Essex Free Press - January 19, 2023

Birds Canada grant helps repair Colchester Schoolhouse chimney

by Sylene Argent

The Colchester Schoolhouse chimney has been repaired, thanks to support from the Town of Essex and a Bird’s Canada grant.

At the December 19 Essex Council meeting, Perry Basden, President of Heritage Colchester, approached Council to announce the chimney repairs have been completed on the 1881 Colchester Schoolhouse.

Basden explained the 1952 chimney – a roosting site for Chimney Swifts – was in disrepair. It hasn’t been used for many years.

Chimney Swifts are threatened under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act. The work had to be completed by February of 2023, while the Chimney Swifts were south. The restoration was completed in early December, Basden added.

At the August 4 regular meeting, Council of the day approved repairs to Colchester School House chimney in the amount of $29,945. Half of the cost came from Birds Canada’s “Chimney Swift Chimney Restoration Fund,” and the other half came from the Town’s Asset Management Reserve.

The chimney was beyond its lifecycle and could have created a safety issue if it continued to deteriorate.

Heritage Colchester is required, through the grant application, to monitor and report on the Chimney Swifts over the next five-years, and will file those reports with Swift Watch Ontario.

Those interested in becoming a member of Heritage Colchester can log onto www. heritagecolchester.ca to learn more about the group, which was formed in 2021. The group is incorporated as a non-profit with the Province of Ontario and is planning the Colchester Schoolhouse’s restoration.

In November of 2021, Council entered into a lease agreement with Heritage Colchester to operate the Colchester Schoolhouse for tenyears, commencing December 1, 2021.

Photos of the Colchester Schoolhouse chimney restoration submitted by Heritage Colchester member, Susan Hann.

by Sylene Argent

With many master plans, projects, and big decisions to be tackled over the coming year, Essex’s CAO Doug Sweet believes 2023 will be busy and productive.

With having a newly elected Term of Council, Sweet said 2023 will be exciting for staff members. “It is kind of another fresh start for another four-years and we are looking forward to see what this new Council brings.”

Since being inaugurated in November, senior staff members with the Town of Essex have been hosting a series of orientation sessions to help train the new Council, which is comprised of many members who are new to municipal politics.

That training will stretch on into March, which Sweet said is good, because that will ensure members at the local decision-making table are prepared to make decisions and have all the background information provided to them to be able to do so.

One of the most important documents Council can prepare in its four-year term is its Corporate Strategic Plan that will guide decision-making over the next -four years.

Council members will discuss priorities and goals for their term of service, which will be developed into a roadmap that will outline their priorities and goals over their term.

“That helps our staff achieve those goals for them,” he said.

The prior Term of Council was able to accomplish 88 percent of its Corporate Strategic Plan. In total, there were 64 objectives, of which 56 were completed. The remaining eight were still in progress when that information was provided in October.

One of the big projects currently underway includes

the Essex Centre Streetscape, a project that has been developing for a decade. It is currently being re-tendered.

At the December 19 Council meeting, a majority Council vote moved to proceed with reducing the scope of the Essex Centre Streetscape on Talbot Street, from approximately Cameron Avenue to Arthur Avenue. In addition, it includes the Victoria Avenue work.

Council also directed Administration to come back to Council with a report on when the remainder of the streetscape area can be completed.

“We are looking forward to that. Hopefully that work can begin in 2023. Then, we would have both our urban centres complete in terms of legacy [projects].”

On January 18, Council will participate in the 2023 Budget Walkthrough, which will detail options, needs, and wants for the coming year. Council will then begin deliberations to decide on what should be included and what the tax assessment should be this year.

“Through my careers, this has truly been one of the hardest budgets with those fixed costs, be it inflation, utilities, fuel, insurance,” Sweet said. “It is a balancing act we have to look at. Residents have a level of service they expect, and we still need to try and reach that level of service.”

Staff members have been working since May to create a Budget Reset, to ensure they come back with a fiscally responsible budget, despite all of those external pressures.

A budget reset puts a lot more focus on the departments to start their budgets from scratch, and then compare them to previous years, providing for an overhaul of the base budget.

A big document being developed in 2023 is the Community Services Master Plan, which will guide how to plan parks, recreation, playgrounds, and sports fields over the next decade. The current document was created in 2015 and needs updating. Residents have a chance to complete a survey to provide comments and feedback until January 30, 2023 at www.essex.ca/MasterPlan.

It is anticipated the document will be completed in April. This gives residents a say as to what they want to

see in their community, Sweet said.

In August, it was announced Essex was successful in obtaining a Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) to receive up to $750,000 towards developing Phase 1 of the work on the Essex Sports Fields, with the Town responsible for adding 25 percent of the cost of the project.

Work has begun. It is hoped it will be available for use in 2024. The first phase of the project includes adding a driveway and planting grass for four soccer fields, which will need a year to germinate before use.

In that 2015 Parks, Recreation, and Culture Master Plan, it was recommended the Town look at purchasing property to be able to add outdoor sports fields to accommodate the current needs and potential growth of the community.

In compliance with the grant, the work needed to be completed by March 31, 2023.

The initial budget estimate for the whole project was for $20,649,659. The large scope of the project resulted in the Town taking a phased-in approach.

Likely sometime this year, Council will have to make a decision on how to proceed with the former Harrow High School. Staff will present a number of options on how to proceed with the property. That is exciting as this creates opportunity, he said.

One of the big matters last year included approving the Short-Term Rental (STR) units licensing program. That By-Law came into place January 1, requiring operators to license their units.

The By-Law provides Essex an opportunity to allow STRs, but with control measures in place. Rolling forward with this process will be new for staff to undertake, Sweet commented.

Growth in Essex, Sweet said, has been exponential, which has been fantastic. “I can see that continuing. We are excited for residential, commercial, and industrial [growth],” he said.

In terms of residential growth, Sweet said the Town

by Sylene Argent

2022 Municipal Election Accessibility Report details review of voting locations will be undertaken

Essex Council received a report regarding the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections, regarding accessibility.

Feedback during the 2022 Municipal Election indicated several concerns regarding the location of the Colchester Community Centre and wait times in Ward 1 and Ward 3. As a result, a complete review of the locations will be undertaken prior to the 2026 election to ensure all residents have equal access, the Report to Council notes.

The report was completed as the Municipal Elections Act requires a Town Clerk to prepare a plan regarding the identification, removal, and prevention of barriers affecting electors and candidates with disabilities before the election, then prepare a follow up report within 90days after voting has taken place.

The 2022 Municipal Election Accessibility Plan was received and supported by the Essex Accessibility Advisory Committee and adopted by Council.

Administration will investigate ways to improve collaboration with individuals with disabilities along with internal staff and external organizations, the Report to Council continues.

Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy asked how the use of proxy votes went this election, with the Town adopting a policy on the matter.

Acting Clerk Shelley Brown said the Town created a registry to handle proxy votes, and 15 were registered (four from Ward 1, two from Ward 2, six from Ward 3, and three in Ward 4). Of those, 11 were certified and 10 of those voted.

Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley asked about using internet voting in the next election. Brown said Administration will present a report on various voting methods that Council can discuss in the future.

Councillor Jason Matyi noted he heard concerns with the ramp at the Colchester Community Centre, and how some with accessibility needs still have trouble accessing the building via the ramp.

Though the ramp meets accessibility standards, CAO Doug Sweet said the Town has heard feedback on that concern and staff will look into alternatives.

Bruce P. Elman to be new Integrity Commissioner for Essex Council awarded the Request for Proposal for Integrity Commissioner Services to Bruce P. Elman LL.D., for a one-year term, commencing January 1, 2023.

This will be subject to an option to renew for a further term of two-years at the Town’s discretion.

The Report to Council notes each municipal council is required to appoint an Integrity Commissioner, who is responsible for investigating complaints and concerns in regards to the application of the Code of Conduct for

members of Council and of any procedures, rules, and policies of the municipality governing, in addition to the ethical behaviour of members of council and local boards.

The position needed to be filled as the Previous Term of Council did not extend the contract of former Integrity Commissioner, Robert Swayze, in August of 2022.

After reviewing the three proposals submitted to the RFP in early December, Bruce P. Elman LL.D. scored the highest evaluation and was also the lowest bid.

The proposal provides for a yearly rate for advisory and education of $1,800, and an hourly rate of $300 that will apply to complaint investigation and resolution, letters of advice, advisory bulletins, policy consultation and advice, brief service and brief advice, and other matters involving ethical concerns.

According to the Report to Council, $44,071 was spent on Integrity Commissioner services in 2021, while $11,188 was spent in 2020, and $5,784 in 2019. As of October, $12,005 was spent in 2022. It adds it is difficult to anticipate costs associated with the Integrity Commissioner Services for 2023, however, Administration believes the budgeted amount of $20,000 will be sufficient.

Request for Community Safety Zone on

South Talbot Road

deemed premature

At the August 22 Council meeting, the previous Term of Council heard resident concerns regarding speeding on South Talbot Road, from Victoria Avenue to Maidstone, since the road had opened up.

At that time, Council supported using the Town of Essex’s policy on creating Community Safety Zones to see if the section of this road would qualify for that, and further directed Administration to reach out to the MTO to see if the Town of Essex could temporarily reduce the speed from 50km/hr to 40km/hr.

In the Report to Council that Director of Infrastructure, Kevin Girard, prepared, it was recommended that a Community Safety Zone not be implemented at this time. Should Council wish to investigate the need for a Community Safety Zone in the future, a thorough traffic study in accordance with the Town’s policy, was recommended.

It adds that a traffic study should occur at least one year following the completion of the Highway 3 widening project.

The Report to Council also adds that Community Safety Zones are typically identified on roadways near schools, daycares, playgrounds, parks, hospitals, senior citizen residences, and roadway sections with identified high collision or road speed violations rates. They are meant to help modify driver behaviour and improve safety on municipally selected sections of road where public safety is of special concern.

The local OPP replied to the Town’s request for feedback

on Page 5

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Howling at the Moon

••• Comment by Sylene Argent •••

Accidentally friending strangers on social media

I am a self-proclaimed dinosaur. I am not – and never have been –a fan of overusing technology, and that certainly extends to social media.

But, since it is there, I do find myself lurking through the comment section on news articles shared on social media. I like to see what side of the aisle people are sitting on, and I try to look to determine if those posts are made by real accounts or not.

I never comment or react to the opinions of others when going through the comment section, I just kind of try to be a fly on the wall and watch the conversation roll out. Sometimes, when scrolling through the comment section, I have a clumsy moment and accidentally “like” a comment I did not mean to, or even send a friend request to a

stranger. I just accidentally click on something I did not mean to.

I have even done it scrolling through my news feed on sponsored or suggested ads or posts, and I get incredibly annoyed when that happens. In fact, a get a little anxiety over it.

I can be so paranoid about my foot print on social media, I typically check my activity log before I log out to make sure I didn’t accidentally do something silly. One time, I somehow accepted a friend request from a friend of a family member whom I did not know and I didn’t even realize it until I saw this person’s posts popping up in my newsfeed later on.

It happens, and I am sure I am not the only one who has done silly things like that. Most people would

not think twice about it, and just delete the error – if they even noticed they made one – and move on with their day. But, those instances do tend to swirl around my head when I do make those mistakes. I have a small circle of friends on my own account, which I may not even have if I didn’t need it for work.

Maybe it sounds a bit silly, and I am sure it does to many people. Perhaps I am a little too anxious about my own privacy and need to loosen up a little.

However, I do long for the days before social media had so much attention, and even dependency on it. I do know I am not alone on that front.

WECHU Update on Students with Incomplete Immunization Records

Submitted to EFP

As of January 9, 2023 there are 9,069 elementary school students at risk of school suspension on March 20, 2023. While great progress has been made in updating elementary student immunization records, these students are either overdue for one or more vaccines required by the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) R.S.O.1990 or they have not yet submitted their immunization records to the Health Unit. Many of these vaccines are normally administered by primary health care providers. Parents/guardians of children who received their vaccines from their health care provider still have to update this information with the Health Unit.

There are a number of options for parents and guardians to provide immunization record details to the Health Unit. They can:

Submit updated immunization records to the WECHU using any of the following methods:

Secure Online Reporting: immune.wechu.org or

Phone: 519-960-0231 or 1-800-265-5822 ext. 1222 (tollfree)

Contact their health care provider to get information and to receive any missing vaccinations. Parents/ guardians will need to update this information with the Health Unit.

Book an appointment at a WECHU Immunization Clinic. The WECHU is hosting daily clinics at the Health Unit offices by appointment only. Public health nurses will be available to update the student’s immunization record and/or administer vaccines if needed. An appointment can be booked online or by calling 519-9600231.

This week’s edition was packed with local news... See photos with stories on our website:

on the matter and noted the request for a Community Safety Zone seemed premature, given the status of the newly opened portion of this road, coupled with the incomplete construction of Highway #3 expansion.

“It would be more advantageous to have the construction be completed and then evaluate the traffic volume at that time,” it states, adding, when construction on Highway 3 is completed, “We can set up better evaluations and assessments for the road and what demands there may be to the Municipality and the actual impacts.”

Councillor Katie McGuire-Blais agreed with the report that it may be premature to add a Community Safety Zone to the area, but said she was sympathetic to the residents.

She said the Victoria Avenue access to Highway 3 was only recently closed-off, and that the Hanlan Street extension is not yet complete, which should help alleviate traffic going down South Talbot.

Mayor Sherry Bondy also voiced sympathy for the residents as she believes the concerns are real. She would look forward to traffic calming measures in the future, such as using the Town’s Black Cat devices, which collect traffic data, in the spring for further documentation.

Bondy also believes the intersection near the Tim Hortons and McDonald’s needs to be looked at.

Two radar signs to be purchased for Gesto Sideroad Council directed Administration to implement a speed radar signage program, and further approved around $8,000 for the purchase of two speed radar signs.

This will focus on Gesto Sideroad, from South Malden Road to County Road 12.

At the October 22 meeting, the previous Term of Council passed Councillor Kim Verbeek’s motion that directed Administration come back with some suggestions on how to slow traffic, which is already posted at 50km/hr.

At the time, Verbeek said because of the way this road is laid out, there are speeding concerns. She wanted to have the study completed to see what can be done to mitigate the speeding and let the residents of the area know their concerns have been heard.

In the fall of 2022, the Town’s Operations Department conducted a traffic study on Gesto Sideroad, from County Road 12 to around 1km to the Southeast, using the Town’s Black Cat Radar Recorder. The device collects traffic data, such as speed and vehicle type without being visual to the public.

It was observed an average of 58 cars travel on the road per day. Around 36 percent of traffic was travelling in excess of 10km/ph of the posted speed limit, which would indicate a trend of enforceable speeding on this stretch of road and an increased need for enforcement measures, the Report to Council notes.

As part of any Town of Essex traffic study the Town also calculated and reviewed the 85th percentile speed in

Voice Of Inspiration

the study area – the speed at which 85 percent of drivers are observed to travel at under free-flowing conditions past a monitored point, was 69kph, well above the posted 50km/hr.

Director of Infrastructure, Kevin Girard, said speed limits set above or below the 85th percentile could create unsafe conditions, due to speed differential.

Staff recommended that prior to the future capital replacement of this section of Gesto Sideroad, Infrastructure Services make changes to the characteristics of the roadway design to fit the existing 50kph speed limit.

It was determined that there are very few opportunities and strategies for traffic calming in rural areas, however, temporary speed radar signs could be installed, as the best way to improve speeding is through enforcement and education, he said.

These signs flash a driver’s speed. They are slightly different from the speed radar trailers that the Town currently owns, as these can typically be installed much closer to the road. They can also be temporarily installed in problematic areas that require additional speeding awareness and can be moved through the municipality as needed, the Report to Council details.

It was also recommended enforcement measures be increased to bring awareness to the 50kph speed limit. Infrastructure Services will ensure the OPP are provided a copy of this report and the associated speed study data, which will include details of when speeding typically occurs and when enforcement is most needed.

The Report noted the radar signs are around $4000 each, and two would be required, one for each direction of travel. It was suggested the funding come from the $20,000 set aside in the 2022 Capital Budget for additional Black Cat devices. $12,000 was spent on two of those devices.

Verbeek said she is grateful for the solution. She said she was in contact with the OPP on the matter, and its staff confirmed officers were issuing tickets every time they were positioned there. She hopes this will work to reduce speed, and, if it does, Council should consider purchasing more temporary radar signs in the future.

Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley said he grew up in the area and does not believe the speed has changed. He is glad Council will purchase the signs to try and make a difference, but was not sure they would make a difference. He believes the only thing that will correct the issue is police presence.

Councillor Joe Garon asked if another study will be conducted when the signs are up to see if they are working. Girard said the intent is to leave the Black Cat device up to continue to collect data. That will also help staff determine

how long the signs should remain up.

Debt Management Policy adopted, Shoreline Loan Program to be repealed

Council adopted a Debt Management Policy, and further directed Administration to prepare a by-law to repeal By-Law 1908 that authorized the Essex Shoreline Assistance Loan Program, effective August 31, 2023.

Kate Giurissevich, Director of Corporate Services/ Treasurer, said this policy has been in the works for the past year. It ensures Administration and Council have guidelines to follow when taking on debt.

The four goals associated to the policy includes adherence to regulations, defining the uses of debt and how it can be obtained, promoting fiscally responsible financial management, and minimizing the cost of longterm financing.

According to the Report to Council, Essex has not had a formal debt management policy.

The policy has a benchmark of 15 percent of debt servicing costs to the Town’s own source revenues. This allows for a 10 percent excess for what the Ministry of

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Affairs allows, providing for a buffer if the need arises, she said.

It adds that By-Law 1908, the Shoreline Loan Program, was approved on April 20, 2020 to assist local owners of shoreline properties to repair or construct protective works on the shoreline. It allows property owners to finance shoreline protection work through their property tax accounts.

While this program does provide a financing alternative to specific benefitting property owners, it exposes the municipality to risk as this debt is present in the Financial Records at the Town, the Report to Council continues. It directly impacts debt levels of the Town, which in turn impacts the Town’s Annual Repayment Limit.

At the onset, there was good uptake on the Shoreline Loan Program, Giurissevich said, and it is believed it served the problem of the day. Recently, there has been minimal resident uptake. When there has been interest, it was for substantial and significant loan amounts to individuals.

It is difficult to predict when a Shoreline Loan would be dispersed, so it was recommended it be discontinued with significant notice.

Mayor Sherry Bondy said it was a great program. Like many municipal programs, the Town cannot afford to keep them forever.

Holding Zone Restriction removed, performance securities released for Phase 1 of Greenleaf Trails Essex Council passed By-Law Number

2214, to amend The Comprehensive Zoning By-Law for the Town of Essex, which was required to authorize the removal of the Holding (H) restriction and permit the construction of residential dwellings for Phase 1 of the Greenleaf Trails residential subdivision.

Phase 1 of the Greenleaf Trails residential subdivision comprises 28 lots for single-detached dwellings and four blocks of semi-detached or townhouse dwellings in Harrow.

The lands are zoned HR2.2. With the “H” prefix, no use, building or other structure is permitted, but it can be removed when preconditions have been met. Town of Essex Infrastructure Services has confirmed that all major deficiencies have been addressed. It is now appropriate to remove the “Hold,” the Report to Council notes.

Council also authorized the reduction of the commercial letter of credit from Dalla Bona Estates INC by $147,740.46, and approved any over budget amount for Development Charge waivers be funded through the Landfill Reserve and repaid at a period no longer than five -years from the date of building permit issuance.

All Development Charges applicable to the construction of residential dwellings in the Harrow Primary Settlement Area are waived at a rate of 50 percent in 2023. The Town is required to fund the waiver.

The total number of dwellings to be constructed in 2023, and subject to Development Charge (DC) waivers under

Bylaw 1850, is unknown at this time.

Protection of Highways By-Law provisionally adopted, Council to provide further feedback By-Law 2219 to provide for the protection and regulation of Town of Essex Highways, Road Allowances, and Right of Ways was provisionally adopted, giving opportunity for Council to provide additional feedback for official adoption.

Kevin Girard, Director of Infrastructure Services, explained the existing By-Law was adopted in December of 1999 and is in need of updating to relevant standards and updated practices. The Report to Council adds that the update presented the Town with an opportunity to review its needs from a “care and use” perspective, which the current by-law does not cover. Part 5 of the proposed By-Law includes a number of proposed regulations for the care and maintenance of the Town’s rights-of-way.

The By-Law, the Report to Council notes, speaks to the specifics of what is not permitted to take place within the Town rights-of-way, without expressed permission from the Town; exemptions; care and landscaping of Town rights-ofway; and requirements for permits. It also identifies enforcement measures.

It adds that it is recommended each individual property undergo review on a case-by-case basis for requested landscaping within the Right of Way, allowing residents the opportunity to apply through the permitting process for landscaping for a Town Right-of-Way.

That recommendation came after Council directed Administration to prepare a report to Council on October 10, including recommendations on a best practices policy concerning landscaping on the Town’s right-of-way.

The Town, he added, does not have a care in use by-law, but needs one. The By-Law provides for that. Section five identifies the care in use section, which designates a property owner’s obligation to cut the grass at the boulevard in front of their house and that the driveways within the Town’s property need to be in good repair to protect against liability concerns.

Councillor Jason Matyi said when he moved to ask Council to direct Administration to prepare a report with recommendations on a best practices policy concerning landscaping on Town rights-of-way, he was looking for a more objective set of criteria.

Girard said the recommendation is to not permit landscaping in a right-of-way, unless there is no potential for any future improvements, based on research staff conducted. This takes enforceability into consideration.

The difference between the old and new By-Law includes that in the old document, no landscaping is permitted at a public right-of-way and the new one could allow exceptions to properties that may never have matters going on in the future that would have an impact from landscaping. The new By-Law also will have more teeth for enforcement.

CAO Doug Sweet said the Town is developing an Appeals Committee, and looking at what By-Laws this committee will oversee. He sees this By-Law as one

that can be included, so residents do not have to go to Council for exemptions.

As it was provisionally adopted, there is time for Council to potentially tweak the By-Law by providing staff with feedback on the matter, based on concerns they voiced during the meeting, before official adoption at a future meeting.

In a recorded vote for provisional adoption, Councillors Matyi, Allard, and Verbeek were opposed, with the remainder of Council in support.

Drainage apportionment, water billing fees and charges adopted Council directed Administration to incorporate the fees and charges as described within By-law 2040, to establish a schedule of miscellaneous fees and charges.

The Report to Council notes when the Infrastructure Services Department recently completed an annual review of the current Fees and Charges By-Law, it was discovered that there were some charges that were not captured.

New charges added to the By-Law includes a fee for the supply of the water meter for a new build, a $100 flat rate per month following a 90-day grace period until the water meter is installed and approved by the Environmental Services Department, and a $100 refundable fee to encourage the customer to contact the Town/ELK for non-payment to avoid escalation of collecting upon property taxes.

It also includes a fee of $200 on property owners requesting a Drainage Apportionment Agreement to cover the administrative cost to the Town for preparing this agreement.

Report a Problem

4th quarter update received Essex Council received a report detailing the submissions made to the online Report a Problem tool that allows residents an opportunity to forward municipal-based issues to the Town of Essex during the final quarter of 2022.

The Report to Council notes between October 1 and December 31 of 2022, Town staff received 196 submissions through the online Report a Problem portal. The largest complaint, with 51 submissions, regarded roads, sidewalks, and bridges. There were also 36 submissions regarding streetlights, powerlines, and overhead utilities, and 16 submissions for Drinking Water / Water mains, and an additional 16 submissions regarding playgrounds, parks, and splashpads.

On average, tickets were closed within seven-days of submission. Of all submissions, 54 percent were closed within three days or less, and 86 percent were closed within 14 days or less. There are still 49 submissions remaining open, the Report to Council notes.

Grant funding to cover additional Heritage Gardens Park washroom costs Council received information noting the Town of Essex was awarded $28,646 in grant funding through the “My Main Street Community Activator Program” for the Heritage Gardens Park Washrooms. Council also approved using the grant funding to cover additional project

expenses, totalling $15,132.95 for unforeseen excavation and land work, which included additional labour for the removal of large foundations and rocks encountered underground when installing the waterline from Wilson Avenue to the building location.

In addition, it was approved to use the remaining $13,513.05 towards the total project cost, instead of using Parks and Recreation General Reserve monies previously approved on September 6. At that time, Administration asked Council for additional funding as the tenders received were $43,440 over budget.

In the Report to Council, it notes the previous Term of Council approved building

washrooms at the Heritage Gardens Park to promote events and tourism at that location. The approved budget for this project was $300,000, including a $50,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Essex and a $100,000 contribution from the Essex Centre BIA.

January to be recognized as Crime Stoppers Month Essex Council received and supported correspondence from Windsor and Essex County Crime Stoppers Inc, which asked Essex to recognize January of 2023 as Crime Stoppers Month.

This supports Windsor and Essex County Crime Stoppers Inc in promoting public awareness on its service within the community.

Voice Of Inspiration

~ Karl Lagerfeld

Council to ask Province to allow residents claim drainage bills on income tax

Councillor Kim Verbeek put forward a Notice of Motion that was to be presented at the February 6 Regular Council Meeting, asking Council to direct

Administration to send a letter to the Provincial government, requesting residents be allowed to claim drainage bills on their income tax.

As the Notice of Motion fit the criteria, it was moved to the New Business section and dealt with Monday evening instead.

She said this matter is significant in Ward 2 as a lion’s share of drainage work is done in that area. Farmers can write that off on taxes, but non-farmers cannot, she said.

Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley, Mayor Sherry Bondy, and Councillor Jason Matyi voiced support for the motion.

Council passed the motion, with an amendment that the resolution also be sent to

County Council, ROMA, and AMO as well.

Fortification By-Law passed

Essex Council gave third reading to and passed By-Laws 2210, to prohibit and regulate fortification and protective elements of land.

This was discussed and provisionally passed at the December 19 meeting.

Final reading of Greenhouse light Abatement By-Law deferred

On the advice of CAO Doug Sweet, Council deferred By-Law 2211, to require the abatement of interior greenhouse light emissions.

He said public and Council feedback has been brought forward on the matter, since it was presented, and believed

it should be reviewed when a new Director of Legislative Services/Clerk is selected.

By-Law for declaration and disposition of surplus lands for portion of Hunter Park passed Council gave three readings to and passed By-Law 2220, for the declaration and disposition of surplus lands for a Portion of Hunter Park, 0 Bell Avenue.

At the May 16 meeting, Council declared a 200’x 25’ portion on the northwest extent of 0 Bell Avenue as surplus to the needs to the municipality, and further directed Administration provide the required public notice and bring back to Council a bylaw to sell the property by way of private sale.

Essex

kicks-off second annual mental fitness seminar series

those in-need in the church and the community.

Pastor Horner noted this year’s seminar features four speakers, with three returning from last year. Each speaker will cover a range of topics from “worry and stress, how to cope and thrive” to “understanding how you were made,” “parenting without losing your mind,” and “a conversation focused on building resilience.”

interested in the series, or may have questions about it, to call the Church office at 519-776-4667 or

email info@essexgospel. com. A link to its YouTube channel to watch the series or other videos can

be found at essexgospel. com.

by Garrett Fodor

With the New Year in full swing, and with individuals looking to further grow and develop, Essex Gospel Community Church is providing free resources to the community in an effort to help.

On Monday evening, Essex Gospel Community Church kicked-off its second annual “Mental Fitness Seminar Series.”

The first of the four weekly sessions featured the topic, “worrying and stress, how to cope and thrive.”

“Last year, we hosted our first series of five seminars with the idea coming to us in the midst of COVID-19, noticing not just people in our church, but people in the community struggling

with isolation,” Essex Gospel’s Lead Pastor, Brent Horner said, who organizes the annual seminar. “We reached out and gathered industry experts through connections myself and others within the church have, organized them in a room, and they came up with the topics they [believed were] important to speak about and provided educational resources on.”

Last year’s seminar was hosted in the midst of the pandemic, with Pastor Horner noting that attendance was in the hundreds for the several-week series, with additional viewership of nearly 1000 online. He hopes to see the series continue to grow and rise in popularity, helping

“I look at it this way, from like a minister’s point of view, body, soul, mind, and spirit are all connected,” Pastor Horner said. “If one part of you isn’t doing well, the rest of you probably is not doing too well, either. So, with mental fitness, and the connection that that makes spiritually, in the connection that makes emotionally and socially, is really important to a person’s health.”

This year’s series runs in person on Monday evenings until February 6. Each session will feature a slideshow and presentation with an industry expert guest speaker, followed by a question and answer period. Pastor Horner also noted videos of the sessions are posted on the church’s YouTube channel, allowing people to watch when they would like or what fits best with their schedule.

Pastor Horner encourages anyone

Essex native writes teen drama focusing on youth mental health

by Sylene Argent

Finding she had some spare time during COVID, Essex resident Kassidy Verbeek felt compelled to revisit a story she began as a homework assignment in grade 11 and expand it into a short novel.

While enrolled at St. Clair College in pursuit of a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Social Justice and Legal Studies, Verbeek said she had a chance to further develop the story, and took advantage of the opportunity.

“The Short Life of Alice,” a teen/young adult drama that offers a coming-of-age story, has not only been completed, but is now available to read.

“It focuses on youth mental health and women in trades,” she explained, noting the main character endures mental health battles, struggles with family dynamics, and finds school challenging as someone who has trouble being social.

The 98-page novel kicks-off just after the main character has broken up with her boyfriend in her final year of high school, while preparing for prom. She is also independent, and has a strong relationship with her brother, which helps her get through some of those darker periods, Verbeek details.

“I think it is really important that there is literature out there that addresses youth mental health and the importance of family. I wasn’t finding literature around when I was in high school that wasn’t some fantasy book. This is more of a reallife struggle that a person would go through, a typical high school story,” Verbeek said. “It is a success story. It has a very happy ending.”

She believes it is important to see mental health addressed in books more often, so young people who may be struggling know they are not alone.

“When you need help, it is important to get it, because everybody out there deserves to be successful,” she said.

Having been what she described as an outcast in high school allowed her to write a character for the book in which she could relate, without getting too personally involved. Though the character is not based on her own experiences, Verbeek said she has gone through bullying, suffered academically, and had to focus on her own mental health.

She wrote the story with high school friend, Sid Doe. The duo often shares writing ideas with one another, so she approached him about this project.

The idea for the book, Verbeek recalled telling Doe, was good and she had people telling her she should expand on her original work. She,

however, found herself stuck and wanted his advice on how to proceed with the project.

“I was taking Sid’s advice as I was going, and I turned it from a homework assignment into a novel,” Verbeek said.

When she was ready to publish the draft, she approached Queen’s Daughter Publishing Company out of Windsor. The publishing experience, Verbeek said, went smoothly, with the company laying out a lot of the groundwork in publishing the novel.

Copies of “The Short Life of Alice” are available at Essex Foodland, or by emailing creativewriters2001@

gmail.com.

Verbeek has started working on her second novel, one she hopes to incorporate her college education into its pages.

She is looking forward to graduating from the four-year program at St. Clair College in May and is hoping to get accepted into the accelerated paralegal program.

WB Don Jones installed as Worshipful Master of St. George’s Lodge, Kingsville

submitted to EFP

On January 5, Michael Donald Jones was installed as the Worshipful Master of St. George’s Lodge No. 41 in Kingsville.

The Lodge has been in continuous operation in Kingsville since 1852.

Don was born in Windsor in 1940. He attended Kennedy Collegiate, and in 1957 enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He served as a fighter control operator for three-years, and then moved on to work at City Foundry in Windsor followed by 31-years in the foundry at the Ford Motor Company.

Since retirement, he has been active in many areas, including the Sun Parlor Barbershop Chorus, learning to tap dance, Tae Kwon Do, and Tai Chi. Advancing through the offices of the Masonic Lodge has been a very important part of his life.

Photo submitted. Kassidy Verbeek (right) and Sid Doe are pictured at a book launch they hosted recently for “The Short Life of Alice.”

Bachetti Acclaimed as Chair of Essex County Library Board

Tecumseh Deputy Mayor Joe Bachetti was acclaimed as Chair person of the Essex County Library Board at the Board’s inaugural meeting last Wednesday night and Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy was acclaimed as ViceChair person. They will serve in their respective roles for this four-year term of Council.

“I’m humbled and grateful that my fellow board members have placed their trust in me,” said Bachetti, a retired school principal who was first elected to Essex County Council in 2014 and who is serving his first term on the library board.

“We’re beginning this term in a positive fashion. Community libraries are a staple of local neighbourhoods and this new board will work to ensure we are

delivering the best service we can.”

Bondy, who served three terms as a Town of Essex Councillor before her election in 2022 as Mayor, is a former librarian with 14 years’ experience.

“I’m looking forward to working with Chair Bachetti and my fellow board members and administration to make sure that we deliver on our strategic goals and continue to provide the level of excellence in our libraries that our children, families and communities have come to expect,” Bondy said.

Bachetti and Bondy will lead a board that also includes Amherstburg Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb, returning board member Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey, LaSalle Councillor Sue Desjarlais, Leamington Councillor Heather Latam and Kingsville resident Lauren Segedin.

Planning 2023 for the Town of Essex... Continued from Page 2

wants to work with upper-tier levels of government for funding to develop needed infrastructure. He said the Ford government wants to build more homes in Ontario, but in areas like McGregor and Colchester, there are limitations on capacity available for sanitary and water, and other services, such as hydro and gas.

The Planning Department is currently working to update Essex’s Official Plan, a document that sets the tone on how to use the land within the municipality over the next 25-years. Through the document, policies are set for growth and development. The Planning Act requires OPs to be updated every five-years.

As an advocate to improve on broadband internet, the Town will continue to push for better service. “It has grown leaps and bounds over the last little bit, but we are still not satisfied. We want that Fiber installation in all areas – be it rural and urban – for all our residents.”

In addition, staff members with Essex Fire & Rescue will work on a Fire Master Plan. One of the key components of this document will be to look for a location for the future Station 3. The Town of Essex’s Budget Forecast anticipates long-term debt for the station would begin in 2025. There are many factors that play into that projection, but if it moves forward as planned, Town staff want to be prepared in terms of planning that debt.

Road maintenance takes place every year. It is always a factor for Essex, being a rural area. It is a challenge to fund the needs, as Essex has one of the largest road networks in the region and one of the lowest tax assessments, Sweet said.

He is looking forward to the Highway

3 expansion project being completed in the future, which should help provide for less traffic congestion, but may provide new traffic challenges in Town that staff and Council may need to investigate.

The Town of Essex will also continue to work with the County Wide Active Transportation System to enhance trails, especially along County Road 50 to finalize the link from Kingsville to Amherstburg. Sections in Amherstburg and Colchester are almost done, and Sweet hopes the work will continue in 2023 and be completed next year.

COVID has changed the world, Sweet said, adding Essex is looking to expand its e-services this year, allowing builders and developers the ability to submit documents and information online.

“We want people to do business with us seven-days a week, 24-hours a day if they have to, if that works to their schedule,” Sweet said, adding in-person services will continue to be available. “We are looking at providing better customer service where we can.”

The Town of Essex is currently seeking applications from area youths, who would like to get involved as a Youth Council Rep. “We thought that was an important component to our Council, it is a different perspective,” he said. “We want to have that youth perspective. We want to see what they want to bring to their communities.”

Council will appoint two, non-voting Youth Council Members to represent the Town for the 2022-2026 term.

Interested youths can learn more about the role and eligibility, and submit an expression of interest at www.essex.ca/ Youth Council by Friday, February 3, 2023.

Submitted EFP

FARMING

WANTED

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

SERVICES

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

SERVICES

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

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

HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES AVAILABLE NOW - by mature lady. Call: 519-776-1109 2-1t*

FOR SALE

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

REAL ESTATE

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

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

HELP WANTED

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

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

HELP WANTED

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

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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

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

WANTED

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

WANTED

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

ST. SIMON & ST. JUDE PARISH HALL 267 MEUNIER STREET BELLE RIVER SATURDAY, JANUARY 28th 9 O’CLOCK, PREVIEW 8 O’CLOCK

Large Stamp Collection, And Military War Medals, Post Cards, 3 Moorcroft Vases, Signed Art Glass, Royal Doulton Pig, Orange Cat, Lady Woodsmouse Siamese Cat Beswick, King Of Hearts, Beswick Teapot With Black Mark, Beswick Cats, Mouse, Cranberry, Snow White & Seven Dwarfs Disney Goebel, Goebel Roosters, Teak Dining Room Set, Table with 2 Leaves, 8 Chairs, & Teak Bookcases, Fabian Made In Denmark Nesting Tables, Fenton, Lingard Teapot, Sterling, Precious Moments, Many Cups & Saucers: Royal Winton, Royal Albert, Old Foley, Coalport, Paragon, Royal Crown Derby, Wade Cookie Jar, Mason – Vista Pitcher. R. Held Art Glass, Glass Nesting Tables, Pink & Green Depression, Patio Sets, Silverware Set, Old Money, Round Oak Pedestal Table, Hats & Helmets From The War, Large Tea Figurines Wade, Costume Jewellry, Large Collection Of Hockey Cards, Walnut Drop Front Desk, China Cabinets, Records, Flutes, Large Chicken, Folk Art Pottery E. Meindl.

GO

MUCH MUCH MORE!

Notice to Residents of the Town of Essex Youth Council Member

Please be advised that the Town of Essex is seeking two (2) interested residents to serve as a Youth Member on Essex Town Council.

The function of Youth Council Members is to attend, participate and/or report in regular meetings of Town Council for the purpose of bringing a youth perspective to Council matters or discussions. Town Council generally meets the first and third Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m.

To be eligible for this volunteer role you must be a resident of the Town of Essex who is under the age of eighteen and currently enrolled as a full-time student in school. Students interested in being appointed as a Youth Member of Essex Town Council are encouraged to submit their names in writing, along with a brief outline of their qualifications or interest to the undersigned no later than Friday, February 3, 2023. Students can also submit their name and expression of interest online at www.essex.ca/YouthCouncil

Shelley Brown

Acting Clerk, Legal & Legislative Services

Town of Essex 33 Talbot Street South Essex, Ontario N8M 1A8

Email: sbrown@essex.ca

2021 Division Road North Kingsville, Ontario N9Y 2Y9

2021 Division Road North Kingsville, Ontario N9Y 2Y9 (519) 733-2305 www.kingsville.ca kingsvilleworks@kingsville.ca

Phone: (519) 733-2305 Fax: (519) 733-8108 www.kingsville.ca

NOTICE OF CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENTS TO FEES AND CHARGES BY-LAW

WATER AND SEWAGE RATE BY-LAW

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of The Corporation of the Town of Kingsville will consider amendments to the following By-laws:

• Fees and Charges By-law 3-2022

• Water and Sewage Rate By-law 5-2022 at its Regular Meeting on:

Monday, February 13, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

A Summary of the Proposed Amendments will be available online at www.kingsville.ca/fees

Please call the Municipal Office if you require a printed copy. Any written comments must be received by 12:00 noon on Monday, February 13, 2023. Comments which are made at the meeting become part of the public record which is available for anyone to view on the Town of Kingsville website.

Members of the public can attend Council meeting in person or virtually at www.kingsville.ca/ livestream

DATED at Kingsville, this 16th day of January, 2023

Margaret Schroeder, Manager of Financial Services

The Corporation of the Town of Kingsville

2021 Division Road North Kingsville, Ontario N9Y 2Y9 www.kingsville.ca

59 lots planned for Sunset Gardens in Harrow

by Sylene Argent

Essex Council received information regarding a proposed Plan of Subdivision for Phase 2 of the Sunset Gardens Residential Subdivision in Harrow during a Special Council meeting on Monday evening.

In addition, it approved a series of requirements during the regular meeting held later that evening.

The proponent – Castle Gates Towers INC – wants to add 59 more 50x100-foot lots for the future construction of an equal number of single-detached dwellings on land that is currently vacant. A Second Dwelling Unit (SDU) is permitted within each single detached dwelling or within a detached structure.

The 5.21-hectare property is located on the southside of Sunset Drive and Dubas Avenue in Harrow. The lands are zoned Residential District 1.1 (R1.1.).

For the purposes of a Plan of Subdivision, Council was specifically dealing with the lotting configuration on Monday evening.

Essex’s Manager of Planning Services, Rita Jabbour, explained the first phase was approved around 25-years ago.

The lands are located in the Harrow Primary Settlement Area, an area designated for growth. The lands have been designated for residential development in the Town of Essex’s Official Plan and are zoned to permit low density residential dwellings.

It is currently subject to a “Holding (H)” Zone restriction, which prevents the

construction of any dwellings until the Draft Plan of Subdivision is approved and services – like roads, water, lights, sanitary, sidewalks, and roads – are installed.

The property is located within 120m of an area of natural environment in the Zoning By-Law and the Official Plan, which notes there are endangered species in addition to their habitat there. Because of that, if there is a development within 120m, a closer look needs to be taken regarding potential impact on those species, Jabbour said.

She added the subject lands are also located alongside the Phillip Ferris Drain, a major inland watercourse. There are certain setbacks between the proposed dwellings and inland watercourses that need to be met.

The property is also located within a Highly Vulnerable Aquifer. Through the Ontario Clean Water Act, there is a responsibility to protect drinking water sources. With the lands being in the Harrow Primary Settlement Area, it is known there are no dwellings within the proximity of this property serviced by wells, so the impact by developing the lot on the aquifer is low, she said.

Municipal water, sanitary, and stormwater connections are available. In addition, Sunset Drive and Dubas Avenue Road connections are available.

Jabbour noted that before a Plan of Subdivision is accepted, a series of studies are required, which are determined through a pre-submission meeting. In this case, a Stage 1 and 2 archaeological assessment,

Stormwater Management Report, Traffic Memo, and clearances from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) for Endangered Species or Habitat were needed.

All were conducted and reviewed with no issues discovered, she said.

As per Town of Essex staff, Jabbour said it was recommended Council request the Manager of Planning Services for the County of Essex give Draft Plan of Subdivision Approval, subject to the applicant entering into a subdivision agreement with the Municipality. As part of that, the applicant would agree to satisfy all the requirements, financial and otherwise, of the Municipality

concerning the payment of development charges, provisions of roads, installation and capacity of services, including sanitary sewage collection systems, water distribution system, private utilities, and stormwater management facilities for the development of the lands within the plan. Other requirements include an easement or land conveyances over blocks 61-63 (the temporary cul-de-sac); the applicant be required to provide the Municipality cash in lieu of parkland, equal to the appraised value of the standard parkland conveyance of five percent at the time of Plan of Subdivision approval; and that a restricted covenant is put in place for lots

Five Star Image Medical Aesthetics is now open and pleased to offer Essex county world-class technology for laser treatments, as well as invigorating IV Vitamin Drip procedures and premium Botox and Juvederm injections.

FromThe Heart

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

OBITUARIES

DICKER , Shirley Christine: July 29, 1935 - December 26, 2022 - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley Dicker on December 26th, 2022 at Country Village Home. Shirley was born July 29, 1935 in Windsor to parents Robert and Christina Newman. She was an elementary school teacher for 35 years, starting out in a one room school, then teaching in various small county schools until 1971 when she taught at the newly opened A.V. Graham. She taught there until 1978 when she accepted a position at D.M. Eagle, where she taught until she retired. Teaching children was a great passion for Shirley, but so was helping others, fighting for the rights of women teachers through her involvement with the FWTAO and the ECWTA. Shirley was fortunate enough to retire young and this afforded her more opportunities to help in the community, joining the Friends of Point Pelee, the RTO board, as well as being a member of the RWTO Goodwill committee, where she was known as the Card Lady, a position she held for over 20 years. Retirement also meant she was able to spend a lot of time with her two grandsons, and travel extensively but always made time for yearly (sometimes twice a year) trips to the Manitoulin Island where she discovered new family and many friends.

Shirley is predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Robert (Pat) and Gord (Loraine). She is survived by two brothers, Darrell (Sharon) and Wayne (Betty-Lou), her children Leslie (Chris) and Joe, her two grandsons Kevin, his partner Yeonju and her daughter Dain and Ian (Jennifer) and her two great grandsons Wilder and Nash. She is fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews, extended family members, former students and teachers.

The family would like to thank Country Village Home for the care and kindness shown to Shirley the past 10 months, the executive and membership of the RWTO and RTO and the Community of Christ church. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Shirley’s life will take place at a later date.

Voice Of Inspiration

OBITUARIES

BATTERSBY, Phyllis (nee Eede) - Passed away peacefully with her family by her side on January 10, 2023, at 89 years of age. Dear wife of the late Carl Battersby (2020). Daughter of the late George and Daisy Eede. Daughter-in-law of the late Gordon and Margaret Battersby. Dear mother of Rodney (Diane), Cindy Phillips (Brad), Carl Jr. (Ruth), and Wendy Walton (late John). Treasured grandma of Shawn (Brittainy), Lyndsay (Adam), Meagan, Amber (AJ), Cory (Laurie), Kyle, Paige (Jerrid), Sarah, Robert (Jocelyn), Jeff (Christina), Jake (Hannah) and Seth. Great-grandma of Finley, Riley, Emilia, Adriana, Stella, Callie, Dean, Harper, Brander, Kade, Oaklee, Katelyn, Luke, Evelyn, and Hudson. Sister of Barbara Pearson (Richard). Sister-in-law of the late Evelyn (late Wilfred), the late Emerson (Linda), the late Gordon Battersby Jr. (Shirley) and the late Jeanine (Sonny). Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Phyllis retired from Sears Catalogue Office in Essex after many years of dedicated service. She was very independent until the very end cutting her grass and raking leaves. In their retirement years, Phyllis and Carl enjoyed travelling with friends across Canada. Phyllis had the gift of gab, and she will remain in our hearts forever. Special thanks to the nurses on 2 East at Erie Shores Healthcare for the care you provided to our mom. Cremation has taken place. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to the Kennedy Funeral Home Limited (519-7767378) 128 Talbot St. N, Essex. You may send your condolences online at www. kennedyfh.com

OBITUARIES

ROBINSON, Andy “Brooks” “Fred”

- On January 12, 2023 Andy’s contagious laugh, loved by all, was silenced. He was unconditionally loved by his devastated wife Judy, his daughter Samantha, step-daughters Amanda, Michelle (Jon) and Paula (Ken). The best ever “Grandy” will be missed by Collin, Scarlett, Ty, Nik, Jack and Joshua. Andy was a son of William (Aug. 1970) and Audrey (Feb. 2010). Beloved brother of Michael (Linda), Kathy (Peter), late Neil (June 2016) (Darlene), Nancy (Todd), Susan. Brother-in-law of Jim (Cheryl), Joanne (Whitey) and the late John (July 2022) (Wendy). Also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Andy was a member of the Carpenters Local 494 for many years. Over the years Andy was a carpenter, drywall taper, mudder and Stuccoer. In the ‘70s and ‘80s he played in the Ontario Senior Baseball League winning numerous provincial championships and personal awards. He was a die hard Detroit Tigers and Lions fan and an avid TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS fan. If so desired, memorial donations may be made to the Windsor Regional Hospital - Oncology (Cancer) Fund. As per Andy’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of Andy’s life will take place at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation First (Essex) 519398-9188. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.cremationfirst.ca.

OBITUARIES

HART, Robert “Bobby” - It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our brother, Bobby. Loving son of the late Eva and Chris Hart. Dear brother of Ron Fick (Barb), late Donna Hart, late Bill Hart (Shirley), Sharon Gregg (Jay), Linda Malott (Dave), Dan Hart (Corinne), Diane Fick (Tim), Raymond Hart (Pauline), Mary Lou St. Louis (Don), Gilbert Hart (Sue), and Roxanne Hart (Mark). Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A heartfelt thank you to Bobby’s health care workers at Country Village HCC that loved him unconditionally for almost 17 years. Bobby enjoyed everyone’s company, his country music, Pepsi, his rings, watch, quarters, big nickel’s, playing ball, and always enjoying a cup of tea. Bobby is resting at the Kennedy Funeral Home Ltd. (519-776-7378) 128 Talbot St. North, Essex on Friday from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Johns Cemetery in Woodslee. Donations may be made to Essex Community Living. You may send your condolences online at www.kennedyfh.com

What’s Going On...

JAN. 18 - KINGSVILLE BLOOD DONOR CLINIC - Grovedale Arts & Culture Centre - 103 Park St. Kingsville. Visit online at: blood.ca

JAN. 24 - BELLE RIVER BLOOD DONOR CLINIC - St Simon & St Jude Parish Hall - 267 Meunier Street, Belle River. Visit online at: blood.ca

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I now see how owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.”

~ Brené Brown

Government of Canada supports economic growth, job creation for Windsor-Essex manufacturing sector

submitted to EFP

The Windsor region is home to a thriving manufacturing sector that supports many industries, including automotive, food and beverage, and aerospace. The Government of Canada continues to support manufacturers to help them bring new products to market, create jobs, and grow Southern Ontario’s economy.

Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), and Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor–Tecumseh, announced an investment of more than $5.3 million for two Windsor region manufacturers, Cedar Valley Selections Inc. and Uni-Fab. This funding will help create 55 jobs and improve their manufacturing capabilities.

Uni-Fab, located in Leamington, is one of the largest metal fabricators in Southern Ontario. It manufactures custom aluminum, steel, and stainless steel products for the automotive, aerospace, and machine tool sectors.

This $5-million investment, through the Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF), will help Uni-Fab grow their facility and buy new equipment to commercialize their innovative automated pallet changer technology. These improvements will allow them to save time and money. The jobs this new

technology will create will ensure that Uni-Fab is able to meet demand for their products and contribute to a growing economy.

Cedar Valley Selections Inc. (Cedar Valley), located in Oldcastle, is a family-owned manufacturer of ready-to-eat salad dressings and pita chips. This $375,000 investment, through the Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF), will help Cedar Valley buy new equipment to improve its production capacity and meet the demand for its ready-to-make foods. The project will also help the company to move into the U.S. market as well as boost local supply chain spending and create five new jobs in the Windsor region.

By investing in these manufacturers, the Government of Canada is helping local businesses build resiliency, create jobs, increase efficiencies, strengthen regional supply chains, and benefit Canadian workers.

“Making strategic investments to support Windsor area manufacturers, like Cedar Valley Selections and UniFab, help them boost their competitiveness and prepare for future growth. Today’s announcement is another step towards creating an economy that works for everyone,” Minister Tassi said.

“Today’s investment in Cedar Valley and Uni-Fab is supporting our local manufacturers as they grow and commercialize unique first-to-market manufacturing

technology, while creating 55 jobs here in WindsorEssex. By investing in these businesses, our government is taking the necessary steps to help our communities and our businesses contribute to a more resilient future,” MP Kusmierczyk added.

46-50 to prohibit buildings and structures in the rear yard of lots 46-50, which abuts the Phillip Ferris Drain.

During the regular Council meeting later that evening Council passed those recommendations.

It also authorized any over budget amount for Development Charge waivers be funded through the Landfill Reserve and repaid at a period no longer than five-years from the date of building permit issuance.

There is a cul-de-sac at the end of the development, leading up to the limit of the Settlement Area. Jabbour said the applicants proposed the cul-de-sac be temporary as the lands to the south may be ideal for the future expansion of the Settlement Area in Harrow. Servicing extensions are there from Phase 1 and 2 of Sunset Gardens.

The Town cannot expand Settlement Areas,

until the County of Essex says that needs to happen. That exercise will happen with updating Essex’s Official Plan. The County is also updating its own Official Plan, which has commissioned population projections for Essex that will indicate how much more land is needed in Essex Centre and Harrow to accommodate residential growth.

Agency comments on the proposal included ERCA recommending a number of conditions, local school boards that wanted to ensure there were sidewalks, Canada Post that noted community mailboxes are typically used at such sites, and Bell Canada that wanted to ensure easements to run infrastructure lines through certain properties, Jabbour noted.

Council head from residents in the area, who had concern with potential water accumulating in their

backyard as a result of the development. It was noted a Storm Water Management plan was required.

With Council having provided a resolution of support with the recommended conditions, the next steps include the County of Essex – as the approval authority – needing to provide a Notice of Decision with conditions to the applicant and Town. At that point, the Town of Essex’s Planning Services will prepare a Subdivision Agreement for Council adoption with the recommended conditions. Once approved, the applicant will sign the agreement and commence construction on municipal services. The applicant has three-years to satisfy all the conditions of draft plan approval.

Final approval of the subdivision will be granted following completion of all conditions and installation of services, allowing the

individual lots to be sold. The “Hold” will then be removed and building permits for dwelling construction can be issued, the Report to Council notes.

The construction of the individual homes will only occur when all the aforementioned steps are satisfied.

St. Paul’s Anglican Church submitted by Sandra Lypps

Join us for Sunday service each week at 11am, you never know what Rev. Chris might have in store.

If you are cleaning out closets, please keep our Clothes Cupboard in mind.

Our pasta dinner will be the first Friday in February.

For information about what is happening at St Paul’s, visit our website: www.stpaulstrinity.org) or social media. Messages are checked regularly at the church office, at 519-776-7711 .

Central

Essex County Catholic

and coats of all sizes for the migrant workers. Please drop off at the back of the church.

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

K of C Jeopardy Night is on January 21 at the Essex Railway Station at 7pm.

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

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

Family of Parishes

Essex, Maidstone, McGregor, and Woodslee

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

St. Mary’s Mission group is collecting men’s sweaters

Salvation Army Essex Church submitted by Carolyn Barnett

Join us for Family Worship at 10:30a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 22nd. Major Jim Hann continues his sermon series focusing on the Book of John - this week’s topic being “Bedridden at Bethesda.”

Our SA Connections community program is on Tuesday, January 24, from 10-1p.m. This week, Major Jim will speak to us about Taxes. Join us for fun, fellowship, and food. All are welcome to attend. Bible Study follows from 1-2 p.m. and we will study 1 John.

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

Essex Christian Reformed Church submitted by Beverley

Van Huizen

Welcome to Essex CRC either in-person or online! We are open and invite you to join us each Sunday at 10am. Or you may join us online each Sunday morning beginning at 10am. Do plan to stay afterward for a time of fellowship with coffee and goodies. Nursery supervision will be provided. Visit us at www.essexcrc.ca for a link to our social media.

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

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

Paquette News

St. Stephen’s still has individual meat pies for sale. Join the group on January 23rd, 24th, or 25th as we make more meat pies. Lots of fun and fellowship.

If you enjoy euchre, mark Friday, January 27th on your calendar. The game starts at 7:00p.m. at St. Stephen’s on Howard Ave.

Trinity Anglican Church

Visit our little library by the gazebo, leave a book, take a book.

We continue to gather items for our purses of love. We are collecting sanitary pads, note pads and pens/pencils, small bottles of shampoo, deoderant, lip balm, lotion, etc. Items can be dropped off at the church or contact Pat at 519-776-8005.

Our annual vestry is January 29, right after service. This meeting is for all members of the church.

Our office hours are Fridays, 10:30am -12:30pm

Sunday services are 9:15 with Rev.’d Hilton Gomes. All are invited and welcomed.

Essex United Church

We welcome Susan Anderson who will lead our Sunday, January 22nd service. Please join us for our services at 10:30.

The Essex Food Bank is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 11:45. Their phone number is 519-776-4070.

Woodslee United Church

Come and join us for Sunday Service and Sunday School at 10:45am. Rev. Carl will lead the Service. You can also receive video of the Service and Bulletins on our website: woodsleepastoralcharge.ca

Our Congregational Meeting is on Februay 12 after the Service.

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

Bethel-Maidstone United

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

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

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

Essex Retirees’ Social Club

Our pepper winners over the last couple of weeks.

High Score was Lorraine Stiers, Tom Dewhurst, Angela Trimble, George Diesberg, Dorval Cadieaux. The players with the lowest scores were Jim Barnett, Charlie Chevalier, Janice McLaughin, Tom Dewhurst, Judy Kelly. The most peppers are Mavis Law, Gary West, Marcel Mailloux, Charlie Chevalier, and Evelyn Viver.

Our Saturday peppers winners were Diana Dennis first place, Angela in second place, Marcel Mailloux in third place.

Come on out to our Pepper days. Monday at 1pm & Wednesdays at 7pm

Euchre is on Fridays at 1:00pm.

Here’s a charming story: “My name is Aurel Bellmore from South Woodslee, Ontario. My first car was a 1956 Chevy Bel Air 2-door hardtop, grey and black interior, 265 V-8, 2-speed automatic, dual exhausts. The left tail light was hinged with the gas cap behind it.

“When I was 15 in February 1965 (I turned 16 in May) I worked at Essex County Canners Ltd., North Ridge, Ontario. The Merritt family from Cottam did the electrical work at the plant. The father’s name was Eursel and he had two boys, Larry and Jim. Larry had this ’56 Chevy for sale.

“My dad and I went to look at the car. While my dad, Aurel Sr., was negotiating with Jim to lower the price, Eursel came out on the back porch and yelled to Jim: “The guy from Harrow is on the phone and he wants the car!” So I said: “Tell him it’s sold!” To this day I’m not sure if someone was on the phone but I got the car for $400.00.

“Eleven months later, I traded it to the late Ray Desjardins of Essex for a 1959 Chevy Impala 2-door hardtop. It had a little white cat in the back window with red eyes. The eyes lit up when you hit the brakes, but that’s another story.”

billtsherk@sympatico.ca

Flyers continue winning streak

by Garrett Fodor Success has followed the Leamington Flyers into the 2023 portion of its schedule.

The Flyers collected two more wins this past week and have not lost in regulation in the last 11 games.

Leamington travelled up to London on Wednesday, seeking its fourth win this season against the thenfirst place Nationals. The game marked the debut for several Nationals players along with Windsor native Zander Latreille, who was acquired by the Flyers from the OJHL’s Wellington Dukes.

In a game that was arguably the hardest

fought and tightest game of the season, Trevor LaRue scored at the 2:30 mark of overtime to give the Flyers a 1-0 victory. Bryce Walcarius stood tall in net, making 22 saves while Joe Ranger stopped 34 shots in his Nationals goaltending debut.

With a quick turnaround time, the Flyers got caught off guard early in Thursday’s home contest against the Chatham Maroons.

Connor Paronuzzi scored 31-seconds into the match and Chatham held a 1-0 advantage going into the first intermission.

But late in the second period, the floodgates opened.

Three goals in the second, followed by four more in the third, gave Leamington a 7-1 blowout victory and pushed the team into first place in the GOJHL’s Western Conference standings.

Owen Holmes had two goals and two helpers, while newly acquired forward Zander Latreille had an assist in his first home game with the Flyers.

It does not get any easier for the red and white this week, as the Flyers play a home against the LaSalle Vipers, on Wednesday in LaSalle and on Thursday at home. Puck drop is 7:10pm.

ESP U13 Hockey Report

submitted to EFP

The Essex Southpoint U13 Hockey team competed in a pair of Bluewater League hockey games this past weekend, coming away with two-wins.

First game was against the Amherstburg Stars. ESP cruised to a 9-2 victory. Nathan Mariuz led the attack, scoring twice, while Ben Liebrock, AJ Youssef, Owen Derksen, JoJo McLeod, Jonathon Recker, Brayden Foster, and Kayden Cook added singles in the win. Trent Chevalier was great in the net.

Next up, ESP faced off against a strong Erie North Shore Storm team. Essex found themselves down by one after the first period. Two-minutes into the middle frame, Austin Goudie worked the puck behind the net to Lucas O’Neil, who slid

a pass out to Brayden Foster in the slot, and he went five-hole to even the score.

With 32-seconds left in the second, Foster and O’Neil fought for the puck behind the net, chipping it out to Goudie who jammed it home to go up 2-1. With 12:08 left in the third, O’Neil hit Goudie behind the net and he slid a pass out front to Foster, who snapped his shot in the net, to take a two-goal lead. A minute later, during a scramble, the puck squeaked out to Kayden Cook, who fired it in to go up 4-1. With 8:12 remaining, Cook stole the puck at the line, skated in, and took a hard snap shot, high blocker, making it 5-1.

Erie North Shore scored one late resulting in a 5-2 final. Kevin Ondic earned the win between the pipes.

1956 Chev Bel Air remembered

Aurel Bellmore’s 1956 Chev Bel Air.

by Garrett Fodor

The Essex 73’s continue to increase its lead atop of the

PJHL Stobbs Division standings.

The 73’s took on its toughest challenge of

last week, when facing Lakeshore last Tuesday evening. The Canadiens were second in the PJHL standings. Both teams entered the game with new rosters, following the league’s annual trade deadline the same night.

Beginning the game, the teams started cautiously, neither one looking to make the first mistake. Through 20-minutes, Essex held a slight lead in shots, 7-5.

Coming out of the intermission, the 73’s simply came out flying.

Looking a step quicker than the Canadiens, the 73’s opened the scoring. Just 19-seconds in, Curtis Jackson beat Nick Bolton. The 73’s continued to ramp up the pressure and continued to test Bolton. Austin Guevremont doubled the lead midway through the period. Closing out the frame, the 73’s extended its lead to 3-0, which it carried into the intermission.

Closing out the third period, the Canadiens continued to struggle to generate chances in the offensive zone, while the 73’s continued to hum.

By the five-minute mark into the third period, the 73’s added two more goals. Jacob Cruickshank added a goal late in the third period, to make it a 6-0 game. Cavan McCabe turned aside 28 saves for the shutout.

Next up, the 73’s traveled to Amherstburg to face off against the Admirals.

The high flying 73’s

were quick to spray Admirals’ goaltender, Massimo Agostini, with shots early and often. Midway through the first period, the 73’s broke-through by way of AP call-up, Luka Mesic, who scored his first goal with the 73’s. It was the lone goal of the period.

Coming out of the intermission, trailing 1-0, the Admirals were quick to try to draw level with the visiting 73’s. They fired chances towards Adrian McBride and he stood tall, until just over eight-minutes to play in the second. New Admiral, Braeden Burke, scored his first goal with the team, tying the game at one. Closing out the frame, Issac Legood was in all alone and made no mistake at beating Agostini for a shorthanded marker, restoring the 73’s lead.

In the third period, the Admirals were quick to again come out and

attempt to set the tempo and draw even. The Admirals were able to draw even once again, setting up an exciting and nerve-racking final 14-minutes of regulation.

Going down to the wire, the 73’s offense once again took over, controlling the puck and setting up several chances with Agostini standing tall. With just one-minute left, the 73’s scored a dagger of a goal, taking the emotion out of the home side. Everett Parent then added an empty net goal 49-seconds later to make it a 4-2 victory.

Around the league, the Canadiens fell to the Wheatley Sharks on Friday 1-0, suffering back-to-back losses and shutouts for the first time all season.

Jacob Cruickshank dangles and flips the puck over Nick Bolton on a penalty shot in Essex’s 6-0 win.

Caldwell First Nation working to comanage Ojibway Park

Caldwell First Nation, she added, believes the park needs to be protected. From there, a relationship was built.

Duckworth said Caldwell First Nation has been involved in helping Masse with his Private Member’s Bill, Bill, C-248, that would act to amend the Canada National Parks Act to establish Ojibway National Urban Park of Canada.

by Sylene Argent

Representatives of Caldwell First Nation announced last Wednesday they were working with Parks Canada towards developing a co-management agreement to oversee and monitor Ojibway Park.

Caldwell First Nation Chief Mary Duckworth explained this was the first sitdown meeting, where representatives from Caldwell wanted to find out timelines, where Parks Canada was in the process, and have consultation with the community regarding comanaging Ojibway Park.

“It was a really good meeting,” she said, noting this is not the first co-management model Parks Canada has seen.

Caldwell First Nation wants to comanage Ojibway Park, “because it is our traditional territory,” Duckworth said. “This area – and I will say it again – has

a lot of history. We would like to preserve some of that and keep it green,” she said.

Looking after species at risk, such as the Massasauga Rattler, and plant life will be part of comanaging Ojibway Park. In addition, Duckworth said there is also a desire to build a First Nation’s centre, “where we can come together as a community – all races – and learn about each other and share our knowledge.”

In addition, on Wednesday a ceremony was hosted to honour the ancestors and traditional territory of the Caldwell First Nation at Ojibway Park. Duckworth said the experience was spiritually connecting.

In 2015, Duckworth explained Windsor West MP Brian Masse’s office contacted Caldwell First Nation, requesting the Chief and Council look at the land he believed was being threatened with industrial use.

Consideration from the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development passed on November 17, allowing the proposed Bill to return to the House of Commons for its third reading in the near future.

Duckworth said, as Chief, she is looking to see where the Federal Government will land on the matter, and who its partner will be in comanaging the park that is home to many species of birds, animals, and greenery.

“That is really why we are here, not to play politics or to pick, but to say, ‘we are going to do ceremony here and set the tone and protect the land,’ and that is the messaging we wanted to give,” Duckworth said regarding Masse’s Private Member’s Bill.

Regardless if C-248 passed, Caldwell

will move forward in comanaging Ojibway Park, Duckworth said.

In addition, Caldwell First Nation has been busy with its Leamington development on nearly 200-acres, which includes the construction of a new urban reserve. It is also working to complete a marina and boardwalk and construction of a gas bar and variety store. It is also involved with the establishment of the Southwestern Ontario Infrastructure and Economic Opportunities Table to spearhead investment in clean energy projects to power Southwestern Ontario, information from Caldwell First Nation notes.

Pictured is Chief Mary Duckworth, after announcing Caldwell First Nation is working with Parks Canada towards a co-management agreement for Ojibway Park.

Photo by Tobi Olawale. Chief Mary Duckworth receives sacred tobacco from Liz Akiwenzie, Elder and Cultural Healer during a ceremony to honour ancestors and traditional territories at Ojibway Shores with Caldwell First Nation Council Members and Parks Canada officials.