Health Organization.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2023). Asbestos: Health effects and exposure.

ATSDR. (2001). Toxicological profile for asbestos. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

Mossman, B. T., Shukla, A., & Heintz, N. H. (2011). Asbestos: Mechanisms of toxicity and carcinogenicity in the respiratory tract. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 51, 451–472.

Carbone, M., Adusumilli, P. S., Alexander, H. R., et al. (2019). Mesothelioma: Scientific clues for prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 69(5), 402–429.

Straif, K., Benbrahim-Tallaa, L., Baan, R., et al. (2009). A review of human carcinogens—Part C: Metals, arsenic, dusts, and fibres. The Lancet Oncology, 10(5), 453–454.

IARC. (2012). Arsenic, metals, fibres and dusts: A review of human carcinogens. IARC Monographs, Vol. 100C.

Ferrante, D., Bertolotti, M., Todesco, A., et al. (2007). Cancer mortality and incidence of mesothelioma in a cohort of wives of asbestos workers in Casale Monferrato, Italy. Environmental Health Perspectives, 115(10), 1401–1405.

OSHA. (2023). Asbestos Standard (29 CFR 1926.1101) for the construction industry.

In summary: The demolition of asbestos-containing buildings is one of the most hazardous construction activities, with risks spanning from acute respiratory irritation to fatal chronic illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Health Hazards of Prolonged Noise and Dust Exposure in Construction
1. Noise Hazards
a. Hearing Loss

Continuous exposure to high decibel levels (>85 dB) damages inner ear hair cells.

Leads to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), often irreversible.

Reference: Basner et al. (2014), WHO (2018).

b. Cardiovascular Effects

Chronic noise exposure linked to hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and stroke.

Mechanism: stress response activation (elevated cortisol, sympathetic nervous system).

Reference: Münzel et al. (2018).

c. Sleep Disturbances & Fatigue

Construction workers exposed to prolonged noise often suffer from poor sleep, which worsens accident risk and mental health.

Reference: Basner & McGuire (2018).

d. Mental Health and Cognition

Long-term noise exposure contributes to stress, irritability, anxiety, and reduced concentration.

Reference: Stansfeld & Clark (2015).

2. Dust Hazards
a. Respiratory Diseases

Inhalation of construction dust (silica, cement, wood, metals) leads to:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Silicosis (from crystalline silica dust)

Asthma and bronchitis

Reference: Hoy et al. (2018); OSHA (2023).

b. Cancer Risks

Prolonged inhalation of silica dust is a known cause of lung cancer.

Reference: IARC (2012, Group 1 carcinogen).

c. Eye and Skin Irritation

Dust particles cause conjunctivitis, corneal abrasions, and dermatitis.

Cement dust is alkaline and corrosive, worsening skin and eye problems.

Reference: Al-Neaimi et al. (2001).

d. Systemic Effects

Fine particles (PM2.5 and PM10) can enter the bloodstream, contributing to cardiovascular disease and systemic inflammation.

Reference: Brook et al. (2010).

3. Combined Risks (Noise + Dust in Construction)

Accident Risk: Noise masks warning signals, while dust reduces visibility → higher injury rates.

Cumulative Burden: Simultaneous exposure increases fatigue, stress, and long-term morbidity.

Vulnerable Populations: Older workers, smokers, and those with pre-existing respiratory/cardiovascular conditions face higher risks.

Key References

Basner, M., Babisch, W., Davis, A., et al. (2014). Auditory and non-auditory effects of noise on health. The Lancet, 383(9925), 1325–1332.

WHO. (2018). Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region. World Health Organization.

Münzel, T., Sørensen, M., Schmidt, F., et al. (2018). Environmental noise and cardiovascular risk: Clinical review. European Heart Journal, 39(13), 1075–1084.

Basner, M., & McGuire, S. (2018). WHO Environmental Noise Guidelines: Evidence review of health effects of noise on sleep. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(3), 519.

Stansfeld, S., & Clark, C. (2015). Health effects of noise exposure in children. Current Environmental Health Reports, 2(2), 171–178.

Hoy, R. F., Brims, F. J., & Musk, A. W. (2018). Occupational lung diseases in the 21st century: An update. Respirology, 23(4), 367–375.

OSHA. (2023). Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

IARC. (2012). Arsenic, metals, fibres, and dusts. IARC Monographs, Vol. 100C. Lyon: WHO.

Al-Neaimi, Y. I., Gomes, J., & Lloyd, O. L. (2001). Respiratory illnesses and ventilatory function among workers at a cement factory in a rapidly developing country. Occupational Medicine, 51(6), 367–373.

Brook, R. D., Rajagopalan, S., Pope, C. A., et al. (2010). Particulate matter air pollution and cardiovascular disease: An update to the scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 121(21), 2331–2378.

BTW - the other thing is that this neighbourhood is going to have to endure years of construction. I really worry about my and my community's health and wellbeing dealing with noise, dust, disruption, etc (never mind the demolition). Honestly seriously considering moving -out of the county - and so are a lot of my neighbours. I get what you are trying to do but not what I want in my life. We moved here to be part of a quiet rural town. My husband and I have contributed so much to this area, including taxes that have supported many initiatives (hospital), we have been on boards and school council, done programming at school, support community needs - reaching for rainbows program, the ROC, dance programs, breakfast programs, coats for kids, books for kids, hospice, the marathon, etc.). So sad we have lived here for over 20 years, raised my family here and honestly no one on council or in the municipal government seems to care about our community - just money and biggering (Lorax reference). BTW no one in council lives here in this neighbourhood. What are you going to do about the asbestos in the school - yet another health concern - when airborne it is a major health concern - again health and wellbeing of the community - is it on your radar.

Have the following concerns with the redesign:
1. Your community engagement is still lacking - having 3 members from the community at a charette is NOT community engagement.
2. Is building A now 4 stories? That was not an acceptable height.
3. Traffic flow still appears to be a nightmare. 100+ units will empty onto ELM (tiny road)- right into the middle of school traffic zone - a huge safety concern. We are talking K-12 students. approximately 1000 of them plus parents and teachers.
4. Very concerned about the HUGE parking area. What about underground or using over parking areas - school after hours?? This is a concern for drainage - huge weather events. Drainage on Centre and Barker is already poor
5. Very concerned with my health and wellbeing and the potential light pollution from the parking lot - this is a huge public health concern for circadian rhythms /sleeping and general wellbeing. Light pollution is also a concern for birds and bats and other animals that cohabit the space.
6. Garbage and HVAC - also noise and congestion and issues with wild animals coming into town.
7. We have yet to actually see the site design - exterior??? the other site, the only one by this firm, looks like concrete barracks.
8. And I harp on this point, and no one listens but - For Prince Edward County

5 year projection to 2030 - 0.5% per year, growth slowing 0.2% to 0.5%
Same over next 10 year cycles with projected population 2050 - 30,786

Current rates have not accounted for anticipated increase in mortality rates.

Even the Canadian population growth rate is slowing: The Canadian population growth stalled in the first quarter of 2025, with the smallest increase since the third quarter of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The second quarter rates are flat lined with no growth. Fertility rates are also the lowest in decades.

BTW - economic updates and there could be more.
Wellington Mushroom farm closing - 200 jobs
Starbucks Closing - Picton
Waupoos Cider - reduced staff by1/2
Fat Face - Picton closed
Post Office impact - unknown at this time. - approx. 250 to 325 jobs

BTW - real estate markets have seen a 91% decrease in sales, with Prince Edward County having the highest listings over 500 homes (currently at 582) since May 2025.

Public safety should be number one concern. Road and pedestrian network in north Picton can not accommodate proposed increase in traffic. Traffic studies aren't being released. Making Barker St 2-way will increase, not reduce traffic. Paul, Centre, Elizabeth, and Bowery all end at Barker or dead end north of Barker -- all traffic will be routed through designated school zone (speed reductions & stop signs have already been installed over existing safety concerns) but continued failure to address volume in a "dead end" road network.

We have gone from 123 affordable units to 50 since this project's inception.

Initial Proposal - 246 units with 50% affordable units. This provides 123 affordable units.

November 2024 Update - 198 units with 50% affordable units. This provides 99 affordable units. Community feedback reduced affordable housing by 24 units by reducing all buildings by 1 storey.

Sept 11 2025 Update - It seems the above storey reduction cut even more affordable units from this most recent report. "Some participants expressed concern that the commitment to affordable units had decreased from 50% in earlier versions to 25–30% in the revised plan.". I assume the total unit count hasn't changed from 198, so we have ~50 affordable units after all community consultations.

We need councillors who can push for housing denisity in our housing crisis; with a 0.2% vacancy rate, we need to be focussed on density over aesthetics.