River Town Times - August 5, 2020

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Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Local children raise $500 for humane society

By Ron Giofu A pair of local children did their part to assist animals in need of a new “forever” home.

Leiya and Ellie Stuebing recently held a lemonade stand at their home in the Edgewater Beach subdivision and did so as a fundraiser for the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society. Through the sale of lemonade, apple juice, orange juice and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, the two sisters raised approximately $500 – or as Leiya put it “half a thousand” - and a bag of cat food. They made the donation to the WindsorEssex Humane Society last Tuesday morning.

Their mother Rosalind Stuebing said it was a fundraiser that involved their entire neighbourhood.

“The girls dropped off flyers to all of our neighbours,” said Rosalind. “It’s an awesome community.

We had about 40 people come out for it.”

Seven-year-old Leiya and Ellie, 4, got the idea while talking about helping animals with their mom. It grew from there and the idea for the fundraiser was born.

“We were talking about it in the swimming pool.

We love animals and we want to give them a forever home,” Leiya explained. “I served the drinks and Ellie served the cookies, using tongs of course.”

“They wanted to have a lemonade stand and we decided to do it for a good cause,” Rosalind added.

The lemonade stand continued a trend of the family helping their community. Rosalind explained they have gone around their neighbourhood with a wagon full of fresh vegetables that they grew in their garden and distribute them to the people that live in the area.

“We like giving back because we are lucky people,” said Rosalind. “I was born and raised on a farm so I like to teach the kids that love of animals.”

Leiya said her and her sister would eventually like to do another fundraiser and have a vegetable stand

Ellie and Leiya Stuebing and their parents helped stage a lemonade stand recently at their Edgewater Beach home. The event raised approximately $500 and the two local sisters also collected a bag of cat food at the event. They made the donation of the money and the cat food to the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society last Tuesday morning, where Leiya also got a chance to hold a cat. Submitted photo

when they do it.

In all, the lemonade stand lasted about one hour and fifteen minutes and still managed to raise $500 and the bag of cat food.

“All of our friends and community came out,” added Rosalind. “It was awesome. Everyone came out to support and help. We are very lucky to have such a great home community. Everyone came together to

help out.”

Leiya said it made her feel special to know she and her sister were helping animals. She said she even got to hold one of them while they made the donation at the humane society.

The sisters will be attending Anderdon Public School when classes resume, with Leiya going into Grade 2 while Ellie starts junior kindergarten (JK).

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2 – River Town Times – Wednesday, August 5, 2020

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CLEC cancels one event, moves another online

By Ron Giofu Community Living Essex County has cancelled one of its signature fundraising events and is moving another one online.

The 30th annual Charity Golf Classic has been cancelled due to concerns surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It had been scheduled for July 9 and organizers moved it to Aug. 27 with the hopes it could still happen. However, word came down last Tuesday that this year’s event has been outright cancelled.

“Following heightened uncertainty and ongoing local and provincial health concerns related to COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our 2020 Charity Golf Classic scheduled for August 27th at Sutton Creek Golf Club. Although we were hopeful that we could play host to this event and include some modifications in an effort to maintain physical distancing; it appears very clear that we cannot move forward under the present circumstances,” the agency stated on its website. “Our highest priority continues to be the safety and well-being of the people we support, our employees, golfers, volunteers and supporters.”

CLEC added: “The decision to cancel the event was not taken lightly, but given these unprecedented times, we believe it is the best course of action. We share in your disappointment and thank all of you for your understanding during this extraordinary time.

We look forward to seeing you again soon when we can safely gather and enjoy a fun day of golf and fellowship. Until then, please take care.”

While the golf tournament is off, the 41st annual Ruthven Apple Festival is still on. However, while that event is usually held at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens in Ruthven, this year’s event will be going virtual in 2020 due to “safety concerns with the novel coronavirus.”

The Ruthven Apple Festival will be online the week-

The Ruthven Apple Festival is moving online this year. The event is usually at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens but is going to a virtual format Sept. 26-27 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic..

Submitted image

end of Sept. 26-27.

“Given the circumstances, it would be very difficult to put the necessary precautions and safety measures in place to keep all festival-goers safe, therefore we are offering this much-loved event online this year,” states Community Living Essex County executive director Karen Bolger.

“Although we know that many people look forward to this annual family tradition, we all agree that we must put the safety and well-being of our community first in the decisions we are making,” added steering committee chair Terry Colasanti.

The annual festival attracts thousands to Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens every fall and CLEC states that in its 40-year history, the festival has raised over $1 million in support of Community Living Essex County. The funds raised go toward purchasing accessible vehicles to help people with intellectual disabilities more fully participate in the community.

“Although we are sad to see the cancellation of the live event, we are excited about recreating the Apple Fest experience in a different format. Perhaps there may even be some apple pies being delivered to doorsteps this year,” states Tony DeSantis, manager of community relations and resource development with

Former LaSalle Mayor Ken Antaya receives the “Municipal Cup” from Community Living Essex County executive director Karen Bolger at the 2019 Charity Golf Classic. This year’s event has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo courtesy of Community Living Essex County

Community Living Essex County.

For more information on Community Living Essex County and its events, visit www.communitylivingessex.org. They can also be reached on social media on Facebook (www.facebook.com/clessexcounty), Instagram (www.instagram.com/clessexcounty), Twitter (www.twitter.com/clessexcounty), Flickr, LinkedIn and YouTube.

If you have any questions, please contact Tony DeSantis, Manager, Community Relations and Resource Development at 519-776-6483, extension 246 or email at tony@communitylivingessex.org.

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Wednesday, August 5, 2020 – River Town Times – 3

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Windsor-Essex County still in Stage 2, warden tries to reassure residents

By Ron Giofu

Windsor-Essex County will remain in Stage 2 of the province’s re-opening plans for the time being, but Warden Gary McNamara has issued a statement trying to assure residents and business owners about the news.

The Ontario government moved Toronto and the Peel Region into Stage 3 with that taking effect last Friday. That left Windsor-Essex County as the only region in the province still in Stage 2 heading into this week. McNamara said while there may be business owners and residents concerned, he cautions that COVID-19 hasn’t gone away.

“I understand that this is frustrating news for so many small businesses who are struggling to make ends meet and also for residents who desperately long for some sense of normalcy in these disquieting times. Premier Doug Ford had a very difficult decision to make in terms of reopening our economy and he made it with great care, relying on the advice of health officials and case counts in our region,” said McNamara. “We have seen rising numbers of cases locally in recent weeks and those cases are not confined to the agrifarm sector. There are now significant instances of community spread and workplace outbreaks.

It is imperative that residents of Windsor-Essex understand that the threat of COVID-19 is still with us.”

McNamara pointed out that two Windsor-Essex residents died (last) week from COVID-19, bringing the number of local fatalities to 71 and he offered his deepest condolences to their families.

“Our local medical officer of health, Dr. Ahmed, said in his morning briefing that the risk of contracting COVID-19 is as great as it has ever been in this community and we need to respond accordingly – with vigilance, patience and compassion,” said McNamara. “We need to avoid large crowds and even smaller gatherings, especially indoors. We need to wear masks in commercial establishments. We need to wash our hands frequently and avoid touching our faces. We need to get tested for COVID-19 if we feel sick.”

The warden added “local municipalities have responded expeditiously and creatively to the restrictions of Stage 2, opening streets to pedestrians and patios and creating space outdoors so residents can patronize local businesses while still maintaining physical distancing. I have been heartened by the support Windsor-Essex residents have been giving local businesses and I encourage them to continue. We need to support our local businesses.”

McNamara further told residents of the region they “have already made so many sacrifices to slow the spread of COVID-19. Your efforts prevented our hospitals from being overwhelmed and saved many lives. I thank you for it.

“I'll go to the wall for them"

When Amherstburg entered Stage 2 of the province’s reopening plan, the Open Air Weekends began.

While rain kept people away Saturday, there have been reports of people taking advantage of the fact they can eat out on local restaurant’s patios. Entering this week, the area was still awaiting word on when it could move into Stage 3.

Please, do not let today’s announcement discourage you from continuing the good work you have done. We will get to Stage 3, of that there is no doubt, but we will only get there – and can only remain there – if individuals remain vigilant and follow the advice of our public health officials.”

In an afternoon briefing at Queen’s Park that was live streamed, Ford said he is coming to the area soon and stated he thinks highly of residents in this area.

“I’ll go to the wall for them,” said Ford. “The people down there mean the world to me.”

According to a press release issued by the province, it states officials will continue to monitor local trends of key public health indicators in the WindsorEssex County Health Unit region and move it into Stage 3 when it is safe to do so.

In the interim, the government states it will continue to address the needs of the region, in partnership with other levels of government, through measures such as on-farm testing, the deployment of mobile testing units and the adoption of new public health guidance for positive asymptomatic workers for all workplaces.

"More businesses and services are able to reopen thanks to the collective efforts of all Ontarians to limit the spread of the virus," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "While public health trends across the province are positive, we continue to closely monitor Windsor-Essex so that we can move the community into Stage 3 when the time is right. No matter which stage a region is in, everyone needs to continue to follow public health advice to protect themselves, their families and community."

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4 – River Town Times – Wednesday, August 5, 2020

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Bridge closed, use Simcoe St.

The County of Essex is reminding local motorists that the bridge over Big Creek along County Road 20 is closed and is asking people to use the detour route, which is taking Simcoe St. (County Road 18) to Howard Ave. (County Road 9). Those living in residential areas near the bridge have been reporting increased traffic with some residents stating people have been cutting through and turning around on people’s lawns. The project is costing the county $623,000 plus HST and the bridge is expected to remain closed through Sept. 18.

County insurance costs going up, want assistance from the province

By Ron Giofu Essex County council has purchased rare,” she said. “Most carriers are not their property and liability coverage for offering that anymore.”

A $100,000 deductible is “in line” 2020-21 and the rise in cost resulted in with what many other municipalities members of county council to call for have, she added. reforms.

“The county last went to market The report from county treasurer Sandra Zwiers pointed out there was through an RFP process in 2014. At that a $91,356 increase to Essex County’s time, the county benefited from overall insurance premiums, up from the program savings and took advan$87,378 increase the county experienced tage of a softer insurance market by in 2019-20. In addition to the $91,356 increasing coverage sub limits at relaincrease in insurance premiums, there tively low incremental premium costs. are also additional costs related to insur- The last two program years have been ance deductibles which Zwiers stated impacted by a hardening of the insurwas influenced by the number of claims ance market with carriers reassessing their risk tolerances across all lines of arising during the program period.

Overall, the county’s new insurance municipal coverage,” Zwiers stated in program with AON Risk Solutions for her written report to county council. the period of June 30, 2020 to June 30, “A municipal market with already few players has seen further tightening 2021 totals $953,372.

“To say this renewal was a challenge since the County’s 2019/2020 renewal. is an understatement,” said Zwiers. In late 2019, AON notified administra“The CAO (Rob Maisonville) and I have tion that one of the underwriters of never experienced an insurance renewal the Corporation’s commercial general liability program (Amlin) was exiting like this one.”

Zwiers told Essex County council the municipal market. The reduced insurance deductibles rose from $25,000 competition in the market combined with reported industry losses has to $100,000 in many cases.

“A deductible of $25,000 was quite translated into pressures to decrease

County of Essex treasurer Sandra Zwiers explains the county’s rising insurance costs during the most recent virtual meeting of Essex County council. The county’s insurance premiums rose approximately $91,356 for the period of June 30, 2020 to June 30, 2021.

Screenshot

coverage limits, increase deductibles and increase overall premium costs.”

LaSalle Mayor Marc Bondy believed pressure needed to be put on provincial legislators to reform the joint and several liability process.

“We need to put the hammer down,” said Bondy. “This is affecting all lower tier municipalities. We need a better job done with our provincial legislators.”

Bondy indicated lower tier municipalities have to look at tax increases simply to cover their insurance costs.

Warden Gary McNamara said the matter has been raised with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and agreed insurance rates are rising sharply.

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“We need to put on a lot of pressure, obviously,” said McNamara.

McNamara called the issue “a real sore spot for us” and called on lower tier municipalities to track their insurance increases and relay that information to AMO. “We need be a lot more vocal,” he said.

“It’s a heavy burden for municipalities to carry but you can’t go without it. We need to speak up.”

Amherstburg Deputy Mayor Leo Meloche pointed out that one of the first conferences he attended after being first elected to municipal politics in 2014 dealt with rising insurance rates “yet we’re still talking about it to this day.

How do we get their attention?”

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Wednesday, August 5, 2020 – River Town Times – 5

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Natyshak takes aim at premier for region being held back in Stage 2

By Ron Giofu With the Windsor-Essex County region being the last area of the province that will be allowed to move to Stage 3, Essex MPP Taras Natyshak is laying blame directly at the feet of the Progressive Conservative government and Premier Doug Ford.

The NDP MPP claims Windsor-Essex is being held back because Ford didn’t test for COVID-19, didn’t contact trace, and didn’t provide isolation for agricultural workers who were infected.

“The people of Windsor-Essex woke up (Wednesday) morning to the devastating news that once again the region is being left behind while the rest of the province enters Stage 3 of re-opening. It’s everyday families and small business owners who will suffer in a region that’s faced the highest levels of pandemic unemployment anywhere in Ontario,” said Natyshak.

According to Natyshak: “The responsibility lies entirely with Doug Ford. His decisions have led directly to this situation. He’s failed to provide the provincial leadership and resources necessary to deal with the public health emergency here in Windsor-Essex, and he’s refused to offer support for local businesses that they need to survive.”

Natyshak alleged in a press release that after Ford handed the contract for testing to Switch Health, “which hired Ford friend and former senior staffer Jeff Silverstein as their lobbyist, testing on farms in Windsor-Essex ground to a halt.”

Natyshak further stated that on July 6, the government confirmed that testing for the virus had been done on 19 of 175 farms in the region. On July 21, the government confirmed to CBC Windsor that the number was stalled at 19. He stated there has been no word on progress since.

“Enough is enough. People here are fed up of Ford’s broken promises and empty gestures as he continues his vanity tour of Ontario. He needs to stop campaigning, and start fixing the crisis in Windsor-Essex before more lives are lost and more businesses are destroyed,” added Natyshak. “Ford didn’t provide adequate resources to do mobile testing or contact tracing here. He’s failed to protect migrant workers who continue to be vulnerable to this virus due to their

Essex MPP Taras Natyshak is blaming Premier Doug Ford for the area being left behind in Stage 2. The NDP MPP stated ford “failed to provide the provincial leadership and resources necessary to deal with the public health emergency here in Windsor-Essex.” He is pictured here speaking in the Legislature.

Photo taken from Taras Natyshak’s Facebook page.

living and working conditions. That’s why we’re being left in Stage 2. It should never have come to this.”

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Town council receives status update on service delivery review

By Ron Giofu Amherstburg is having its service delivery looked at and the consultants doing the work gave council a status update last Monday.

Chris Loreto and Lauren Wyman from Strategy Corp appeared before town council to give elected officials and administration an progress report on the service delivery review the town is undertaking. Loreto explained this is the second of three phases – the “current state assessment” - with the improvement opportunities and recommendations coming next.

There are currently 37 potential service delivery improvements that have been identified by Strategy Corp, Loreto noted, with 14 potential enterprise-wide opportunities, 15 department specific opportunities and eight shared services opportunities for further in-

vestigation.

The initial findings show the town has been concentrating on rebuilding its finances since the crisis of 2014, but there is still a long way to go.

“The past crisis casts a long shadow on financial sustainability, service delivery, and staff morale,” he stated.

Amherstburg needs a plan to grow its population, the report added, so that affordability can be sustained for taxpayers spreading costs around a larger tax base.

Wyman noted the town has only grown 2.2 per cent in the last ten years.

The town also needs to bolster reserves, improve its relationship between council and administration and deal with the “resource constraints” it faces. The town needs to increase its reserves to tackle the infrastructure backlog and to guard against “economic shocks” like the current COVID-19 pandemic.

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Wyman indicated that while the town’s financial recommendations stem largely from the Deloitte report, going that route does not currently reflect the town’s operating environment. Also among the recommendations were further developing an online customer service strategy and streamlining IT processes, tracking service delivery, and considering a range of shared service initiatives by forming a “south shore services corporation” with surrounding municipalities.

The latter could include fire departments sharing equipment, buying in bulk or even combining.

The town should at its recreational fees and programming, with Wyman stating user fees have decreased over the past ten years.

“Amherstburg’s recreation fees relative to expenses have declined over the past 10 years and are lower than most of its peer municipalities,” the report stated.

The town has also “overbuilt” its infrastructure and that is coupled with the insufficient reserves and the lack of a fully funded asset management plan.

Wyman also told town council they are “under-resourced” in full-time staff with positions like a communications officer and economic development officer advocated for. Working in “silos” was an issue as there is a “lack of awareness between organizational units.”

“Amherstburg may benefit from an organizational realignment,” she added.

Deputy Mayor Leo Meloche questioned the comments about staffing and didn’t believe there was enough “substance” to back up the comment. Loreto said peer municipalities are the benchmark but Councillor Peter Courtney indicated Amherstburg currently has more full-time staff than Kingsville.

Councillor Michael Prue believed while the population may not be growing as fast as other local municipalities, that may be a case of a lot of houses with not as many people living in them.

“We don’t have any more people, but we have more taxes,” he said.

Prue also wondered about timelines for completion, and was told by the consultants that it could be pushed until December due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CAO John Miceli indicated the it could be a challenging to convince other municipalities to share services and that the biggest task would be to have the political capital to be able to move ahead. Miceli also acknowledged that many residents are also concerned about Amherstburg residents losing their identity as a town.

Councillor Don McArthur called the current state assessment a “fascinating report,” and pointed out he advocated for a communications officer since he first announced his candidacy for town council.

“The last thing we want to have happen is to operate in silos,” he said.

Tourism can also operate on an economic development level, McArthur added, citing the Open Air Weekends as an example.

The pandemic has already led to more people paying taxes online, he added, and called the problem of having debt and low reserves a “hangover effect from the financial crisis.”

COntin McArthur also expressed concern over water and wastewater rates, believing the report indicates that while Amherstburg has high rates compared to other local municipalities, “we’re still not keeping pace.”

The report to town council stated “cost recovery of water and sewer and recreation expenses have declined in recent years, increasing the burden on the tax base to compensate.” It further noted that “since 2016 water and sewer charges expenses are outstripping revenue growth when compared to related expenses.”

The Strategy Corp representatives also told Amherstburg town council they are conducting a similar review for the Town of Essex.

Miceli was hopeful some of the review’s recommendations could be incorporated as soon as the 2021 budget deliberations.

Wednesday, August 5, 2020 – River Town Times – 7

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Public school board unveils 2020-21 budget, COVID-19 a concern

By Ron Giofu Trustees with the Greater Essex County District School Board have gotten their first look at what is ahead in their 2020-21 budget.

The document, which is expected to be presented in detail in mid-August to the board of trustees, amounts to about $478.8 million on the operational side with the capital budget sitting at around $80.5 million.

“The 2020-21 budget is about a $9.1 million increase (over the 2019-20 budget) when compared budget to budget,” said the public school board’s manager of financial services Shawn Mayhew. The most recent school year’s budget was in the neighbourhood of $469.7 million, he noted.

The budget, Mayhew added, does not reflect unfunded expenditures that are related to COVID-19.

Superintendent of business and treasurer Shelley Armstrong told public school board trustees during their online meeting last Tuesday evening there is some funding coming from the Ontario government but it is not clear how much.

“The Ministry (of Education) has committed $25 million in new funding in 2020-21 for extraordinary costs related to the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Armstrong.

Of that $25 million, $10 million is earmarked for mental health initiatives to support the continued learning and well-being of students. The remaining $15 million is designed to support technology-related costs. Armstrong pointed out to trustees that individual board allocations were unknown as of the meeting last Tuesday night.

“The Ministry has advised that boards be diligent in managing their costs and carefully review all discretionary program spending,” said Armstrong. “No further funding has been announced to address COVID-19 expenses.”

Armstrong also told trustees that COVID-19 expenses will vary based on circumstances at the time.

“For example, the learning model that we are currently operating under would influence that,” she stated.

Armstrong added the progression of the virus and if there is sustained need for incremental expenses could also be factors, she indicated.

“Consideration will need to be given in terms of the amount of in-year savings that will be available to address pandemic related expenses and that would be available through unspent budget allocations or the amount of expenses that can be incurred with the 2019-20 savings in preparation for the 2020-21 school year,” said Armstrong.

As of the meeting last Tuesday night, Armstrong noted “based on the information that we know, the board is working hard to prepare for the resumption of school in September. We acknowledge the health and safety of staff and students are a key concern.”

Some expenditures are being projected, other expenses were unclear as of the meeting. The budget estimates $285,000 in monthly COVID-19 expenses, or $2.85 million when annualized, with it being approximated that $100,000 in personal protective equipment (PPE) will be needed. Armstrong said it is assumed all staff will need two masks per day, special education staff will need

Trustees with the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) discussed the 2020-21 budget last Tuesday night.

Public board administration provided a budget preview to trustees with the full, detailed budget coming this week. Screenshot gloves, gowns, face shields and masks and custodial staff will need masks and gloves.

There would also be a need for floor markings, teaching “safety zones,” and signage. Armstrong said the Greater Essex County District School Board has already procured two months worth of PPE through a competitive tendering process.

About $170,000 in additional cleaning costs per month is also estimated, including twice per day cleaning of “high touch” areas.

The public school board also estimates that about $15,000 in monthly expenses will be required for the temporary storage containers needed for excess furniture.

However, costs for technology, transportation and other costs such as safety issues and self-isolation were to be determined as of the latest school board meeting. The board was told the goal is to have an additional 4,200 electronic items that could be lent out.

Other opportunities and risks within the 2020-21 budget preview included enrolment as that could be impacted by the virus, including the number of international students that could be welcomed, community use of schools, rentals, supply/replacement costs, utilities, defibrillators and WSIB costs.

“It’s a good cost estimate,” Armstrong believed. “It’s tricky and it’s challenging because there

are a lot of things not known.”

Armstrong added that “every single board, all 72, have the same issues.”

Greater Essex County District School Board chair Ron LeClair noted the school board administration created the presentation with the best information they had available.

“The presentation was based on what we know now,” said LeClair, who is also the trustee for Amherstburg and LaSalle. “There’s a lot of ‘what if’s’ that we couldn’t possibly have administration answer right now. This is more of a briefing document so there is s some understanding.”

The board was expected to get its draft package Tuesday (Aug. 4) after this issue of the River Town Times went to press. Final board approval is scheduled for Aug. 11.

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8 – River Town Times – Wednesday, August 5, 2020

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Hours extended at Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada

By Ron Giofu

Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada re-opened to the public a few weeks ago but the public now more opportunities to visit thanks to extended hours.

While the site re-opened on weekend afternoons earlier in July, Parks Canada announced last Thursday evening it is extending the hours of operation at Fort Malden to 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Those extended hours started last Saturday and will run until Sept. 6.

Visitors will be able to access services and facilities including the visitor centre and gift shop, the museum and heritage buildings and the public washroom.

Parks Canada states costumed interpreters will be stationed in select locations to engage with visitors and to share the stories of life in the fort. Weather permitting, visitors can enjoy outdoor musket demonstrations “by our dynamic costumed interpreters.” Upon arrival, visitors will be notified of the next available demonstration.

Fort Malden National Historic Site will resume regular collection of admission fees at the Visitor Centre. Parks Canada encourages visitors to come prepared to pay by credit or debit or to purchase a Discovery Pass online in advance.

Visitors are also asked to plan ahead by checking the Fort Malden National Historic Site website at www.pc.gc.ca/fortmalden. Visitors can also contact the site directly by calling 519-736-5416 or e-mailing pc.fortmalden.pc@canada.ca before travelling to find out what is open, what can be expected, and how to prepare for visiting Fort Malden.

The health and safety of visitors and employees is of utmost importance to the Government of Canada, Parks Canada stated in a news release. Parks Canada states it is following the advice of public health experts and continues to make every effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. Visitors should be advised that a mask is required in all public indoor spaces. Visitors are asked to follow the advice of public health experts, including necessary hygiene practices and physical distancing of two metres from others.

“Visiting a national historic site will be different than in previous years. Some national historic sites may reduce the number of visitors allowed to enter at one time to ensure physical distancing and some areas, rooms or buildings may remain closed for health and safety reasons,” Parks Canada states.

Fort Malden re-enactor Charlie Rebidoux listens to questions from the public last Saturday. Fort Malden National Historic Site has expanded its hours to 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Regular admission charges apply.

RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

Wednesday, August 5, 2020 – River Town Times – 9

www.rivertowntimes.com

Participants in the McGregor Mug Run leave from the starting line during the 2019 event. This year’s McGregor Mug Run & International Beer Festival has been cancelled.

RTT File Photo

G.L. Heritage Brewing Co. will be one of the local breweries that will not be able to take part in the McGregor Mug Run and International Beer Festival this year due to the event’s cancellation.

RTT File Photo

McGregor Mug Run & International Beer Festival cancelled this year

By Ron Giofu

Yet another event has been cancelled thanks to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The ninth annual McGregor Mug Run & International Beer Festival has been cancelled this year. The event was to have been held Sept. 26 with the 5K and 10K run/walk to start and finish at Co-An Park. The beer festival portion was to follow, also at Co-An Park.

News of the cancellation of this year’s McGregor Mug Run & International Beer Festival was posted to the event’s Facebook page.

“We're sad to say that this year's event has been cancelled. It's a real bummer, we know! Especially after such an amazing event last year. This is, however, for the greater good of the community. We hope that everyone is keeping safe and staying healthy and we promise to come back next year bigger and better than ever. Wear a mask, keep your distance and wash your damn hands! See you all next year,” the event organizers posted.

The run and beer festival is a fundraiser for Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario.

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The beer festival was to have featured such entertainers as Crissi Cochrane, Soul Brother Mike, Ches Anthony, Buck Twenty, Kelsi Mayne, The Myskow Brothers, South River Slim and Years of Ernest.

Local craft breweries as well as others from around southwestern Ontario supply the beer for the festival with Walkerville Brewery, Frank Brewing Co., Craft Heads Brewing Company, Bayside Brewing Co., Son of Kent, Banded Goose Brewing Co., Grove Brew House, and Sandwich Brewing Co. to have been featured this year along with Amherstburg craft breweries G.L. Heritage Brewing Co. and Lot 10 Brewing Company.

Four food trucks and vendors were to have been on site as well including the Friendly Beast food truck, Naples Pizza, Kristy’s Custom Cakes and the Bean’s Ladle food truck.

The McGregor Mug Run & International Beer Festival’s website is found at www. mcgregormugrun.com.

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10 – River Town Times – Wednesday, August 5, 2020

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John Hedgman and Escape to Freedom Part 2

By Debra Honor UE (Editor’s Note: This is the second installment of an article on John Hedgman. Debra Honor is a local historian who has researched the life of John Hedgman and is providing details of his life here. Watch the River Town Times for future installments.)

HELPING RESIDENTS AT THE BLUE HAVEN Amherstburg Community Services delivered its food pantry packages to residents of the Blue Haven Apartments last Wednesday morning. Kathy DiBartolomeo, Nicole Smith and Tino Riccio were among the ACS staff and volunteers that helped deliver the food items to the proud residents and staff. The food was collected during the highly successful June 27th Miracle.

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Rev. William Troy who was an acquaintance of John Hedgman through the Baptist Church, lived in Amherstburg and Sandwich for a while and gathered slave narratives for his book published in 1861, called “Hair-Breadth Escapes from Slavery to Freedom” in which Hedgman’s story of escape is recounted.

John Hedgman had married Charlotte while in slavery. They had 14 children; 11 were born in slavery. Their owner moved with his slaves to Kentucky in 1819. About 1830, the master sold John Hedgman to someone in Alabama. He told John that he was separating him from Charlotte to punish him.

John left with his new master for the cotton fields of Alabama, where he was put to work amongst the other slaves. His work on the plantation was extremely hard; but sometimes he was taken from the fields and sent on errands for his master. Three years had elapsed; and he had, apparently, won the confidence of the master and overseer. One day they sent Hedgman on horseback twenty miles from home and gave him a “Pass.” It just then occurred to Hedgman that he could escape to Canada. Instead, of returning to the farm, he kept his master’s horse and made his way as quickly as possible to the State of Missouri.

He fed his master’s horse on the corn from other planters. He obtained bread for himself by saying that he was the slave of Mr. Beal, looking for some stray cows. This plan enabled him to escape to Missouri.

He left the horse on one of the main roads and went into the forest for fear of being betrayed. He was unsure which course he should take to reach the Missouri river; but as he had heard that it was north, he kept his eye nightly upon the North Star, until he reached a plantation near St. Louis. He waited for a chance to speak with one of the local slaves, and at night he saw a black man coming from his cabin. He asked him for directions to the river as he had lost his way. The man kindly informed him that St. Louis was only twelve miles off, and that if he would go to the main road, he would be led directly to the city and to the river.

Hedgman that night arrived at the city, but would not enter it, for fear of meeting with the police, who would ask too many questions. He knew the law of the city because he had been there before he was taken to the plantation in Alabama. He entered the city during daylight where he met some black friends, who arranged for him to be sent to the other side of the river into the State of Illinois, a free state. He was conveyed to Alton. At this point he acquired further assistance to reach Michigan and then crossed over to Canada.

He remained a few months in the town of Sandwich, after which he settled in Amherstburg.

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Local players among the winners on the Jamieson Junior Golf Tour

Special to the RTT

The Jamieson Junior Golf Tour stopped in Chatham for the third event of the season last Monday at Maple City Golf and Country Club. The players enjoyed a lush, undulating layout, with a handful of tough pins to test their approach shots and putts.

In the Junior Girls’ Division, Kennedy Fremlin (Essex) earned her first victory of the season with nines of 40-40, 80 total.

Fremlin birdied the par-4 sixth hole, and finished 3 shots clear of secondplace finishers Karolyn Rombouts (Maple City) (83) and Vanessa Ardovini (Roseland) (83).

In the Collegiate Womens’ Division, it was yet another battle between Jasmine Ly (Northern Illinois University) and Brooke MacKinnon (Hartford University) for the event title. Ly got off to a quick start, firing a bogey-free two-under par 33 on the front nine, while MacKinnon was two-over par at 37. MacKinnon made three birdies to pair with one bogey on the back nine, and bring her to even par on the day (72), but Ly kept her card clean, and with an even-par 37, maintained her two-under par total (70) and earned the victory.

In the Junior Boys’ Division, Tyler Hurtubise (Pointe West) earned his first victory of the season with a one-under par 71, which contained an impressive back-nine comeback. Hurtubise made the turn onto the back nine at threeover par (38), and then rattled off four birdies in his next 6 holes to shoot

33. In second place was Steven Hill (Essex), who carded nines of 36-36 for an even-par 72.

In the Collegiate Mens’ Division, it was a pair of Wayne State Warriors atop the leaderboard, as Mathew Hawryluk (Maple City) and Josh DiCarlo (Pointe West) tied with three-under par 69.

DiCarlo blazed through the front nine with four birdies for a 31, and paired that with a 38 on the back nine.

Hawryluk’s round got off to a tough start, but he battled back with four birdies on the front nine, and capped off his round with a birdie-eagle finish on the par-five 17th and 18th holes.

Cooler temperatures and calmer winds provided players with optimal scoring conditions at Ambassador Golf Club Thursday, but fescue-lined fairways and tough pins still made for a challenging day. This tour stop also served as the second portion of the Widdifield Cup, which combines the rounds from Maple City and Ambassador for the Junior Girls’ and Junior Boys’ Division.

In the Junior Girls’ Division, Jillian Friyia (London Area) earned her third victory in as many starts, with a four-over par 75. Her round included an eagle on the par-five 7th hole, and recorded nines of 36-39. In second place was Kennedy Fremlin (Essex), who fired a 78. Fremlin also took home the Widdifield Cup title, after winning Maple City with a score of 80 on Monday.

In the Collegiate Women’s Division, Brooke MacKinnon (Hartford/Maple City) earned her first victory of the season with an even-par 71. MacKinnon

has been a model of consistency this year, and her round today was no different, with 12 pars on the card, to go along with three birdies and three bogeys. In second place was Erin Kopinak (Delaware State), with a score of 83.

In the Junior Boys’ Division, Tyler Hurtubise (Pointe West) recorded his second victory of the season, after an even-par round of 71. Hurtubise also won the Widdifield Cup, after recording a one-under par 71 at Maple City on Monday. His round today included 2 birdies, on holes 3 and 7, for nines of 35-36. There was a three-way tie for second place, with Steven Hill (Essex), Rylan Marontate (Kingsville), and Luka Markett (Pointe West) all firing 72.

In the Collegiate Mens’ Division, Alex Saroli (Wayne State/Essex) bested the competition by a shot with a bogeyfree four-under 67. Saroli made birdies on holes 3, 4, and 6, along with the 230-yard par three 13th. Garret Day (Wayne State/Maple City) and James Hill (Detroit Mercy/Essex) finished one stroke behind with a pair of 68’s.

After the Rochester Place tour stop was rained out July 20, the players and volunteers were relieved to dodge any inclement weather at Essex Golf and Country Club July 22. The course was in fantastic shape, and the speedy greens rewarded those who had their flagstick dialled in.

In the Junior Girls’ Division, Jillian Friyia (London Area- Tyson Tour) took home her second victory of the season, shooting a two-over par 73. Friyia used

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nines of 37-36, tallying three birdies on the day, two of which came back-toback on holes 12 and 13. In second place was Kennedy Fremlin (Essex G&CC), with nines of 38-37 for a 75 total.

In the Collegiate Womens’ Division, it was a very tight race between Jasmine Ly (Northern Illinois University) and Brooke MacKinnon (Hartford University). Ly was two-over par (37) heading into the back nine, with MacKinnon three shots behind. Ly fired another 37 on the back nine, for a total of 74, and MacKinnon almost caught her, falling just one stroke shy after an impressive 35, which included 4 birdies. In third place was Erin Kopinak with a 78.

In the Junior Boys’ Division, Alek Mauro (Detroit Mercy, Essex G&CC) earned his second victory of the season with a score of three-under par 68.

Mauro kept a very tidy card, recording four birdies and one bogey for nines of 33-35. In second place was Grant Baker (Kingsville G&CC) with an even-par 71, followed by Tyler Hurtubise (Pointe West) with a 72.

In the Collegiate Mens’ Division, James Hill (Detroit Mercy, Essex G&CC) torched the back nine, firing a 32, to pair with a 34 on the front, for a 5-under par 66 total. Hill accumulated seven birdies on the day, include 4 birdies in a row on holes 10-13. In second place was Alex Saroli (Wayne State University, Essex G&CC), firing a one-under par 70. The Jamieson Junior Tour will be back in action on August 7 at Erie Shores Golf and Country Club.

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12 – River Town Times – Wednesday, August 5, 2020

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Windsor-Essex County Health Unit reports identification of two mosquito pools with West Nile Virus

By Ron Giofu

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) announced last week it had found two mosquito pools in the region that are positive for the West Nile Virus.

According to a media release presented by the WECHU, this is the first confirmed sign of West Nile Virus in Windsor-Essex County this year. The health unit advises that “certain types of mosquitoes spread WNV (West Nile Virus), a potential serious infection to humans.” They add that so far this year, no human cases have been identified in Windsor-Essex County.

The positive mosquito pools are an indicator that the virus continues to exist in the community, the WindsorEssex County Health Unit points out.

“Windsor and Essex County residents should continue to protect themselves against mosquitoes. This is a good reminder for everyone to remove any standing water and to take personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites,” said Dr. Wajid Ahmed, medical officer of health with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.

The WECHU is offering some tips to help residents protect themselves from mosquito bites. Those tips include using insect repellents that contain DEET,

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The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) states that, along with each municipality in the region, will continue to monitor for West Nile Virus activity. The 2020 larviciding program will continue throughout the summer season, along with the investigation of standing water complaints and the distribution of educational materials.

For more information on the WECHU and its West Nile Virus program, the public is invited to visit its website at www.wechu.org.

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Wednesday, August 5, 2020 – River Town Times – 13

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Seguin, Sylvina “Joyce”

Passed away peacefully on July 31, 2020 at 76 years of age surrounded by her family. Beloved wife of Andrew for 54 years.

Loving mother of Michelle Gagnier (Marcel), Joseph (Lisa) and Jeffrey (Lea). Cherished grandmother of Spencer (Chelsea), Mitchell (Stephanie), Jordan, the late Chad (2019), Rachael ( Johnathan), Brandon, Christopher, Justin, Anthony and Matthew. Great grandmother of 4. Will be missed dearly by her siblings, in-laws and many other family members. Joyce retired from Shoppers Drug Mart, where she spent many years as a cosmetician. She loved to dance and travel, especially spending winters in Florida and summers in Erieau with her sister Shirley. If you desire memorial tributes to the Erie Shores Hospice would be appreciated. Cremation has taken place. Memorial visitation will be held on Friday August 7, 2020, reservations and personal face coverings are required to attend, from 10 am until time of memorial service at 1pm at Families First 585 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, 519-969-5841.

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Bennett, Charles Alfred “Charlie” Sept. 11, 1926 - July 28, 2020

It is with sad hearts that on July 28, 2020, we had to say our goodbyes to Charlie Bennett (93 years old). Devoted husband to Freda (nee Carnahan) of 67 years. Dear brother of the late Lillian Bennett. Loving father of Barbara (Ted Bondy), Colin, Debra (Vaughan Clayton), Tracy (Brad Blackburn), Shelley and Vicki (Mike Wynands). Treasured grandfather of Corrie ( Jason), Christie (Shawn), Curtis (Corrie), Chris, Bianca ( Jake), Brittany (Mike), Chelsea (Phil), Taylor (Ryan) and Jonathon. Fun-loving great grandfather to Julia, Grace, Jaxson, Spencer, Adam, Zahra, Chase, Evan, Nolan, Liv and Laney.

Charlie shared his birth date of Sept 11th with his granddaughter Christie, which was always a fun occasion for our family. We could of never foreseen how the date of Sept 11th would become the infamous “9/11”. For a happier memory, at the present time, there are “9” grandchildren and “11” great grandchildren!

During his high school years, he excelled in the sports of basketball and baseball. His passion for baseball continued on a few years more, and his “pitching arm” got “the job done”. Charlie had the pleasure of being employed during his high school years on the very nostalgic “Boblo Island”. The “Roller Skating Rink” was his domain! He enjoyed the fun comradeship with all who participated. Oh...the good old days!

Charlie had a 38 year career at Canada Post, as a member of the retail staff. Customers enjoyed his wit and socializing with him, while he processed their shipping needs, and imagine this kids, it was all done without the aid of computers and calculators. He had seen many changes over the years and spent more than a handful of times on the picket line, standing up for a better cause.

Charlie’s hobbies over the years were; participating in the Men’s League of 5 Pin Bowling at the Brumond Bowling Alley, traveling, of which British Columbia in particular, captured his heart, feeding his fine feathered friends daily (adoring the cardinals the most) and taking photos of anything and everything, which we had some good laughs about together and it brought him joy. He enjoyed the freedom of being on his prized John Deere riding lawnmower and conquering his acre of grass, keeping up with the current events by being an avid newspaper junkie. Though, his favorite hobby of all was being Freda’s “Taste Tester” for that night’s delicious dessert!!! Charlie was also devoted to his church and served in his priesthood. He spoke a few sermons, officiated a few weddings and fulfilled other duties when called upon with pride.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Richmond Terrace for the care they have provided Charlie over the years. Cremation has taken place and the family has chosen to have a private Celebration of Life. In kindness, donations can be made to Wings Wildlife Rehab.

Arrangements entrusted to SIMPLE CHOICE (Amherstburg) 519-254-2585.Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.simplechoicecremation.ca.

14 – River Town Times – Wednesday, August 5, 2020

www.rivertowntimes.com

Province announces school reopening plan, opposition parties object

By Ron Giofu The Ontario government has announced its plans to re-open schools in the fall and the opposition parties are not happy with it.

The governing Progressive Conservative party states elementary schools will reopen provincewide, with in-class instruction five days a week. Secondary schools with lower risk will reopen with a normal daily schedule, five days a week, while most secondary schools will start the school year in an adapted model of part-time attendance with class cohorts of up to 15 students alternating between attending in-person and online.

Students from Grade 4-12 and school staff will be required to wear masks.

“It’s been hard on families to balance work and child care, while kids have been separated from friends and other kids their own age. We want to get our kids back to school, but it has to be done safely,” said Premier Doug Ford. “That’s why we’ve worked with our public health experts, Ontario Health and the medical experts at SickKids to develop a plan that ensures students can return to the classroom five days a week in a way that protects the health and safety of our children, teachers, and school staff.”

The province is implementing additional public health protocols to keep students and staff safe when they return to school in September. To support the implementation of these protocols, the government is providing over $300 million in “targeted, immediate, and evidence-informed investments,” including $60 million in procurement of medical and cloth masks for students and staff; $30 million for teacher staffing to support supervision; $50 million to hire up to 500 additional school-focused nurses in public health units; over $23 million to provide testing capacity; $75 million in funding to hire over 900 additional custodians and purchase cleaning supplies for schools; $40 million to clean school buses; $10 million for health and safety training for occasional teachers; $10 million to support special needs students in the classroom; and $10 million to support student mental health.

The province adds this funding is in addition to a $25 million investment in mental health and technology, which will see an additional $10 million dedicated to mental health staff, resources, and programs, as well as $15 million in technology funding to support the procurement of over 35,000 devices for Ontario’s students to support their synchronous learning inschool and beyond.

Meanwhile, the plan has drawn the ire of the Opposition.

The NDP states “the Ford government’s back-toschool scheme stacks kids in overcrowded classrooms, while forcing many high school students to do half their education alone at home with little to no help — putting students’ health and academic success at risk so that Ford can save money on the backs of students,

The province announced its plans to re-open schools last Thursday, however, opposition parties are not happy with what the Doug Ford government has proposed. again.”

NDP Education critic Marit Stiles believes “the right solution” is hiring thousands of teachers, education workers and custodians so that all kids can return to school in the fall full time, but in smaller, safer classes.

According to New Democrats, “the scheme” released

by Ford and education minister Stephen Lecce includes just $16,000 per school for additional staff — far less than one new staff person per school.

“Classrooms were already overcrowded, and the Ford government is sending kids right back into those packed classrooms. These kids should be in smaller class sizes so they can physically distance, and reduce the chances of spreading an outbreak,” said Stiles. “Funding a pathetic $16,000 per school for more staff means schools can’t break up kids into smaller, safer groups.”

Stiles said the plan to have high school students in designated school boards forced to stay home 50 per cent of the time, learning online instead of at school, puts academic futures at risk for thousands – especially, since no teachers will be added to support that.

“Online learning didn’t work for most high school students,” said Stiles. “Now the Ford government is forcing them to do half their classes alone at home, with no guarantee they’ll get instruction, let alone help or one-on-one support. This could hurt graduation rates, attendance rates, and even ruin some kids’ plans for college or university.”

Stiles stated: “My heart goes out to all the parents, teachers and education workers who are going to be crestfallen about this announcement. We should be sparing no expense to give children both safety, and the best education we can. Instead, Ford has put to-

“It's been hard on families to balance work and child care"

gether a low-budget scheme to save money on the backs of children, and the price of that is a higher risk to their health and safety, and risk to their academic success.”

Stiles added “we are urging the Ford government to add funding, and get to work getting thousands of teachers, education workers, custodians and classroom spaces lined up so that all students can join a small, safer classroom in September.”

The Liberals are calling the PC plan “half-baked” and “nothing short of a catastrophe for parents, students and teachers.”

A $3.2 billion plan was released last week by the Liberals, who called Ford’s plan “just not serious.” According to the Liberal plan, there would be $1.30 billion to hire 15,000 more elementary teachers to reduce class sizes, $170 million to hire 2,000 more secondary teachers, $500 million to hire 10,000 more caretakers, $200 million for 14,000 new classrooms in community centres, campuses, arenas, etc., $80 million for school transportation, $120 million procure sufficient cleaning/hygiene supplies and equipment, $120 million to hire 1,500 special education professionals, $200 million for new equipment for students and educators, the reversal $75 million in PC cuts to school mental health and hire 1,000 more mental health professionals, $110 million for procuring and purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) for students and staff, $25 million to support parental engagement and communication, public health coordination of screening, testing and contact tracing and $290 million in contingency.

“Parents across Ontario have been waiting anxiously for a plan to reopen schools safely – today they got one written on the back of a napkin,” said Ontario Liberal leader Steven Del Duca said last Thursday. “None of the concerns parents raised have been addressed.

None.”

Extension of property tax relief not sitting well with one councillor

By Ron Giofu

The town is granting additional property tax relief for residents and has waived penalty and interest through Sept. 30.

However, at least one councillor is questioning whether that is still needed and believes the town could be out over $50,000 in revenue because of that decision.

Councillor Michael Prue tried to bring the matter up at the special July 27 council meeting but couldn’t get the majority of council members to agree to add it to that night’s agenda. The issue stemmed from an e-mail town council received from CAO John Miceli, which advised that the Essex County Treasurers’ Group recommended a further extension to the waiver of interest and penalties to the end of September.

Amherstburg’s most recent waiver period expired July 31, meaning penalties and interest would have been charged

on arrears starting Aug. 1 had the town not extended the waiver period.

“I am advised that the Town’s payment trends are similar to prior years, though collections are down about 2.1%.

We are seeing slightly more arrears on commercial properties ($100K arrears more than last year as of June 1) – so not widespread and likely reflective of impacts prior to being able to reopen,” Miceli told council. “It still does not appear that the waiver is providing significant benefit to those that are affected by the pandemic as much as it may be benefitting those who would have otherwise been in arrears.”

The July penalty and interest waiver benefitted 716 ratepayer accounts; which is down from 736 ratepayer accounts that incurred July 1 penalty and interest in 2019, town council was told, with that being “a reversal of the trend for May and June, where more ratepayer accounts were in arrears than in the prior year.”

The e-mail, obtained by the RTT,

also stated: “The Town has budgeted $230,000 in interest/penalty revenue from taxation in 2020. Based on the four months of waiver (April – July), it is estimated that there will be a revenue shortfall in this account of about $51,300. The waiver extension to Sept. 30, will result in a projected revenue shortfall of approximately $104,000. More accurate numbers based on payment trends will be provided in the 3rd quarter variance report to Council however this is our best estimate at this time.”

Prue believed by extending the waiver period, the town has agreed to forego over $50,000 they would have normally collected.

“I don’t see the rationale,” said Prue.

Prue believed the e-mail showed that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, people in Amherstburg were actually paying their taxes in a more timely fashion and there are fewer people who haven’t paid their taxes compared to the same people who didn’t pay in 2019.

“We’re just giving a benefit to people

not paying their taxes,” Prue contended.

“They are getting a bonus.”

Prue stated it is money the town could use.

“We have to have that money. Where do you find that money? You add it to the taxes and it amounts to $5 per home.”

Deputy Mayor Leo Meloche doubted the amount of revenue the town could potentially go without will come to $50,000 or greater. He said due to the COVID-19 pandemic, his vote was to be “somewhat accommodating” to those who may be going through some difficulty at this time.

“COVID-19 has affected a lot of people and a lot of things,” said Meloche.

Meloche indicated the pandemic had a negative effect on people’s employment and he wanted to “give some leeway” to help people who are still adversely impacted due to it.

“I’m trying to be more fair and trying to help out,” he said, “to give a helping hand.”

Wednesday, August 5, 2020 – River Town Times – 15

www.rivertowntimes.com

As more businesses and services reopen, we must all continue our efforts to protect each other.

McGregor residents Paul and Margaret Bondy are among the tennis players upset with the closure of the courts at Co-An Park. Concerns over COVID-19 regulations is a reason for the closure with the finals of a tournament recently held there but the Bondys contend things were done safely and no one consulted the tennis community before the closure.

RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

Tennis players upset after courts closed at Co-An Park

By Ron Giofu

A tennis tournament played at Co-An Park may be the last action on those courts for a while.

The Greater Amherstburg Tennis League’s doubles tournament concluded at the McGregor park in late July but a congregation of cars spotted at the park during that weekend has caused the courts to be closed due to COVID-19 concerns. However, tennis players Paul and Margaret Bondy are among the local players upset with what they say is a sudden, uninformed decision.

Paul said of the tournament was played over three weeks and had 53 matches at various Windsor-Essex County locations, with only seven at Co-An Park. No one stopped in with concerns the weekend of the tournament, he added, and said they play in Harrow with zero complaints even when the OPP patrols that area.

“We could have explained it at that point,” said Paul, as he questioned where there was no communication with the group.

The Bondys state the tennis community does take precautions in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, including no handshaking, the teams using opposite sides of the court when switching ends and not handling the balls with their hands whenever possible.

“We’re all trying to be cautious and careful,” said Paul.

“To have (the courts) shut down is ridiculous,” said Margaret, noting they help maintain the courts as well as clean the area. “We’d like to see it open as soon as possible.”

Margaret added there are no washroom facilities open at Co-An Park with men having to urinate in the bushes and women having even fewer options.

“It’s a great facility. We want it kept open,” said Paul. “It’s one of the best recreational facilities around.”

The league is drawing up its policies and protocols, he added, and hope to present them soon to the Co-An Park board. He added the tennis community is also very respectful when it comes to usage as if other groups come to use a court, they put a 40-minute time limit in place and clear the area.

Paul said there are not enough courts in Windsor-Essex County for the tennis and pickleball players and closing the courts at Co-An Park will only cause people to drive elsewhere and possibly create crowding issues.

“People want to play tennis. They want to play pickleball,” he said. “We’d like to see these courts re-opened. We’re will to sit down and talk to them. They didn’t talk to anyone. They just shut it down.”

The Bondys dispute how a proper assessment could have been done of the situation if someone were to have simply driven by, adding there were never groups of ten or more in a group during the tournament and people were socially distanced.

Deputy Mayor Leo Meloche is Amherstburg town council’s representative on the Co-An Park board and said he drove by and saw a lot of cars and people on the tennis courts. Worried over a violation of COVID-19 restrictions, he notified other board members of the situCurrently ation. accepting “We decided to make the courts off-limits,” he said. new patients Meloche said the board can’t control the number of people that use the courts at any one time so that facand same-day tored into the situation. He added no one on the park’s emergencies! board of directors was ever notified there would be a tournament there.

“They just showed up and used the facility,” he stated.

Co-An Park is structured in such a way where there is only one person that opens the gate in the morning and closes it at night, he added, with no other staff to ensure Dr. Roy Dr. Sandra Dr. Dennis Petras Frederick Petras safety regulations are met.

Meloche indicated the door is open to have the tennis Call for community meet with the board. He said arrangements are being made for the tennis players to make their case appointment: to the Co-An Park board and show what plans they have (519) 713-8985 in place with regards to COVID-19 safety.

2m

Continue to practice physical distancing, stay two metres apart even in gatherings.

Wear a face covering where physical distancing is a challenge or where required.

Continue to wash hands frequently.

Get tested if you are worried you may have COVID-19, or have been exposed to the virus.

Inside or out, stay safe.

Save lives.

Visit ontario.ca/coronavirus Paid for by the Government of Ontario

16 – River Town Times – Wednesday, August 5, 2020

www.rivertowntimes.com

The Town of Amherstburg RECYCLE

August 14 August 28 September 11

garbage pick up

Delays may occur, however garbage collection continues as regularly scheduled.

Yard waste pick up

August 10 & August 24 (south zone) Aug 17 & Aug 31 (north zone)

WHITE GOODS PIck up

August 27th (call for pick up by Aug 21st) September 24th (call for pick up by Sept18 ) MEETINGS August 6th

August 10th

August 11th

Economic

Regular Council

Senior

August 13th

Development

Meeting

Advisory

Mayor's Youth

Advisory

6:00pm

Committee

Advisory

Committee

(Electronic

Meeting

Committee

Meeting

Participation)

5pm

Meeting

Special In-Camera

(Electronic

5:00pm

August 5th Heritage Committee Meeting (Electronic

5 p.m.

Participation)

(Electronic

Meeting after

Participation) (Electronic

Regular Session

5:30 p.m.

Participation)

Electronic Meeting Link: www.amherstburg.ca/livestream

Participation)

Enjoy the outdoors, but please maintain a 6' physical distance Wear a mask Hand Sanitize

We will get through this!

519-736-0012 • www.amherstburg.ca 271 Sandwich St. South, Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 2A5