Essex Free Press - March 18, 2021 by Essex Free Press

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Vol. 141

A LOOK INSIDE McGregor Library pilot project introducing staffless hours for greater community access PAGE 5 ______________

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Issue No. 10

Taking a chance and making his name: Mailloux travels over 6,000 kms in search of organized hockey for his NHL draft year

Essex Council Notes PAGE 3 _______________ Beaver using North Star Badge project to benefit the Humane Society PAGE 9 _______________ Developers present new concept for year-round accommodations for Colchester PAGE 10 _______________ Council hosts virtual Infrastructure Roundtable PAGE 13 _______________ Local Baseball on the forefront of a return to play PAGE 18 _______________

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Photo by Matt Hiscox Photography- Logan Mailloux controls the puck at the blue line, as he is an AP call up during the 2019-2020 OHL season. Mailloux will return to the Knights on full-time basis this year, after a brief stint in Sweden while the season was on pause.

by Garrett Fodor One local athlete is using a once-in-alifetime situation for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as he prepares for the next level of his hockey career. When Logan Mailloux moved away from home, at the age of 14, to pursue his hockey dream and prepare for his draft year, the now 17-year-old could not have imagined that his path would begin in Belle River, included a stop in Toronto and London, before heading overseas to Sweden. Mailloux, like many junior hockey players last year, had his season cut short, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last season, while

practicing with the London Knights almost daily, Mailloux skated with the London Nationals of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (Jr. B). There, the 6’3” and 214 lbs defensemen was having the most prolific season of his career, registering 68 points (18 goals, 50 assists) in 48 games. Mailloux helped punch the Nationals’ ticket to the Western Conference semi-finals. Many pundits pegged the Nationals as championship contenders with the help of Mailloux. However, with the season being cancelled in March, local organized hockey became scarce.

With Mailloux only being able to train and workout, his agents decided to explore options for him to return to the ice and organized hockey, in an effort to improve his draft stock heading into this July’s NHL draft. Many expect Mailloux could hear his name called in the first or second rounds. “I want to be a first-round NHL draft choice and that’s my goal, so I knew I had to play some games and move up some draft boards,” Mailloux said. “I mentioned that I was interested in playing overseas and my agents found me an opportunity to play pro hockey in Sweden with SK Lejon and I was fortunate to be joined by my friend and training partner, Matt Maggio. I know many haven’t had a chance to play, so I’m grateful.” Mailloux admits that going overseas came with challenges, from language barriers and larger ice surfaces, to adjusting to the country and having to quarantine and isolate. He said that while the pandemic has been challenging for everyone, moving away and having a chance to go to a new country and play professional hockey, is something he will never forget and knows it may never happen again. While with SK Lejon, Mailloux suited up in 19 games, registering 15 points (7 goals, 8 assists) to lead the team in scoring before returning back from Sweden to prepare for a potential return to the OHL season. Through the experience, he learned playing against professionals with over 10-years of experience helped his skillset, as he shoots back to the OHL with the London Knights. He pointed out that not many 16 and 17-yearolds get a chance to play professionally and against men double their age. Prior to his time in London, Mailloux

Continued on Page 5

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2 I News Essex Free Press

I Thursday, March 18, 2021

McGregor Library pilot project introducing staff-less hours for greater community access by Sylene Argent The Essex County Library system is planning to launch a pilot project at the McGregor Library that will expand its hours of operation to include staff-less hours. The matter was discussed at the Essex Council meeting on Monday evening. Robin Greenall, CEO and Chief Librarian, approached Council to speak about the enhanced community service at the McGregor Branch, which is using OPEN+ technology by Bibliotheca. Enhanced Community Access is created by installing technological hardware and software systems to provide the community safe and flexible access to the facility, she said, adding in keeping with this, a patron card reader has been installed for secure door entry. The hours of operation at the McGregor branch will be adjust from the traditional 17 hours of staff service, to approximately 49 hours of community access with 20 hours of staffed services. Library members have to sign an additional waiver to get access to the library during staff-less hours. The door will re-lock after entry. In addition, security cameras have been installed in the main foyer of the

Voice Of Inspiration “When you aren’t satisfied with what has already been done, make something better. That is the greatest responsibility and the true freedom of creativity. The freedom is in that it doesn’t need to complain.” ~ Criss Jami

facility and throughout the library space as security support and preventative measures. Security gates will also be installed to track patron use statistics and remind/ warn patrons if they forget to check out a resource, she said. A patron kiosk will allow registered members the ability to check out their resources during the visit, and a conferencing phone will be installed for staff support. Greenall added the library system took advantage of the COVID closure to install RFID tags into all of its resources, which will assist with tracking materials. In August of 2019, Greenall said, the County of Essex invited the Essex County Library Board to put forward a service concept to be considered for funding through the Municipal Modernization Program through the Province of Ontario (OMMP). In October of 2019, County Council approved the program and included it as part of its budget estimates. As COVID restrictions relax, libraries will open. Greenall estimated that will be in May or June. When it is open, the 20-hours of staffed time per week will be offered for three months. During this time, the library will focus on staff training, ensuring librarians understand how to use the tools and technology, and community training, allowing patrons to familiarize themselves with the service. During registration, community members will be advised of their responsibilities on how they use the service, how they let themselves into the branch, how they are not to invite or allow others in who are not registered, and how to check out services. Those registered will need to be 16-years-old and over to enter on their own.

After around three months of introductions, the system will undergo a test run. With change, concerns are expected, Greenall said, and she has reached out to other branches that have implemented the service to prepare for that. Councillor Chris Vander Doelen is glad to see the innovation in change as he said it was long overdue. Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche is a rep on the Essex County Library Board. He said members of the Board were excited to see this happen. He said he cannot think of a better way to provide better access to residents. “It is unaffordable to have a librarian present for the number of hours, in smaller branches like this,” Meloche said, adding one of the biggest issues he has heard from McGregor residents was that many did not have WiFi. This is a way youth can have access to the internet six-days a week, with a parent. Meloche has heard concerns about potential abuse in the library. He hopes cameras cover every angle. Greenall said there are cameras in the foyer with others in branch. Patrons have to swipe in, so any identifiable damage or misuse, the video surveillance can be looked at and the name of the individual can be tracked. Meloche also heard concerns from librarians that this service will work towards eliminating in-person service. Greenall said the service is focused on enhancing community access. Staff members are valuable members to the service the library system provides. This is not direction to remove the staff from space, she said. Staff at other branches will also be connected to the space via video conferencing during staff-less hours.

Continued on Page 8

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Thursday, March 18, 2021

News I 3

Essex Free Press

St. Clair College Event Management Online Charity Auction Benefiting Habitat for Humanity When: Where: Why: Who:

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INSIDE THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL NOTES... • Council extends stray cat intake program • Town to temporarily borrows from Landfill Reserve to cover DC waiver deficit

For F or All Your Financial & Insurance Needs...

• Electronic building permit/inspection software approved for $175K... & MORE by Sylene Argent 96 County Road 50 West declared surplus, admin directed to return with sale bylaw Essex’s Clerk, Rob Auger, noted on March 5, Council met in closed session to discuss three items: proposed purchase or exchange of land by the municipality, a potential sale of land by the municipality, and to receive advice, subject to solicitor-client privilege, relating to an ongoing bylaw enforcement matter. As a result, Council gave direction to administration in regards to the bylaw enforcement matter and the proposed sale of land by the municipality. It further directed administration to disclose, in public session, Council’s intention to declare 96 County Road 50 West as being surplus to the needs of the municipality and to come back to the April 6 meeting with a bylaw, for Council’s consideration, which would approve the sale of said lands by the way of direct sale, on or before June 30, to the proponents, who submitted an offer. A resolution was required in open session to declare the

property surplus, and for administration to provide the required public notice and bring back the needed bylaw. Council moved the recommendation. ERCA shares changes to Conservation Authorities Act, impact to the Draft Budget Tim Byrne, CAO, Shelley McMullen, Chief Financial Officer, and Tania Jobin, Board Chairperson of Essex Region Conservation Authority, approached Council regarding recent changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and resulting impact to its Draft Budget. Jobin said the changes to the Act, contained in Bill 229, have wide-spread and significant implications for operations and program delivery. In accordance with these changes, the Authority’s programs have been categorized into mandatory and nonmandatory services. The Draft 2021 Budget totals just over $10M, she said, adding funding is redirected from nonmandatory services to mandated functions, primarily in watershed management and corporate services.

The budget expenses include $2.4M in costs, attributed to municipal partnership projects, where ERCA secures partial funding from other sources. The total requested levy contribution from member municipalities is approximately $3,454,619, representing a total increase in levy of 2 percent. In Essex, this increase is 1.4 percent and amounts to $2,284. Municipal levies account for slightly less than 50 percent of total funding of ongoing programs. This levy equates to $10.75 for every person in the watershed. Of the levy, 72 percent is tied to delivery of mandatory services. By 2022, Jobin said, it is anticipated the Authority will need to obtain funding agreements with participating municipalities, where municipal support is needed, to fund nonmandatory services. This could include tree planting, habitat restoration projects, water quality monitoring, education programs, operations at the John R. Park Homestead, trail development, and climate change resiliency. “It is widely recognized that conservation authorities play a critical role in protecting our environment and natural heritage, mitigating hazards, and supporting municipal partners by providing an environmental conservation risk assessment lens on development applications,” Jobin said. It was of her opinion that ERCA’s resource management programming is best provided regionally, on a watershed basis. Byrne noted this year is a transitional year. Agreements in place have to be honoured. Going forward, however, private

land reforestation and tree planting programming can only take place with agreements with all the municipalities. He added the details of what the agreements look like and what ERCA can offer will be the subject of regulation, currently being promulgated through the Province. Reps of the Authority are waiting to see what that will be. Councillor Sherry Bondy asked where does the municipality goes from here, and what part does Essex have in aligning the agreements? Byrne said it is a bit of an unknown right now. There may be some wiggle room as the Province is parsing out certain services. Once regulations are received, staff has to work with the Board, and determine from ratepayers what services they want. ERCA would then respond accordingly. Reps from the Conservation Authority does not know what that

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4 I Opinion Essex Free Press

Editorial &Opinion

I Thursday, March 18, 2021

Howling at the Moon ••• Comment by Sylene Argent ••• The North Star Badge and all the good it is creating

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

CIRCULATION The Essex Free Press is an audited publication with controlled circulation of 10,000.

DELIVERY Delivery concerns can be addressed by contacting our office during regular office hours at 519-776-4268

ARCHIVES The Essex Free Press has been digitized from 1895 to 1968 and is fully searchable at http://ink.ourontario.ca.

OPINION & COMMENT The opinions expressed on these pages are those of their original authors and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Essex Free Press, its Editor or Publisher.

LETTER POLICY The Essex Free Press welcomes letters to the editor on topics of interest to our readers. Letters should be typed or neatly handwritten and present the issues as clearly as possible in 300 words or less. We reserve the right to edit for length, grammar, and legal considerations. All letters must contain the name, address, and daytime phone number of the writer for verification purposes. Anonymous letters will not be considered for publication. If you have a legitimate concern and cannot sign your name to a letter, please contact the editor to discuss alternative means of handling the issue.

ADVERTISING Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of an error, the portion of the ad occupied by the error, will not be charged for, but the balance will be paid at the usual rate. It is the responsibility of the advertiser to check an ad on first publication, and the publisher accepts no responsibility for errors in multiple insertions. The Essex Free Press reserves the right to reject or edit any advertisement likely to offend community standards. Display Advertising Deadline: Friday at 2:00 pm

COPYRIGHT The entire contents of The Essex Free Press and its website, including but not limited to layout composition, artwork, news copy, editorial copy and photographs, are protected by copyright. No portion there of is to be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the specific permission of the publisher.

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Recently, the Essex Free Press highlighted two local Beavers, Jameson Brett and Erica Davison, as they embarked on their individual quests to earn the prestigious North Star Badge. In order to earn the North Star Badge, the third-year Beavers had to host a project that will, in some way, benefit the community, and these kids hit the nail on the head with their projects, thanks to endless family and community support. Both youths exceeded their original goals for their individual projects, which has provided so much good already. Davison is still collecting for the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society, to support animals, while they are waiting for a fur-ever family to take them home, and Brett’s project collected over 130 care baskets for residents and Iler Lodger and Royal Oak long-term care centres, to let them know they are cared for as they have had to endure time away from families during the pandemic. I love writing these stories. I love supporting youth, while they take on great efforts to benefit the

Commentary - OFA

community. It shows them they are making a difference and their efforts are noticed. I always hope putting the information out there will help boost their platform and help them exceed their goals. If we help show our youths just how much of a difference they can make in their communities when they are young, just imagine what they can accomplish when they become adults. In addition, adding these two projects into the pages of the Essex Free Press has given our readers something to feel good about, during a frustrating time. And, perhaps even allowed them a way to support great causes during a time of uncertainty. Last week in this column, I wrote about the importance of volunteers. I also wrote about my wonderful experiences as a youth at Camp Bryerswood as a Girl Guide. There is a group trying to buy the camp from Girl Guides of Canada to create a camp for all youths, and I urge anyone who can donate to do so, because youth programming is simply invaluable. We can look at the North Star project, as an example, and we can

take note how Guiding and Scouting programs are shaping our youths into leaders, not just for the future, but for today. They help kids build confidence, build friendships, learn outdoor skills, and learn teamwork. They also teach a sense of community pride, and you just can’t put a price on that. I have heard the Guiding and Scouting numbers have been dwindling over the years. When I was a kid, just like any sport or club, those who got involved did. It wasn’t “uncool” or “cool” to do. If it was in your interest, you joined and had a lot of fun and learned a lot of neat stuff. Perhaps, kids today have lost interest, and I am hoping the isolation of the pandemic will urge them to get involved in the future. I really can’t think of a better way for youths to better connect with nature, make like-minded friends, and get involved with their community than getting involved with Scouts or Guides.

OFA engages on federal priorities with provincial counterparts by Mark Reusser, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Each year, farm leaders, industry stakeholders and government officials gather together to discuss key issues and priorities impacting Canadian agriculture at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) Annual General Meeting. This year’s event, although virtual, offered the chance to highlight Canada’s agri-food sector, its contributions to the national economy and opportunities for economic growth. As a Director for both the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and CFA, I am always astounded by the similarities farmers across the nation share. CFA’s virtual AGM created a wonderful medium for farmers with geological and political differences to come together to learn that many of us face similar hardships. The AGM provides an opportunity to highlight these key issues and the chance to understand the unique needs and differences of each province. This understanding allows us to work together as a united front to evoke positive change for Canada’s agrifood sector. OFA is proud to be an active member of CFA, and work collaboratively to enhance the business of farming and produce prosperity for farmers nationwide. Annually, OFA board representatives participate in the meeting as delegates to engage in conversations on key priorities and vote on resolutions affecting the Canadian agri-food sector. This year, OFA took the opportunity to bring six young farmers and local leaders from across the province to join

the organization at the annual meeting. It was a fantastic opportunity, not only for OFA, but also for the young farmers involved, as they had the chance to observe, engage and get a better understanding of OFA’s involvement on issues at the federal level. Identifying young leaders in the agriculture community is extremely important, and I believe that it’s our responsibility to cultivate potential leadership when it is present. The agriculture industry thrives on strong leadership and OFA continues to prioritize succession planning and recruitment. We actively recruit individuals that showcase those skills and qualities to participate in meetings, campaigns or advocacy activities at the local, provincial, and federal levels. Resolutions are a vital way for delegates to advocate for sector improvements and vocalize needs. This year, OFA brought forward three resolutions pertaining to Private Grade Crossings, the Fisheries Act, and the need for incentive programs for soil health and sequestration. We were very happy with the outcomes of our resolutions, as it was a big win for our organizations. CFA delegates voted to have OFA’s Private Grade Crossing resolution referred to a committee; OFA’s Fisheries Act exemption resolution was carried with 98.51% in favour; and OFA’s resolution on soil and sequestration incentive programs also

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Thursday, March 18, 2021

Sports / Opinion I 5

Essex Free Press

Taking a chance and making his name: Mailloux travels over 6,000 kms in search of organized hockey for his NHL draft year... Continued from Front Page

played a season for the Toronto Marlboros Minor Midget team, coached by four-time Stanley Cup champion and Hall of Fame defensemen, Paul Coffey. Mailloux said the one

season under Coffey and in Toronto helped him grow into the player he is today, as he aspires to model his game like Brent Burns. “Playing in the GTHL with the Marlboros

Commentary - OFA Continued from Page 4

carried with an amendment to reflect both the current and successor policy framework. We received positive outcomes with respect to our resolutions and believe their future implementation will greatly benefit our farm families and their businesses. Another main priority for our organization is farmer mental health. Annually, CFA awards a recipient with the Brigid Revoire Mental Health Award. We were pleased to see that Deb Vanberkel, OFA’s nominee, had been awarded this honour and recognized for her tremendous work on mental health. Vanberkel has been a champion for farmer mental health and is one of the founders of the Farmer Wellness Program, which is promoted in multiple eastern counties. The Farmer Wellness Program, which launched in February of 2019, was created to support the mental well-being of farmers by providing access to initial counselling sessions free of charge. Another highlight of the meeting was seeing OFA’s former President, Keith Currie, re-elected as 1st Vice President of CFA. Currie is a proven leader and has been a critical contributor federally and provincially. We know that he will continue to excel in his role and look forward to his future contributions to Canadian agriculture. As always, OFA appreciates the opportunity to represent the best interests of our membership at the federal level. We will continue to advocate on behalf of our 38,000 farm families and look forward to another year of creating a stronger, united industry that will benefit Ontario farmers.

definitely showed me I was a big fish in a little pond before the move, so I think playing with the best competition helped me,” Mailloux said. “He [Coffey] was great at giving advice and feedback. He’s arguably one of the best defensemen of all time and to have him there every practice or game is incredible. Looking at his resume, there’s nothing he hasn’t done and he’s one of my best coaches of all time.” Mailloux said he began his hockey journey at the age of three, with his parents, Jeff and Vanessa, putting him onto the ice. He immediately fell in love with the game. While he admits moving away at such a young age was not easy, he gives credit to the support and discussions his family had, knowing

they’d support him and felt it was best for him. He added he has had a chance to watch his role model and older sister, Cassidy, go through a similar process as she’s captain for her division III lacrosse team. Mailloux notes he will sometimes lean on her for advice. While the last 12-months have been anything but ordinary, Mailloux is not looking back on it negatively. He is grateful for everything and his family’s support through it all. He said he believes he and his family would not change a thing. Since the announcement of a potential OHL season, Mailloux returned back to London in February to begin workouts with potential April / May game dates. Mailloux said he believes his Knights

Hearing tests, hearing aids, wax removal, and speech therapy

team is stronger than ever this season, and with a lot of teammates skating professionally, they will be ready. With his eyes set on the future, Mailloux hopes

he is able to reach his goal of hearing his name called in the first-round of the July NHL draft and share the experience with his family.

Voice Of Inspiration “Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done.” ~ Louis D. Brandeis

Pet Of The Week: Lulu

Lulu is a beautiful girl who is here with her sister Luna. Lulu has lived with dogs, cats, and children. She was good with all, but did try to avoid the children, and would prefer an adult only home! She is shy, but very aﬀectionate once she has time to get to know you. 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 Essex Free Press

Essex Council Notes for Monday, March 15, 2021... landscape will look like yet, and may go before Council when the regulations are received, and seek further instruction. The challenge, he said, will be approaching all municipalities fairly and inquiring as to which municipalities will choose to have ERCA host those non-mandatory services. He said that will be a tough process, and he will seek direction on how to proceed from the area Councils, when regulations are published.

Council received the presentation. Council extends stray cat intake program Council approved extending the intake of stray cats agreement with the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society for a oneyear period, retroactive to January 1, 2021. As part of the agreement, the Town of Essex will pay the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society $25 per stray cat taken in from the municipality. The Report to Council

notes the Town of Essex entered into an agreement with the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society in 2011, which provided residents of the Town with intake services for stray and feral cats. At that time, the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society charged a fee of $30 per stray cat, with $10 paid by the resident and $20 paid by the Town. The fee remained the same, until 2018, when the Town’s share of the fee increased to $25 and the resident portion was eliminated. This agreement does not apply to cats surrendered by their owner. The actual annual cost for the program is averaging $3,878 over the period of 2013 to 2020. Administration recommended that the Agreement be extended one year, to coincide with the expiry and renewal of the Animal Control Services Contract. A review of all of these services will then be evaluated at that time. Council approves funding mechanism for Homestead’s Tourism Kiosk Council approved funding the balance of the

Town’s commitment to the John R. Park Homestead Education Centre, that falls outside of the Colchester Community Improvement Plan, through the Council Contingency, in the amount of $34,793. The balance of the remaining funds will be funded from the Town’s Land Acquisition Reserve. At the April 6, 2020 Council meeting, a motion was passed that committed $100,000 to the John R. Park Homestead for its future Visitor’s Centre. The Town, in exchange for the funding, asked that the included Tourist Information Centre be named for the Town of Essex. The Report to Council notes the donation will be funded through the 2020 and 2021 Colchester CIP for $35,000, Council’s Contingency in the amount of $34,793, and the Town’s Land Acquisition Reserve in the amount of $30,207.

I Thursday, March 18, 2021

Continued from Page 3

Town to temporarily borrows from Landfill Reserve to cover DC waiver deficit Council approved the temporary borrowing from the Landfill Reserve, for the deficit portion of waived Development Charges (DC) for hard and soft services in the amount of $397,216.26, which will later be repaid in the 2022 Budget. Development Charges recover capital costs associated with residential and non-residential growth. The Report to Council notes administration previously identified the total amount of waived Development Charges for 2020 was $820,615. There were discrepancies in the first number presented, and the Development Charges deficit for 2020 is $716,555.78. The Town’s Development Charges for industrial, commercial, and institution are waived until August of 2024, when the Development Charges Bylaw will need to be reviewed as it will expire.

In addition, residential Development Charges in the Harrow Settlement Area were waived by 100 percent until December 31, 2020. It will be reduced by 75 percent until the end of 2022, 50 percent until the end of 2023, and 25 percent between January and August 24, 2025. The municipality still has to make up for the loss as the charges still need to be paid. User rate funded Development Charges for wastewater had a sufficient budgeted amount, the Report to Council notes, however, property tax funded development charges for hard and soft services were under budgeted, leaving a deficit of just over $397,000. This amount will be setup as temporary borrowing from the Landfill Reserve, and will be later funded and repaid in the 2022 Operating Budget. Development Overview for February 2021 shows

Continues on Page 7

Thursday, March 18, 2021

News I 7

Essex Free Press

Essex Council Notes for Monday, March 15, 2021...

82.6 percent drop In the Development Overview for 2021, Council learned the total construction value for February 2021, including all new and expanding commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential developments that required a building permit, was $1,026,640. This was an 82.6 percent drop from February 2020. The average sale price in Wards 1 and 2 was $522,886 in February of 2021, compared to $313,138 in February 2020. The average sale price in Wards 3 and 4 was $557,463 in February 2021, compared to $470,593 in February 2020. There have been 57 Single Family Dwellings sold within the Municipality of Essex in February 2021, compared to 42 in February 2020. Council received the report. Electronic building permit/inspection software approved for $175K Council authorize administration to procure and implement the electronic building permit and inspection software “Cloudpermit” through single source means for a period of five-years. The Report to Council notes with the pandemic’s social distancing regulations, e-permitting is on the rise within the building and construction industry. This will track building application permits as well as conduct and track mandatory building inspections much more efficiently, Lori Chadwick said, who is the Director of Development Services. Using an e-permitting system in the Town’s Building Division will allow customers to apply for building permits, schedule inspections, and track progress from their offices or homes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, thereby potentially reducing the cost and time to the customers while improving our service delivery the Report to Council notes. The cost structure that was provided by Cloudpermit is $175,000 for the five-year term, including the annual subscription fee of $32,000. It is proposed that the annual subscription fee be offset in the Building Services Operating Budget by a proposed increase in Building Permit Fee. This will be presented in a Report to Council in the near future, while the purchase of hardware has been identified and approved in the 2021 Capital Budget. The Town is also in the process of applying for a Municipal Modernization Grant that could potentially assist in funding the 2021-2022 annual subscription fees. At first, Councillor Kim Verbeek was scared by the cost, but she thinks the Town will get more bang for its buck and will improve customer service with the addition of the software. Natural Heritage Conservation Easement Agreement approved Council adopted Bylaw 1994 to enter into a Conservation Easement Agreement between the Owner of Part Lot 17, Concession 2 and The Corporation of the Town of Essex. In the Report to Council, it notes that on November 17, 2020, the Town of Essex’s Committee of Adjustment approved an application for Consent to Sever for a

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property on the 3rd Concession. The approval by the Committee resulted in the severance of a 6.88-acre parcel from the subject lands to be added to the abutting lands on the 3rd Concession Road, owned by the same owner. The retained parcel resulted in a balance of five-acres. The severed parcel contains an existing natural heritage feature that has been identified as a significant woodlot, valley-land, and provincially significant wetland, the Report to Council notes. As a result, a condition of the Committee’s approval requires the owner to enter into a Conservation Easement Agreement with the Town of Essex, in order to prohibit any use which would damage or destroy the area. Subdivision Agreement adopted for Parkland Woods Council adopted Bylaw 1993 to enter into a Subdivision Agreement between the Corporation of the Town of Essex and 1552843 Ontario Limited for the lands comprising Part of Lot 12, Second Range of the Gore. It also approved that the Subdivision Agreement be registered against the lands to which it applies by the municipality as notice to prospective purchasers. The Report to Council notes the proponent, Noah Homes, submitted an application for approval of a Plan of Subdivision to the County of Essex on August 10, 2020. The draft plan consists of twenty-six lots for single detached dwellings and twenty-three lots for semidetached dwellings, that will be developed in two phases. A virtual public meeting was held on Monday, November 23, 2020. Council later requested the Manager of Planning Services for the County of Essex give draft Plan of Subdivision approval to the proponent subject to Noah Homes entering into a Subdivision Agreement with the Town, such other conditions requested by the Manager of Planning Services for the County of Essex as a condition of draft Plan of Subdivision approval, and that Council agrees to accept cash in lieu of a parkland dedication to permit the construction of a storm water management pond and public parking area on Town lands. Council receives 2020 remuneration Essex Council received the Statement of Remuneration and Expenses paid for the year ended December 31, 2020. Including remuneration, expenses, and committee work, Council members received: Mayor Larry Snively: $48,124.06. Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche: $31,701.99. Councillor Steve Bjorkman: $22,819.35. Councillor Sherry Bondy: $23,531.38. Councillor Morley Bowman: $26,145.64. Councillor Joe Garon: $26,714.56. Councillor Chris Vander Doelen: $26,965.01. Councillor Kim Verbeek: $26,046.54. For more Council news, see the articles “McGregor Library pilot project introducing staff-less hours for greater community access” and “Developers present new concept for year-round accommodations for Colchester.”

8 I Community Essex Free Press

I Thursday, March 18, 2021

CUPE raising concerns about McGregor Library community access pilot project by Sylene Argent Britanie Ouellette, CUPE 2974 Sub-Unit Chairperson for the Library Sector, said the local union has a few concerns with the McGregor enhanced community access pilot project. One of the concerns

she highlighted included having the branch open, staff-less, during the COVID pandemic. This means, during those staffless hours, no librarians will be there to wipe down surfaces or other commonly used areas. She said this is a health and safety concern.

Even if waiting until there are few concerns with the pandemic when implementing the pilot project in McGregor, CUPE still has concerns with the quality of the library service. “A building with our books and a computer in it, doesn’t make a

McGregor Library pilot project introducing staff-less hours for greater community access... Councillor Kim Verbeek had concerns around safety, during the staff-less hours. She asked about the video conferencing and how it would be staffed. Greenall said the link will go to a partnering library, where two librarians will be working. The demand will be monitored. Verbeek also had concerns about the single bathroom onsite, as to who is keeping it tidy and what would happen if there is an emergency. Doug Sweet, Director of Community Services for the Town of Essex, said staff is there almost every day to clean the washroom. If there are instances, they will need to be addressed. Greenall said the bathrooms are

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outside the library space. There is a camera in the main foyer to look toward the bathroom. Verbeek is also worried about someone using someone else’s card, and lack of safeguards for that. She does have further concerns that it could become a slippery slope and eliminate live librarians. The plan is to expand the service into Harrow and then possibly adding it to Woodslee. “I believe it is a great project. I think it is going to be successful. And, I think the public is going to be happy,” Mayor Larry Snively said of the pilot program. Council received the presentation.

library. You are not getting the same library service without your staff. We have a number of concerns that we are creating like a two-tiered library system in Essex County. You are going to get branches that have full hours, and all of them staffed, like our bigger branches, and then our smaller communities, are going to see the majority of their hours being staffless, and that just doesn’t seem very fair to the small communities, in which, arguably, they need their library more than ever right now,” she said. There are also safety, vandalism, and theft concerns. Ouellette said there will be cameras onsite, but is unsure of that effectiveness. Members will use their cards to swipe in, and only those 16-and-over will be allowed into the building on their own during staffless hours, but she said there is concern younger individuals could get a card from a parent to get access to the library. These concerns,

she said, could start to decrease the quality of the library. Recently, CUPE launched a campaign at cupe.on.ca/no-tostaffless-libraries. On the website, those opposed to staff-less library hours can sign a prewritten letter, urging for the cancelation of the plans to extend hours at the McGregor Branch Library without library staff during those hours. “Patrons rely on librarians and library staff to help them with researching, writing, and job searching, especially when they are unfamiliar with newer technology or cannot access library resources on their own due to disabilities,” the letter states, adding, “We are concerned that lack of staff supervision may enhance the risk of violence and harassment to children, women, and minorities, and create barriers to access.” This campaign will be open until the end of March. CUPE then hopes to collect the support

and contact reps at the County Council level, in addition to the members of the Library Board. Those without computer access, she said, can call their library branch and staff can give out information for County Council reps in their area. CUPE, at this time, does not have concerns about staff losing hours or jobs. Library patrons, she added, do not just come in for the books, but for the assistance staff provides. “If the people of Essex County are concerned about this, or have any questions, they should feel comfortable to reach out to their town Council members and their Library Board members,” Ouellette said.

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Community I 9

Essex Free Press

Beaver using North Star Badge project to benefit the Humane Society

by Sylene Argent Photo submitted to EFP When seven-year-old Erica Davison started to think about what she wanted to do in order to earn the North Star badge as a third-year Beaver with the 3rd Essex

Scouts, she knew her love for animals would influence the direction of her project. In order to earn the coveted North Star Badge, Beavers have to host a project that will benefit the community in some way.

Davison loves the two dogs that compete her family, and her passion for her pets inspired her to host a collection drive for the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society. “I have two dogs, and I like animals,” the local Beaver said of the inspiration of picking the local animal shelter as her project’s beneficiary. “I Want to support [the animals at the Humane Society] to get good homes.” Davison and her supportive family members have been collecting items for a couple of months, and will continue to do so until either the end of March or whenever the Province lessens restrictions as part of the COVID-19 reopening plan. Humane Society staff, she said, urged her to wait until then to drop off the items, so she can do so in person. “We’ve got quite a bit, but want to get some more,” Davison said of her collection. At first, she set out to collect twenty items, but her mom, Melissa Brown-Davison, suspects they will need to take a couple of pick-up truck loads down to the Humane Society, once the collection is over. Before she began collecting items, young Davison contacted the Humane Society to see what the animals needed. She was told they were in need of paper towels, newspapers, towels, laundry soap, bleach, and blankets, in addition to monetary donations. Because she was able to collect so many of the items on the list, Davison called back to see if there was anything else she could help with. As a result, she was given a second list of

specific brands of dog and cat food, in addition to puppy training pads. She used some of the monetary donations she received through her collection to purchase these items Anyone able to help Davison support animal as they search for their perfect, furever homes, can call her mom, Melissa, at 519-819-7939 to arrange an e-Transfer or discuss what items are best to donate. Davison urges area individuals and families in a position to give to help her through her collection for the WindsorEssex County Humane Society, “Because they can adopt [out] dogs, cats, and other animals that don’t have a home.” Knowing there are animals out there without a loving home makes her sad. She said it is important to help others realize there are animals out there that need a little help, while they wait for a special family to call their own.

10 I News Essex Free Press

I Thursday, March 18, 2021

Developers present new concept for year-round accommodations for Colchester - Heritage Colchester receives non-for-profit status, process to designate Schoolhouse started -

by Sylene Argent At the Council meeting on Monday evening, developers James Flynn and Kim Lewis, of the Grove Hotel in Kingsville, made a presentation on their proposed development at the corner of Dunn and County Road 50 for what they are calling, “The Grove Motor Inn.” Previously, the developers approached Council about buying the Colchester Schoolhouse property, assuring their intention was to preserve and repurpose the original structure. In addition, what would have been an extension

of the Grove Hotel was planned to house 14, one-bedroom individual cottage units that would be around 500 square foot a piece. After hearing concern from residents, Council asked the developers to hit the pause button on moving forward with plans at the January 18 meeting. At that time, the majority of Council voted in favour of asking potential developers of the site to give a deadline extension for the agreement to the end of March, originally set for the end of January. Since then, the developers decided to work on a new concept. “We feel every obstacle creates an opportunity, and while we were really disappointed with the Colchester Schoolhouse site, we wanted to demonstrate our commitment to the community,” Flynn said on Monday evening. The concerns raised over the Colchester [Schoolhouse] site, were very important to us. It allowed us to go away, think about the concerns that were raised, and come back with a larger, better site development for the area.” The developers are now proposing a two-story, yearround retro-style boutique motor inn, which he said will attract and accommodate guests visiting the area. It will have 25 rooms, be professionally managed by the Grove Hotel, and will also include four screened-in common areas. Flynn said he has been in contact with wineries and businesses in the area, and they have noted there is a need for year-round accommodations in that area. The motor inn will be designed to open visually to the south, to have as little impact as possible to

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residents to the north. “Rest assured, this motor inn will be bright, colourful, and all things Grove,” he said, adding it is a $3.4M investment and he estimates it will inject $1.5M annually into the Colchester community. It will be staffed and will be a direct extension of the Grove Hotel in Kingsville, he said. He said the developers feel the corner of Dunn and County Road 50 is the perfect location for the development. Councillor Kim Verbeek thanked the developers for sticking with the community, going back to the drawing table, and coming up with this plan. Several other Councillors thanked the developers, as well. Councillor Chris Vander Doelen added the proposed development is “cool.” Kevin Girard, Director of Infrastructure, said the property will still have to go through Site Plan Control in order for the development to proceed. In addition, infrastructure studies will also be conducted to look at traffic and sewer needs. A rezoning application is also required, which includes public consultation. Mayor Larry Snively believes the development could be an anchor to attract businesses to Colchester. One of the individuals who spoke about wanting to keep the Colchester Schoolhouse a public asset earlier this year, Perry Basden, also spoke to Council on Monday evening. In January, he made his objections of declaring the Colchester School as surplus property known, and noted his intention was to form a committee to work on a plan for the facility. Since then, a committee, Heritage Colchester, was formed. Other achievements include obtaining non-forprofit status through the Ontario Historical Society. He received the news last Friday. The committee intends to pursue, if the Town of Essex

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Thursday, March 18, 2021

News I 11

Essex Free Press

Developers present new concept for year-round accommodations for Colchester... Continued from Page 10 allows, various stages of restoration for the Colchester Schoolhouse. For the first stage, the plan is to work with an architect. He said he found a wealth of information in the Colchester Landscape Master Plan regarding possible uses for the Colchester Schoolhouse, which committee members are looking into. He said the committee is still prepared to move forward to restore the Colchester Schoolhouse. What the Committee wants, he said, is for Council to support the concept that the Bagot Street and Sullivan street areas be declared as a Historical Centre for Colchester. The committee plans to try and move forward with having the use for the Colchester Schoolhouse be restored for public use and as a tourist attraction. This, he said, will relieve the Town of the cost involved for the restoration as Heritage Colchester can apply for grants and received donations in ways the Town cannot. Basden said it is hoped negotiations can happen between the Town of Essex and Heritage Colchester for the purpose of coming to an agreement that will be of mutual benefit to both parties. Councillor Joe Garon applauded the efforts of the Committee. He is optimistic at this point that the future of the schoolhouse is real and that there will be a new use that will materialize. He encouraged the group to continue working on the project. Councillor Steve Bjorkman said it is incredible what the Heritage Colchester committee has done so far. This is a dedicated group, sticking to their word

that they would do the work, he said. “As a Town, we should get behind this,” he said. Councillor Chris Vander Doelen congratulated the group on obtaining the non-for-profit status. He asked about the process of declaring an area as an Historic Centre and wondered how it could affect tourism. Lori Chadwick, Director of Development Services, explained the process to designate an area as a Heritage District is in the Heritage Act, which includes consultation with a Heritage Committee and property owners within the area. She recommended Basden present the idea to the Town of Essex’s Heritage Committee first. As far as tourism, Chadwick said the land uses there are driven by and organized through the Town’s Official Plan, which will be reviewed in 2021. Council received the presentation and directed administration to meet with Heritage Colchester to start discussing different proposals, and also asked that the Town’s Essex Municipal Heritage Committee be brought into the conversation. Basden said he had signage in mind when thinking about the historical designation, which would point traffic to the cemetery, Christ Church, and Schoolhouse, but will certainly investigate the benefit of an actual Heritage Designation. Basden would also like to work with the Arts, Culture, and Tourism Committee for the tourism aspect, as well as arts and culture for possible uses for the schoolhouse at some point in time.

Also on Monday evening, Council authorized the ‘Notice of Intention to Designate’ for the Colchester Schoolhouse. The Report to Council on the matter notes the Ontario Heritage Act establishes the criteria for determining cultural heritage value or interest. A property may be designated if it meets one or more of the following criteria: the property has design or physical value, the property has historical value or associate value, or the property has contextual value. In the Report to Council, it notes the Schoolhouse has design and physical value, because it was built in a Victorian vernacular style, as evidenced by its architectural features. The Schoolhouse has historical value, because it yields, or has the potential to yield, information that contributes to an understanding of the community and culture. The location of the Schoolhouse

at 195 Bagot Street has contextual value, because it is important in defining the character of the area, is historically linked to its surroundings and is a local landmark, the Report to Council continues. The Essex Municipal Heritage Committee was presented with the statement of cultural heritage value and list of heritage attributes at its Thursday February 25 meeting. The Committee provided its support for the designation of 195 Bagot Street. A notice will be served on the Ontario Heritage Trust and published in the local newspapers. Designation does not prohibit the alteration of interior space or the continued use and enjoyment of the property and building for its present or future purpose as identified under the Town’s Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw, Bylaw 1037, the Report to Council adds.

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12 I Classifieds Essex Free Press

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SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF KINGSVILLE Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on April 8, 2021, at the Town of Kingsville Municipal Ofﬁce, 2021 Division Road North, Kingsville Ontario. Description of Lands: Roll No. 37 11 270 000 37401 0000; PIN 75181-0230 (LT); File No. 19-01 Minimum Tender Amount: $8,392.28 Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the lands to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers. This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. A full copy of the tax sale advertisement and further information about this matter is available on line at www.OntarioTaxSales.ca or www.kingsville.ca or you may contact Vicky Sawatzky, Tax Collector, The Corporation of the Town of Kingsville, 2021 Division Road North, Kingsville ON N9Y 2Y9. Phone: 519-733-2305 Ext. 233

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I Thursday, March 18, 2021

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Classifieds / News I 13

Essex Free Press

Council hosts virtual Infrastructure Roundtable

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by Sylene Argent Essex Council hosted a virtual, roundtable discussion on infrastructure last Tuesday evening, where Council members spoke on a variety of issues, including Highway # 3, sidewalks, and the expansion of services to accommodate potential industrial additions. When speaking of the expansion of services of the south-side of Highway # 3, Mayor Larry Snively said with the planned widening of Highway # 3 and with industrial growth being full on the northside of the throughfare, services are now heading across the highway. Kevin Girard, Director of Infrastructure Services, said the expansion of services is well underway. The addendum to the Environmental Study Report includes the sanitary sewer service area, which is underway with Stantec Consulting. This will allow the Town to proceed with the project, including checking capacity to bring sanitary sewers to those developable lands, south of Highway # 3. The watermain project was also brought to Council recently. This includes the Town working with the design builders of the Highway # 3 expansion project, Dillon Consulting and Coco Paving Inc., to extend a watermain across

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the highway, at the 14th Concession, to allow any potential developers in the future to connect. “We have a strong ability to get to where we need to service all those properties on the other side of the Highway, we are well underway with that. We will be is a position soon, when developers approach us to start building on that side of the Highway, we will be able to provide service there,” Girard said. Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche asked about gas lines and wondered if that should be looked into as the expansion of the highway takes place, as well. Girard said he will contact local companies to confirm location of gas lines in the area. Council also discussed the long thought about possibility of adding sidewalks by the Canadian

Tire and Tim Hortons on Maidstone Avenue, from Talbot. Councillor Morley Bowman said the issue has come about numerous times over the years. With development continuing to go on in that area, he thinks it is a good idea to discuss the potential project again. Girard said the Town is working with the developer of the Essex Town Centre lands. Some provisions have been made to connect to a future multi-trail path on Maidstone Avenue. “It is something on our radar,” he said. “Ultimately, it is truly a budget decision.” It could be included on a wish list in the 2022 budget, so staff can develop a costestimate, he added. Councillor Chris Vander Doelen wondered if there would be a way to get the potential sidewalk project done in phases to get it off the ground. Girard

said that is something he has been thinking on. Councillor Steve Bjorkman said this project has been on the wish list since 2015, and Council should be putting funds aside for it. Girard added the Town is working with the MTO for South Talbot Road, which will have connection brought all the way to Victoria Avenue as part of the Highway # 3 widening project, in accordance with the future closure of Victoria Avenue to Highway # 3. The Town is working with the MTO to try to get a multi-use pathway from Victoria Avenue to Maidstone Avenue. In terms of sidewalk completion for the Bell Avenue/Thomas Street/ Brock Street area, Garon said they are roads close to

Continued on Page 16

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14 I Personals / News

FromThe Heart

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. _________________________________________________________

IN LOVING MEMORY

_________________________________________________________

In loving memory of

Alta Mccallum March 20, 2014 A Whisper from Heaven Time cannot heal the heartache, or stop a silent tear. It won’t take away the memories, of one we loved so dear. Missing you always.

~ Love, Don and Families

What’s Going On... MARCH 24  ESSEX BLOOD DONOR CLINIC - at Essex Centre Sports Complex, 60 Fairview Ave W. To book a time and for more info: www.blood.ca. MARCH 30  HARROW BLOOD DONOR CLINIC - at Camoes Portuguese Club, 390 Sinasac Street ,West. Harrow. To book a time and for more info: www.blood.ca. APRIL 913  ST CLAIR COLLEGE ONLINE CHARITY AUCTION - to beneﬁt Habitat for Humanity by St Clair Event Management Students. For info: evmtcharityauction.com 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.

Essex Free Press

I Thursday, March 18, 2021

Tecumseh Town Council Meeting highlights - March 9 submitted to EFP ERCA 2021 Budget: Council received a presentation from the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) on their draft 2021 Budget. The draft calls for a 1.8% increase to the municipal levy which would result in a levy $287,672 for the Town of Tecumseh. The budget will be voted on April 8, 2021 by the ERCA Board of Directors. Municipal Modernization Program Intake 2: Council authorized Administration to submit three applications to the Province of Ontario’s Municipal Modernization Program Intake 2 Review Stream. The Town had previously been awarded approximately $20,000 in Intake 1 for a Human Resources Services Review undertaken in 2020. The three projects being submitted are: shared economic development opportunities with the Town of Lakeshore; a Digital Strategy and Business Continuity Plan; and, business process optimization for the Town’s payroll services. The deadline to apply to the Province is March 15. 11865 Tecumseh Road: Council approved $15,000 for building façade improvements to 11865 Tecumseh Road, which is located at the corner of Tecumseh Road and Southfield. The owner was previously awarded $3,000 in September 2020 for drawings associated with the façade improvements. 1200-1250 Southfield Drive: Council approved a Building and Property Improvement Grant to Skyline Apartments, the owners of the property at 1200-1250 Southfield Drive. The amount of the grant will be determined based on the incremental increase in the portion of property tax that would result from works completed in relation to construction of two four-storey 71-unit apartment buildings at this location. This tax relief will be in the form of a 100% grant on the municipal portion of the incremental tax increase resulting from the development for a five-year period. The grant is expected to be in the order of $630,000 in total over the five-year period. The construction timeline has also been extended from one year to two years. Construction is expected to get underway in 2021. Tecumseh Transit: Council received the annual report on Tecumseh Transit. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 ridership decreased by 55% (13,021 in 2020 versus 28,707 in 2019). Fare revenue also decreased by 62% ($7,659 in 2020 versus $19,039 in 2019). Revenues in January and February of 2020 were above those in 2019 however the impact of the pandemic on ridership and the removal of the transit fare in March 2020 until September 2020 and the public health restrictions put in place throughout 2020 had a large impact on the use of transit services in Tecumseh. These trends are not unique to Tecumseh, but rather were the norm in 2020 for transit services throughout Ontario. Tecumseh Road Storm Sewer and Road Improvements: Council approved adding the Storm Sewer and Road Improvements on Tecumseh Road from east of Lexham Gardens to Regent Road to the 2021 Public Works and Environmental Services Capital Works Plan. Due to the proposed new North Shore School at 13800 Tecumseh Road, this project was recommended to be

accelerated. Detailed engineering design will be completed in 2021 with construction to proceed in 2022. Funds for the project will come from the Town’s Reserve funds. County Road 19 Trunk Watermain Installation: Council approved adding the County Road 19 (Manning Road) Trunk Watermain installation from County Road 22 to south of Jamsyl Drive to the 2021 Public Works and Environmental Services Capital Works Plan. This will allow the Town to coordinate with County of Essex road work that will widen County Road 19, south of County Road 22 to south of Jamsyl Drive. The County project will also install an eastbound fly-off from County Road 19 onto County Road 22 and a through lane, southbound to south of Jamsyl Drive. Intersection improvements, signalization and turning lanes are planned at County Road 19 and Jamsyl Drive. Desro Drive will be closed at County Road 19 and terminated with a cul-de-sac. Construction will be completed in 2021, in accordance with the County of Essex schedule. The Town’s watermain replacement was recommended to be accelerated to coincide with the County’s project. Funds for the Town’s project will come from Reserve Funds and a consulting engineer will be shared with the County of Essex. The Town is looking forward to the County’s road work in this area to alleviate traffic congestion. The Town’s watermain project is part of a larger watermain project, planned for this area, that will strengthen the Town’s water distribution system and provide servicing for new development lands within planning areas, west of Manning Road and south of County Road 22. County Road 46 Webster-Laval Sanitary Sewer Extension: Council authorized the execution of an agreement for an easement within the 8th Concession Road Sanitary Service Area. The easement is required for construction of a sanitary sewer extension and associated works in the Oldcastle Hamlet Settlement Area. This Area is serviced by two trunk sewers, the North Talbot Road Trunk Sanitary Sewer and the 8th Concession Road Trunk Sanitary Sewer. In 2018 the Town’s consultant on the 8th Concession Road Trunk Sanitary Sewer work identified easement requirements for construction of the full project. The County Road 46, Webster and Laval Sanitary Sewer Extension project is a continuation of the sanitary sewer servicing within the 8th Concession Road sanitary service area. The project includes the extension of a sanitary sewer along County Road 46, from the 8th Concession to Webster Drive, as well as road and storm sewer improvements on Webster Drive, construction of a new trunk watermain and replacement of the existing local watermain on County Road 46 and utility relocations. Works on the project design, advanced utility relocations, easement acquisition and obtaining all required approvals will continue in 2021 with construction anticipated in 2022/2023. The next Regular Meeting of Council is Tuesday, March 23, 2021. The meeting is scheduled to be held electronically with a live stream available online at www. tecumseh.ca. The agenda for the Regular meeting will be made available on Thursday, March 18, 2021.

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Community Hub / Business Directory I 15

Essex Free Press

sponsorship by:

Fresh food. Friendly neighbours 191 Talbot St. S., Essex

519-776-4255 Salvation Army Essex Church submitted by Carolyn Barnett

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.

Trinity Church Trinity remains closed at this time. Watch for updates as to when we’ll be back within the building. Prayer pouches are available for free. Fidgit blankets are also free for those with cognitive impairment are they made by members of the church and given to nursing homes,

HANDYMAN SERVICE

schools, and individuals. To obtain a prayer pouch and/or ﬁdgit blanket, please call: 519-839-5303.

information about Harrow United Church on our website at www.harrowunited.org

Bethel-Maidstone United

Essex Baptist Church

We remain closed to in-person worship. We will re-evaluate the situation bi-weekly. Stay tuned! In the meantime, 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 Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am - 1pm. Phone: (519) 723-2284 • Email: bmuc@xplornet. ca. We are located at 933 Talbot Rd., Maidstone, near the corner of Manning and Talbot. www.bethelmaidstone.com.

St. Paul’s Anglican Church

Dear Friends and Neighbours of Essex County, Essex Baptist Church has resumed regular morning worship services at 10:30am every Sunday. We now record our sermons live and post them Tuesday or Wednesday of the following week on our website, www.essexbaptist.com, and on social media. If we can do anything to help and encourage you during this COVID season, please don’t hesitate to call on us. Our biggest concern is for your emotional and spiritual wellbeing. You are loved by us and especially by God! Email our pastor, Gary Lidstone, at pastor@essexbaptist.com to let us know how we might serve you. May God bless you!

Even though our building is currently closed and all services are suspended until further notice, please know that we are still providing spiritual resources online. 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.

Woodslee United Church

Harrow United Church

Essex United Church

submitted by Larry Anderson

Please join us in our sanctuary as we resume Sunday morning services at 10:30am. We ask everyone to wear a mask. For those who would rather watch the service from home, it will also be available on the church website. 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 at: 519-738-4223. Find more

submitted by Sue Holman

Sadly, there is no inside Worship Service in the Church until further notice. Rev. Carl will place his video message on our website: woodsleepastoralcharge.ca. Visit us online for updates and bulletins. Keep safe.

Due to the new Covid restrictions, our church services are suspended and the church oﬃce is closed. For more information, call the church oﬃce at 519-776-5121. Stay safe and take care. Join us on our Re-opening Sunday ON Sunday, March 28 at 10:30 am. All protocols will be in place. The Essex Area Food Bank is available to anyone who needs

Continued on Page 17

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16 I News / Business Directory Essex Free Press

Council hosts virtual Infrastructure Roundtable... the main corridor. He said he can see how they could be needed with the high school nearby. Girard said the Town has limited funding for new sidewalks. They come from a resolution from Council. The main focus has been to maintain existing sidewalks. Funding, however, can be evaluated. If it is a Council priority, it can be added to the budget wish list for 2022. Girard warned Council that capital decisions do come with operational impacts, including snow removal and maintenance, but is happy to follow through on Council’s wishes Councillor Sherry Bondy said she wants Council to do a good job with public consultation when it comes to potentially adding sidewalks, as some want them and some do not. CAO Chris Nepszy said sidewalk inspections take place yearly within the Town of Essex. Girard added if Council wants to increase that level of service, the budget for that can be elevated during budget time. Bowman said sidewalks are put in for safety. Some may want them and others may not. That will always be the case. Council needs to determine whether or not there is a safety issue, and that should be the determining factor. Council also discussed a traffic flow report, assuming

Victoria Avenue will be closed for access at Highway # 3. Councillor Joe Garon said when the access to Highway # 3 at Victoria gets shutdown, an extreme amount of pressure will be put on some of the other roads and intersections. There are plans to add the Hanlan Street extension and other ways to handle that change in traffic flow. He hopes there will be a good plan for traffic flow coming forward. Girard said there are a lot of thing happening in the town, some will impact the area because of the highway. With the closure of Victoria to Highway # 3, he added, there are two means of getting the traffic onto the highway, including South Talbot Road and the Hanlan Street extension. The initial phase of that closure will include building South Talbot. Eventually, the road will be reconstructed and linked it up on the other side of the Greenway. The other alterative route will connect Fairview Avenue with Gosfield Townline. The closure of Victoria Avenue to Highway # 3, he said, will happen in the next phase of construction, where they will need to start working on the overpass structure that goes over Victoria Avenue. Included in that firstphase on construction, is the realignment of Pinkerton Sideroad and other improvements at the Maidstone

I Thursday, March 18, 2021

Continued from Page 13

Avenue intersection. Meloche had concerns with the Hanlan Road extension, and wondered about guarantees the Province will contribute to that project as is planned. The North Malden closure to Highway #3 is going to be a real pain for Ward 2 residents, he said. Girard responded that there is an agreement with the MTO for that and he has been working with the MTO to secure the funds. The agreement states the cost has to be agreed upon, which is being worked on now. Nepszy said the MTO funding is for an asphalt-base and open ditches. When it comes to private beach roads, Mayor Larry Snively said he is not in favour of taking over beach roads as it is costly. Nepszy said this matter has been around for many years. There are three different types of beach roads: owned and assumed roads (municipal roads), owned but not assumed roads (roads that have somehow come under the Municipality’s ownership), and private roads. A couple Terms of Council ago, the rules changed on what can be done on an un-assumed road without assuming it. He said at that time, the Council of the day decided to provide a minimal level of service on the unassumed but

Continued on Page 20

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Community Hub / Business Directory I 17

Essex Free Press

Continued from Page 15 assistance at this time, located in the gym of the church, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Food Bank’s hours of operation are: 8:30 - 11:45am.

required. Congregating inside of the church is discouraged. Our partner in prayer this year is Bothwell Baptist Church. Please remember in your prayers all those who are ill or in nursing homes, and our front line workers.

Maidstone Cross submitted by Wendy Cunningham

Essex Christian Reformed Church submitted by Beverley Van Huizen

Welcome to Essex CRC either in-person or online! We invite you to join us online on Sunday morning beginning at 10am. Visit us at www.essexcrc.ca for a link to our Essex CRC social media page. Make sure your notifications are on so you will be the first to know when we go live. We will continue our Lenten series called “The Way of the Cross.” On Sunday, we will look at the “The Garden” from Matthew 26: 36 – 46 .

Worship service is this Sunday, March 21 at 10am with Phil Hernandez bringing the message. We enjoyed the ministry of Tom Carman this past week. Social distancing and masks are

St. Mary’s church is open and reservations are required if you are new. Church attendance is limited at 30% capacity and masks are mandatory. Weekend Mass will be live-streamed at 6pm on Saturday and viewed on our social media pages for those unable to attend in person. Weekly Stations of the Cross reflections will available each Wednesday after 10am and can be found on our Family of Parishes social media pages. St. Mary’s Cemetery Board asks that all winter decorations be removed by March 28th. Two extra days for Adoration during Lent are available at St. Clement and at Holy Name of Jesus please register on-line from our website at centralessexcatholic.dol.ca. Sandwich South Historical Society has launched a new website. Visit: www.sshistoricalsociety.com and check out historical photos, stories, and facts. Please keep in your prayers and all the people who are sick, shut in and in Hospice and their caregivers. Thank you to all of our front line workers!

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Community Support Centre of Essex County Essential grocery delivery or transportation is available, during the pandemic. The Foot Care Clinic is available, in Essex, three days a week. Meals on Wheels delivery to Essex is every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The Community Food Pantry operates twice a week by appointment. Check our our virtual programming, that you can do from home. Join us for exercise classes, chair yoga, Wellness Wednesdays, and Bingo. Call 519-728-1435 for registration or further information on any of our programs, or visit online at: www. communitysupportcentre.ca

Brooker News submitted by Ruth Newman

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18 I Opinion / Sports Essex Free Press

I Thursday, March 18, 2021

Local Baseball on the forefront of a return to play 1968 Dodge Dart GTS remembered

A pair of teammates pose in front of the tee during one of their games at St. Mary’s Park. Photo courtesy of St. Mary’s Park.

Barry Head’s 1968 Dodge Dart GTS 2-door hardtop.

Barry Head of Newcastle, Ontario, has fond memories of a muscle car he owned many years ago: “During the time I was fixing up my 1947 Monarch sedan coupe, I bought a 1968 Dodge Dart GTS 340 4-speed hardtop. It was running and when I was behind the wheel I felt 17 again. “Several times I would have someone ask me about the car and they might say something totally bizarre like: ‘My brother had a Swinger exactly like this one.’ Then I would explain Chrysler never made a Swinger until 1969 and this car is a 1968. And they would say ‘Well, what’s the difference?’ “I bought the Dart from a wheeler-dealer from Angus, Ontario, and replaced the interior and tires and installed a competition clutch. I also went to Carlisle for some needed parts. Carlisle and Hershey are definitely the Meccas for antique car parts. “I had the Dart for six years and enjoyed it during that time but I developed cancer so I sold my house and my 40’x30’ shop and my cars. “I now spend my spare time building wooden models. They cost a lot less and are less stressful.” In 1960, the Chrysler Corporation quickly recognized the demand for smaller cars and brought out the Plymouth Valiant. In that same year, the Dodge Dart arrived as a “junior” version of the big “senior” Dodges. You could buy a 1960 Dodge Dart with a six cylinder (the new Slant Six) with 225 cubic inches or a tiresquealing 318 cubic inch V8. By 1968, the Dodge Dart GTS was available as a two-door hardtop or convertible. The standard V8 had 340 cubic inches with 275 horsepower. The optional 383 V8 gave you 300 horsepower. We have all heard of the Dodge brothers, John and Horace, who both died in 1920. A friend of mine in Leamington in the early ‘60s claimed that the Dart was named after the Dart brothers. He was joking, of course. I’m always looking for stories. Email billtsherk@ sympatico.ca.

by Garrett Fodor Let’s play ball! With temperatures rising, local baseball players are itching to lace up their cleats and take to the

diamond. For baseball players and organizations, the last 12-months has been anything but ordinary. Organizations were forced to improvise and often cancel their season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year. Now, as spring training is underway for the professionals, local organizations are developing strategies and conducting registration for the 2021 ball season. Included in that are a pair of local baseball organizations, St Mary’s Park and the Essex Minor Baseball Association (EMBA). Both organizations are following the instructions of local health professionals and Ontario Baseball. For St Mary’s Park, 2020 was supposed to be grand, as the league celebrated its 40th anniversary. The league that represents players, aged four to over 60, had been fully booked and scheduled to play during the summer of 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Mary’s park was one of the many

Continued on Page 19

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Sports I 19

Essex Free Press

Local Baseball on the forefront of a return to play...

A team poses after their day of champions to wrap up the baseball season in 2019. Photo courtesy of Essex Minor Baseball Association.

leagues that had to cancel its season. Now, attention has been shifted to the return to play protocol in hopes of getting back to the diamond this year.

“Right now, we’re still in the early stages of 2021, but we have a lot of options,” Shaun Fuerth, Vice Chairperson of St. Mary’s Park, said. “We’re

looking at shortened and condensed schedules and even playing in cohorts if permitted. It all depends on what the local and provincial guidelines are for us.” St. Mary’s Park has eyes set on a return to the diamond in June or July, hoping to kick off the league’s season, safely under the guidelines provided. Fuerth noted the goal of St. Mary’s Park is to provide a safe and healthy environment for everyone. EMBA has sights set on the diamonds sooner, as long as health professionals and Ontario Baseball permits. The league is anticipating a start for their rep league teams beginning in April, and then the house league teams will begin in May. EMBA President, Joe Grondin, and EMBA Travel Convenor, Bill

Fenton, both note that while their house league season was cancelled last year, their rep leagues got a chance to practice and play in the fall. Both believe last year’s experience will help them and their players to know what to expect and be able to return to the diamond this year safely. “The plan was so well thought out by [the] Ontario Baseball Association that it showed that baseball can be offered in a safe manner,” Grondin and Fenton noted. “We witnessed the protocols and procedures in place worked and we had a very successful fall. We are confident that with cooperation of all parties involved in regards to the rules and regulations in

place, we can offer a safe and enjoyable experience this coming season.” EMBA, like St Mary’s Park, is preparing to play in small cohorts to begin the season. Both note it will likely be a bubble of four teams, until the Essex County Health Unit determines they can expand to eight teams. Both Fenton and Grondin note that with last season being cancelled, for many the 2021 baseball season is the first chance to be active and participate in sports in a while. They believe the chance to be in a team setting, and let loose some energy from being inside, will be needed. “We feel that it is critical for kids to be involved in organized activity and sports,”

Continued from Page 18

Grondin and Fenton said. “It’s been a year now that we’ve been cooped up, and we feel that the kids need a sense of normalcy now more than ever. Baseball is an opportunity to engage with friends, get some exercise, and could be the first stage of getting that normal feeling back.” For those who are interested in the St Mary’s Park, up-todate information can be found on its social media accounts or website, www.stmaryspk. ca. You can learn more about EMBA at: www. leaguelineup.com/ welcome.asp?url=emba. Both websites will proved updated information with regards to league return to play protocols.

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20 I News Essex Free Press

Council hosts virtual Infrastructure Roundtable...

File photo of the Victoria Avenue/Highway # 3 intersection.

owned beach roads, including some grading and winter control. Nepszy said he has had discussion with Council over the years, on where does the Town go from here. The challenge, Bondy said, is the Town used to have a roads plan, she said she is not crazy about how the roads are lumped together for the budget deliberations now. Meloche said if residents on beach roads are willing to put money into it for the Town to take it over, then he does not have a problem taking it over. Before the road is paved, he would like a traffic count to see if it should be. Vander Doelen said an effort has to be made to bring some of the roads into town ownership. He thinks the town would benefit, as if they were better taken care of, property values would rise and so would tax roles. He said there should be a process for the beach roads, and that it would be nice to get a few done every year. Based on the conversation had, Nepszy said he has a better direction on how to have a codified response to add to Council’s Strategic Plan by the end of the term in terms

of how to handle beach roads. Vander Doelen said he thinks Council needs to be more formal when putting together a priority list that puts partisan ward concerns aside in regards to infrastructure projects. This could be somewhat flexible. Girard said there are complications to coming up with a priority list for roads. There can be backlash, as they are ever so changing. He said the Town is aware of road conditions within the municipality. The way the Town is addressing the matter is by reviewing infrastructure, including what is underground, and keeping the ward system in mind. Bondy suggested hosting a roads open house meeting to handle the issue. She would love to have a five-year roads plan, but thinks a meeting would be great to communicate why certain roads are getting done, realizing priorities are always changing. Nepszy said those discussions are provided to Council through the budget process. Bjorkman said he thinks, “It is time to take the roads out of Council’s hands.” He said it is a political thing Council cannot get away from. He said it is Council’s job to ensure there is enough money in the budget to get the roads done, they know which roads are a priority. He said more money is needed for roads. He has no problem with having a schedule dedicated to road needs. Nepszy said road plans have failed in the past. Meloche disagreed with Bjorkman. He said Council has to debate them. Constituents want them to debate the issue, and other matters. He believes there should be a roads plan. Items change because it is a forecast. He said the plan in the past went out too far. It should stick to a Term of Council. Then, Council negotiates what needs to be done, and handles issues as they come up. Garon said the growth the town is experiencing should help in the future with adding more to the tax base. Vander Doelen also disagreed with Bjorkman. He suggested instead of calling it a roads plan, call it a needs

I Thursday, March 18, 2021

Continued from Page 16

list.

Discussion also included upgrading the Erie Street/ King Street intersection in Harrow. Councillor Sherry Bondy said this has been a corner where residents have claimed to witness multiple accidents. It can also be hard to turn at during some points of the day, when there is heavier traffic. Residents want the intersection improved, she said. Girard noted the intersection was evaluated as part of the Harrow Streetscape project. The Town will remove a piece of curb at the southwest corner of the intersection and align it to provide more space. In addition, a conduit will be put under the road to accommodate a traffic signal, if it is ever required in the future. A tapering is also being added to the south-east corner, to provide more turning space for vehicles heading right. On King Street, the parking will be changed from the north side to the south-side of the road. This will come to Council to change the Parking Bylaw as an amendment. A push-button pedestrian crossing is also being installed as part of the project. Councillor Bjorkman said he likes the improvements Girard laid out, but believes the corner should be looked at from a tourist point of view, as many not familiar with the area may be visiting and may not know a cross walk will be there. He thinks traffic signals and a turning lane are needed. If needing to turn left from Erie Street, there could be many waiting for quite some time. Vander Doelen said the tweaks to the intersection are good, but thinks the intersection will need to be rebuilt in the future. He thinks it is not as bad of an intersection as Maidstone Avenue and Talbot Street in Essex Centre. Council will host a similar meeting on development services in the future, and will host another on infrastructure to cover subjects that were not discussed at this meeting, due to timing. Council received the report.

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