January 26, 2023 - EFP

by Sylene Argent

Essex resident and author, Laurie Brett, spent around three-years researching newspaper archives of the Essex Record, the Toronto Globe, the Amherstburg Echo, and the Essex Free Press – the latter of which she was the former Editor and Publisher – to lace together the historical details of the early origins of Essex Centre.

The research details a time-period when the first settlers started to settle along Talbot Road in the late 1820s, and continues into when Essex Centre received town status in 1890.

She spent another year-and-a-half organizing the information she gathered into what is now a history book of the early origins of Essex Centre, aptly titled, “The Rising Village: An Early History of Essex, Ontario.”

“I felt there was a bit of a gap in our understanding,” Brett said, noting Essex Centre’s history includes the laying of the Canada Southern Railway tracks in 1872 –with the first train rolling through a year later. “I knew there were people living along Talbot Road before

This led her back to the beginning of the Land Grants with Colonel Talbot.

“I’ve always had an interest in history,” Brett said, “That entirely echoes back to being raised [in a family who owned] a local newspaper. Because we had the old, big bound volumes of newspapers and I was fascinated in reading them.”

In addition, she said her dad, Wilber Brett, was involved in municipal politics, so the con-

versations in her childhood home were often about things going on in town, political developments, and local history.

Conducting the research for the book helped Brett answer a lot of questions she had about Essex’s early origins.

She relayed that from 1874 to 1895, Essex’s history is dependent on the Amherstburg Echo to provide information. Otherwise, this whole time-period may have been lost.

Through her research, Brett highlighted a few interesting finds.

She referenced John Milne, who is considered the founder of Essex and its first Mayor. He bought a sawmill – where the Southland Plaza is today – and built it into a big industrial operation.

She also spoke of how Alexander Cameron, who purchased part of Lot 283 – around where the Essex Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion exists today. He had a business partner named George Wilson.

“I found George Wilson very interesting,” Brett said. That is because Alexander Cameron gets a lot of attention in the literature, but he was really a land speculator and Windsor lawyer. Wilson was from Amherstburg and was an insurance agent. He was more devoted to Essex in many ways. When the community first started to develop, he realized they needed a public hall for people to gather.”

Red Raider Ethan Travis signs to Lancers Football

by Sylene Argent

After a solid three-years playing as a force with the Essex District High School Red Raiders, Defensive Back, Ethan Travis, signed to play with the University of Windsor Lancers team on Friday.

“It’s exciting. I can’t wait to get on the field with the team and show them what I can do,” Travis said, pen in hand.

Lancers’ Offensive Coordinator, Joe Circelli, said the University of Windsor is happy and excited to welcome Travis to the team. His ability on the field today is a testament to the support he has received from family and coaching to date. He is looking forward to pushing

Travis to become the player he will be.

While playing for the local university, Travis will study Family and Social Relations and is thinking of a future career as a Guidance Counsellor.

Red Raider Football Coach, Badi Qawwas, said it is exciting to see one of EDHS’s athletes move onto the next level of play. He is hopeful Travis will take on a leadership role with the Lancers, as he demonstrated that ability at the high school level, due to his continuous display of commitment, hard work, determination, and

by Sylene Argent

The economic climate – due to rising inflation, fuel costs, mortgage rates, and interest rates – was the most talked-about topic of choice on Sunday, when Essex MP Chis Lewis welcomed all constituents to his office as part of his annual New Year’s Levee event.

The price of food was also a hot topic. “I hear it all the time. The same folks are going into our local grocery stores, coming out with half the groceries they did last year at this time and they cost twice as much,” he said.

“The cost of living is something Conservatives will always stand for; [and] getting rid of this crazy Carbon Tax,” Lewis said. He spoke of how Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stood in the House of Commons and said the government gives back the Carbon Tax to Canadians, “Then why take it to begin with,” Lewis questioned.

“I am going to continue to work within our own caucus to hold our government accountable,” Lewis said, and that

includes working at slashing the triple, triple, tripling of the Carbon Tax on home heating, groceries, and fuel. “We can’t do it alone. We really need our constituents – the ones who are sick and tired of being sick and tired –to get out our message as well.”

Other frequently talked about topics at the event included the proposed amendments to C-21, an Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms). “There are a lot of people upset about that,” he said.

He added, “The underlying message I heard today, ‘will [Party Leader] Pierre [Poilievre] still stand for our rights and freedoms going forward, because we’ve lost faith in Trudeau and the country, with regards to our rights and freedoms,’” Lewis related. Some of

those concerns regarded Bill C-11, an Act to amend the Broadcasting Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts.

Lewis believes there is a lot of angst and anger still built up in some Canadians, but there is no accomplishment unless there is an open, respectful dialogue. “We don’t even have to agree on everything, but if we do not have a conversation, we have nothing. And that is why today was so special, because the majority of it was very open, very respectful, but the best part was they came with some other unique avenues that’ll I’ll bring back to our party and ultimately back to the House [of Commons].”

Lewis was pleased to meet with everyone who came out to meet with him and his staff, ask questions, and forward concerns

about federal policies, bills, or actions.

“People have a lot of anxiety build up. People have a lot of concerns with the direction the county is going. People are hurting. People want to be heard,” Lewis said, adding he has always believed Canadians are, “the most passionate, compassionate, and resilient people in the world, but they need to be heard.”

People came out in droves to attend the event,

with foot traffic steady throughout the three-hour event and beyond.

“I was absolutely thrilled with the turnout,” Lewis said. “It happened so quickly, and people really struck around for quite some time.”

He said some of the visitors brought with them difficult questions, which Lewis loved because they are all important conversations. “Am I ever happy and excited about the turnout today.”

Looking ahead, Lewis’s Private Member’s Bill C-241, an Act to amend the Income Tax Act (deduction of travel expenses for tradespersons), has passed through the Standing Committee on Finance, thanks to support from the NDP and the Bloc Québécois. This piece of proposed legislation will be brought back to the House of Commons to begin consideration for third and final reading on February 13.

“People have a lot of anxiety build up. People have a lot of concerns with the direction the county is going. People are hurting. People want to be heard,”

- Essex MP Chis Lewis

County Council Notes for December 18

by Sylene Argent

Warden

commends staff for snow clearing, caring

for

Sun Parlour residents over holidays

Over the holidays, Essex County experienced a several-day snowstorm. While many did not have to leave their homes, there were many who had to get to work and others who waited for roads to be cleared to visit family, Warden of Essex County, Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald, said.

County of Essex Road Crews rolled for 72-hours straight, from just after midnight on December 23 until boxing day, she said.

The 12 plows covered 26,644km, and put down

2,428 tons of salt, so travels and commuters could reach their destinations safely.

“Every member of the Roads Teams, including four who were scheduled to be on vacation, reported for duty…impressive,” MacDonald said, adding 186 staff at Sun Parlour Home in Leamington braved the snow to get to work, some working double shifts or staying the night.

Paramedics, she added, navigated snow-covered roads to attend emergencies and transport patients to hospital ERs.

She thanked everyone who braved the weather, and took time away from families, to serve the public

over the holidays.

“Thank you for setting the right tone as we enter 2023,” she said.

Official Plan review shows “very positive growth forecasts”

Essex County Council received an update on the County of Essex Official Plan (OP) review, a comprehensive planning document (that has to be updated every 10-years) that sets out long-term goals and objectives to guide the development of the County.

Rebecca Belanger, Manager of Planning Services, explained in February of 2022, County Council was made aware of the Comprehensive Work Program regarding the County’s Official Plan Review 3.0.

The exercise is titled, “One Land, One Climate, one Future, Together.”

servicing constraints for all designated settlement areas, Belanger said. She added meetings were also held with Caldwell First Nation, administration from City of Windsor, and representatives from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, to provide information on the Work Program and determine need for future consultations.

Larry Silani, Official Plan - Planning Advisor, explained it is important there is an Official Plan that works for Essex County.

Voice Of Inspiration

Cynthia Ann Postons

Thank you!

To all of you, too many to name, for your kindness, care, and support during Cynthia’s 18-month illness, at her wonderful Celebration of Life, and in these early days of our profound loss.

Cynth always said we had ‘a village of support’. You showed us!

She was our Princess Warrior, inspiring us in so many ways with her spirit, substance, generosity, love, courage, and amazing strength.

Loved always and forever. With our deep gratitude, John Postons and family

“It sounds crazy, and true…

But I swear someday I’ll be up in the sky, defying gravity…flying so high, They’ll never pull me down.

So if you care to find me, look to the western sky.”

-Defying Gravity (Wicked)

The OP review is being undertaken in three phases. The first phase – including a background review and growth projections – has been completed. Phase two will include a regional land needs analysis, policy options report, and additional technical studies necessary. The third phase includes preparation of a daft plan and adoption of the new Official Plan.

The phase one background report included information on settlement area changes, lot creation approvals granted by the County, a detailed summary on the initial round of consultation, the County’s Climate Emergency Declaration and The County Energy Plan, and the Healthy Places, Healthy People charter.

Initial rounds of consultation included virtual meetings with Senior Engineering and Planning Staff from each of the seven local municipalities last May to discuss servicing availability, expansion plans, and

He explained, through consultations, some of the challenges identified were housing affordability, shovel-ready lands, growing while protecting agricultural and natural lands, ensuring transit is accessible, convenient, and affordable, attracting and retaining skilled labour, and protecting people and property from more intense storm events.

Identified opportunities the County should focus on included the County taking a more active role in coordinating a streamlining policy, so there are similar rules for builders and developers across local municipalities, having an active role in coordinating and applying for funding, converting surplus or underutilized commercial lands for new rental housing, and providing incentives for affordable housing.

Silani added “The Growth Analysis Report” was completed by Watson and Associates Economist LTD, with input from senior planning staff at the seven local municipalities and other partners.

These reports go about how to identify 20-30-year growth forecast. He said is it hard to predict what will happen in the next five-years, let alone project multiple years into the future.

on Page 5

“Your

“I saw a shooting star go by, It blazed a path across the sky.”

&Editorial Opinion

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Howling at the Moon

••• Comment by Sylene Argent •••

Let’s Get Political

I know I have harped on the importance of paying attention to politics before, and I still stand strong on that front because those decisions –no matter at what level – affect our lives, but I also understand how confusing it all can be.

There is so much information thrown at us on a daily basis, it can be hard to know where to start, if one wants to start becoming politically involved.

When I covered Essex MP Chris Lewis’s New Year’s Levee on Sunday, one of the questions I asked him was what was the best way someone who may not have paid much attention to politics in the past could start following along.

Let’s face it, there are currently endless Bills, policies, issues, and matters being discussed – or even debated – at the municipal, provincial, and national levels. Each politician, or political party, has its stance and may slam the opposition with sometimes relevant – and sometimes filibuster – to try and sway the masses.

It can be hard to tell what is true –or mostly true – and what is political

rhetoric.

Lewis suggested not heading to social media to get facts, which I would have to agree with, but to visit party websites and compare information to decide what makes the most sense.

And, I have to agree. That is a great way to start. Choosing a topic one may want to learn more about and doing some reading is certainly a great way to get the facts, and from there start to decide what one believes would have the best outcome.

If you would have asked me 15-years ago what I wanted to do with my life, it certainly would not have included anything political. I always felt the universe was somehow responsible for pulling me in the direction I went, because it was not something I had on my radar.

I, like many, found politics to be confusing. Now, my outlook has shifted so dramatically, I believe paying attention, being vocal about opinions, and having an honest discussion with others with different perspectives is one of the most important things we can do. That engagement

demands transparency and accountability from our political leaders.

This is the time of year when municipalities are putting together their annual budget. The County of Essex just finalized its 2023 Budget last week and the Town of Essex just hosted its preliminary Budget Walkthrough last Wednesday, with deliberations to commence mid-February.

With the rising costs of just about everything, we can see it is costing more to be able to do less at our individual level, and that trickles up to doing business at the municipal level, as well. The 2023 Budget document can be viewed at essex.ca, and residents can provide feedback on the document.

With it still early in a new Term of Council, it is a great time to start following at the municipal level, as the newly elected reps are learning, too.

Farmers need right to repair their own equipment

by Cathy Lennon, General Manager, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Earlier this month, John Deere, one of the world’s largest farm equipment manufacturers, signed a “right to repair” memorandum of understanding with the American Farm Bureau. This means farmers in the United States now have the right to fix their John Deere tractors and other farm equipment either themselves or through an independent third party.

This is a major shift for the agriculture sector, where Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in both Canada and the United States have long restricted farmers’ ability to access the technology embedded in their products, including diagnostic and repair codes and service manuals.

By comparison, right-to-repair legislation has been in place for decades in the automotive industry, where independent mechanics have the same diagnostic software and service manuals as OEM dealerships.

In Canada, without right-to-repair protection, farmers or someone not certified by the OEM who break a password or a digital lock to make a repair are in violation of the federal Copyright Act – and with digital systems and software increasingly embedded across a growing array of systems and equipment, this applies to more and more aspects of a farm business’ operations every year.

Copyright law was never intended to prevent people from repairing their own devices. And even though copyright law is federal, Ontario needs a right-to-repair framework for agricultural equipment, so that repair manuals, parts, and tools are available, and manufacturers can’t deliberately make products unrepairable.

Bill C244, An Act to Amend the Copyright Act (diagnosis, maintenance, and repair), was introduced in the House of Commons on February 8, 2022. It is currently before the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Industry and Technology for review.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) supports legislation that lets people make repairs, run diagnostics and, conduct maintenance. We understand that farmers cannot afford to be dependent on a dealer schedule to fix

what could be as simple as a faulty fuel sensor – especially during busy planting and harvest seasons, where field work must be completed as quickly as possible.

We need this legislation to ensure OEM-approved tools, replacement parts, and repair manuals are available for Canadian electronic and farm equipment aftermarkets. Doing in-field repairs themselves or calling an independent technician can minimize costly downtime and avoid a lengthy trip to the dealership.

Farmers also need assurance that equipment repairs done by non-OEM certified shops do not violate any warranties and want clarity about operator or OEM liability if an accident does occur on repaired equipment.

At the same time, we understand that OEMs need to protect their intellectual property, and that safeguards need to be in place to prevent the modification of software in ways that would circumvent the original design and function of the equipment.

That’s why farmers aren’t asking for the right to modify software or expose OEM intellectual property, but instead, support a framework that allows for decoding of digital locks for diagnosis, repair, and maintenance.

The new MOU signed by John Deere and the American Farm Bureau has the potential to serve as a model for other manufacturers and in other jurisdictions to enable a framework where manufacturers and consumers can work together to protect everyone’s rights and improve the playing field when it comes to repairs.

The OFA supports a framework for farm equipment, as with other vehicles, that does not compromise safety and emissions standards, ensures products are repairable, and that spare parts and tools are accessible. An amended federal Copyright Act that protects manufacturer technology copyrights, combined with provincial laws giving people the right to repair the things we own, will help level the playing field in the agricultural sector and support the competitiveness and profitability of our industry.

“The range of forecast is the key going forward,” Silani said. “Because we are looking 30-years into the future, there is no way anyone could predict today – with any degree of certainty – one number,” in predicting what a population for the municipalities will be in the future.

Silani said it is a forecasting model, based on the assumptions put into the model. “We believe it provides a good range going forward.”

He said one of the takeaways is that Watson and Associates forecasted a robust period of growth over the next two to three decades in Essex County. It projected the population will grow from 199,100 to anywhere between 268,100 and 315,000.

It also projects that by 2051, the total number of households in the County could grow from 71,400 to between 101,200 and 114,300.

In addition, by 2051, total employment in the County is forecasted to grow from 72,300 to between 107,900 and 124,200.

“Those are very positive growth forecasts,” Silani said. “They are in the report and will get carried forward in the Phase 2, Phase 3, when we go through the next part of the Official Plan Review, which starts to look at land supply, settlement areas, and where in the County – in each of the municipalities – this growth is going to take place and what infrastructure is going to be required to support that growth from a policy perspective.”

Belanger noted the County can now retain a consultant to assist with the Phases 2 and 3 Work Program. It is hoped the new OP will be in place by the end of the year.

The project kick-off meeting with County Council will take place on April 5.

Housing and Homelessness Advisory Committee 2022 Annual report received

Essex County Council received Housing and Homelessness Advisory Committee’s (HHAC) 2022 Annual Report to City Council and HHAC Highlights.

Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara sits on the Committee. He said members have not had their first meeting since the start of the new Term of Council yet.

One of the things he wants to bring up on the Committee is a continuation of the discussion started with the prior Term of Council in ensuring the County gets its fair share. 2023 Budget given final approval, with transfers from reserve to meet 3.81% increase

County Council approved a series of transfers from reserves to have a neutral impact to the 2023 Budget and maintain the proposed 3.81% residential tax increase.

The three transfers included: $505,000 from the County’s Accrued Payroll account to support Essex County Library’s retroactive pay equity/job evaluation payments; approximately $135,000 from the County’s Rate Stabilization Reserve to support Essex County Library’s retroactive pay equity/job evaluation payments; and $312,388 from the County’s Capital Reserve to support the

2023 loss of OCIF grant allocation.

The 2023 Budget estimates for the Essex County Library Board, in addition the 2023 net operating and capital requirements in the amount of $123,599,230, were also approved.

Sandra Zwiers, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer, explained at the December 7 Budget Deliberation, County Council approved all departmental budgets, with the exception of the Essex County Library Board. That was held, pending Essex County Library Board approval.

Amendments made at the 2023 Budget Deliberation included the reduction of the proposed increase to the annual contribution to the new Windsor Essex Hospital Reserve by $580,000 to maintain the 2022 funding level; the reduction of the proposed transfer to reserves for Interest Income by $400,000; reallocation of $100,000 of reserve funds previously identified for SWIFT initiatives back to general revenue; and the elimination of the Physician Recruitment initiative resulting in a net expense reduction of $40,000.

This reduced the levy requirement to $123,599,230, or a proposed residential tax rate increase of 3.81 percent, Zwiers said.

During the Budget Deliberations, Chief Librarian, Adam Craig, presented the Budget for the Essex County Library as well as a multi-year pay equity and job evaluation review that had been completed. This would have two effects on the Library Board Budget: a retro-active payment for wages going back to 2013 and the impact of the new wage rates going forward, Zwiers explained.

A rough estimate of the retro-active cost, Zwiers explained, is around $1.6M. The Library, since 2013, has been setting money aside in its Accrued Payroll Account to help with the future cost of that settlement. It has $650,000.

The County also had a similar pay equity review take place in 2019, and also set aside funds in an Accrued Payroll Account in anticipation of a settlement. It has $505,000 remaining in the account, Zwiers explained.

At the December 7, 2022 Budget Deliberation meeting, Council approved the allocation of the County’s excess funds to ECL. There is still a shortfall of $445,000.

At its Board meeting on January 11, 2023, approval was granted to transfer $310,000 from the Essex County

Moving

Administration recommended transferring the balance of the cost of retro payments, around approximately $135,000, from the County’s Rate Stabilization Reserve. This nullifies the retro-active payment impact on the 2023 Budget, she said.

forward, the 2023 proposed Library Board Budget has a net levy requirement of $6,029,600, the same amount presented to County Council on December 7.

Council Notes

amount presented to County Council on December 7.

It notes in the report that while the total Library Board levy requirement remains unchanged from the December 7, 2022 presentation, amendments were made to increase wages and benefits to account for a combination of increased staffing hours established in 2022 and the impact of wage increases resulting from a settled Job Evaluation/Pay Equity arbitration.

To fund the increased costs, Essex County Library’s 2023 proposed Budget includes a transfer from Library’s Rate Stabilization Reserve of around $240,000 to temporarily fund the impact of increased service hours and pay equity adjusted wage rates, it continues.

Operations will be monitored and analyzed during 2023 to determine if levy funding will be sought from the County in the 2024 Budget.

Deputy Warden, and Deputy Mayor of Tecumseh, Joe Bachetti, explained this was a way of not having those additional funds for the Essex County Library come out of the 2023 Budget. As the new Chairperson of the Essex County Library Board, he believes there is confidence in achieving targets in 2024.

In addition, Zwiers said the County expected its Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) grant to remain the same as 2022. It was, however, reduced by the maximum of 15 percent.

As a result, the 2023 Budget overstates OCIF grant funding by $312,388. In 2023, the County will receive $1,770,202, compared to the $2,082,590 it received in 2022.

Based on an administrative review and

discussion, the shortfall in 2023 is recommended to be covered by a transfer from the Capital Reserve to preserve the portion of the capital program supported by OCIF grant funds, Zwiers explained.

Over the years, Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara said, the County has been prudent in its investments and has built the Rate Stabilization Fund to deal with surprises, such as the matters presented.

Warden, Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald, said she always worries when reserves are used for operations.

Mayor Sherry Bondy declared a Conflict of Interest, and did not vote on the matter, as she was formally employed by the Essex County Library Board.

Three new positions approved for the County of Essex

Acting CAO Mary Birch explained through approving departmental budgets at the December 7 meeting, County Council approved four new positions.

Those positions still need to come before Council as per the Hiring Policy.

The four positions include a Records and Management Analyst, a Human Resources Assistant, an IT professional, and a mechanic/operator to service the fleets for the Infrastructure Services Department and EMS.

All positions needed to be approved during the meeting, with the exception of the IT professional, as a Service Delivery Review will be conducted first to get a better idea of the job description, Birch explained.

County Council approved three positions and authorized starting the recruitment process.

“The Rising Village”

Brett said Wilson built a large, two-storey building – right around where the Libro Credit Union and RBC are today. The second floor was a public hall, which was named Wilson Hall. He had a store on the first floor referenced as both Wilson Store or Essex House.

Wilson also built a grain elevator, called Wilson Warehouse. It was destroyed in the 1907 railway explosion.

Streets in Essex Centre have been named after both individuals.

“I think it is fascinating that we have streets named after people of some importance to our history, but we don’t even really know who those people are,” Brett said.

Russell Street, she added, was named after the first individual to live on the road, W.H. Russell. He was a school teacher,

In its early days, many issues that would have financial implications for the settlement, would go to the electorate for a vote to approve the sale of the debenture, Brett said. The electorate would not always see eye-to-eye with Council.

The book also details the toll road, and the burning of the toll gates in 1896.

During this time-period, Brett said there was a demand for brick. The first brickmaker in Essex was James Hitch, the second was Cyrus Gardner.

Gardner started a brickyard in the area of what is now Sadler’s Pond.

“As he excavated the clay, he created an enormous crater that is Sadler’s Pond today,” Brett said. When she was a kid, she

would sit with friends on old cement boxlike structures with lids, and never knew what they were until she began reaching the book. They were brick-molds.

Iler Lodge is now located where Hutchie’s Pond used to be. It also became a pond, due to being a brickyard that Thaddeus B. Scott started.

Initially, Brett wanted to research up to the point Essex became a village. As she got writing, she believed the story she was capturing did not end there and it needed to go a little further to being incorporated as a town.

The book includes over 30 pages of footnotes, maps, and a section on the streetscape and how it has changed.

Information about the book and where to find it can be found on social media.

Essex District High School opens the doors for annual open house and pathways night

by Garrett Fodor

Looking ahead to the new school year, Essex District High School (EDHS) opened its doors and invited potential and current students from across the county to learn more about educational opportunities offered within the school.

On Tuesday, EDHS hosted its annual open house. The event allows grade 8 students as well as their families to come to the school, explore facilities, discuss education options and programs as well as talk to fellow students and staff. This night was not just an opportunity for the Grade Eights however. EDHS also had booths lined up throughout the grounds providing resources and information to the students and their families.

There were a number of Grade Eight students, transitioning into Grade Nine that came through the school to explore their options of study, explained Matthew Baggio a Guidance Counselor at EDHS. “We had student leaders providing tours, the band performed, so many staff was available to answer questions, as well as providing pathway

information for our current students to explore from community partners.”

In total, Baggio notes that there were over 24 different booths throughout the school on Tuesday, ranging from post secondary institutions to community organizations as well as skilled trades and apprenticeship programs.

For Baggio, it is his first year at EDHS, he notes he is extremely proud to see so many people and past alumni bringing their kids through the school. In terms of attendance both he and his colleagues estimate over 400 people attending the evening.

“Overall I think we are just excited to be able to do this again and have so many people here checking out the school again,” describes EDHS Guidance Counselor Deb McAiney, who has been at the school for over 10 years. “To me there is something special with EDHS. The staff, the student ambassadors and alumni are always so willing to come back and volunteer, helping organize and make this event so successful. It is so rewarding to see so many students involved and just seeing and hearing the interactions between

current and future Red Raiders is special and brings a smile to my face.”

McAiney notes that it was nice to be able to host the event and see everyone walking the halls again.

Both McAiney and Baggio thank students and their families for attending the event as well as the community partners, staff and everyone who helped to put together the event, noting that it takes a team to put on and plan a day like Tuesday.

“We are just so excited to welcome these future Red Raiders along with their families to the school in the coming months ahead,” describes McAiney. “We truly try to make it fun, its not a structured event, there’s food and drinks, a scavenger hunt, giveaways and other things for the children attending. I think having this opportunity helps to get the group of kids comfortable with oneanother and gives them something to be excited for. I encourage all of the incumbent students to get out there and join a club or a team, make an impact with your time as a Red Raider.”

Over the next few weeks, the Essex Free Press will connect with senior staff members with the Town of Essex to learn about their plans, goals, and all-round vision for 2023.

by Sylene Argent

The coming months will be busy in maintaining existing playgrounds, sports fields, recreation facilities, and parks within the Town of Essex, in addition to planning for the future.

Beneath the Community Services umbrella, three master plans will be conducted this year to lay out the framework for the future.

The Community Services Master Plan will update the

2015 Parks and Recreation Master Plan that has guided past Councils and staff in fulfilling the vision as it relates to needs and wants of the community. Most of the goals laid out in the 2015 documents were accomplished.

The new Community Services Master Plan will pave the pathway over the next decade or so, and prepare those needs and wants for future Town of Essex budgets, Jake Morassut said, who is the Director of

Community Services.

“It will be a huge accomplishment for the Town to get this Master Plan approved by Council,” Morassut said. “We are essentially taking all the feedback we get from the public, stakeholders, municipal staff, and Council and compiling [that information into a] document. It will be huge for us to get that finalized.”

The feedback process includes a survey residents can fill out by January 30 at www. essex.ca/MasterPlan. Once the consultants on the project develop a draft plan, a public open house will be hosted as a

feedback session.

In the 2023 Budget, which has yet to be approved, is a request for funds to support a Fire Master Plan, which would include a Community Risk Assessment and will put a process in place to identify the future location for Fire Station 3. Essex Fire & Rescue is eagerly awaiting a new fire truck to arrive sometime this year. In 2022, Council approved a new tandem axle rear mount aerial platform truck, in the total amount of $1,552,847,42. It will be located at Station #2.

The Essex Sports Fields, located on the southside of

Highway 3, is slated to open in 2024, after grass has had a year to germinate. The Community Services Department is working to ensure it has the proper nets in place. Morassut said he is working with user groups currently to determine what size fields are required.

The Town has built four senior soccer fields and two junior fields. The senior fields can be split up into intermediate or junior size as well.

“It is definitely very exciting.

There has been a lack of soccer fields [in Essex Centre] for a number of years, so getting the ball rolling on this is

extremely important,” he said, noting the Town is working to find grants and other funding models to work towards expanding the facility as there is a need for changerooms, washrooms, a canteen, and baseball fields.

Because it has a jointventure between Essex and Amherstburg, a multiyear Master Plan for CoAn Park is also being created this year. An open house and survey were hosted last fall to allow for public feedback.

The Town is still in the assessment phase for the former Harrow High School property it purchased in late 2021. Staff is still looking for options to present to Council on how to proceed. Once surveys are completed for the Community Service Master Plan, Town staff

include demolishing, refurbishing, building new, or building off a different facility for identified community needs.

In the 2023 Budget, Morassut said Community Services is asking for an additional Horticultural Operator. In addition to having high standards for maintenance, there has been quite a bit of expansion to gardens and landscaping throughout the Town, including with the newly completed Harrow Streetscape and the Essex Centre Streetscape to come.

There have also been plans to do things, but they have not been done because the workload has been so heavy.

How much of an asset trees are can get overlooked, Morassut said. Council has

Most of what the Community Services Department requested in the 2023 Budget focuses on maintaining existing assets. There could be additional projects that come up over the next year, based on grant funding.

The Community Services Department is trying to expand special events, as well. Morassut is hopeful a few new activities will come to fruition this year. He said the Town does have to rely on community partners and user groups to help with events, and the Town tries to provide assistance in any way it can.

Volunteers are always being sought for the Essex Festival Committee. If anyone is interested in volunteering at events, including high school students needing to earn

by Sylene Argent

The Operations Department with the Town of Essex recently installed a three-way stop at the South Talbot/Reed Street intersection in an attempt to try and improve on some of the complaints the Town was receiving, Director of Infrastructure, Kevin Girard, explained during the 2023 Budget Walkthrough last Wednesday.

The three-way stop is temporary.

The intent, he said, is to keep that as a temporary measure as South Talbot Road is a collector road in Essex Centre.

“Its intent is to move traffic. So, if Council approves this Capital Budget, we intend to remove that temporary 3-way stop and improve the safety of the road through the approval of the project [presented through the 2023 Budget],” Girard said.

In the Capital Budget, $50,000 (half from Asset Management and half from taxation) is requested for intersection improvement road work for South Talbot Road at Reed Street.

During the Budget Walkthrough, it was explained the bend in the road is fairly sharp and it is sometimes approached with not enough care in consideration for that.

The Infrastructure Services Department is looking to realign the road to increase the radius on one side. This would increase the curve to make it gentler, David McBeth explained, who is the Manager of Capital Works and Asset Management. In addition, the asphalt would be extended and curb closer to

the property line, the lines would be repainted, any needed signage would be added.

Councillor Katie McGuire-Blais asked if anything is being done about where the driveways meet on South Talbot for the existing McDonald’s and Tim Hortons plaza on the west side of the road, and the future Home Hardware location on the east.

As part of the Essex Town Centre subdivision development, a traffic impact study was conducted for that area and took into consideration the closure of access to Highway 3 from Victoria Avenue, Girard explained.

That study indicated that at some point improvements will be needed at the South Talbot and Maidstone Avenue intersection. With the future expansion of Essex Town Centre subdivision, the Town will study that further to determine what the trigger will be to implement those further improvements, once the Home Hardware is finished and other factors occur.

The Town has heard about traffic congestion, related to the two driveways on South Talbot, due to the services of McDonald’s and Tim Hortons, and how traffic can back up to that intersection.

“In light of the fact we know there is more to come on that intersection, it would be premature to try and implement any kind of measure and just rely more on drivers adhering to the law in terms of driving,” he said.

There will be more to come in the future, he said.

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LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Claims against the Estate of SHIRLEY CHRISTINE DICKER late of the Town of Essex, in the County of Essex and Province of Ontario, who died on December 26, 2022 , must be in my hands by March 17th 2023, after which date the estate will be distributed.

WILLIAM K. KENDRICK, Barrister & Solicitor, 903-500 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 1B3, Solicitor for the Estate Trustees.

FARMING

WANTED

Farm Land to Rent Cash or Share Crop Call Jeff Siefker (cell) 519-796-1240 or (home) 519-776-9501. 1-tfn

SERVICES

KENNETH YARDWORKS - Fall CleanUp. leaves, Trees, bushes, trimmed or removed. Sod, mulch, eavestrough cleaning and repairs, power washing. Loads to the dump. Fully licensed & insured. Free estimates. Call Kenneth: 519-982-0362. 1-tfn

HELP WANTED

SERVICES

MARTY’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS - Tune-ups, repairs, & service on snowblowers, riding lawn mowers, chainsaws, & more! 519-733-0986, (c) 519-965-5918. 1-tf

JOHN’S WOODWORKING - Repairs and refinishing of wood furniture. We are located in Essex serving Windsor/Essex area. Call/text 519-818-4480 or jjarps@ hotmail.com 49-tfn

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED: Tilray Inc. is looking for Greenhouse Production Associates to join their team. Duties include daily crop maintenance, harvesting, crop rotation, inventory counts, and cleaning of greenhouse. No public transportation available. Located in Leamington, ON. Compensation starts at $15.50/hour. Full time hours - Monday through Friday with occasional Saturdays. Please apply at careers@tilray.com or mail resume to P.O. Box 20009 269 Erie St. S. Leamington, ON N8H 3C4.

HIRING! LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE and LANDSCAPE LABOURERS, $18/hour. Experience necessary. Fax your resume to (519) 723-2336 or email to quinlaninc@ kelcom.igs.net 1-1tf

ORCHARD PARK CO-OP IN ESSEX is looking for a Part time Experienced Handyman for routine maintenance, including drywall and painting for the property units (townhouse & apartment building). Plumber/Electrician Certification is an asset but not necessary. Rate of pay between $24.00 and $26.00, based on experience. Please forward Resume to opoffice@bellnet.ca or drop off at 33 Maidstone Ave , Essex in the apartment building. 3-1t*

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED: Greenhouse and Packing line Labour. General greenhouse labour, duties include pruning, picking, planting and cleaning of greenhouse. Packing line labour, duties include inspecting, weighing and packing produce on assembly line. Lifting, bending and standing is required. Must be able to work all shifts. Rural area. No public transportation available. No specific education required. Experience is an asset. Rate of pay- $15.50. To apply please email: Lindsay@policellafarms. com Or Mail to Domric International, PO Box 218, Ruthven ON N0P 2G0. 1-tfn

FOR SALE

MACHINERY FOR SALE - Woods Ditch Chopper. Call: 519-995-4450. 01-7t*

PETS

DOG FOR SALE: Six-month-old Cocker Spaniel. House trained, all shots including Rabies vaccine. All personal pet items included. Owner has health issues. Call Ann 519-733-4719.

WANTED

CASH PAID for antiques, costume jewellery, furniture, gold, sterling, coins, tools, complete estates. We take it all! Free appraisals. Call 519-727-8894. 1-tfn

WANTED

CASH PAID for scrap cars and trucks. Free removal. Please phone: 519-776-1361 or 519-791-5046. 1-tfn

REAL ESTATE

Buying or selling a farm? Do you know the right questions and answers? Farm Experienced Realtor Carl Idzinski, Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty - Brokerage. 519-817-8891. 1-tt*

2 BEDROOM HOUSE FOR SALE - On large lot. Large shed on County Rd. 31. South County Rd. 8, 2744. Call: 519-982-4826 or 519-995-4450. 1-7t*

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2023 Budget Walkthrough details challenges with inflation, and maintaining service levels

by Sylene Argent

The 2023 Budget for the Town of Essex has been formulated to address record levels of inflation, while maintaining service levels; ensuring customer service and innovations; and finding alternative revenue streams to assist in stabilizing tax increases, Council learned during the 2023 Budget Walkthrough held last Wednesday morning.

The preliminary educational session was meant to familiarize members of Council and the public with this year’s budget document. Budget deliberations will take place mid-February.

“This document outlines a financing approach intended to strengthen the Town’s financial condition, address infrastructure needs, and maintain and improve services residents access regularly,” Essex CAO, Doug Sweet, said.

“Over my career in municipal government, this has been the most challenging budget we have had to prepare. The current economic landscape has brought forward new challenges. Administration has made significant efforts to reduce expenses and balance additional costs,” Sweet added.

The Town is proposing a 2023 Budget, with revenues totalling $68.5M; of which $21M would come from taxation. In addition, internal transfers totaled $16M (monies coming out of reserve), $14M in user fees, $10M in grants, $4M in contributions from developers, over $1M in licensing, penalties, and fees, and nearly $1M in investments and other income.

The proposed 2023 Budget includes $55M in total operating revenue. Nearly 40 percent of taxation is what funds the

Operating Budget. Salaries account for nearly 25 percent of the Town’s Operating Budget.

The Town is also proposing a Capital Budget of $13.1M.

As presented, the unapproved average tax increase would be 4.12%, including the estimated County of Essex and education impacts.

That means, on a median house in Essex, this would be an average annual increase of $123 per average household valued at $189,000 (via MPAC records), if approved as presented.

In addition to preparing the 2023 Budget with those aforementioned challenges, Kate Giurissevich, Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer, noted the Finance Department underwent a Budget Rest. Correlating with the start of a new Term of Council, departments were required to start their budgets from scratch, and then compare them to previous years.

“This often does result in more accurate and relevant budget data, and it ensures Managers and Directors are really looking at where their dollars are allocated, and whether they are necessary, or if we can make adjustments within those departments,” Giurissevich explained.

In the 2023 Budget, staff is recommending the addition of four fulltime positions – a horticulture operator, a junior planner, and splitting the existing Executive Assistant for HR/Office of the CAO into two positions, which will also assist with communications. In addition, it includes a fulltime Water Operator, which was preapproved.

Three part-time positions were proposed – two By-Law Enforcement Officers and

an Infrastructure Clerk.

The proposed four full-time and three part-time positions in the 2023 budget year, would have a total impact of just above $300,000.

Proposed in the 2023 Budget is a total of $13,068,895 for salaries, wages, benefits, and personnel expense changes. That is a $1,144,602 increase, when comparing 2022 to 2023.

Some of the changes in taxation, Giurissevich said, includes rate increases to the 2023 Roads Levy of $266,595 – the biggest underfunded portfolio for the Town of Essex, and two new levies: New Capital Levy of $73,190 – to correlate with new growth, and Budget Stabilization Levy of $36,595. Inflationary increases to garbage collection totaled $303,218 – after the Town found savings from previous years to reduce the original total, and $241,447 in operating expenses for inflationary impacts.

Annually, Giurissevich explained, the Town relies heavily on grant funding for the operating and capital budgets. The town received notice that the 2023 committed allocation from the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund is $4,069,900. Essex will get $1,055,799 through the Canada Community Benefit Fund (CCBF) and $1,531,824 through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF).

There is currently $25.35M in long-term debt. Based on the Budget Forecast, it is estimated the Town will take on additional $5M in debt in 2025. Based on the forecast, Essex’s Long-Term Debt could potentially be under $20M by 2027, Giurissevich said

In looking at asset management –which plans for the future replacement

of infrastructure, over the next few years, Council has to find a way to put more funds into the reserve to ensure assets are being replaced when due. 2023 begins with around $7M in the Asset Management Reserve. By the end of the year, it is estimated there will be $4.6M left. It is forecasted that at the end of 2027, $1.3M will be left in the Asset Managing Reserve.

Some of the proposed items in the budget include:

Council category:

$50,000 in a Council Contingency Fund for unexpected projects

$25,000 to start the process to establish a South-North public transit system within Essex, if Council wants to pursue this and if grant funding is received.

Corporate Services:

$60,000 to complete stage two of the legislatively required Asset Management Plan, from OCIF grant funding

IT Department:

$40,000 to upgrade financial software, from IT contingency reserve

$27,000 for meeting room hardware to host virtual meetings in Harrow and large meeting room at Town Hall Essex Fire & Rescue

$500,000 to upgrade existing radio system, from Fire Reserve

$100,000 to complete a require comprehensive Community Risk Assessment

$38,597 to update software systems $120,000 to replace the 24-year-old

support vehicle at Station 3 $32,837 to replace six to eight sets of personal protective equipment gear Parks (all from the Asset Management

FromThe Heart

IN LOVING MEMORY

CARD OF THANKS

Thank You

The family of the late Patricia A. Borland would like to express a heartfelt thank you. We sincerely appreciate the floral arrangements, sympathy cards, charitable donations, and the prayers for our family.

Thank you to the pallbearers and Tony and staff at the Kennedy Funeral Home for their guidance and understanding. We also extend our thanks to relatives, friends, neighbours for their good deeds and loving care during this time.

Sincerely, The Borland family.

Email your photo and content to contact@essexfreepress.com or drop by our office at 16 Centre St., Essex. Personal notices must be received by Monday at 12:00 noon to appear in the Thursday edition.

OBITUARIES

BEAUDETTE , Helen (nee Garrod)passed peacefully at the age of 101, surrounded by her loving family on January 19, 2023 at Erie Shores Hospice. Predeceased by her beloved husband James Cyril (2002). Adored mother of late Jay (Mary), late Richard (Joyce), Sister Maggie “Peggy” Beaudette, Tim (Madonna), late Donna Beaudette, late Paul Beaduette (Sharon). Precious Grandma of 9 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and one great great grandaughter. Dearest sister of Joyce St. Pierre, Delia Loebach and Winnie Brown and predeceased by her siblings, Walter, Rosemary, Wesley, Grant, Regina and Irvin. Helen was a faithful member of Holy Name of Jesus Church in Essex and a 76 year member of their CWL. Visitation was held at Reid Funeral Home, 87 Maidstone Avenue East, Essex (519-776-4233). Mass of the Resurrection took place on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 146 Talbot Street South, Essex. Interment Heavenly Rest Cemetery. Memorial donations made to Erie Shores Hospice or charity of choice would be appreciated. Family and friends are invited to share their memories online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

Knobby’s Kids received generous donation from St. Clair Alumni Association

submitted to EFP

The St. Clair College Alumni Association donated $5,000 to the Knobby’s Kids hockey and skating program at Lanspeary Park last past Saturday.

The funds will be used towards the costs of rink rental and insurance for Saturday morning programs held 8-11 am at Windsor’s Lanspeary Lions Outdoor Rink, at 1250 Langlois Ave.

The College’s alumni association has donated to cover these costs for over ten years.

Knobby’s Kids is a skating and hockey program for kids who cannot afford skates and equipment to learn or play in an organized hockey league or learn how to skate. The program runs from late fall till March.

Knobby’s Kids Founders - Knobby’s Kids was founded in 2006 by Robert “Knobby” Knudsen, Jerry Slavic, and Frank Spry, who all saw a need for a free hockey and skating program in the community. All of the founders of this program have passed away. Marty Kerester and community volunteers are running the program for our community.

To register for the program or to donate used or new skates or hockey equipment, email windsorknobbyskids@ gmail.com.

In Memoriam

Ron GillyGILLETT

July 14, 1957

January 25, 2022

You are no longer here with us, no more laughter, joy or play. Not a moment in our life goes by that we don’t think of you that day.

Voice Of Inspiration

“Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.”

– Bob Kerrey

What’s Going On...

JAN. 26 - VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT NIGHT - At Maidstone Museum, 1093 Puce Rd. at 7pm. Stop in for refreshments & see what we are about. All ages welcome.

JAN. 28 - AMHERSTBURG’S TRUE FESTIVAL - 6-10pm in downtown Amherstburg. Free event with entertainment. All are welcome! INFO: visitamherstburg.ca/true.

JAN. 31 - HARROW BLOOD DONOR CLINIC - Camoes Portuguese Club - 390 Sinasac St. W. Harrow. Visit online at: blood.ca

FEB. 4 -COLOUR FOR SENIORS WITH MAYOR BONDY - At Essex Library, 35 Gosfield Townline W. 10am - 12pm. If you can’t come, feel free to drop off drawings.

FEB. 8 - ESSEX BLOOD DONOR CLINIC - Essex Centre Sports Complex - 60 Fairview Ave W. Essex. Visit online at: blood.ca

FEB. 8 - ESSEX COUNTY FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB MEETING - Every second Wednesday of the month, except November, at Ojibway Nature Center, 5200 Matchette Rd. at 7:30am. FREE and all are welcome to attend.

HIATUS HOUSE: offers counselling services in Essex County. Women’s Fresh Start group therapy is once a week. For info or to schedule an intake appointment, call the 24-hour Hiatus House helpline at 519-252-7781.

Tami, Jana, Dane, Tyson, Cole & The Allen family.

Budget Walkthrough...

Reserve, unless indicated:

$25,000 for Harrow Downtown Landscaping of Town-owned properties

$45,000 chimney replacement for train station

$58,000 to replace fencing along Fairview

$225,000 to replace for new playset at Stanton Park

$45,000 to replace asphalt path and basketball court Sparky’s Park $50,000 to bring electrical services to the Heritage Gardens Park (from the Ward 1 Parks Reserve)

“Your Mind Matters II” Raffle – Thank You

On January 3, we drew the winners for our “Your Mind Matters II” raffle. We would like to thank the Essex 73’s for all of their help and all of the very generous donors for the great raffle prizes. It is a time of year when there are many requests, and every cause is a good cause, so we appreciate your support. Thanks also to everyone in the community who bought tickets for our raffle. We were able to raise $11,319 through ticket sales and monetary donations for a two-year total of $24,509 donated to the CMHA Windsor/Essex in memory of Mike Reaume. We are very grateful for all of the support to raise awareness of the importance of mental health.

Generous Monetary Donations were made by:

Preferred Windows & Doors, Sunrise Backhoe, Kennedy Funeral Home, Al & Stephanie Reaume, Anna & Thorne Won, John Mulder, Derek Jones, Dairy Freez (Proceeds from Shirt Sales)

Congratulations to all of our winners:

PRIZE:

$900 Suite at Windsor Spitfire Game

PRIZE DONOR: WINNER:

Precision Jewellers Sherri Arsenault

$680 Eero Wifi 6 Gosfield North Communication Rick Marshall

$650 T-Fal Hard Titanium Pots & Pans

Marc & Jane Reaume Shawn Robert

$600 Legends Night VIP Table Essex 73’s Bernie Fuerth

$500 65”Television Zehrs LaSalle Mo O’Gorman

$500 Best Buy Gift Card Dairy Freez & Reaume Family John Michael

$500 Amazon Gift Card Dairy Freez & Reaume Family Terry Ozard

$400 Ridgid Power Tools Brian & Mary Beth Bacon & family Kinger

$400 Capri Pizza for a Year Capri Pizza LaSalle Colleen Sylvestre

$400 Detroit Red Wings Golf Bag/ Golf Balls/2 Spitfire Tickets

Merchant’s Paper Carl Cooper

$350 Quilt by The Quilt Lady Denise & Ed Jones John Platt/Snap On Tools

$300 Spitfire Tickets including Parking Libro Credit Union Essex Branch Mo O’Gorman

$260 Air Fryer Al & Stephanie Reaume Luke Market

$215 Golf for 4 with Carts

Belleview Golf Club Blake Gemus

$200 Alex & Ani Bracelets & Necklace Precision Jewellers Rick Loebach

$200 Gift Certificate Essex Home Furnishings Halle Tiessen

$200 Taylor Hall NHL Jersey Greg Drouillard/Target Building Supplies Shelly Crankshaw

$190 Air Pods Mark & Roberta Morgan John VandeHogan

$160 Gift Certificate Zaccagnini Meats Bev Fergueson

$140 Gift Package Raymont’s Berries Marty & Michelle O’Gorman

$130 Your Mind Matters/Dairy Freez Yeti Mugs Dairy Freez & Reaume Family John Markovich

$120 Point Pelee Boardwalk Canvas SX Communications Morley Bowman

$100 Gift Basket Vicky & Lyle Smith/Tim Horton’s Marnie Aldridge

$100 Gift Certificate Bad Axe Robin Marshall

$100 Keg Gift Card Ken & Monique Croft Brian Bacon

$100 Victory Sports (formerly Perani’s) Gift Card John & Susana Reaume Heidi Wright

$90 Gift Certificate

Talbot Massage Therapy: Kristina Smith

$85 Gift Certificate FATE Frank Del Papa

$85 Essex 73’s Hoody Victory Sports (formerly Perani’s) April Quinlan

$80 Pour-Over-Craft-Coffee Kit

$75 Gift Package

$75 Gift Package

$70 Gift Package

Essex Home Hardware Mike Pare

Reaume Motors Marty & Michelle O’Gorman

Reaume Motors Heather Greenwood

The Grove: Shawn Robert

$65 Your Mind Matters/73’s Yeti Mug Belle River Source for Sports Pete Crankshaw

$60 Gift Package

Horton’s

$110,000 to replace protective surface at Harrow Playground

$45,000 for sidewalk and retention wall around Harrow Daycare (half from the Asset Management Reserve, and half from Youth and Senior Reserve)

$20,000 for the Colchester Schoolhouse or gas, electrical, and renovations

The Essex Recreation Complex:

$150,000 (from reserve) for the Town’s half of the cost of rooftop repairs.

$40,000 for a Net Zero Study for Essex Recreation Complex for energy efficiencies, with $32,000 coming from a grant and the remainder from reserves.

Arenas:

$567,000 for Harrow Arena parking lot, from Asset Management Reserve

$150,000 Harrow Arena outer building repairs, from Asset Management Reserve

$70,000 for Net Zero Study for Arenas, of which $56,000 from a grant, the remainder from reserves

$24,000 for Accessible doors at Essex Centre Sports Complex, with half from Asset Management Reserve, $10,000 from a grant, and the remainder from the Youth and Senior Reserve

Planning:

$10,000 for half the project cost for bike lockers, repair stations, rodeo, valet, helmets from the Green Funds reserve. The project is split with the County of Essex.

$50,000 for Development Charge Background Study that must be undertaken in 2023, from the Development Charge Reserve

Economic Development:

$25,000 for the continuation of completing action items as identified in the Agritourism Development Strategy, from the Economic Development Reserve Public Works:

$1,033,000 for various equipment, of which none is coming from taxation, $835,500 from Asset Management Reserve, with the remaining through other reserves or means of funding.

Roads and Roadside: Requested $3,483,361 in project costs, of which $1,980,000 would come from the

Asset Management Reserve, $1,210,861 from grants, and $73,000 from taxation.

Included is $285,000 in improvements to the Maidstone/Arthur/Gosfield intersection. Half from grants and half from Asset Management Reserve. The total project cost is $686,666, with the remainder carried over from 2022.

In addition to $1,535,000 ($1,135,000 from Asset Management Reserve, $400,000 from grants) for hot mix resurfacing on Wright Road to County Road 50 south limit; Arthur St S to County Road 20 to Murdoch; North Malden Road to Walker Side Road to County Road 11.

$480,000 from the Asset Management Reserve for annual maintenance overlay on select rural tar and chip roads to extend their useful life.

$423,361 (from OCIF/Gas Tax & Trails Reserve) for this year’s share of a multiyear project of a paved shoulder on County Road 50, from Wright to County Road 41 paved shoulder.

$30,000 Requested ($18,000 from taxation and the remaining from the Trails Reserve) is the Town’s share of a $50,000 study to determine feasibility to construct a CWATS trail along Maidstone Avenue, from South Talbot Road to Bell Avenue. The County of Essex covers the remainder.

$50,000 (half from Asset Management and half from taxation) is also requested for intersection improvements and road work for South Talbot Road at Reed Street.

Irwin Avenue was not on this year’s list because it is currently under detail design with a consultant, which will be completed sometime this year. The expectation is to have it tendered in the 2024 Budget.

Stormwater Management: $2,590,000 is proposed, of which $1,025,000 will come from the Asset Management Reserve and $1,565,000 from grant funding.

Water: $846,000 is proposed from the Water Reserve, including $200,000 to replace a backhoe; $205,000 to replace equipment, maintenance, issues, and design investigations with respect to HarrowColchester South Water Treatment Plant; and $331,000 capital improvements to Harrow-Colchester South Water Treatment Plant.

Sanitary Sewer: $1,479,000 requested for works from the Sanitary Sewer Reserve. Water and sanitary sewer are funded through user fees.

Residents can learn more, view the budget document, and provide input to the Town until February 13, at www.essex.ca/ budget

St. Paul’s Anglican Church

submitted by Sandra Lypps

Join us for Sunday service each week at 11am. Please keep our Clothes Cupboard in mind when you clean out your closets.

Our pasta dinner is Friday, Feb. 3, 5-6:30pm. For information about what is happening at St Paul’s, visit our website: www.stpaulstrinity.org) or social media.

Messages are checked regularly at the church office, at 519-776-7711 .

Central Essex County Catholic Family of Parishes Essex, Maidstone, McGregor, and Woodslee

Share Lent workshop is on January 28 at St. Mary’s hall at 10am.

St. Mary’s Mission group is collecting men’s sweaters and coats of all sizes for the migrant workers. Please drop off at the back of the church.

A Parents meeting for Confirmation is on February 8 at 7pm at Holy Name of Jesus parish hall.

St. Mary’s All You Can Eat Pasta Night is on February 6 from 5 - 7pm at St. Mary’s hall.

The K of C Fish Fry is on January 27th from 4:30-7:00pm at Holy Name of Jesus parish hall.

Salvation Army Essex Church submitted by Carolyn Barnett

Our church family was saddened to hear of the passing of one of our former officers, Major Ernie Reid. Please keep his family in your prayers.

Major Jim Hann leads family worship this Sunday at 10:30a.m. His sermon topic is Meal for a Multitude, as we

continue looking into the book of John.

SA Connections is our free community program held on Tuesdays from 10am-1pm. Our January 31st program is “Common Expressions.” Come out and see what Linda and Ann have in-store for us and enjoy a lunch!

Note that there will be no Bible Study on January 31st.

For Food Bank information, call the church office at 519776-4628. We are in need of pasta and sauce. If you would like to make a donation, it can be dropped off on Tues., Wed, and Fri. between 9-2. Support is appreciated.

Essex Christian Reformed Church submitted by Beverley Van Huizen

You are invite you to join us each Sunday at 10am in person or online, at www.essexcrc.ca. Or you may join us online each Sunday morning beginning at 10am. Plan to stay afterward for fellowship, coffee, and goodies. Nursery supervision will be provided.

Come be part of the community, our Take-a-book Leave-a-book library is now in front of Essex CRC church. Join us on Saturday mornings from 8:45-9:30am for a time of prayer for one another, the church, community and the lives of those living around us.

GEMS and Cadets meet on Monday evenings from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. This is a great club for girls and boys from Grade 1-8 where we participate in bible studies, crafts and games. All are welcome to attend.

Paquette News

This Sunday is the final service with our interim pastor, the Rev. Colin Pearce. It has been wonderful to share our worship time with him and he has been a real gift from God to the parish.

The first Sunday in February will be our first Sunday with our new pastor, the Rev. Hilton Gomes. St. Stephen’s and Church of the Redeemer will be sharing in ministry with Trinity, Cottam with Rev. Gomes as rector for all three congregations. This will mean a change in worship times but all three churches are excited about what God is doing.

Trinity Anglican Church

Thank you to all who contributed socks, hats, gloves,etc. They were donated to Street Angels who assist those who are homeless. There is a special need for men’s size 10 and size 11 running shoes and boots.

We are collecting items for our purses of love. gloves, socks, hand wipes, kleenex, gum, etc are needed. The purses/bags will be given to Street Help for those that are homeless.

Join us this Sunday, at 9:30 am with Rev.’d Hilton Gomes. The annual Vestry Meeting is on Sunday, Jan. 29th.

Take-out Shrove Tuesday Pancake supper on Feb. 21 from 4-6 pm. Pre-order with message and include your requested pick up time at 519-839-5303.

Our office hours are Fridays, 10:30 - 12:30.

Essex United Church

We welcome Richard Dalton who is leading our worship service this Sunday, January 29th. We welcome him and all who would like to join us for our 10:30 service. Our condolences go to the family of Rev. Doreen Canavan, who passed away on January 11, 2023. Rev. Doreen was our minister for many years. Please check out our website, essexunitedchurch.ca. The Essex Food Bank is open Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Woodslee United Church

Join us for Sunday Service and Sunday School at 10:45am. Rev. Carl will lead the Service. Video of the Service and bulletins on our website: woodsleepastoralcharge.ca

Our Congregational Meeting is on Februay 12 after the Service.

Join us for coffee and conversation every Thursday at 10am. Enjoy Playing Cards? Join us every Monday at 1pm for Euchre, and every Wednesday at 1pm for Pepper. Everyone is welcome

Bethel-Maidstone United

Our service begins at 10 am Sunday mornings, and all are invited to hear Rev. Paul Rodey’s message. We enjoy coffee hour in the hall after the service. All are welcome.

On Sunday, January 29, there is a soup & sandwich lunch and games day after the service. Join us! If you have a favourite game, please bring it along.

The next UCW Meeting is on Mon., Feb.13 at 1pm. All ladies of the congregation are invited to attend.

Our Annual Meeting is on Sun., Feb. 19. A soup & sandwich lunch will be served. Committee chairs are asked to submit their reports to the office by January 29.

The secretary can be reached on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am - 1pm at: (519) 723-2284 and our email is bethelmaidstone@gmail.com. We are located at 933 Talbot Road, Maidstone, near the corner of Manning Road and Talbot. www.bethelmaidstone.com

Essex Retirees’ Social Club

We had the following winners for Pepper: Gary West with the high score, Betty West & Cathy Dewhurst with the lowest scores, and the most peppers went to Terry Durance for both days and Charlie Chevalier.

Pepper is played on Mondays at 1pm and Wednesdays at 7pm and every-other Saturday. We host Euchre on Fridays at 1pm. Please stop in and grab one of our monthly newsletters with a list the programs we have going on.

Leamington resident Derrick Tassey sent me the photo you see here. The two women on the right are Derrick’s mother and aunt. The two older people on the left are his grandfather and grandmother. We are not sure who is in the car.

I spotted the car right away as a 1940 Buick Super or Roadmaster sedan by the design of the front bumper, the grille, the location of the headlight, the parking light, and the rocker panel.

My older brother John and I bought a mint original 1940 Buick Super coupe from Ray Young, the local Pontiac-Buick dealer in Leamington in June 1958. I had just turned 16 and that car stayed in our family for 30 years. During that time it even appeared in the Warner Bros. motion picture Class of 44.

Our Buick and the car in the photo are McLaughlin-Buicks, the name for Buicks built in Oshawa to 1942 and named for the McLaughlin family who brought General Motors to Oshawa in 1918. The Buick Super and Roadmaster for 1940 had the new wide body while the Special and Century retained the ’39 body with running boards.

Derrick thinks the photo was taken around 1941. Ontario license plates in 1941 were white with green numbers and a letter. I’m always looking for stories. Email billtsherk@sympatico.ca

submitted to EFP

It was three up three down this past week for the Essex Southpoint (ESP) U13 Hockey team in Bluewater League action.

On Wednesday night ESP hosted the Belle River Canadiens, in Leamington, and scored early and often as they cruised to a 9-1 win. Austin Goudie led the assault scoring two while Derek Dunn, Nathan Mariuz, Lucas O’Neil, JoJo McLeod, Kayden Cook, AJ Youssef ,and Ben Liebrock each potted one.

On Friday night ESP hosted the Riverside Rangers, skating away with a 10-1 victory. Derek Dunn, Austin Goudie and Ben Liebrock each sniped two. Singles scored by Lucas O’Neil, Jonathon Recker, JoJo McLeod, and Kayden Cook. Goaltender Kevin Ondic got the win.

On Saturday the team traveled to Tecumseh for a tilt with the Eagles. Although ESP controlled the majority of play and held a healthy advantage in shots. Late in the firest period, Tyler Thomas sent a pass to Kayden Cook who snapped his shot just under the bar to take the lead. Despite numerous chances there was no scoring until the final period when Austin Goudie found Ben Liebrock in the slot and he made no mistake ripping his wrister home to increase the lead. ESP notched the 2-0 victory. Trent Chevalier, between the pipes, earned the win for his team as they now prepare for the International Silver Stick Finals in Port Huron this weekend.

Derrick Tassey’s family with 1940 Buick

Photos like this are priceless!

by Garrett Fodor

The Essex 73’s remain perched at first place, with plenty of breathing room.

The 73’s had just one game on the schedule last week.

On Tuesday, the 73’s welcomed the Dresden Jr. Kings to town.

From the opening faceoff, the 73’s players were quick to show the difference in caliber and pace between the two teams, taking control of the puck and zipping it around the offensive zone, testing Joseph Malinowski early and often.

It was midway through the first period when when Everett Parent banged in the opening goal for Essex. The lead doubled nearly four-minutes later, when lone rookie, Austin Guevremont, potted his ninth of the season.

Two-minutes into the second period Conor Dembinski opened the scoring for Essex and five mintues later, Issac Legood scored his eleventh of the season,

increasing the lead 4-0.

Essex extended the lead to 5-0, with Jacob Cruickshank made it a 5-0 game on a powerplay tally.

Through 40-minutes, Essex held a 5-0 lead, while outshooting the Jr. Kings 38-12.

In the third period, the 73’s continued to cruise, simply dominating and frustrating their opponent.

73’s forward, Connor McCracken, made it a 6-0 lead just over twominutes into the third. The Kings responded before the 73’s added a pair of unanswered goals late. Legood led the way scoring a goal and adding three assists. Essex ended up towering over the Jr. Kings with a final score of 8-1, and outshooting Dresden 48-22.

With just one game this week, the 73’s now have a week off before traveling to Wallaceburg Wednesday for its first of three games for the week, including a trip to Lakeshore on Friday.

Red Raider signs to Lancers Football...

leading by example.

Travis believes putting in hard work pays off. He recalled how EDHS won a two-tier championship this season, due to the hours of dedication the team put in to win. He has also played for the Essex County Ravens, and won three championship rings as part of the Bantam, Junior, and Varsity teams.

He urged other athletes looking to advance to the university-level of play to focus on their goals and keep pushing forward, especially through those tough times where they may want to give up.

Essex District High School - Football All-Stars

submitted to EFP

The Essex District High School (EDHS) Senior football team capped off its 2022 Tier 2 championship season with several year-end awards winners and allstars.

Linebacker Nathan Smith was recognized as the Tier 2 Defensive Player of the Year. The leagues top scoring offense had four

all-star selections: QB Ethan Travis, RB Max Mills, WR Matt Bitzer, and OL Zoel Lang. The top ranked defense added three more all-stars: DL Madden Clarke, DB Bryson Doherty, and DB Brody Britenbaugh. The Red Raider coaches were also recognized as Tier 2 Coaching Staff of the Year.

Players pictured (from left to right): Zoel Lang, Matt Bitzer, Max Mills, Ethan Travis, Nathan Smith, Madden Clarke, Bryson Doherty, and Brody Britenbaugh.

submitted

EFP

The Essex-Southpoint Hockey Club U11 (ESP) travelled to Sarnia January 13/23 to January 15/23 to participate in the U11 A International Silver Stick Tournament. In the U11 A-division, teams from San Jose California, Denver Colorado, Brooklyn New York, Bowling Green Ohio, Flint Michigan, Sault Ste. Marie, Barrie, North York Toronto, Woodstock, Center Wellington, Sarnia, and Essex participated.

In round-robin play, ESP won all four games, defeating San Jose Sharks 7-1, Flint Ice Raiders 9-1, Sault Ste. Marie Bulk Barn 5-0, and North York Knights 6-0. The tandem duo of Owen Tavares and Keegan Pope each earned a shut out and allowed only one goal. The strong defence of Brady George, Russell Colenutt, Lyle Fleming, Brody Church, Ashton Drozdz, and Ada McKeen kept the opposition to the outside and allowed very few shots on net. All team members were in on the scoring: Brody Church (6 goals, 5 assists), Conner Blain (5 goals, 5 assists), Christian Rutgers (5 goals), Eddie Zieba (3 goals, 3 assists), Carter Demant (3 goals,

2 assists), Zander Cook (3 goals), Asher Grossi (2 goals, 1 assist), Alex Antonios (5 assists), Drake Pernal (4 assists), Ben MacQuarrie (1 assist), Brady George (1 assist), Russell Colenutt (2 assists), Lyle Fleming (2 assists), Ashton Drozdz (1 assist), Ada McKeen (1 assist).

The championship on Sunday had the top four, of twelve teams, advance. ESP earned eight points, putting them in first place.

In semi-final action, ESP was in a re-match with Flint Ice Raiders. Flint gave ESP a hard

fought battle for the 7-4 win. Scoring goals were: Blain with a hat trick, Rutgers with two goals, Church and Grossi with singles. Earning assists were Rutgers, Antonios, Demant (2), Drozdz, McKeen, Grossi, Zieba, Church, and Cook. Tavares and Pope each allowed two goals.

In the championship game, ESP was pitted against their biggest rivalry Center Wellington Fusion. Alex Antonios scored early with assists to Rutgers and Colenutt. The score remained 1-0 until midway through the third

period.

hat

its only goal, five-minutes later, on a power-play. With the goalie pulled, Rutgers put the game away with two empty net goals. Final score was 5-1 and ESP became the 2023 International Silver Stick Champions.

The entire ESP team played an awesome tournament and final game. The players and parents would like to thank the coaching staff of Donnie Church, Ryan Rutgers, Kevin Cook and Kevin Gale, goalie coach Jim Quick, manager Dave Demant, owner Lucas George and videographer Chloe Blain for all their time and effort. Thank you to all our team sponsors.

Antonios buried a pass from Rutgers, and finished his natural

trick, with a rebound from Grossi and Rutgers. Center Wellington scored