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A LOOK INSIDE Essex Area Food Bank receives large donation before Christmas PAGE 2 ______________ Town of Essex Council notes - Monday, December 21, 2020 PAGE 3 _______________ Essex Council makes decision on earmarked budget projects PAGE 6 _______________ Police Services Board holds first meeting of New Year PAGE 14 _______________ Bunkhouses, greenhouse to be built at Harrow-area agricultural operation
Vol. 141
Thursday, January 14, 2021
Issue No. 01
CREW, Councillor Vander Doelen donate to Harrow St. Vincent de Paul
PAGE 17 _______________
Looking For A Good Home
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by Sylene Argent Just in time to support area families during the holiday season, Colchester Ridge Estate Winery (CREW) and Essex Councillor Chris Vander Doelen forwarded generous donations to the Harrow Chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank. On the evening of Wednesday, December 16, Vander Doelen presented $500 to the Harrow Chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul
Food Bank volunteer, Reg Campbell. The funds were arranged from his Council Discretionary Fund, which consists of dollars set aside out of the Town of Essex
Budget Council members can be use for projects as they come up throughout the year. Vander Doelen noted his father was a Social
“It is a privilege to do so, to support the community that supports us. The St. Vincent de Paul will make sure the people who need it, get it.” - Bernard Gorski, Owners of Colchester Ridge Estate Winery
Worker, who worked closely with the St. Vincent de Paul. He always spoke highly of the work done through this organization, so Vanden Doelen was pleased to show support to an organization for which his father was so fond. Bernard and Nancy Gorski, owners of CREW, personally donated 77 case, or the equivalent of around 12,000 packages, of non-perishable foods to the Harrow Chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul.
Bernard said he and his wife donate to the Harrow Chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul every year in December, but did a little more than usual this year, knowing there would be more need, due to the Coronavirus pandemic. “It is a privilege to do so, to support the community that supports us,” Bernard said. “The St. Vincent de Paul will make sure the people who need it, get it.” In addition, Gorski donated $100 on behalf of customers, and noted other initiatives at the local winery would result in an additional donation some time over the holiday season. Campbell noted the number of individuals utilizing the St. Vincent de Paul in Harrow has risen from around 85 in 2019 to 150 people in 2020. He added part of the food donations were distributed through its Christmas Hamper program, which provides a holiday dinner to clients, and part would be forwarded to those in need through its regular assistance program.
2 I Community / News Essex Free Press
I Thursday, January 14, 2021
Essex Area Food Bank receives large donation before Christmas - Global Medic Food Distribution and the Essex County Goodfellows arranged the donation by Sylene Argent A generous load of nonperishable food was recently donated to help support the Essex Area Food Bank in putting food on the tables of its clients in need. On the evening of Thursday,
December 17, an ambulance – stuffed with boxes containing essential food items – pulled up to the Essex Area Food Bank, where a host of volunteers unloaded the goods. The donated items will be forwarded to support local individuals and families in their
COVID-19 Vaccine in Windsor and Essex County submitted by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) has received many questions from the community about the COVID-19 vaccine. To ensure that everyone has access to the vaccine, as quickly and safely as possible, the WECHU is working daily with the Ministry of Health regarding the priority groups for vaccination and the vaccine rollout. Currently, vaccines are expected to be available to everyone who wants to be immunized in phase 3 of the Ontario vaccine distribution plan, which is three (3) months away or sooner, depending on vaccine supply. The Provincial government’s 3 phase vaccine distribution plan focuses first on vulnerable populations that are at greatest risk of COVID-19 and severe illness and those who care for them. The groups selected for vaccination in each phase are based on an ethical framework, best available data to identify priority populations, and the vaccine supply. Early doses of the vaccine in phase 1 will be available for the following groups. • Residents, staff, essential caregivers (including family caregivers) and other employees who work in congregate living settings providing care for seniors as they are at higher risk of infection and serious illness from COVID-19.
Essex Area Food Bank volunteers, Ron McDermott and Gerry Belanger (pictured front row), pose with the many boxes of food that were recently donated through Global Medic Food Distribution. Essex County Goodfellows members, Christine Hayes and Essex Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche, are pictured in the back row.
time of need. Essex Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche noted the donation was made possible through Global Medic Food Distribution out of Toronto. He explained Rahul Singh of the organization reached out to Essex-Windsor EMS Chief, Bruce Krauter, who then contacted him about arranging such a donation as Meloche is a member of the Essex County Region Goodfellows. Members of the Essex County Region Goodfellows typically
host an annual newspaper campaign (which was replaced with a 50/50 draw in 2020, due to the COVID 19 Pandemic) to raise funds to help support the Essex Area Food Bank, the Essex Salvation Army, and the Harrow and McGregor Chapters of the St. Vincent de Paul in putting together Christmas meals for clients. Krauter asked Meloche if the Essex County Region Goodfellows would be interested in receiving a donation of food
items, “And, my answer was, ‘yes,’” Meloche explained excitedly. Meloche noted the Essex Area Food Bank was not the only organization to benefit from the donation, so were the other three local food banks the Essex County Goodfellows supports. Gerry Belanger, Coordinator of the Essex Area Food Bank, was pleased to receive the generous and unexpected donation, and noted the items will go towards supporting those in need.
Continued on Page 11
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Thursday, January 14, 2021
I
News I 3
Essex Free Press
- Monday, December 21, 2020 INSIDE THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL NOTES... • Essex Non-Profit Homes asks Council for financial support • • 3rd Concession Truck Traffic Petition • • Discussions on fate of Colchester Schoolhouse to resume January 18 • & MORE by Sylene Argent Council gets an update on broadband Grahame Soley and Mitchell Johnson from Cogeco Connexion Inc. updated Council on the Cogeco-SWIFT (Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology Initiative) broadband internet project. Soley said he understands how important broadband internet is presently and will continue to be with the pandemic lockdowns. Cogeco, he said, was one of two ISPs awarded funding as part of the Essex broadband program. $6.1m was received to expand broadband availability to residents and businesses in Essex, Leamington, and Kingsville, Soley explained. As part of the program, he said, around 3600 homes will be serviced with fiber-to-the-home, of which around 1544 will be in Essex. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2022. The project area in Essex includes: Ambassador Beach, Lypps Beach, Comet, Arner, New Canaan, Levergood Beach, Gesto, Pleasant Valley, and Seymour Beach. “This is exciting. We’ve been waiting a long time for this to happen,” Mayor Larry Snively said. Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche said he has been helping residents find out if they have been included on the service map, and noted his own home landed just outside the service area. In November, the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) announced Essex County would receive $19M in broadband upgrades to support five fibre-to-the-home projects. This project awarded contracts to expand high-speed fibre-optic broadband services to 5,173 households and businesses throughout the municipalities of Essex, Kingsville, Leamington, and Lakeshore. Construction will be complete by the fall of 2022.
Essex Food Basket gets permission to use Scout Hall for storage Kathy Beaudoin, an organizer with the newly formed Essex Food Basket, asked if this organization could use the Scout Hall on McAffee Street in Harrow to store non-perishable food items over the next few months, as the pandemic stretches on. She said the facility, due to the pandemic, is currently not being utilized. Council voted to allow Essex Food Basket to use the Scout Hall to store non-perishables, and received Beaudoin’s presentation. Essex Non-Profit Homes asks Council for financial support Zachary Bastien and Hans Kogel of Haerko Inc., a consulting firm representing Essex Non-Profit Homes, asked Council for a Letter of Support for Essex NonProfit Homes and for its Renewal and Repair Project, and financial contributions for it. As part of the financial contribution, Council was asked to consider up to $2,500,000 in contributions in 2023-2024 (or $170,000 for 40-years) and the waiver of building permit fees. It was also requested Council send a Letter of Support to the County of Essex to provide financial contribution for this project. Kogel explained Essex Non-Profit Homes includes 120 (three to five bedroom) single family affordable rental units, which houses 343 people. Currently, 40 of the homes are under the rent subsidy. He noted significant capital repairs need to be done, but there is a lack of capital funding. Ten homes were demolished 2011, due to foundation issues and condition of the houses, which is planned to be rebuilt in the future. Essex Non-Profit Homes, he added, contributed $500,000 to restore the foundations of 15 homes from surplus and lending. Bastien added Essex Non-Profit Homes secured Continued on Page 7
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4 I Opinion Essex Free Press
Editorial &Opinion Serving Essex and the surrounding communities since 1896.
Published Thursdays as an independent weekly newspaper, owned and operated by The Essex Voice Limited. A London Publishing Corporation Publication LIMITED OFFICE HOURS: Limited staff working from the office. Email or Call with submission inquiries. OUR STAFF Sandy Kennedy / Andrew Beaudoin - Office Jessica Azar - Graphic Design / Social Media / Production Lana Warwick - Graphic Design Greg Belchuk - Advertising Sales Manager Sylene Argent - Editor/News Reporter Shelley Beaudoin - Graphic Design / Production
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I Thursday, January 14, 2021
Howling at the Moon ••• Comment by Sylene Argent ••• The New Year’s Resolution Solution
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about rights, freedoms, and what is wrong or right. I have also been thinking about these political issues that seem to keep dividing us all and never quite get any resolution. Though I think we all agree more than we think we do, some of us just get so fired up on certain topics of opinion, we forget to listen and understand where others are coming from in regards to their own perspective, to take note of commonalities. I have to say, with everything brought forward in 2020, a major crisis I see, and is not often talked about, is the way we continue to fight each other instead of finding common ground for the greater good. We need to change this before it gets even worse than it is. It is the old “divide and conquer” tactic. Every time I come into contact with information about what is going on in the world, it is hard to not notice the continuing escalation of anger amongst citizens. We all need to take a breath and think about a few things before they get even more out of hand. So, instead of making a New Year’s Resolution this year, I hope we can all contribute to a New Year’s “Solution,” instead. This, in my mind, would be to discover common ground with our neighbours, friends, family members, and – likely most importantly – our foes, so that we can steer our own futures with a comfortability that the light at the end of the tunnel not a speeding train. I think, as members of a community, we all need to do a better job at
speaking to one another. Let’s find out where most of us agree, then negotiate where we do not. Then provide, finally, a united front, to which we make decision-makers follow that direction; that is their job, after all. We cannot have control over our own futures, if we can’t send out a consistent message of what it is we want. I think big issues – such as abortion, vaccines, equality, gun control, and economic stability of younger generations – continue to go unresolved, not just because they are difficult to solve, but because they are used as bait to get those with passionate opinions on either side of the issues to divide on the matters, while those in the middle lose their voices in the madness surrounding them. This way, we do not come together to put pressure on the way we want our futures to be, because we are too busy fighting this bait dangling before us. You see, I believe the people – that is all of us – have all the power and can apply the needed pressure on our officials to drive our future the way we want, but we all need to stick together. All we need to do is listen to one another, then find that common ground area. Instead of calling someone a “conspiracy theorist,” perhaps actually look up what they are saying with an open mind. Instead of calling some one an idiot for believing what mainstream media says, again, look at multiple news sources and try to determine where the truth lies.
I think most of us can agree we can watch several depictions of an event from different news organizations and can clearly see they are not presented the same. And, that too, is often different than the full footage of an instance that, because of social media, can be viewed. Our future is too important, and we need to start working together for the common good. I am not your enemy, and you are not mine. We all intelligent, we are all capable of great things. Let’s do a better job of having each others’ backs. The big question is, “how do we do it?” We need to stop with the name calling, be informed well beyond a single source of information, and explain what it is you know to others in a mature fashion, and then receive the information they have. If you disagree, politely explain so. I promise, you will never change anyone’s opinion by calling them an “idiot,” and we will never be open to see the whole picture, if we do not at least entertain information others have come across. I have said it before, if we continue to try and shutdown others with different opinions, we will eventually silence all of us. If you like being vocal about your opinion, respect that others, even those with whom you disagree, have the right to share what they know, too. Who knows, you may be surprised to learn you share more common opinions than one thought was possible.
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Commentary - OFA
OFA urges farmland preservation to maintain demand for locally sourced food By Peggy Brekveld, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
The value of local Ontario food goes beyond the amazing taste of DeBruin’s Greenhouse tomatoes, Thunder Oak cheese, and My-Pride Farm veal – a few of my local favourites. It is also about the importance of food security, its economic impact, and our regional identity. To have local food, we need farmers and growers to take on the challenge of raising crops and livestock. We also need to quote our licence plate slogan, “Places to Grow” in Ontario. The importance of farmland preservation and long-term land use planning has been highlighted in our current pandemic. The COVID-19 health crisis has forced the world to press pause on our normally busy lives and re-evaluate what is most important as a society. Amid challenging obstacles brought on by the pandemic, consumers now more than ever before are looking to source locally grown produce, meats and dairy products. This newfound demand for local has proven its longevity. However, for Ontario farmers to maintain the supply the demand for local products, farmland needs to be preserved and urban sprawl contained. Long-term land use planning needs to focus on protecting agricultural land to ensure we have the resources available to continue producing food for the future. Otherwise, we’re left asking the question,
where will Ontario source its food products from in years to come? The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) believes that agricultural land is a finite and shrinking resource we require in order to effectively produce food, fibre, and fuel. Urban sprawl has threatened the sustainability and viability of our sector for decades. To put the problem into perspective, from 1996-2016, Ontario lost 1.5 million acres of farmland to development, at a daily rate loss of 175 acres per day. According to OMAFRA’s 2016 census data, the average Ontario farm is 249 acres with many of our farms being familyowned and operated. Our province loses an average of five farms per week to development in an effort to keep pace with Ontario’s growing population. When the pandemic first hit, the main concern amongst Ontarians was that our food supply chain would collapse, resulting in shortages and skyrocketed prices for consumers. Our sector rose to the challenge and proved that Ontario’s agri-food supply chain is strong and resilient. At OFA’s 2020 virtual annual meeting, Premier Doug Ford identified how important the agri-food sector is to the provincial economy
Continued on Page 5
Thursday, January 14, 2021
I
Community / Opinion I 5
Essex Free Press
Youth crisis response team is here to help Photo submitted: The OPP Essex County YCRT team is in place to help. submitted to EFP Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Essex County has seen the regular use of, The Youth Crisis Response Team (YCRT), a valued service, which began April 14, 2020. This information is being offered to assist residents on how best to utilize some of the many
Commentary - OFA
OFA urges farmland preservation to maintain demand for locally sourced food
resources offered by our Mental Health Response Unit. The Youth Crisis Response Team (YCRT) is a community-based program of Regional Children’s Centre (RCC) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). YCRT is a team comprised of a Mental Health Crisis Worker/ Clinician and specially trained, uniformed police officer who respond to 911 calls for youth under the age 18, in Essex County who may be experiencing a mental health and/or addiction crisis. This team also accepts referrals from the community for nonurgent youth under the age
of 18 who resident in Essex County. The team conducts a comprehensive mental health assessment and linkages are initiated to appropriate community resources and supports. If you know of someone who could benefit from an YCRT assessment/ intervention, please provide pertinent information by contacting us: Phone: 519-728-2772 - Email: oppmhru@hdgh.org Referrals can be anonymous. YCRT will prioritize and respond to referrals as quickly as possible.
Continued on Page 6
By Peggy Brekveld, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Continued from Page 4
and how instrumental the industry will be for solidifying economic recovery post-pandemic. Farmers continue to be the definition of innovation, producing more yield with less inputs. However, the reality is that farming in Ontario will always require arable land and an environment that supports the growth of our more than 200 diverse commodities. The rate at which our province is losing agricultural land is not sustainable, especially with the demand to increase the production of food, fibre, and fuel for an ever-growing population, as our finite
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resources continue to diminish. Local food production and processing is extremely vital to the economy, providing a significant economic impact both locally and provincially. From field-to-fork, there are many important contributors along the food supply chain, and available land is vital to ensuring we have enough food processing facilities to keep up with demand. These facilities are integral to our food security. Preserving farmland can go hand-in-hand with housing needs. It can include rejuvenating and renewing our cities, as well as infrastructure investment in our rural hubs. Ontario farmers need the government’s support to contain urban sprawl and to keep our domestic agri-food sector strong. Less than 5% of Ontario’s land base can support agricultural production of any kind. In 2020, OFA expressed concerns to Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding the recent proliferation of Minister’s Zoning Orders. We cannot afford to prioritize urban development over that of farmland. Protecting and preserving farmland is the only solution to ensuring Farms and Food Forever. Protecting and preserving Ontario’s agricultural land for the purpose of growing, harvesting, and producing food has and always will be a main priority of our organization. The OFA will continue to advocate on behalf of our 38,000 farm families to ensure that farmland is not only preserved, but that farming is sustainable and profitable for the next generation of your family.
Pet Of The Week: Hugh
Hugh is a kitten, so his “feline-ality” is still being formed. Only time will tell if he will be a “Private Investigator” or a “Party Animal.” He will likely be full of energy as he runs around practicing his hunting skills and he can turn anything into a toy, so hide your valuables! Hugh will require patience and gentle training. Only a limited number of animals will be made available at a time. They will be posted on the adoptable animal pages at www.windsorhumane.org. To apply to adopt an available animal, please click the “Interested in this Animal? Click here” link. All applications will be reviewed. For more info, contact us today. This pet comes with 6 weeks of pre-paid pet health insurance. For more information, visit www.ospcainsurance.ca or call 1-866-600-2445. The Windsor-Essex County Humane Society shelter is at 1375 Provincial Rd., Windsor. Ph: 519-966-5751.
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6 I News / Community Essex Free Press
I Thursday, January 14, 2021
Essex Council makes decision on earmarked budget projects by Adam Gault Essex Council held a Special meeting on the evening of Monday, January 11, to decide the fate of several budget items that were not approved during the adoption of the 2021 Operating and Capital Municipal Budgets on December 14. These items and their funding had been earmarked from that last meeting, and included $240,000 for new tennis courts in Essex Centre, $450,000 for the Maidstone – Arthur – Gosfield intersection, and $220,000 for the Old Malden Road tar and chipping project, for a total of $910,000 earmarked for these, or additional project approvals. Several years ago, Old Malden Road had base stone installed with the anticipation of tar and chip paving. Since then, some residents and Council members have raised concerns surrounding the continued safety of the road, as well as the commitment of the Town to finish the job. “It’s a safety issue. If you don’t grade the roads, then you have potholes. It’s a catch 22. Either way, you’re going to have
safety issues with a gravel road,” Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche said. “These people on this road pay the same tax rates as anybody that lives on a paved road.” Not all Councillors agreed with the proposition, however, noting that the road has little traffic, and that other roads within Essex were in more dire need of repair or upgrading. “This is a difficult year for us, as far as the budget goes,” Councillor Steve Bjorkman said. “We only have so much to deal with, and we have to pick the things that are most important.” Council carried a motion to leave Old Malden Road in the budget, and to proceed with the tar and chipping. On the subject of the Maidstone – Arthur – Gosfield intersection configuration, most of Council was in favour of the reconfiguration of the intersection, noting that installing a roundabout was out of the question due to budgetary constraints. “We’ve got to remember, this is an area that’s built up with new homes, and there’s a lot more foot traffic there now than there was in prior years,” Mayor Larry Snively explained of the need for reconfiguration. “It’s an awkward intersection, and why I’m going to support [the motion].” Councillor Chris Vander Doelen was of the exception to that thought, believing the money for the intersection could be allocated to additional municipal infrastructure projects. “I’m not opposed to any money being spent on roads
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or infrastructure, but I think this money would be better spent elsewhere,” Vander Doelen said. “For the number of people whose lives would be improved by this $450,000, I think it would be better spent elsewhere than on this project.” A motion was carried to invest the $450,000 into improving the intersection. For the proposed Essex tennis courts, there was some debate on whether the money could be better used for additional roads projects, such as paved shoulders on Concession Road 3 in Harrow, or repairs to Viscount Parkway. Ultimately, it was decided to proceed with the tennis courts, while the money for the additional roads projects could be funded through additional means, such as Ontario Community
Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) grants and municipal reserves. “It’s a perfect location, it all fits in right there,” Snively said of the court’s proposed location next to the Essex Arena. “We have the parking facilities right there. I agree one hundred percent.” The tennis courts were approved as proposed in the budget. Also approved were motions to use OCIF funding in addition to $120,000 in contingency funding to pave shoulders along a residential section of Concession Road 3, and a motion to explore pulling dividends out of E.L.K. for sidewalks and infrastructure project.
Youth crisis response team is here to help... Continued from Page 5
If there is an immediate risk to self or others, please call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency department. The YCRT will respond if available. For non-urgent Mental Health related matters, contact 519-257- (KIDS) (5437) (Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) located at 3896 Connaught Ave, Windsor, Ontario N9C 2C1. After Hours contact the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 (call or text). For youth 16-years-and-over please contact the 24 Hour Crisis Line 519-9734435. Please contact the YCRT office. • When a youth has a chronic and
persistent mental illness and has frequent contacts with police and/or the emergency room • When there is a risk for arrest because of bizarre or inappropriate behavior related to mental illness • When a youth’s mental health is deteriorating and intervention is required to prevent hospitalization • When a youth is reluctant or unable to access mental health services • When a youth has lost contact with their mental health support system • When you wish to consult with a mental health professional to determine if a referral or YCRT response is warranted.
Thursday, January 14, 2021
I
News I 7
Essex Free Press
Essex Council notes... $75,000 in seed funding from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, which was used to complete a targeted building condition assessments and energy audits. It was also able to complete a portion of required design work. It also applied for the second round of seed funding of $150,000 for co-investment funding. In order to get that, it would need to secure $1.5m to $2.5m in external funding in the 2023-2024 timeframe or an annual contribution for 40-years. A Letter of Support from partners would also be required. It is also currently pursuing a project grant of $500,000, covering 80 percent of initial project costs for which the project will complete critical work at four to five homes. The plan is to stabilize the existing housing structure, reduce energy usage by 51 percent, reduce Greenhouse Emissions by 76 percent, improve residents’ living environment, and reduce residents’ utility bills by 14 percent. Bastien added rent has been increased to improve financial stability. It is hoped to start construction in June of 2021. Council voted to provide the requested Letters of Support. Council will have discussions about any financial terms of reference in the new year. Councillor Sherry Bondy said affordable housing is something Council would want to support, but in what capacity, she was not sure. That would need to be discussed in the future.
Continued from Page 3
Crystal Beach Drain appeal, RFT approved Council awarded the Request for Tender for the Construction of Crystal Beach Drain to Sterling Ridge Infrastructure Inc. in the amount of $457,207.68. The town is paying for around 27 percent of the cost. Residents Ron and Jill Kennedy approached Council regarding the project. They submitted a Letter of Appeal in regards to the matter. They noted they have been residents there for around 13-years and are located at the topside of the road elevation. In their time there, Ron said, they have witnessed severe storms and have never had standing water on the topside. The quote for the project, Ron said, came in at 133 percent higher than the Engineer’s estimate. He said there was discussion about doing half the work at the lower end of the street at first. He said he is not trying to stop progress, but has concerns that the plan will not work, and wondered if it fails, if residents would be out of luck after paying for it. Appointed Engineer, Gerald Rood, said the design is set up to follow the original drainage works to help minimize standing water. He added municipal staff tried to do camera work on a large portion of the drain, but the poor condition created obstructions. The drain is 40-years old. Kevin Girard, Director of Infrastructure, said it was not recommended to divide the project in half for a variety of reasons,
including risking being able to tap into debenture opportunities. Though all residents are not experiencing flooding now, it is imminent, he said, as the drain is in such poor shape. According to the Report to Council, the lowest tender was received from Sterling Ridge Infrastructure Inc. Because the lowest tender price received is more than 133 percent over the Engineer’s estimate, a Drainage Board Meeting was held on December 9. Discussions on fate of Colchester Schoolhouse to resume January 18 At the beginning of the Monday, December 7 Essex Council meeting, Town Clerk, Robert Auger, announced Council had given direction to administration to disclose in open session the intention to declare 195 Bagot Street, also known as the Colchester Schoolhouse, as surplus to the needs of the municipality. At Monday’s meeting, Council discussed what it should do with the old Colchester Schoolhouse, and listened to a few delegations on the matter. Ultimately, a majority Council vote moved discussions on the matter to the January 18 meeting. Anne Beneteau and Monica Carruthers of the area spoke to Council about the unique community garden at the Schoolhouse. Beneteau made the proposal for the project around five-years ago. The Town granted the space and some funding, and has been nothing but awesome in caring for the garden. “They always come through for us,” she said of the Town staff., adding it was with dismay that the garden club has discovered the property may go up
for sale. The group, she said, has been disappointed. The garden has received an award for community involvement. There are around 23 gardeners, with four on the waiting list, involved. It is not just about planting fruits and vegetables, it was about growing community, she said. The garden space has expanded over the years, and intergenerational family groups utilize the space. It has been a place of true connection, and the gardeners do not want to lose that,” Beneteau said. “We really want to stay in that place,” she said, adding the gardeners have invested dollars into their boxes. Carruthers added the historical charm and community connections are reasons why people love Colchester. The Chimney Swifts, which are threatened, have a roost there. “I’ll have a broken heart if it sells,” she said. Perry Basden was also opposed to the sale of the property. He said the Essex Municipal Heritage Committee seems to have had interest in the site in the past few years. Creating a “Friends of the Colchester Schoolhouse” Committee has been discussed at the Essex Municipal Heritage Committee, which may be able to tap into grants the municipality may not be able to. He noted most of the meetings in 2019 were cancelled. Carol and Lynn Quick also spoke opposed to the sale of the property. Carol said there have been a lot of suggestions and plans for the facility, but nothing
Continued on Page 10
8 I Community Essex Free Press
I Thursday, January 14, 2021
Santa’s Cause for Kids receives plenty of community support by Sylene Argent Because of the tremendous generosity the community displayed, the 2020 Santa’s Cause for Kids program was believed to have received more donations of new, unwrapped toys than what is typically collected every year. Essex (M) OPP Community Sergeant Joe Meloche organizes the annual toy collection on behalf of the big guy in the North Pole. He believed there was additional support for the 2020 program because residents wanted to support those in need during a year that was difficult and filled with uncertainty. Residents had a sense that there were families in the community struggling financially because of layoffs and business closures, due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. On Friday, December 18, area
Police Officers and Firefighters joined forces to collect the donated toys from an array of businesses within the community. Essex Home Hardware, TSC, Dollar Tree, Ken Knapp Ford, the Harrow Dollar Discount, Atlas Tube, Ken Lapain & Sons, Red Apple, Delta Power Equipment, The Ladies’ Auxiliary at the Essex Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 201), and Canadian Tire all hosted a toy drop off depot this year. Essex Home Furnishings had also agreed to assist with the 2020 program, Countryside Chrysler, presented a financial donation to the program, and Once Upon a Time Childcare Centre forwarded food donations. The collected toy items were then delivered to the Essex Area Food Bank, the Essex Salvation Army, Continued on Page 9
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Thursday, January 14, 2021
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Community I 9
Essex Free Press
Santa’s Cause for Kids receives plenty of community support... the St. Vincent de Paul Chapters in Harrow and McGregor, and the Zeta Kappa Sorority for its Santa’s Sack program. These service organizations then distributed the donations to families facing economic hardships. Meloche noted all the donations stayed local to support area families in
Continued from Page 8
need, and he is always proud the program is able to help ensure children in the area have a memorable Christmas. Meloche began the Santa’s Cause for Kids initiative in 2001, when he noticed there was a need to be filled in the community. Nearly two-decades later, he and his dedicated team
of volunteers, from the OPP and Essex Fire & Rescue, are hoping that support continues this year. Meloche is also proud the annual toy drive has been able to run for so many years, thanks to community and business support.
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10 I News Essex Free Press
Essex Council notes... has come through. There has never been anything brought forward from the Town for community members to bring about ideas or host fundraisers for the schoolhouse. She also had concerns with parking in the area, and how the potential sale of the schoolhouse could possibly impact that. Council received the presentations. Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche said he hopes no one thought Council was trying to diminish their accomplishments. Director of Community Service/ Deputy CAO, Doug Sweet, said there is other Town property down in the area that could be considered to move the community gardens to. In 2016, the previous Term of Council had the Schoolhouse appraised. The estimated value at that time was $180,000. It was built in 1881. At that point, the Town had spent $510,745.68 on the property, including the lots, water main work, asbestos abatement and removal, and outside wall repairs. Clerk Robert Auger explained after the surplus was declared, a conditional offer was accepted by a private party, which is conditional on bylaw passage. Council has to January 31 to pass that bylaw. There will then be rezoning approvals that would need to be satisfied by March. The idea from the proponent, Sweet said, is to utilize and preserve the building. Information forwarded from the Town of Essex on the matter noted the developer will provide an update and present their proposal, as it relates to the Schoolhouse as a heritage asset, to the Heritage Committee on Thursday, January 14. The developer will then provide a presentation of their full proposal, including a proposed
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site plan and architectural drawings, to Council at their Regular Meeting on Monday, January 18. Director of Planning, Lori Chadwick, said the proposed rezoning was for a short-term rental boutique. She added the property is listed as being historically important. This means any changes to the infrastructure has to go to the Essex Municipal Committee. Councillor Kim Verbeek said for many Councillors, this seemed liked a win/win/ win, because the developer has intentions to preserve the schoolhouse. She added the Chairperson of the Heritage Committee asked that Council defer the decision until members of the Heritage Committee has a chance to meet. Councillor Chris Vander Doelen said he would vote against any deferment, and noted his mind has not changed since he heard the proposal. “If your goal is to save that schoolhouse, our only hope to save it is to sell it, because it is falling apart before our eyes…We will never be able to afford what it will cost to, under government rules, to restore that thing. It would cost us millions we should not spend on it, because we need to build our infrastructure and get our roads up to snuff.” Councillor Steve Bjorkman it is smart of Council to take the time to consider options. He said he is glad for the conversation and hoped people from within the community will champion involvement. 3rd Concession Truck Traffic Petition Council received the report, “3rd Concession Truck Traffic Petition” and also received the petition filed by the residents of the 3rd concession, between County Road 11 and County Road 23. It
also voted that the road remain a “Class B” road, but the residents’ concerns regarding speed go through the proper process. In the Report to Council, it notes the petition was received on October 19, 2020. “Although the petition states that the petitioners wish ‘to stop the illegal use of truck transport traffic on Concession 3,’ it was further clarified that the residents are requesting the Town consider making the 3rd Concession a “No Truck Route,” the Report to Council notes. In accordance with the Highway Traffic Act, the 3rd Concession, from Arner to Walker, currently has a load restriction in place of 5 tonnes per axle. It is also a “Class B Road,” which provides restrictions in regards to weight. Through the Report to Council, Kevin Girard, Director of Infrastructure, noted after receiving the petition, the Town requested the OPP enhance enforcement to identify if vehicles using this stretch of road were in violation of the posted signage. Following an OPP blitz of the area, it was identified all of the vehicles, specifically trucks, were not carrying cargo and were under posted weight limit of 5 tonnes per axle. Through the Report to Council, it was recommended that the 3rd Concession remain a Class ‘B’ road. In the Report to Council, it also notes the Town also received a second petition to review the speed limit on the 3rd Concession, between McClean Road and McCormick Road. This petition will be reviewed in accordance with the Town’s Policy for Establishing Speed Limits on Town of Essex Roads, which Council adopted last summer. The Town also requested that the speed radar trailer be set up on this stretch of
I Thursday, January 14, 2021
road to bring awareness to speed limits and overall enforcement. As far as the speeding concerns, it was suggested the subsequent speed limit reduction petition be examined through the Policy for Establishing Speed Limits in the Town of Essex. A concerned resident said the petition was signed by a large majority of residents there. He said there are residents who no longer utilize the road to walk because of the truck traffic. He claimed to have seen loaded transports on the 3rd Concession. Councillor Sherry Bondy said she would like to have a larger sample of trucks inspected. Girard said more public education could be undertaken, and he would be willing to develop some means of awareness. Councillor Kim Verbeek, who is the Chairperson of the Essex Police Service Committee, will bring the truck issue to this Committee for discussion. In regards to the trucks, Mayor Larry Snively said this is an enforcement issue. Council received the presentation. Proposed Allocation of Remaining UWSS Treatment Capacity Council received Infrastructure Services – 2020-14, “Proposed Allocation of Remaining UWSS Treatment Capacity” and authorized the Director of Infrastructure Services to draft and send a response letter of non-support for the correspondence received on November 2, 2020 from Union Water Supply System regarding the proposed allocation of remaining water treatment capacity. Mayor Larry Snively thanked Councillor Vander Doelen and Director of Infrastructure, Kevin Girard, for going to bat for the Town on this file.
Thursday, January 14, 2021
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News I 11
Essex Free Press
Lakeshore Horse Racing Association Funding Agreement announced submitted to EFP On December 21, 2020, the Lakeshore Horse Racing Association (LHRA) reported that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation had recently amended the Funding Agreement for Live Horse Racing. On December 16, 2020 the new amended funding agreement was released to the public with a New Section for Funding Years April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2026. The amended agreement ensures that all 15 horse racetracks in the Province will receive “a number of race dates for each of the member racetracks that is substantially similar to the number of race dates for each of the Member Racetracks that was reflected in the 2020/2021 Plan; and an allocation of the Racetracks payment that is consistent with the allocation contemplated in the 2020/2021 Plan, subject to any difference in the anticipated number of race dates or purse levels for each of the Member Racetracks during the applicable Subject Funding Year as compared to those race dates and purse levels originally contemplated in the 2020/2021 Plan.” “This amended agreement provides certainty that the Lakeshore Horse Racing Association will continue to have race dates and funding for the next 5 years. While we would have preferred to have certainty for
the entire duration of the funding agreement this is welcome news to the horse people and the agricultural industries in Essex County that rely on and support the horse racing and breeding industries” stated Lakeshore Horse Racing Association President Mark Williams. “This amendment addresses some of the concerns that the Directors of the LHRA had with signing on to the original Funding Agreement” stated LHRA Executive member Tom Bain. “The original agreement did not guarantee that racetracks would receive any funding after the 2019/2020 racing season and we as a Board, and on behalf of all of the racing participants, are thankful for this amendment.” “We want to thank the Ontario Harness Horse Association for their relentless and unwavering support for amendments to the Funding Agreement. With their efforts and the efforts of our local member of Provincial Parliament, Rick Nicholls, changes have been made that will provide some stability and confidence in the industry for the next 5 years,” Bain stated. Planning is underway for the 2021 racing season and it is hoped that racing fans can be welcomed back to enjoy the season. For updated information on live racing in Leamington, visit www. lakeshorehorseraceway.com
COVID-19 Vaccine in Windsor and Essex County...
Continued from Page 2
• Health care workers, including hospital employees, other staff who work or study in hospitals, and other health care personnel. (There is further guidance on how to prioritize the healthcare workers starting from those who will be at the highest risk of acquiring the disease and will be at the risk of developing more severe complications) • Adults in First Nations, Métis, and Inuit populations where infection can have disproportionate consequences, including those living in remote or isolated areas where risk of transmission is high. • Adult recipients of chronic home health care. Given the available supply of vaccines and the burden of disease at this time, the provincial direction and the local direction is to first vaccinate ALL residents, staff, and essential caregivers who work in long-term care homes and high-risk retirement homes. Public health is working directly with long-term care homes and retirement homes to ensure the vaccine is administered as quickly and as safely as possible to residents, staff, and essential caregivers of these homes. The vaccine we have received to date is for this targeted population. We are not receiving daily supplies of the vaccine and it is not sitting in freezers going unused. Preparation and planning for future priority groups is occurring at this time. The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit will be
working with all partners to ensure a smooth rollout of vaccines. Phase 2 of the provincial vaccine distribution plan will occur when more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine become available to Ontario and to our health unit region. This is expected to begin later this winter and vaccinations will likely be expanded to include additional congregate care settings (for example, shelters). The WECHU is directly involved in the vaccine rollout and is aligned with direction from the Ministry of Health and the Ontario government. As more direction and information is received, it will continue to inform the community, as it has done throughout the pandemic, about the next phase of the COVID-19 vaccination distribution plan for Windsor and Essex County. The WECHU will work with all local hospital and community partners to implement a local and robust mass vaccination plan that uses collective resources efficiently and effectively, while at the same time ensuring that other vulnerable groups not targeted in phase 1 and 2 of the provincial vaccine rollout plan are not missed. This process must be evidencebased, using an ethical framework, and not arbitrary. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve repeatedly said that we want to have everyone cross the finish line together and that remains our goal.
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14 I Community Essex Free Press
I Thursday, January 14, 2021
Police Services Board holds first meeting of New Year - assisting mental health needs, COVID-19 restriction enforcement, providing property checks for America cottage owners discussed by Adam Gault Members of the Essex Police Services Board started 2021 with their first meeting of the New Year on Thursday, January 7. They used the opportunity to discuss a monthly overview of calls for service and policing actions for the month of November 2020, in addition to overall policing goals and community objectives throughout the coming months. To begin the meeting, Essex County OPP Detachment Commander, Glenn Miller, explained the OPP is continuing to do everything in its power to assist individuals dealing with mental health issues, and to continue to work in tandem with additional support systems, such as their Mental Health Resource Unit (MHRU), to ensure those in crisis are provided the help they need. “Our goal is to work with all the
different community and support groups that we have,” Miller said. “We want to be able to keep our young people out of the criminal justice system. Our goal is to try to redirect the energies that they have, help them with the frustrations they have, and surround them with the best possible help that we can get.” Essex OPP continues to work with area social workers and mental health clinicians, partnered with on-call officers, to better assist mental health-related calls with resources that go beyond a standard police officer’s training. “We know this is a very difficult time. As frustrating as it is for adults, we also need to appreciate how difficult it is for our young people as well, who aren’t able to spend time with their friends, or go to school,” Miller said. “I would say the majority of calls we’re getting right
now that are keeping the officers heavily engaged are in relation to that. We’re going to do absolutely everything we possibly can in order to help those people out for as long as it takes.” Speaking to ongoing restrictions and enforcement related to COVID-19, Miller stated that within the Town of Essex, people have been good about adhering to the restrictions, but the OPP have still received a number of complaints and have laid several charges. “That’s simply all that we want them to do, is simply follow the rules. We’re all having to do that in order for us to stay as safe as possible,” Miller said. “We’ve already laid five charges. The charges that we lay are very significant. We want people to follow the rules to ensure that your community remains safe.”
Miller added that to date, the OPP has dealt with around 1400 total COVID-19 related calls across Essex County since the beginning of the pandemic. As was noted at the December Police Services Board meeting, the Essex OPP will continue to provide property checks at cottage-centric areas, such as Colchester, as a number of American property owners have been unable to attend to their cottages in person for the majority of the past year. “[Property owners] are so grateful, that [police] presence has been noted,” Police Services Board member, Karen Robertson, said. “They are very thankful, knowing there’s officers out there taking a look at things. It’s very much appreciated by that [American] community.” The next Essex Polices Services Board meeting will take place on February 4.
GECDSB schools to remain closed to students - online learning only until Jan. 25th submitted to EFP The region’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Wajid Ahmed, announced on January 7th, that schools in this region should remain closed to students for a further 2 week period. His recommendation was supported with a Provincial government announcement that in-school learning would be deferred for all students in Southern Ontario until Monday, January 25th. Dr. Ahmed said, during his briefing he believes in-person learning is critical for young people, however, given the recent data of weekly COVID-19 cases in the area, “we cannot jeopardize the safety of children.” The online learning model will continue for both elementary and secondary students through the conclusion of the current provincial lockdown, scheduled until January 23rd. Originally, our elementary students were to resume in-person learning on January 11th. The GECDSB will continue to offer in-school learning opportunities for students with complex, special needs in the elementary GAINS and secondary STEPS classes and transportation will be provided. Families will be contacted to determine their choice of learning model for the next two weeks.
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Essex Free Press
Essex Centre councillors optimistic for town’s future by Adam Gault While the events of 2020 may have put a stop to a number of activities across the world, Ward 1 Essex councillors, Joe Garon and Morley Bowman, are pleased with the way the Town was able to adapt to ensure that the numerous municipal projects for 2020 and beyond were able to continue through planning and execution stages. In addition, they were pleased with the overall long-term outlook for the Town as a whole. More than halfway through this current Term of Council, both Ward 1 Council members are pleased with the new level of cooperation demonstrated between elected municipal officials, and with how the administration has been able to adapt to conduct business throughout the pandemic. “One of the things I was hoping to accomplish when I ran, was to get Council back to a point where we’re working together and trying to move the Town forward,” Garon said. “That’s been a big accomplishment, getting everyone to be on the same page in a lot of cases and working together.” In addition to that newfound cooperation between Council members, Bowman added the efforts of the administration and staff in ensuring a smooth transition to virtual
meetings, in addition to maintaining the high-level of core services that the residents of Essex have come to expect, have gone a long way in helping the Town navigate the administrative challenges during the pandemic. “A lot of credit goes to the staff of the Town, who have made a lot of changes to accomplish that,” Bowman explained of the transition. “Kudos to our staff, a super group.
an attractive area in which to reside and raise families, in addition to becoming a more attractive town for future business and industry. “Essex Centre in particular, has seen a lot of growth, and it continues,” Garon said, adding that the Town should explore the idea of additional townhouse and condo developments. “We have a lot of senior residents that are looking to get
“Essex is looking up. We have a good team, we have good administration. We have residents who are passionate about where they live and their community, and are on top of community involvement.” - Councillor Joe Garon Ward 1 Councillor- Town of Essex
I can’t say enough about them. That’s a big plus, and [they] will help us navigate this quicker.” Throughout 2020, a number of housing developments were approved and for which ground was broken throughout the Town of Essex, with a number of new subdivisions, apartment/ condo approvals, and infill lot development taking shape. Both council members spoke positively of these ongoing developments, noting that it demonstrates that Essex continues to be
out of their bigger house and move into something more condominium-style, where they can just lock the door and leave for three months.” Bowman stated he was pleased to see the continuation of development throughout the year, and that the influx of new houses and residents would be a boon for area businesses. “If you look back in the past and you talk to anybody, it’s ‘How’s our town expanding?’” Bowman said, noting that the construction of a
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packaging plant in town is a sign of that development. “Businesses look for that. If you’re going to set up a business in town, that’s the thing you’re looking for.” While both Councillors acknowledge that the next little while will be tough, hope that with the continued rollout of the vaccines over the next several months, in addition to the Town’s strong financial standing, will ensure that Essex is in
as strong a position to get back to normal as any other Ontario municipality. “Essex is looking up. We have a good team, we have good administration,” Garon explained. “We have residents who are passionate about where they live and their community, and are on top of community involvement.” Again, acknowledging the unwavering commitment from
municipal staff, Bowman added the Town’s fiscal responsibility will contribute to that strong social and economic recovery. “The Town is pretty sound financially too, and that’s again to the treasury department and finance department,” Bowman said. “Our reserves are in a good place. It’s a new year, and hopefully it’s going to be a great year for us.”
16 I Classifieds Essex Free Press
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FARMING _____________________ WANTED Farm Land to Rent Cash or Share Crop Call Jeff Siefker (cell) 519-796-1240 or (home) 519-776-9501.
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HELP WANTED _____________________ HELP WANTED: Aphria 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 $14.00/hour. Full time hours Monday through Friday. Please apply at careers@aphria.com or mail resume to P.O. Box 20009 269 Erie St. S. Leamington, ON N8H 3C4. 9-t _____________________
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_____________________ MARTY’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS Tune-ups, repairs, & service on snowblowers, riding lawn mowers, chainsaws, & more! 519-733-0986, (c) 4-tf 519-965-5918. _____________________ KENNETH YARDWORKS Clean Up. Sod, mulch, eavestrough cleaning and repairs, power washing. Trees & bushes trimmed or removed. Loads to the dump. Fully licensed & insured. Free estimates. Call Kenneth: 519-982-0362.
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- $14.20. To apply please email: Lindsay@policellafarms. com Or Mail to Domric International, PO 24/tf Box 218, Ruthven ON N0P 2G0. _____________________ HIRING! LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE and LANDSCAPE LABOURERS, $18/hour, Experience necessary. Fax your resume to (519) 723-2336. 1-
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_____________________ 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. 22-tt ______________________
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Notice to Town of Essex Residents 2021 Council Meeting Dates Please be advised that until further notice, the 2021 Regular Meetings of the Council of the Town of Essex will not be held in person but will only be held electronically and livestreamed at youtube.com/EssexOntario Regular Meetings of Council for the Town of Essex will be held, starting at 6:00pm, on the following dates: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Monday, January 18 Monday, February 1 and Tuesday, February 16 Monday, March 1 and 15 Tuesday, April 6 and Monday, April 19 Monday, May 3 and 17 Monday, June 7 and 21 Monday, July 5 and 19 Tuesday, August 3 and Monday, August 23 Tuesday, September 7 and 20 Monday, October 4 and 18 Monday, November 1 and 15 Monday, December 6 and 20
All regular meetings are open to viewing by members of the public. Agendas and minutes are available online at: essex.ca/CouncilCalendar If you wish to appear as a delegation before Council, please fill out a Delegation Request Form at essex.ca/Council Robert Auger Manager, Legislative Services/Clerk The Corporation of the Town of Essex 33 Talbot Street South, Essex, Ontario, N8M1A8 rauger@essex.ca
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_____________________ 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 _____________________ CASH PAID for scrap cars and trucks. Free removal. Please phone: 519-776-1361 46-t or 519-791-5046. _____________________
PERSONAL _____________________ PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL) O most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, blessed mother of the son of God, immaculate virgin, assist me in my necessity. O star of the sea, help me and show me that you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to help in my necessity (Make your request). There are none that can withstand your power. “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.” (Three times). “Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands.” (Three times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then publish it and it will be granted to you. With 42-1t* grateful thanks. D.D.
I Thursday, January 14, 2021
PERSONAL
PRAYER TO the Holy Spirit, you who makes me see everything and shows me the way to reach my ideal, you who gives me the divine gift to forgive and forget all the wrong that is done to me and you who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank you for everything, and affirm once more that I never want to be separated from you no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory. Amen This prayer should be said for 3 consecutive days without saying your wish or intention. After the 3rd day, your sincere wish will be granted no matter how difficult it may be. Promise to offer thanksgiving by sharing it and expressing it on granting of your favour. The idea is to spread the wonder of the Holy Spirit. E.P.
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519-776-4268
Snow Removal Notice Snow and ice are potential hazards to everyone. Residents and property owners are reminded of their responsibility to remove snow and ice from sidewalks in front of, alongside, and at the rear of their property within the prescribed time periods set out in By-law #1108. In particular, please note the following provisions:
Single Family Dwelling - The owner or occupant shall clear away and remove snow and ice from sidewalks within twelve (12) hours following the snow fall or formation of ice. Multiple Family Building - The owner shall clear away and remove snow and ice from sidewalks within twelve (12) hours following the snow fall or formation of ice. Commercial - Where snow falls or ice forms upon the sidewalk, the owner or occupant shall remove the snow or ice from the sidewalk within a)
Four (4) hours following the snow fall or formation of ice upon sidewalks during daylight hours; or
b)
Four (4) hours following sunrise in the case of snow falling or ice forming overnight.
Avoid Creating Obstructions - Shovel snow away from fire hydrants, drains and sewers. Do not shovel or deposit snow and/or ice onto highways, roadways, sidewalks, or any thoroughfare intended for the passage of vehicles and pedestrians. Penalty - The Town may clear away and remove snow and ice from the sidewalks, and may recover the expense incurred in like manner as municipal taxes. The Town, at its discretion, may also issue a ticket for the violation.
Thank you for helping to keep our community safe this winter! For questions about snow removal requirements, please contact the Town of Essex By-law Enforcement Team at:
519-776-7336 ext 1409 bylaw@essex.ca
Thursday, January 14, 2021
I
Opinion / News I 17
Essex Free Press
Opinion: Why the Colchester Schoolhouse is a valuable community asset Landmarks, such as the Colchester Schoolhouse, have always been important reminders of early village life in Colchester. I grew up in the community and my family has been here since 1985. Although I now live a few hours away, I still feel a connection to the village and its unique history. As Town Council deliberates on whether to approve the sale of the public building on January 18, 2021, I’d like to share a few thoughts on why I believe the schoolhouse is a valuable community asset: 1. The schoolhouse is a locally significant heritage resource The brick-clad one-room schoolhouse was built in 1881 as School Section Two (S.S.b#2), within the former Township of Colchester, serving as an important educational and community space for the village and broader rural area. Like many rural schools, the Colchester Schoolhouse served an important role in educating generations of children, until it was closed in 1965, when educational institutions were centralized in Harrow. The brick building – which was built to replace earlier nearby schools (ca. 1856 and 1820) – was built in a Victorian vernacular architectural style, comparable to other one-room schoolhouses of the era patterned from the 1866 Canada Farmer building plans. The style is characterized by a square footprint, gabled massing, elongated rectangular fenestration, and a prominent belfry. Architecturally, the Colchester
Schoolhouse contains a number of decorative embellishments, including carved keystones, raised quoins, and dogtooth stringcourse brick trim along the roofline. The school is also representative of the region’s unique social history, operating as a racially integrated school, in contrast to nearby segregated schools. Despite the integration of black and white children, local oral histories do indicate the presence of racism through the school’s long history. 2. The schoolhouse is linked to its surroundings and valuable in context Adjacent to the 1881 schoolhouse, at the corner of Sullivan and Bagot Streets, are the school grounds reputed to have doubled as parade grounds for local militia during WWI. Opposite the schoolhouse is Christ Church Colchester (1876), the attached parish hall (ca.1927), Church Rectory (1893), cemetery (earliest burial: 1808), and reconstructed chapel (erected in 1819, rebuilt in 1957). Further south, in what is now eroded land, was the original location of Christ Church and the location of an earlier log schoolhouse and public park. The area represents a unique historic precinct with a significant collection of public buildings and heritage resources significant to Colchester. 3. The schoolhouse contains public space with potential The one-acre property has a great deal of potential to be animated as a space for recreational or educational purposes, even
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under its current zoning (G 1.2) and land use designation (hamlet). The property is connected to the Colchester Harbour and nearby park through a lakefront road linkage and located near the village’s main street. Although the existing community gardens have been a wonderful community initiative and the parking overflow has been practical, the property has been drastically under utilized and its potential unexplored. To my knowledge, a concerted effort has yet to be made to truly activate the space and bring life and
ideas to the site. In closing, there remains a great deal of potential for the Colchester Schoolhouse property. Its potential as a public asset remains untapped and community efforts, such as fundraising initiatives, have yet to be fully explored. In my view, the privatization of such a valuable public space should only be considered when a private proposal is in place to substantially improve the space for the betterment of the community. - Jeremy Parsons
Bunkhouses, greenhouse to be built at Harrow-area agricultural operation by Adam Gault Essex Council gave approval for the construction of farmlabour bunkhouses and a greenhouse in the Harrow-area, following a special meeting and regular Council session on Monday, December 21. This decision will allow for a site-specific zoning amendment at 1110 Ridge Road, southeast of Harrow proper, to allow Upper Canada Growers (UCG) to construct a pair of farm-labour housing units on the commercial farming property. UCG sought the amendment on the zoned Agricultural District 1.1 property to permit the construction of the two new ancillary buildings, which will provide living quarters for seasonal farm help. This will allow the use of an existing single detached dwelling for accommodations, in addition to the construction of a 37,000 square-foot greenhouse. A zoning amendment is required for this project, as under current Town of Essex zoning by-law, only one single detached
building is permitted per lot in an A1.1 zoning district. Currently, Upper Canada Growers operates a wholesale apple tree farm on the Ward 3 property, in addition to an adjacent parcel of land that encompasses the rest of the agricultural operation. Within the current Town Plan, if the size and scale of the farm operation requires agricultural
labour assistance, and with no area rentals or accommodations, the importance of keeping workers on or close to the farm necessitates and allows for the construction of the bunkhouses. In a report presented by Essex Director of Development Services, Lori Chadwick, it was noted the bunkhouses would only be used
Continued on Page 23
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18 I Personals
FromThe Heart _______________________________________________
BIRTHDAY
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TH
13
CHASE! d n L don Love Mom, Dad, Max, Lan & Carson, Nonna & Nonno, Uncle Alex, Aunt Tanya, Mirella, Massimo & Kosta
Voice Of Inspiration “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” ~ Charles Dickens
Say I Love You With A Personal Greeting! Let everyone know with your announcement here!
Essex Free Press
I Thursday, January 14, 2021
To place a personal notice, email your photo and content to contact@essexfreepress.com Personal notices must be received by Monday at 12:00 noon to appear in the Thursday edition. _________________________________________________________
OBITUARIES
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OBITUARIES
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BEWSHER, Robert “Bob” - September 9, 1934 - January 2, 2021 - A happy, loving, generous soul has suddenly passed on at the age of 86-years at the Erie Shores Health Care in Leamington. Loved husband of Babe (Alice) nee Breault for 56-years. Son of the late Robert (1934) and MaryAnn (1964) Bewsher. Father of Mary (Dan) Reeb, Juli (Jake) Jubenville, Deb (John) Marshall, Jay (A.M.) Bewsher, Chris (Sandra) Bewsher. Grandfather to 16 grandchildren; Tanya (Forrest), Jarred, Justin, Lea, Ashley, Devon, Krista, Nathan, Zach, Blake, Logan (2012), Hunter, Sarah, Avery, Taylor, and Kase. Brother of Irene Ouellette (2019) and Marian Kelly (2004). Bob lived for visits from his children and grandchildren. He loved his garden, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Tigers. A proud member of Branch 201 Essex Legion and the 10 person card tournaments. He is retired from Dominion Forge and Chrysler. Family and friends were received at the Reid Funeral Home, 87 Maidstone Ave. E. Essex on Wednesday January 6, 2021. A private family service was held at St. John The Evangelist Cemetery, Woodslee, where he was laid to rest. A celebration of life for Bob will be held, when life gets back to normal. To honour Bob and his love of gardening and food, please donate to your local foodbank for vegetables. Friends may send condolences or make a memorial donation at www.reidfuneralhome.ca.
QUINLAN, Patricia (nee DesRosiers) Born September 13, 1943. Passed away peacefully at home with her family by at her side on December 30, 2020 at 77-years-of-age. Beloved wife of the late Paul Quinlan (2010). Dear mother of Lou-Anne (Tony) Perfetto, Edward (Lily), and Patrick (Kathy). Loving grandma of Quinn and Amelia Perfetto, Blake, Krystle, and Kayla Qunlan, and Jacob Quinlan. Great-gram of Jaxson. Dearest daughter of the late Charles and Anne DesRosiers. Daughter-in-law of the late Edward and Ann Quinlan. Loved brother of Gordon DesRosiers (Cathie). Beloved sister-in-law of Marjorie Fuerth (late John), Pat Zimmer (late Donald), Grace Maitre (late Raymond), Ruth Quinlan, Larry (Carol), and Trudy Quinlan; predeceased by Rita McIntyre (late James), Charles (late Maxine), Father Chris, Helen Olech (late Ed), Vera (2019) and Jeanne Maitre (2019) (late Leonard). Remembered fondly by many nieces and nephews. Patricia was an active member of St. Mary’s Parish in Maidstone. She volunteered tirelessly with the Essex Area Foodbank and was the co-founder of Maidstone against dumping. Patricia retired after many years as a Lab Technician. A private family service will take place at the Kennedy Funeral Home Ltd. (519-776-7378) 128 Talbot St. North, Essex. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Maidstone. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Essex Area Foodbank.You may send your condolences online at www.kennedyfh.com.
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Personals continued on Page 19
Email your photo and message to:
contact@essexfreepress.com 116 Centre Street, Essex
519-776-4268
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IN LOVING MEMORY
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OBITUARIES
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REEB, Norman - With deep sadness, we announce the peacefully passing of our dear father, grandfather, and great-grandfather on December 27, 2020 at 94-years of age. Beloved husband of the late Elizabeth (nee Ellis). Cherished father of Margaret Soulliere (late Raymond), Valerie St. Denis (Wayne), and Todd Reeb (Katie). Treasured grandpa of Robert Soulliere, Lisa D’Alimonte (David), Tracey Rousseau (Micheal), Stephanie Lalonde (Mark), Nicholas St. Denis (Fina), Victoria Mariani, and Vanessa Reeb. Great-grandpa of Kierstyn Pare, Devon, Lauren D’Alimonte; Dominic St. Denis; Avery and Kennadie Lalonde; Ameera and Selena Baylis. Predeceased by his siblings, Gertrude Walpole (Harry), Margaret Shannon (Norman), Raymond Reeb (Harriet), Gerald Reeb (Dorothy), Edith Alexander (Ross), Lloyd Reeb (Florence), Bernel Reeb (Kathleen), Bertha Dean (Howard), and Lawrence Reeb (Isabel). Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Norman was born and raised on the family farm in Lakeshore Township. He retired from Chrysler after 31-years of dedicated service and was a member of Unifor Local # 444. Norman was a longtime and active member at the BethelMaidstone United Church. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 201 – Essex. A private family visitation and service will take place at the Kennedy Funeral Home Ltd. (519-776-7378) 128 Talbot St. N, Essex. Interment followed at Woodslee United Church Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre Foundation or to the Alzheimer’s Society. You may send your condolences online at www.kennedyfh.com.
DAMM, Marion Blanche (nee Mansell) - Our beloved mother passed away peacefully at the Royal Oak LTC in Kingsville at 100-years of age. Dear wife of the late Ross Robinson Damm (1983). Loving mother of Marilyn Shaw (Ro), Ron Damm (Nellie), Marj Robson (late Tim-2018), Rick Damm and the late Gary Damm (2018). Proud grandmother of Rob, Cheryl, Barb, Kevin, Matthew, Joy, Tom, Jim, Jessica, Michelle, and Michael. Great-grandmother of Brad, Ashley, Grace, Ross, Juliette, Connor, Blake, Emma, and Leah. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Marion will be sadly missed by Elaine Maedel and her lifelong friends at the Salvation Army in Essex. Predeceased by her siblings Clayton, Edison and Marjorie. Heartfelt thank you to Pam and Jennifer who read to her from her favourite book the Bible, on her last day. P.T.L. Also, thanks to Nicole, Dr. Kelton and the caring nurses and workers of Royal Oak LTC. A private graveside service took place at Evergreen Memorial Park in Leamington on December 28, 2020. Kennedy Funeral Home Limited (519-776-7378) 128 Talbot St. North, Essex entrusted with the arrangements. Donations may be made to the Salvation Army-Essex Community Church. You may send your condolences online at www.kennedyfh.com.
During this time, our office is CLOSED to the public. Please email us your personal greetings for our upcoming editions, if possible. Let’s all do our part to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
E. contact@essexfreepress.com We will get back to you as soon as possible with a proof and price. We accept Visa & MasterCard over the phone.
P. 519-776-4268
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GOODBURN, Betty Jean (nee Harrison) - was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 28, 1925 and passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2020. She is predeceased by her husband William “Bill” Goodburn (April 22, 2003). She was married on May 31, 1945 and made a life with family and friends in the Essex area. Together, they had 4 children, Dennis and wife Debbie Goodburn, Dianne and husband Pat Langan, Debra and husband Andre Quenneville, and Darryl Goodburn. Proud Grandmother of 12 grandchildren, 29 greatgrandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Survived by sister-in-law Bev Goodburn. Thanks to the staffs of the Iler Lodge of Essex and Sun Parlor home of Leamington for their support, care, and guidance. A private family funeral took place followed by interment. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Erie Shores Hospice by contacting Reid Funeral Home, 87 Maidstone Ave. E., Essex (519-776-4233). Family and friends are invited to share their memories online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
What’s Going On... JAN 19 BELLE RIVER BLOOD CLINIC at St. Simon & St. Jude Parish Hall, 267 Meunier Street, Belle River - From 1 - 7pm, For info: www.blood.ca JAN 27 ESSEX BLOOD CLINIC at Essex Centre Sports Complex, 60 Fairview Ave W . Essex. From 1 - 7pm, For info: www.blood.ca 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. SUN COUNTY LYME AWARENESS SUPPORT GROUP offers monthly support for Lyme disease patients, family, & friends. Look us up on social media for updates.
Thursday, January 14, 2021
I
Personals / Community Hub I 19
Essex Free Press
FromThe Heart
Personals continued from Page 18
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OBITUARIES _________________________________________________________ ARKINSTALL, Victor - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dad, Victor Arkinstall in his 82nd year. Dear father of Liz Arkinstall (David Pereira) and Peter Arkinstall (Wendy Proctor). Predeceased by his siblings Iris Howell; Gordon Arkinstall (late Doris), Derek Arkinstall (Peggy), Bill Arkinstall, and Maurice Arkinstall. Loving and proud papa of Ethan and Erin Arkinstall; Vaniece Proctor. Sadly, missed by Teresa Arkinstall. Also survived by many nieces and nephews in the U.K. Victor served in the British Army, Staffordshire Regiment. He was an artist and beloved high school teacher starting his career in England and retiring from the Greater Essex County District School Board in 1998 with a combined 40 years of service. He impacted many students throughout his life and each year he said, “this is the best group of kid’s I’ve ever had”. Vic was a thinker, an observer of people and nature and often brought his thoughts to life through sketches and doodles. He loved his family and friends and had a special connection with his dogs and grand dogs, Corky, Schmeichel and Louie. Victor was a lifelong supporter of Manchester United Football Club. Cremation has taken place. A private family service will take place at the Kennedy Funeral Home Ltd. (519-776-7378) 128 Talbot St. North, Essex. In lieu of flowers and donations please take a moment to see the beauty that surrounds you and reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in awhile and say hello. You may send your condolences online at www.kennedyfh.com. ____________________________________________________
DEUVILLE, Gary - passed away peacefully at home on Monday, December 14, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Mary Ellen (nee Langan) for 44 years. Proud father of Karen (Scott) and family, Steven and family and Sherrie and family. Dearest brother of late Bob, late Grace (Don) (Gail), Alfred (Faye), Joanne (Winston), late Janet (Rick), Dee, Tommy (Lori), Tim (Barb). Dear brother-in-law of John (Dorothy), Pat (Dianne), Mike (Karen), Anne Marie (Mike). Gary will also be remembered and missed by his nephew, John Jr., his working bro, Richard, and his cuddly dog, Jack. After many years of service, Gary retired in 2007. During his career he worked as an orderly at numerous hospitals and finished his career as maintenance with the WECHU. He was a longtime resident of Essex and Belle River and well known for his talent of fixing lawn mowers. No matter where he went, someone knew him. He loved Saturday morning, garage saleing with his grandsons, Josh, Matt and Sam and making memories. He was never a fan of camping, but always, loved riding his motorcycle with his late, best friend Jack. He will be forever remembered for his gentle nature and kindness shown to everyone. The family would like to thank all of the in home health care staff, especially Sue, for the wonderful care shown to them and Gary. Due to restrictions, private cremation has taken place. Memorial donations may be made to Fight Like Mason Foundation by contacting Reid Funeral Home, 87 Maidstone Ave. E., Essex (519-7764233). Due to being unable to celebrate Gary’s life, the family would greatly appreciate memories shared with them at www.reidfuneralhome.ca. ____________________________________________________
MULHALL, Shirley Violet - passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 3, 2021 after showing much strength through her journey with dementia. Beloved wife of the late Michael Mulhall (August 4, 1995). Loving mother of the late David Mulhall (October 25, 1989) and Christine Laliberte and husband Bill McCrone. Adored Granny of Travis Laliberte, Jacob Laliberte, KeAnn Laliberte and Will McCrone. The bond between Shirley and her grandchildren was so special because her care and love was endless. Dearest sister to Joanne Gallant (Danny), Ron Fields (Bonnie) and predeceased by 3 brothers. Shirley and Michael shared many laughs, memories and moments with their Lifelong friends, Danny and Corrine Hart. She will also be missed by her many nieces, nephews and extended family. Shirley was a tireless wife, mother, granny and friend. She was such a strong human being with a huge heart that everyone loved. She became everybody’s Mom. It gives us great comfort that she is now reunited with her husband and son, but to us she is irreplaceable. Our family would like to extend our heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Sun Parlor Home. Especially to the amazing staff on 3East who cared for my mother as their own. Private Family services have taken place. If desired, memorial donations made to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated. Family and friends are invited to share their memories online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca.
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DAVIDSON, George- 92 years, passed away on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at Erie Shores Healthcare. He is now reunited with his wife, Miriam, who passed in 2005. Proud Dad of Joseph Davidson (Cheryl), Elizabeth Polesky (Don), Eldora Davidson (late Fern), DONALD Davidson, Helen Ryan (Butch), Pauline Biekx (Larry), and Gerald Davidson (Sophia). Adored Grandpa of Shawn (Erika), Melissa (Brian), Vanessa, Nikki, Jamie (Peter), Chase, Fernilyn, and Great-Grandpa of Kael, Luka, Nash, and Myles. Dearest brother of Margaret MacQuarrie (late Don), late Annie Mae Davidson, Helen DeYoung (Joe), Bernadette Chisolm (late Billy), the late James and the late William. He will also be remembered by his many nieces and nephews. George and Miriam raised their family in Timmins, ON where he worked in the mine for many years. They then moved to Cottam, where George retired from Chrysler in 1991 after 23-years of service. He was a faithful member of Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Essex, and a member of Council 3305 and Fr. A. P. Marentette 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. He was an avid moose hunter, enjoyed fishing, and any time spent outdoors. He will be missed during card nights and will be remembered for his laughter and quick wit. Due to COVID restrictions, there will be a private Family Funeral Service held at Reid Funeral Home, 87 Maidstone Ave. E., Essex (519-776-4233) was followed by interment at Country Meadows Cemetery. A livestream of the Funeral Service was available at www.reidfuneralhome.ca on Friday, January 8, 2021. If desired, memorial donations made to the Kidney Foundation or Liver Foundation would be appreciated. Family and friends may share their memories online at www. reidfuneralhome.ca.
Voice Of Inspiration “There is a time in life when you expect the world to be always full of new things. And then comes a day when you realise that is not how it will be at all. You see that life will become a thing made of holes. Absences. Losses. Things that were there and are no longer. And you realise, too, that you have to grow around and between the gaps, [...]” ~
Helen Macdonald, H is for Hawk
MATTHEW, Mark - passed away very unexpectedly while out for a bicycle ride at 77 years old. Beloved husband of Ruth (nee Hlavac) for almost 50 years. Loving Dad of Naomi Denney (Rob) and Rachel Matthew. Proud and Adored Papa of Luke, Liam, and Natasha Denney. Dearest brother of David Matthew (Sheila) and brother-in-law of John Hlavac (late Joan), Sue Masulka (Ron) and late Jerry Hlavac (Claudia). Mark retired from Chrysler after 30-years of service and was a lifelong farmer. He had a strong faith and will be remembered for his love and dedication to his family. Private family service will be held at Reid Funeral Home, 87 Maidstone Ave. E., Essex (519-776-4233), followed by interment in Colchester Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations made to Gideon’s would be appreciated. Family and friends are invited to share their memories online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
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519-776-4255 Salvation Army Essex Church submitted by Carolyn Barnett
Happy New Year! Thank you for your generous contributions to our kettle campaign, which enables us to continue our Family Services programs. We are saddened by the loss of two of our church family members- Carol Smith and Marion Damm. We extend our sincerest condolences to their families. We are not holding church services or Bible Study because of the lockdown, but our Food Bank is still operating. Call Vicki at the church office, at 519-776-4628, to make an appointment.
St. Paul’s Anglican Church
Our building is unfortunately closed again, for the time being, and all services are cancelled until further notice. Visit our website (www.stpaulstrinity.org) and our social media for updates and worship resources. Messages are checked at the church office. 519-776-7711. Please stay safe until we can meet again!
Bethel-Maidstone United
Due to current restrictions we are closed to in-person worship. Our worship ministry has moved online and can be streamed at anchor.fm/bethel-maidstone Past sermons are also available in case you missed any. The secretary can be reached in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am - 1pm. Our number is (519) 723-2284. We are located at 933 Talbot Road, Maidstone, near the corner of Manning Road and Talbot. You can find us on the web at www.bethelmaidstone.com. Our email is bmuc@xplornet.ca.
Trinity Church
Please note that there will be no services at Trinity until further notice. Please pray for the ill, those who have lost hope at this time, our communities, and the businesses within it, as we go through these unprecedneted times. Our beautiful little church in the cemetery has seen 2 pandemics, the Spanish Flu and now COVID-19. We will get through this as well. We would like to thank everyone for the contributions made to our clothing drive in December. The clothing cupboard at St. Paul’s will distribute items to clients of the Foodbank. While present at the clothing drive, we were delighted to witness wedding photos being taken in our own little
Continued on Page 21
20 I Business Directory Essex Free Press
I Thursday, January 14, 2021
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Thursday, January 14, 2021
I
Community Hub / Business Directory I 21
Essex Free Press
Continued from Page 19 gazebo. You can find us online at www.stpaulstrinity.org or visit us on social media.
Harrow United Church submitted by Larry Anderson
As a result of the recent lockdown, Harrow United Church has once again suspended its services/activities within the building. Video services can be viewed online by visiting our church website. We look forward to worshipping together in 2021 when it is safe to do so. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our Minister, Rev. Darrow Woods, who would be pleased to speak with you. The number of Harrow United Church is: 519-738-4223. Please find information about Harrow United Church on our website at www.harrowunited.org.
Maidstone Cross submitted by Wendy Cunningham
Happy New Year everyone.! Due to the lockdown, our church and Family of Parishes office are closed. Masses are being recorded
and available to view on Saturdays at 5:30pm and after. Please check our website at centralessexcatholic.dol.ca or social media. Our prayers and sympathies go to the Quinlan family on the passing of their mom, Pat. Please keep in your prayers and all the people who are sick, shut-in, and in Hospice.
Holy Name of Jesus Parish Church submitted by Wendy Cunningham
Due to the lockdown, the office will remain closed and all churches are closed until further notice. For up to date info please visit our website at centralessexcatholic.dol.ca or on our social media.
Essex Baptist Church Essex Baptist Church continues to offer ministry to our congregation and anyone who would like to participate with us as we practice being the body of Christ even, during the lockdown. Each week, we post a video message from our pastor, Rev. Gary Lidstone, for Sunday Morning on our church website at www.essexbaptist.com. Every Thursday evening, we have a Prayer Night at 7:30pm and all are welcome to join us. Call the office with a prayer request that we might pray for on your behalf. This meeting is by Zoom, so please send your email address for an invite. If you need someone to pray with you, call the church at 519 776-8563.
Bethel-Maidstone United
Due to current restrictions, we are closed to in-person worship. Our worship ministry has moved online and can be streamed at anchor.fm/bethel-maidstone Past sermons are also available in case you missed any. Our hall and building remain closed to meetings and rentals. The secretary can be reached in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am - 1pm. Our number is (519) 723-2284. We are located at 933 Talbot Road, Maidstone, near the corner of Manning Road and Talbot. You can find us on the web at www.bethelmaidstone.com. Our email is bmuc@xplornet.ca.
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22 I Opinion / Community Essex Free Press
I Thursday, January 14, 2021
CTMHV looks ahead with new Board of Directors
1987 Buick Regal brand new!
Bob Knight and Rod Durham with Rod’s 1987 Buick Regal.
Bob Knight called me from the local Chevrolet dealership in Leamington with the story of a 1987 Buick Regal Turbo T in showroom condition. And the car was parked in the showroom! I headed over and met the owner, Rod Durham, of nearby Wheatley. He spotted an ad on Kijiji eight months ago and bought the car from the original owner in Niagara Falls, Ontario, who never drove it in winter or in the rain. It is one of only 4268 built. The Deep Red Metallic finish is still brand new! The interior is still new! The odometer shows 41,000 carefully driven kilometers. Under the hood is a turbocharged V6 feeding power through an automatic transmission to a rear end with positraction. The front brakes are disc, the rear brakes have aluminum drums. The rated horsepower is 245, with 0-60 in 4.3 seconds. The factory classifies the car as “light weight” with even bumper supports in aluminum to save on weight. It was the fastest production car in the U. S. at that time. Interesting features include roll-up windows and no power trunk. You have to use the key! Options include the Black-Out package which replaces the stainless trim around windows and wheel openings with flat black for that cool look! The Vector wheels have B. F. Goodrich T/A tires. The original AM-FM radio is in the dash with a manually-operated aerial on the right front fender. Rod and I got together on December 11, 2020. By an amazing coincidence, the last rear-wheel-drive 1987 Buick Grand National rolled off the assembly line on December 11, 1987, exactly thirty-three years earlier! It was the last Buick to have rear-wheel-drive. Rod is no stranger to the old car hobby. He bought his first 1987 Buick Grand National in 1995 at age 20. Since then, he has owned ten, including the one on display in the showroom and another one at home slated for use as a drag car at the Sparta drag strip near St. Thomas next summer. Rod Durham is living proof that in this hobby, the fun never ends! I’m always looking for stories. Email billtsherk@ sympatico.ca.
by Adam Gault A nearly brand-new Board of Directors has been selected for the Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village, as the venerable Essex institution looks ahead to 2021 and beyond. Eight of the nine Board Members selected for a two-year term this past November are first-time members, in an election that also included the stepping down of long-time Chairperson and member, Harry Bergman, and ViceChairperson, Mickey Moulder. “There’s a lot of changes. We’re going to get some fresh ideas, especially with everything that’s going on right now,” CTMHV Education Manager and Curator, Lisa Wacheski, said, noting that the two former top overseers of the Board of Directors would stay with the Museum in an unofficial capacity. “Hopefully, we’re going to see [Bergman and Moulder] in some different areas that are more to their interest. Maybe we’ll get to see Harry working on some vehicles in the garage with the volunteers on Wednesday.” Like many other organizations in the community, the Museum has struggled over the past year, with an absence of many of the events that are critical to its fundraising efforts. From a lack of paying visitors, usage as a rental space for private functions, and hosting field trips from area students to the Heritage Village and exhibits, the Museum is hopeful it can explore more fundraising options as the year progresses, and, with time, a return to more normal and regularly scheduled activities on its
grounds. “[Members] want to be able to meet the mission to provide educational interpretation opportunities, events, and programs for the public,” Wacheski said. “This [Museum] always gets to your heart really quickly. Right now, [the board] is really going to be investigating different ways to bring funding in. The direction is to get the doors open, maybe not as soon as we want to, but they’re definitely trying to think outside of the box.” The new Board Members have been meeting virtually since their election in November, and all share an unwavering passion for local history, automobiles, and the future opportunities to celebrate that history with each and every visitor to the Museum. Newly appointed Chairperson, Blake Cutcliffe, has been involved with the Museum since moving to Essex County just over two-years ago. With a background in mechanics, he was excited to get involved with an
organization that works diligently to preserve and celebrate his passion. “I’m a car guy from way back. I started out volunteering in the shop and in maintenance,” Cutcliffe explained of his beginnings at the CTMHV. “I’m an engineer, but I’ve spent my whole life in automotive. I worked for General Motors, Ford, suppliers. For me, this was great. I got an opportunity to work on vehicles, help with the Museum, all that kind of stuff.” In spite of the challenges the local Museum is facing in light of ongoing pandemic restrictions, Cutcliffe said the Board of Directors couldn’t be more excited for the future of the CTMHV, and is ready to welcome back visitors in a big way as soon as regulations allow. “For us, it’s a welcome challenge that I think we’re up to,” Cutcliffe said. “There’s a sense of optimism and excitement. We’re ready to get back to that future.” Additional Museum information can be found online at: ctmhv.com.
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Essex Free Press
Bunkhouses, greenhouse to be built at Harrow-area agricultural operation... Continued from Page 17
Upper Canada Growers approached Council, seeking an expansion of its Ridge Road operation.
on a seasonal basis. In addition, there were no overt objections from Essex Fire, ERCA, and the Essex Department of
Infrastructure Services. There were concerns, however, expressed from one Ridge Road resident, Diane York, who felt
the construction of the housing units would have a negative impact on her property, including its value, and her family’s privacy. “We don’t feel there’s any compatibility between the abutting properties,” York said. While members of Council said they understood the homeowner’s concerns, they noted that UCG was within its rights under the current zoning to construct the bunkhouses. Ward 3 Councillor Chris Vander Doelen, expressed concerns that considerations need to be made when projects like these are approved, with some in favour and others opposed, as the Town needs to know what
the overall impacts of the project will entail. “How much is the development worth, how many jobs will be created, how much money is going to flow to the Town,” Vander Doelen asked. “These are important considerations on these decisions, I believe. That’s why I ask.” UCG President, Robert Haynes, said the lab that processes the operation’s apple trees currently employs around 30 people, and is expected to increase that to 60 over
the course of the winter. “We’re working on a deal that will bring about 100 million dollars of investment in this area,” Haynes said. “We’re committed to working with the Town, we’re committed to working in
this area, we’re committed to local employment where we can get it.” The bunkhouses are expected to be completed by the beginning of March.
Voice Of Inspiration “Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
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24 I Community Essex Free Press
I Thursday, January 14, 2021
Councillor addresses recycling complaints, concerns by Sylene Argent Photo submitted On Tuesday, December 1, the City of Windsor took over as the recycling contractor in Essex County, with collectors driving white recycling trucks. Councillor Sherry Bondy said she has received a number of complaints and concerns since this transition took place, and she wanted to take a minute to address them. The City of Windsor workers, Bondy said, are just following the policies and protocols set through the Essex Windsor Solid Waste Authority (EWSWA). “What is happening, is there is a lot of recycling that is getting rejected,” Bondy explained. “People are creatures of habit. We were use to the same contractor doing our recycling for 25-years…but now, there is a new contractor, and there are going to
be growing pains.” Many of those who have reached out to Bondy are wondering why their recycling may be getting rejected or left out at the curb, and Bondy said there could be a few reasons. One of the most common reasons for rejection, she added, is improper mixing of paper and containers. Residents, sometimes may also put in items that are not recyclable, such as Styrofoam clamshell containers. Heather Taylor, Waste Diversion Specialist at Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority, there are a few main tips to ensure recycling is collected. Proper separation of paper and containers is one, including ensuring paper items are in a red box and containers are in a blue box. Taylor noted the open space on the truck has a divider plate, which ensures paper and containers are separated. They are
then brought to two different facilities. If items are improperly placed, and sent to the wrong facility, they could negatively impact machines with possible breakdowns. Other tips include ensuring plastic bags are not included, like frozen pea bags and cereal box liners; and properly bundling cardboard, which need to be no larger than 30x30x8 inches (the approximate size of a king size pizza box); The drivers could be stopping at around 800 plus houses a day, so these protocols help protect their safety and health, Taylor said. Whatever the reason recycling gets rejected, an “oops sticker” should be placed on the box, Bondy said. The resident can then call the EWSWA for more information, if needed. Taylor added residents also have to ensure they have approved recycling containers. Recycling carts need to be able to be lifted by the arm on the truck. The “Recycle Coach” app can be downloaded and used to double check what can be recycled and what cannot, or in which box items are to be placed. Residents can also ask questions through this medium. Through the app, residents can also be notified of changes, such as if pick-up is running late in a certain area. Collection Calendars for 2021 will be distributed later this month. Taylor hopes everyone will read the information provided inside. A big message the EWSWA is sending out to residents is to ensure their recycle boxes are put out for collection the night
before, or at least no later than 6 a.m. on their scheduled collection day, to ensure recycling is not missed. With having a new contractor, route times may not be the same as they were before. If there are frustrations, Bondy asked residents to not take it out on the contractor. “They are just doing their jobs. When they are rejecting [a recycling box], it is just because they have to get strict at the curb.” Bondy does not want to see people get frustrated and not recycle because of the transition. She hopes, instead, residents who have had their recycling rejected will look at why and follow through with the changes they are being asked to do. “We all have to pitch in,” Bondy said, noting the more recyclable items that get diverted from entering the landfill, the longer its lifespan will be. She added certain recyclable items also bring in some revenue for the EWSWA. Any funds earned, Taylor said, helps offset costs of the program. Residents can contact the EWSWA via ask@ewswa.org, 1-800-563-3377, or www.ewswa.org to ask questions if there is still confusion.