River Town Times - January 27, 2021

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Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Greenhouse operation under construction on Concession 3 North

By Ron Giofu

A new greenhouse operation is now under construction in Amherstburg.

Jack’s Organics, which will operate under the umbrella of Cecelia Acres, is being constructed on lands on Concession 3 North. The first phase of the project will see about 42 acres of greenhouses and warehousing facilities constructed at the roughly 108-acre site.

Work has been done already in terms of levelling the land and putting in underground infrastructure with owner Chip Stockwell stating the hope is that people will be able to see structures going up by March or April.

“This will be all organic,” said Stockwell.

Stockwell said his family has roots in the area, including an ancestor Capt. John Stockwell who fought in the War of 1812. Stockwell added he grew up on tobacco farms from this area all the way to Delhi and his father would later start his own trucking company as well. The family would also come to Amherstburg to enjoy the waterfront and surrounding areas, he recalled.

“For us, it’s like coming home again,” said Stockwell.

At age 70, his father Jack – for whom the Amherstburg greenhouse operation is named – started a greenhouse operation in Leamington and Stockwell said he bought the business from him.

“We came up with the idea (for the Amherstburg operation) that we’d give a nod to him and call it Jack’s Organics,” he said.

The business now has greenhouses in Leamington and Kingsville.

Around 2005, Stockwell said he read about organic greenhouses and started converting operations in that direction.

Jack’s Organics is a roughly $50-$55 million investment, Stockwell stated, and will grow organic toma-

Jack’s Organics owner Chip Stockwell and CAO Kari Viglasky stand on the site of the new greenhouse operation on Concession 3 North.

The project is valued at roughly $50-$55 million. Jack’s Organics operates under the umbrella of Cecelia Acres. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

toes. There will be locally hired workers among the approximately 100 employees hired for the site, with Stockwell noting it is likely they will employ temporary foreign workers as well.

“In a perfect world, we’d hire everyone local,” he said.

The bunkhouses that are being built saw their plans modified for COVID-19 considerations. Stockwell indicated “there’s more room for each guy,” fewer

employees per room, dividers, kitchen areas for each room, larger common rooms and outdoor activity areas planned, the latter including areas for basketball, soccer and outdoor recreation.

Stockwell stated there is a demand for locally grown food from both the province and the federal government and much of their supply will be shipped to Canadian retailers.

Continued on Page 4

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Amherstburg town council debates Libro Centre plan, approves ball diamond and trail

The Libro Centre Master Plan, done by Monteith Brown, was debated at Monday night’s town council meeting. Council members approved the spots for a new trail and baseball diamond but had concerns over what it could mean for recreational amenities at other parks at this point. Screenshot

By Ron Giofu The Libro Centre Master Plan was the subject of debate at Amherstburg town council for about 90 minutes and council eventually resolved to OK the sites of the new baseball diamond and trail.

Debate centred on the plan itself but council members questioned if it had to be passed that night as some noted they had received concerns about what that could mean for the remaining 12 northern acres of Centennial Park as well as Jack Purdie Park.

Councillor Michael Prue indicated a reluctance to approve the entire document, citing “angst” in the community about what that could mean for the two parks.

“People are wondering if Centennial Park is going to be used for recreational purposes,” said Prue.

Deputy Mayor Leo Meloche encouraged council members to take the long view of the matter and consider the overall vision. He said the Libro Centre won't be developed all at once anyway as it will be a gradual process as funding becomes available.

“This is a vision, it's a great vision, but it's not tomorrow's vision,” said Meloche did mention he heard comments about Centennial Park and wondered if it would be prudent to defer the matter until more information was known about Centennial Park.

Councillor Peter Courtney asked if everything in the Libro Centre plan actually had to be brought out there.

He said while soccer fields and baseball diamonds are suitable for that land, other components such as the skateboard park and basketball courts could be better suited in parks closer to the downtown core. He also had questions over fiscally responsible the plan was, noting there were no costs in the report.

“That's all I'm asking here is what is it we're trying to achieve?” said Courtney.

Councillor Don McArthur believed the skateboard park and basketball courts should go together some place, calling it a “hot topic” in town. He also touted the importance of sports tourism and pointed out the parks committee has supported the concept of the plan.

“All that's missing is a hotel across the street and maybe one day that will be there,” he said.

Director of parks, facilities, recreation and culture Phil Roberts indicated that if amenities do go into Jack Purdie Park or Centennial Park, there would still have

to be a plan and public process to let the community know what it would look like.

CAO John Miceli agreed, and noted that just because there is a Libro Centre Master Plan, it doesn't rule out other features at other parks. He said the Libro Centre Master Plan would have to come forward in stages based on budget and more public feedback, with Roberts adding his support for the public consultation that had been done thus far.

“This is really a space allocation plan and nothing more than that,” said Miceli.

“Council always has the opportunity to change direction as it sees fit.”

Town council also heard from Peter McIntyre from the Amherstburg Indoor Sports Association, who presented the group's vision for an 80'x120' annex to be added to the Libro Centre. The vision, which is still in development with town administration, would house sports like tennis, pickleball, volleyball, basketball and badminton.

“At the heart of the proposal is that we will be able to pay for it through user fees and advertising revenue,” said McIntyre.

McIntyre noted that players of those sports often have to travel outside of Amherstburg to play those sports in winter and the proposal would keep them in Amherstburg.

“Once completed, it would be an addition of five sports to the Libro Centre,” he said.

Councillor Patricia Simone asked if it could mean more tournaments could come, with McIntyre suggesting it was possible and that temporary flooring could be set up in the indoor soccer field to allow for even more room for tournaments.

Some council members questioned who would pay for the construction, something Prue wondered aloud, with McArthur adding “it almost seems too good to be true in some respects.”

Council members did applaud the group for its initiative and the matter will be explored more deeply, with Roberts agreeing with the organization that an addition to the Libro Centre would be more economical than a standalone building.

“I think what we have here is the beginnings of a public-private partnership,” said Miceli. “The community group identified a need and came before administration to express the need for potential plans to expand the Libro Centre.

It's a grassroots effort and it's something we should applaud them for.”

Wednesday, January 27, 2021 – River Town Times – 3

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Warden once again cautions public to be safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic

By Ron Giofu

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may still be challenge for Windsor-Essex County but the county warden is hoping residents stay patient and keep observing health guidelines.

McNamara expressed condolences to the family and friends of those lost due to COVID-19 since the last meeting of county council. The warden regular expresses such thoughts at the start of each meeting of Essex County council.

“These last few weeks have been, by far, the grimmest of this crisis for our community,” said McNamara.

“Dozens of families are mourning loved ones and this entire community shares in this sense of loss and sorrow.”

Frontline medical workers including paramedics with Essex-Windsor EMS and staff at the Sun Parlour Home are continuing to do inspiring work in difficult circumstances, the warden continued, “even though they are fatigues and working in a system at the brink of collapse.”

McNamara continued: “We owe them and all our frontline workers from grocery store workers to factory workers, to municipal staffers a debt of gratitude and certainly thanks.”

Thanks were also issued to the residents of Essex County for doing what they can to stop the spread of COVID-19 within the community.

“I know it comes with stress and anxiety,” said McNamara. “Children are missing the camaraderie

of the classroom. Small businesses are certainly struggling. We’re all missing our friends and families and the commonplace things that used to get us through the winter – a drink at the pub, a conversation at the café, a stroll through Devonshire Mall or a trip to the public skating rink.”

McNamara, also the mayor of Tecumseh, said “our efforts have not been in vain” and the numbers of daily confirmed COVID-19 cases appear to be declining but he urged residents to keep practicing and obeying all public health guidelines.

“We have to remain vigilant and do everything we can to protect ourselves and our community,” said McNamara.

“I can’t say it enough – please continue to stay home, stay safe and save lives.

Limit your contacts and trips outside our home. Wash your hands and wear your masks when you have to go out.”

The next few weeks may prove to be “very challenging” but McNamara said vaccines give hope for the future. He also praised the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit and its CEO Theresa Marentette and medical officer of health Dr. Wajid Ahmed. McNamara said Windsor-Essex County was the first community to inoculate all of its long-term care homes.

“This is an incredible accomplishment and one for which the community should be very proud,” he said.

McNamara made those remarks during his opening statement at the Jan. 20 county council meeting, where he also acknowledged the county’s hiring of Mike

“These last few weeks have been, by far, the grimmest of this crisis "

Warden Gary McNamara addresses Essex County council and the general public at the start of the Jan. 20 virtual meeting. He spoke of the importance of following all public health guidelines in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

Galloway as its next CAO. McNamara praised retiring CAO Rob Maisonville for his years of service and his work at ensuring Essex County had a strong financial position but also for his work during the pandemic.

Maisonville has worked for the County of Essex for over 30 years, was named treasurer in 1999, and became the CAO in 2017.

“Rob has been a passionate and dedicated CAO who has earned the loyalty and respect of his employees and county council,” said McNamara.

The warden told Maisonville that he “will definitely be missed” but his contributions to the county will be long lasting.

“Thank you for your dedicated service and enjoy your upcoming retirement,” McNamara told Maisonville. “You have certainly earned it.”

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4 – River Town Times – Wednesday, January 27, 2021

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Windsor man charged for allegedly doing “donuts” on Villanova football field

A person walking past St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School noticed that someone had done “donuts” in the school’s football field causing damage to the grounds.

The damage was reported to the LaSalle Police Service. It was noticed by the person Jan. 16 around 12:30 p.m. They also found licence plate near a damaged fence on the property and contacted LaSalle Police to report the matter.

Police investigated the incident and were able to identify a suspect who had been recently arrested A Windsor man faces charges after allegedly for a similar incident performing doing “donuts” on the football field at St. donuts with the vehicle associated Thomas of Villanova Secondary School. The to the licence plate in the City of damage to the field was reported to LaSalle Windsor near the west side of Lapolice Jan. 16 around 12:30 p.m.

Salle.

LaSalle Police officers subsequently arrested and charged a male from the City of Windsor with the offence of mischief. He was later released on an appearance notice to appear in court to answer to the charge.

Work is underway at the site of Jack’s Organics. Owner Chip Stockwell said the public should see greenhouses starting to be erected in the spring. Planting is expected to start late this year.

RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

New greenhouse will be known as “Jack’s Organics” Continued from Page 1 However, some will be sent to the United States, much of it east of the Mississippi River.

“We look forward to packaging for Canadian retailers out of here,” Stockwell added.

While the subject of lighting came up around the council table when discussing the planning issues surrounding their application, Stockwell indicated that it won’t be an issue.

“There’s no artificial light in it,” said Stockwell. “It was never in the plan to have artificial lighting.”

Stockwell added they purchase and install special glass that directs light into the greenhouse to the point where it actually makes it brighter inside than it is outside.

Timing of the second phase of the greenhouse development will depend on how the first phase goes, he added.

Stockwell called town council and administration “sharp cookies” and stated, “they drive a hard bargain.”

Jack’s Organics hopes to have their first crop planted either in December 2021 or January 2022, Stockwell said.

“We’re happy to be here,” he continued. “We’re looking forward to being part of the community.”

“I’m excited about it,” added company CAO Kari Viglasky. “It’s a great opportunity for Amherstburg.”

Memories of Yesterday...

Photos courtesy of the Marsh Historical Collection 80 Richmond Street Amherstburg 519-736-9191 • www.marshcollection.org

We Design an We Design and Print We Design and Prin Almost An We Design and Print Almost Anything Almost Almost Anything Anything 519.736.417 Racing cutters on the river ice near Bois Blanc Island, c.1896-97. Horse racing was a popular activity in Amherstburg and surrounding areas, both on land and on the frozen waterways. For the winter races, a track would be scraped into the ice and hundreds of spectators would gather to take part in the excitement.

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Wednesday, January 27, 2021 – River Town Times – 5

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Amherstburg, Essex County councils support Ontario Waste Management Association request

By Ron Giofu

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Landfills and the ability to place them was the subject of recent delegations. Robert Cook, representing the Ontario Waste Management Association, presented concerns to both Essex County and Amherstburg councils recently. Cook told both councils that the OWMA is deputing in support of the City of St. Catharines’ request to endorse their position on Bill 197 and pass a supporting motion, something both Amherstburg and Essex County did. Cook stated Bill 197, also known as the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act 2020, “deals with COVID-19 issues but obscured a Schedule to the Act, is a significant change to the Environmental Assessment Act impacting municipalities.”

“Essex (County) has a great system with the authority and everyone collectively managing this but I think the bill, and again I’m not a lawyer, but Kingsville could veto a development that is in Essex,” he said.

Warden Gary McNamara recalled at one time, a host municipality “didn’t have any rights” whether they wanted a landfill or not.

“It seems to me it’s kind of pushed it even beyond the requirement that was asked for by municipalties,” said McNamara.

McNamara said many local politicians that have been around for some time know how difficult it is to develop a landfill and find a location, pointing out the “collateral damage” that it causes.

“When I was reading the report, it kind of dawned on me they took it to the next level and buried it in an omnibus bill without any proper vetting,” said McNamara, adding he believe the bill overreached what was intended five or six years ago.

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Both Amherstburg town council and Essex County council have supported a request from the Ontario Waste Management Association that wants amendments to Bill 197.

Robert Cook, representing the Ontario Waste Management Association (OWMA), told both town and county councils recently that the OWMA is a not-for-profit organization that represents stakeholders in the Ontario waste management sector.

That includes 64 private sector companies and 65 municipalities, the latter being both lower and upper tier.

Cook told both councils that the OWMA is deputing in support of the City of St. Catharines’ request to endorse their position on Bill 197 and pass a supporting motion, something both Amherstburg and Essex County did. Cook stated Bill 197, also known as the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act 2020, “deals with COVID-19 issues but obscured a Schedule to the Act, is a significant change to the Environmental Assessment Act impacting municipalities.”

According to the presentation made by Cook, municipal autonomy is “compromised” and he brought those views to the attention of other municipalities as well.

“The Environmental Assessment Act change, while dealing with landfill development, undermines municipal autonomy and establishes the principle that municipalities can ‘veto’ a development outside their municipal boundary in an adjacent municipality,” Cook said in his presentations. “Bill 197 would empower multiple municipalities to ‘veto’ development of a landfill development within a 3.5-kilometre zone inside the boundary of an adjacent municipality – even if the host municipality supports the development.”

Cook said it is the belief of the OWMA that the veto empowerment to adjacent municipalities is “overreach.”

Potential consequences to such “overreach” are both “real and substantial,” he believed, as it could set a “dangerous precedent,” something he referred to as the “thin edge of the wedge.”

“It is landfill development today but if the principle remains unchallenged, what next?” he questioned. “Other waste management infrastructure like organics processing, composing recycling facilities? Agricultural development or transit infrastructure? Wastewater treatment facilities?”

Cook stated the overreach is a compromise to the autonomy and authority of elected officials to make decisions in the best interest of the taxpayers who elected them and could lead to “political entanglements” between neighbouring municipalities.

The presentation from Cook did note Bill 197 does contain “supportable change,” pointing out that the legislation changes the landscape around landfill developments and environmental assessment. According to Cook, Bill 197 now establishes that the province “cannot issue a positive development decision without the approval and support of the host municipality.

“While this will make it more challenging to get new landfill developments approved and potentially exacerbates our current landfill capacity crisis, it is a reasonable and supportable change,” he believed.

Cook added the resolution from St. Catharines “accurately reflects the issues and concerns” around the issue of overreach from neighbouring municipalities and the amendment he sought support for called for the removal of the reference to adjacent municipalities while maintaining the “ultimate right of the host municipalities to have the final say.”

At county council, Amherstburg Deputy Mayor Leo Meloche asked “can we as individual municipalities vote against ourselves” as the Essex County Solid Waste Authority – which runs area landfills – is made up of municipal representation.

“With the structure we currently have, if six member municipalities say it’s a go, can the seventh municipality veto it?” asked Meloche.

Cook said it’s “pretty clear” that a neighbouring municipality can veto a development under the current legislation but noted other provisions of the bill are not clear.

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6 – River Town Times – Wednesday, January 27, 2021

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Giving ways continue in Harrow thanks to Essex Food Basket Kathy Beaudoin and Sherry Bondy from the Essex Food Basket were joined by two officers with the town’s OPP detachment – Const. Neil Huber and Staff Sgt. Mike Bradley for a drive-thru giveaway Sunday in Harrow. Volunteers prepared about 250 food baskets that were distributed at the Harrow Fairgrounds.

RTT Photo by Ron Giofu

By Ron Giofu Those in need in the Harrow area got a helping hand if they needed extra food last weekend.

The Essex Food Basket, a group of volunteers dedicated to distributing food to those who need a helping hand, held another drive-thru food pick-up event last Sunday at the Harrow Agricultural Hall. As drivers entered the fairgrounds alongside the hall, masked and gloved volunteers dropped off items into their vehicles so that it was a contact-less process.

Kathy Beaudoin, who co-organized the event with Sherry Bondy, said they prepared for 250 people, noting a similar event in Harrow just before Christmas drew about 225. She thanked sponsors including Jones Demolition, the Ontario Pork Producers, the Unemployed Help Centre and the Essex-

Kent Milk Producers.

Organizers also thanked the Harrow Fair board of directors for allowing them the use of the hall.

Beaudoin explained the Essex Food Basket hopes to hold monthly drivethru food giveaways to those in need from the Essex area. It was reported Sunday there were numerous Amherstburg residents that also took advantage of the free food giveaway.

A pair of police officers from the Essex OPP also helped out. They included Staff Sgt. Mike Bradley and Const.

Neil Huber.

The food drive-thru was the fifth such event presented by the Essex Food Basket, as Beaudoin pointed out that was the third one in Harrow and one each in Essex and McGregor.

“We’re still going to attempt to do one every month,” she stated.

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ERCA Chair – Kieran McKenzie (left) and Tania Jobin have switched roles on the ERCA board of directors. McKenzie, a Windsor city councillor, is now the vice chair, while Jobin, a Tecumseh councillor, is the new chair. Both were acclaimed to their positions for a two-year term. The photo was taken by the Essex Region Conservation Authority at the Jan. 2020 annual general meeting as the 2021 meeting was held virtually. Photo courtesy of ERCA

New chair takes the helm

at the Essex Region Conservation Authority

By Ron Giofu There is a new chair of the Essex Region Conservation Authority’s board of directors.

Tecumseh Councillor Tania Jobin was acclaimed as chair of the ERCA board at the annual general meeting, held last Thursday evening. It was the first annual general meeting held virtually though it joined the many recent regular ERCA meetings that have been held online thanks to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

First elected to Tecumseh town council in 2010, Jobin has been described as “an active and engaged member of ERCA’s board since 2015.” She served as vice chair for the past two years.

“With the recent changes to the Conservation Authorities Act, this next year will include the preparation of a transition plan and municipal agreements,” said Jobin. “I look forward to working with all member municipalities to ensure that the broad scope of integrated watershed management programs we provide are not fragmented, so that we can ensure a future of environmental sustainability for our region.”

Jobin thanked her colleagues for their confidence in electing her as chair and she added she looks forward to serving Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island in her new role.

Councillor Kieran McKenzie from Windsor, will serve as the vice chair for the next two years. McKenzie had served as the chair, having taken over during the last term from former Windsor city councillor Irek Kusmierczyk after Kusmierczyk was elected as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Windsor-Tecumseh.

Jobin thanked McKenzie for his service during his time in the chair.

“We did have some challenges this year but together as a team with the support of our board members, we worked well together through it all,” said Jobin.

Jobin said a healthy environment, healthy economy and healthy citizens are linked together.

“The decisions we make will ultimately affect our children, our grandchildren and our great-grandchildren as we strive to create a future of environmental sustainability for this region,” she said.

McKenzie also thanked his fellow board members for their work and collaboration during his time in the chair. He said it was a privilege working with them.

“No one could have predicted what 2020 was going to bring,” said McKenzie.

“Together, we have still been able to make a positive impact in the environmental sustainability of the Windsor-Essex County region.”

McKenzie highlighted the fact he was able to gain more knowledge and insight into factors that impact flooding in the region’s most vulnerable areas as well as the impacts on the people and developments within those areas. He said he was “extremely proud” to have participated in the groundbreaking for the new heritage centre at the John R. Park Homestead “which will provide a legacy of accessible and equitable experiential learning. That was quite a moment, no question.”

Seeing a surge of people using ERCA’s conservation areas was also highlighted

by McKenzie, as was notes of gratitude from residents for keeping them open for the physical and mental well-being of the community.

“This certainly reinforced to me that while there is much that we can live without or don’t need, our need to connect with nature is essential,” he stated.

McKenzie also acknowledged ERCA’s staff and thanked them “for remaining steadfast in those commitments” when it comes to serving the community.

“The decisions we make will ultimately affect our children, our grandchildren and our great-grandchildren"

Wednesday, January 27, 2021 – River Town Times – 7

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Virtual speaker series at Amherstburg Freedom Museum talks about Black women teachers in Ontario

By Ron Giofu

An author of an upcoming book on Black women educators was the latest speaker brought in virtually by the Amherstburg Freedom Museum.

Dr. Funké Aladejebi gave a presentation to her online audience entitled “Liberatory Pedagogies: Black Women Teachers in Ontario” recently on the Amherstburg Freedom Museum’s Facebook page. Dr. Aladejebi is also the author of the upcoming book “Schooling the System: A History of Black Women Teachers.”

The oral histories helped her argue that educators she spoke of helped show they are a fundamental way of showing what dominated educational institutions.

Dr. Aladejebi spoke of the difficulties Black woman had gaining entry into the school system but opportunities arose at the end of World War II. “Canada’s population continued to swell and created a shortage of teachers across the province,” said Dr. Aladejebi.

Governments gave money to help establish schools and hospitals, she noted. Teaching became important for Black women because of the notions of professionalism the profession carried and it was a way for them to gain respectable employment.

“It was a way also to combat discriminatory hiring practices that often segregated Black woman to almost always domestic work,” she said.

Dr. Aladejebi said she spoke with women throughout southwestern Ontario, including Amherstburg, in doing the research for her book. The women shared several stories including some that were asked to teach at predominantly Black schools. One of her subjects spoke about Black women having limited opportunities and only being able to teach at certain schools.

Another interviewee told a story of her husband having to call area school boards at the time to see if they would hire Black teachers.

“The fact her husband was so aware and so astutely concerned about her taking off work and ensuring she

Dr. Funké Aladejebi gives a presentation to her online audience entitled “Liberatory Pedagogies: Black Women Teachers in Ontario” recently on the Amherstburg Freedom Museum’s Facebook page. Dr. Aladejebi is also the author of the upcoming book “Schooling the System: A History of Black Women Teachers.” The roughly one-hour presentation is still archived on the AFM’s Facebook page. Screenshot

was actually able to get the job reflects broader conversations about a Black woman’s economic viability and their contributions to the household income we often don’t think about,” she said.

Another person Dr. Aladejebi said Black women often used home, church and community spaces to instill a value system and knowledge in order to shield children from discrimination.

“Once hired in schools, Black women found they were often isolated and alone in their quest to create more inclusive space for Black children,” she said.

Black teachers who tried to create programs experienced hostility from White co-workers and administrators, said Dr. Aladejebi.

Dr. Aladejebi said she continues to find Black teachers had diverse ways of thinking and teaching and that the assumption that Black educators would only build alliances and relationships based on race “really doesn’t allow for the complexities of their experiences.”

Black teachers had difficulty gaining promotions and had to face increased competition for any promotional opportunities. Another woman featured in her book stand over racial discrimination after being passed over a promotion and did so “for the bigger picture.”

“The ability of some educators to augment the curriculum within their individual classrooms often recognizes the processes they used to insert diverse historical experiences in Ontario schools,” said Dr. Aladejebi. “Although limited by systemic discrimination, some Black educators situated community experiences to connect with diverse groups of students in Canadian schools and they often had to do that within educational confines.”

Some Black educators she interviewed asked for more resources and some used “subtle forms of resistance” to feature more Black history within education and school libraries simply be categorizing books in different methods.

Dr. Aladejebi said Black women educators faced various forms of discrimination and said Black woman adapted in various different ways in order to educate students.

The hour-long discussion, which is still available for viewing on the Amherstburg Freedom Museum’s Facebook page, saw Dr. Aladejebi discuss her interviewing techniques. She said it depended on who she was speaking to at the time.

“I think Black women have been incredible in trying to create spaces of safety for themselves and trying to create mechanisms by which they can support other people but I think so much work needs to be done to think through how to create more professional spaces for women,” said Dr. Aladejebi.

Dr. Aladejebi believes “we need a remodelling of our curriculum” that addresses a more diverse group of people. She added that students should be spoken to early about being educators as well as anything they might want to be.

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8 – River Town Times – Wednesday, January 27, 2021

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Essex Region Conservation Authority goes virtual to present this year’s Conservation Awards Special to the RTT

Eight organizations and individuals were honoured with Essex Region Conservation Awards for their efforts in making the Windsor/Essex/Pelee Island region the Place for Life.

“It’s very inspiring to have the opportunity to celebrate so many organizations and individuals who have made an incredible impact on the environment,” said Tania Jobin, who was elected as ERCA’s Chair.

“Following the worldwide challenges faced in the past year, it is a pleasure to honour and recognize those who are making a difference to our local environment. This pandemic has demonstrated while there is much we can live without, our need for nature is paramount.”

Winners included: Don Waffle – John R. Park Homestead Award to long-time Homestead volunteer and Past Chair of the Homestead Advisory Committee. As an accomplished artist, Don also has used his talents to preserve and promote the human and natural history of the Essex Region.

Emily Browne – Youth Award to this University of Windsor Environmental Science student, Youth Environment Ambassador, and How-To-Crew member, who helps to ensure the quality of community restoration projects across the region.

Xander Campbell – Volunteer Award for volunteering since age 12 to protect habitats and wildlife at Point Pelee, Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary, and as an ERCA How-To-Crew Member. Volunteers to lead nature hikes for youth to engage them in environmental

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2021

Xander Campbell won a Volunteer Award as part of the Essex Region Conservation Authority’s Conservation Awards held as part of their virtual AGM held last Thursday night. The photo is taken from the video played during the meeting. Screenshot

Emily Browne was awarded the Youth Award as part of ERCA’s Conservation Awards held virtually last Thursday night. The photo is taken from the video that was played as part of the annual general meeting. Screenshot

restoration, and removes trash and recyclables from Conservation Areas in his spare time.

Freshwater Restoration Ecology Centre (FREC) – Education Award for ground-breaking research while engaging the public in Great Lakes biodiversity education. It aims to better understand key stressors and threats to our freshwater biodiversity like climate change, habitat alteration, and urbanization, and engages an integrated team of high school student volunteers, undergraduate and graduate students, youth and elders from Walpole Island First Nation, and the public in this educational work.

Bevin Martin captured the ERCA Dennis Chase Staff Award. The photo is taken from the video that played during the Conservation Awards, which was part of ERCA’s virtual annual general meeting held last Thursday night. Screenshot

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Dr. Ken Drouillard – Environmental Achievement as a professor with the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research who trains the next generation of aquatic biologists. His expertise is used to assess Great Lakes water and sediment quality, inform beneficial use impairments to the Detroit River, and bridge the science-to-practice gap to ensure our food and water are safer. Current research includes tracking COVID-19 in wastewater, and researching the best practices for reusable masks to keep healthcare workers safe.

Essex Power Corporation – Environmental Achievement for reducing its carbon footprint and offering solutions for a low carbon future. A successful energy conservation endeavor through the Independent Electricity System Operator’s Conservation First Framework. EPC exceeded its 6-year conservation target, achieving 119% almost 2 years ahead of the program end date. It has increased its fleet of solar photovoltaic (PV) assets and infrastructure in Windsor-Essex and across the province, and encouraged customers to switch to paperless billing, saving approximately 340,000 pieces of paper, and reducing the cradle-to-grave emissions by nearly 14 tonnes.

County of Essex – Robert Pulleyblank Award for Municipal Environmental Achievement for its leadership in adopting a Climate Emergency declaration and initiating the Essex County Regional Energy Plan to help to meet the community’s climate priorities and strengthen the local economy. The County has promoted healthy lifestyles by constructing more than 415 km of active transportation corridors through the County Wide Active Transportation System (CWATS), addressing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. The County has also taken strong action on climate adaptation through initiating a floodplain mapping prioritization study to protect residents and ensure safe, responsible, and sustainable development practices.

Bevin Martin – Dennis Chase Staff Award for his dedication to the region’s sustainability in a manner that is conscientious, hard-working, thoughtful and compassionate to his colleagues, guests and the environment. As a walking encyclopedia of knowledge, Bevin shares information and trains colleagues with patience and kindness, and readily greets all visitors to our conservation areas.

A video of the Conservation Award Winners, ERCA’s Annual Report and corresponding Annual Report video, can be found at https://essexregionconservation. ca/about-us/board-members-and-meetings/#meetings

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Wednesday, January 27, 2021 – River Town Times – 9

Use of quat-based disinfectant subject of extensive debate at public school board meeting

By Ron Giofu Use of quat-based disinfectants including one called Virex was the subject of extensive debate at the most recent meeting of the Greater Essex County District School Board.

The debate was the subject of several delegations and a thorough staff report with the public board to get an update on the situation in March. Some trustees asked if there could be a reduction in quat-based disinfectant products, including Amherstburg/LaSalle trustee Ron LeClair.

Ana Rule, assistant professor with the department of environmental health and engineering at John Hopkins School of Public Health, told public board trustees that “children are uniquely vulnerable to chemical exposure,” with that being due to their size, physiology and behaviour.

“Children are more heavily exposed to toxins in proportion to their body weight,” said Rule. “Children have more years of life ahead of them in which they may suffer long-term effects from early exposure.”

Rule stated quat-based products may be readily available but there is still little known about long-term health effects. She also pointed out alternate methods of cleaning such as products with hydrogen peroxide or even simple soap and water.

“You can get the same results with less harsh chemicals, a safer chemical, which is hydrogen peroxide,” she told trustees.

Trustee Alan Halberstadt said the board has been using quat-based products for 12 years with no known health effects and sought comments from Rule on that.

“I would caution some of the health effects are non-specific,” she said, noting that some of the health effects are hard to pinpoint. Because “nobody has put two and two together” and advised the quats-based products may be impacting their health, “it’s hard for them to know.”

LeClair wanted to know if there are any Health Canada regulations that would prevent hydrogen peroxide products in place of quat-based products.

Dorothy Wigmore, a occupational health specialist, said “many health effects” are being discovered relating to quats-based products (or “quats”) and that a “recent study of quats in people found 80 per cent of them in their blood and linked it to a decreased mitochondrial function and an increase in inflammatory cytokines in a dose dependent manner.” Reproductive issues, hair loss, memory loss and altering DNA issues were some of the impacts, she said, based on a paper she read.

Wigmore suggested “environmentally preferable” products including hydrogen peroxide products and soap and water.

Parent and former teacher Lisa Bonnici said parents are supporting the use of safer disinfectants but also added she supports work being done to spread use of COVID-19 in schools. There are many products that are on Health Canada’s list of products that fight COVID-19 that are safer than what is being used.

“The health of our communities, our families and the environment are dependent on the use of safe chemicals,” she said.

Bonnici said that Ontario boards “ultimately choose” what disinfectants they use and she found many don’t use quat-based disinfectants daily.

Erin Roy, president of the OSSTF District 9, said there are parents making learning decisions based on chemicals being used in the buildings. She said there Public trustees were given a presentation from administration regarding the COVID-19 cleaning protocols. Tim Lauzon, the board’s health and safety officer, said the board’s plan included enhanced cleaning protocols and it was reviewed and supported by the Ministry of Labour and the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.

“Since Sept. 13, 2020 to the present, the board has received a number of concerns expressed by a community group specific to the use of quad-based disinfectants in our schools,” said Lauzon, adding anonymous complaints were called in to the Ministry of Labour and the WECHU on use of the materials.

According to Lauzon, it was found there was no health and safety hazards found and the products were being used in line with manufacturers’ guidelines.

Lauzon said there is a “misconception” that the board only uses quat-based products. He did note the board has legislative requirements they have to meet and there are products they have to use according to government guidelines. He said it is not as simple as people think to simply replace quats products with nonquats products.

“You can get the same results with less harsh chemicals, a safer chemical, which is hydrogen peroxide, "

A lengthy discussion was held as part of the Greater Essex County District School Board’s most recent meeting about quat-based disinfectants. As part of the discussion, GECDSB health and safety officer Tim Lauzon spoke about some of the products used by the public board. Screenshot

The board has 18 different quats products it uses to comply with government legislation, he noted.

“Hydrogen peroxide products are not approved for food handling safety therefore the board has no option but to use quats,” he said.

Lauzon said other local boards are still using Virex and hospitals are using them as well.

As for students contracting allergies and asthma with respect to use of the disinfectant Virex, parents and principals along with medical practitioners are supposed to work together to determine triggers and strategies for prevention.

Lauzon believed the board that it usage of quats-based products are safe and present no health and safety hazards to staff or students and that they are legislatively required to utilize quat-based products like Virex to safely offer programming. He added the board’s usage of products is supported by the Ministry of Health and WECHU.

10 – River Town Times – Wednesday, January 27, 2021

www.rivertowntimes.com

County council opposed to amalgamations, opposes anti-amalgamation motion

By Ron Giofu A motion opposing amalgamations won’t go any further from the Essex County council table but that doesn’t mean county council members favor amalgamation.

Essex County council didn’t support a motion from the Town of Essex that opposed amalgamation and called for a letter be sent to Premier Doug Ford advising him and his government its position on the matter. The letter was also circulated to other municipalities and to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).

Essex Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche said it was discussed at their council and while Essex said in their motion they are appreciative of their Municipal Modernization Grant and are “working hard to ensure our municipal operations are more efficient internally and looking for possible efficiencies externally.” The motion also doesn’t oppose possibly sharing services “where our service quality, safety and price to our residents is not compromised.”

Meloche said the discussion circled back to amalgamations and the town wanted to ensure their voices were heard that Essex opposed it if it were ever put on the table.

The Town of Essex motion added: “Having already experiences an amalgamation in the not so distant past, the Town of Essex is instead focused on finding efficiencies and shared services where feasible for the town and its residents and for the other regional municipalities.”

Most other municipalities agreed that they didn’t want to see amalgamations,

but Amherstburg Mayor Aldo DiCarlo noted he was “a little confused” in that while service delivery reviews, including one in Amherstburg, called for municipalities to investigate shared services, he did not recall any efforts from the province or otherwise to amalgamate any municipalities. DiCarlo said he opposed amalgamations, he didn’t want to bring the issue to the attention of the provincial government.

“Are we responding to something that hasn’t come forward yet?” asked DiCarlo.

Warden Gary McNamara, a former president of AMO, said municipalities did receive funding through the Municipal Modernization Program.

“Those monies were designed to find efficiencies in our own operations,” said McNamara, who is also the mayor of Tecumseh.

Based on discussions and talk he has heard, McNamara indicated there is little reason to worry at this stage about municipalities having to come together.

“There’s no appetite for forced amalgamations at this time,” said McNamara.

Lakeshore Mayor Tom Bain said nobody on county council favours amalgamations so he questioned sending anything to the province and suggested just leaving things as they are.

“Let sleeping dogs lie,” said Bain.

Essex Mayor Larry Snively said the issue came up as their council was talking about shared services, but saw Bain’s point.

“I really believe it what Mayor Bain said,” stated Snively. “Let’s not stir the pot.”

Winners crowned in 2021 Brentwood Lottery Over $712,000 worth of prizes awarded

Mark Lennox, interim executive director of the Brentwood Recovery Home, reads some of the winners in Saturday’s draw of the Brentwood Lottery. Craig Moro of Windsor won the home. The draw was broadcast on Facebook Live. Screenshot

By Ron Giofu

The Brentwood Lottery has concluded for another year with records being set in terms of ticket sales.

Over $712,000 worth of prizes were drawn Jan. 16 at Brentwood Recovery Home, with the event broadcast through their website and on Facebook Live due to stayat-home orders relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

None of the major grand prize winners were from Amherstburg, though 15 people from either Amherstburg or McGregor won cash prizes of $1,000 or less.

The winner of the house, valued at $474,487 (or a cash prize of $380,000) was won

by Craig Moro of Windsor. The home is located on Summer St. in Belle River and constructed by Lakepoint Homes.

The 2021 Ford Escape, valued at $40,904 (or a cash prize of $33,000), was provided

by Joe Meloche Ford of Amherstburg with Florin Barbu of Belle River being the winner. Motor City Chrysler provided the 2021 Dodge Challenger – valued at $50,557 (or a cash prize of $40,000) – with the winner being Mark Umbenhower of Windsor. The Chevy Equinox, provided by Gus Revenberg GMC, carried value of $33,592 (or a cash prize of $27,000) and was won by Peter Zorkit of LaSalle.

Mary Jane Bianco of Windsor won the $5,000 cash prize while $2,500 prizes were won by Linda Macchio of Kingsville, Gail Hooper of Windsor and Richard Kelly of Tecumseh.

“Things have gone very well this year,” said Mark Lennox, interim executive director of the Brentwood Recovery Home.

Lennox said approximately 11,300 tickets were sold this year, a new record, even though they were unable to use either Devonshire Mall or Tecumseh Mall for ticket sales due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Over 5,000 tickets were sold online via www.brentwoodlottery.com and Home Hardware and Home Building Centres in the area combined to sell over 4,000 tickets this year.

“The vendors were busy this year,” said Lennox, adding “thank goodness we kdown, DueDue to the province wide lockdown, to the provin started (online sales) a few years ago.”

Lennox added Mona Goodwin of Waterloo, who won the $25,000 early bird prize newe will calls, we remain open for will phone calls, remain op back in December, donated $1,000 of that back to Brentwood.

Moro said he “totally forgot” about the ticket and saw that he had a missed call lthough emails emails and regular business, although and regular when he came back in from a run. A friend then called him to say she heard that he osed our office doorsour will be closed office door won the house.

“I thought someone was pulling my leg,” said Moro. otice. to the public to until furtherthe notice. public un Moro has been a long-time supporter of Brentwood and has been buying tickets for a number of years but this is his first win of any kind.

“I never win anything,” he said.

Stating he was “overwhelmed” with the news, he said he drove to Belle River with his wife to view the home. He added he is very thankful and grateful to Brentwood, stating they are a great community partner.

Moro added he has no idea of what he’s going to do with the house or whether he’s going to to take the cash prize.get lease If you If need toyou get in touch call with us, please need call in to “It’s a tough choice,” said Moro. “I guess it’s a good problem to have.”

Moro said he’ll keep buying tickets and while he was going to do that anyway, he remarked “they’ve got me committed for life now.”

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WECHU board gets update on COVID-19 matters

By Ron Giofu The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) held its monthly board meeting last Thursday afternoon with the COVID-19 virus being, as expected, the big issue of the day.

Board members got an update on COVID-19 measures in the area as well as the vaccine rollout locally.

“We have seen many cases more recently and with the additional restrictions that have been put in place by the ministry with the lockdown and stayat-home order, we are starting to see some results,” said medical officer of health Dr. Wajid Ahmed. “Our case counts are trending downward ever so slightly.

There’s a glimmer of hope.”

Dr. Ahmed said during last Thursday’s meeting, there were still triple digits being reported daily in terms of new COVID-19 cases but hoped it would soon trend downward into the double-digits.

“We’re really hoping the trend continues,” he said.

Windsor-Essex County continues to be high in terms of rate per 100,000 of the population, Dr. Ahmed said, second only to the Region of Peel and above the provincial average. In the 30 days leading up to the meeting (Dec. 22-Jan. 20), 57 per cent of the local cases were in Windsor while 13 per cent were in Leamington. Seven per cent were in Kingsville with Dr. Ahmed’s chart showing five per cent were in Tecumseh, Lakeshore and Essex while four per cent were in Amherstburg and LaSalle.

Dr. Ahmed said higher rates are not just a case of people not wanting to obey public health guidelines, but there are cases with people in poverty or with low incomes having to go to work just to make a living. He knows “people are falling through the cracks” and said others “don’t get it” or have to stay at work even when symptomatic. He said income support programs have to be part of the conversation as well.

“Obviously, there’s a lot of focus on the vaccine rollout in Windsor-Essex. So far, we’ve vaccinated the majority of the residents in the long-term care homes,” he said. “There are a few people still remaining and we’ll put a plan in place to vaccinate them.”

Dr. Wajid Ahmed hoped, as of the meeting, the retirement homes would be complete.

“When it comes to staff and essential caregivers, it’s a combination of Windsor Regional Hospital vaccinating them and the WindsorEssex County Health Unit when we are going into vaccinate them. The Currently number is not as strong as we have for the resiaccepting dents in these facilities. new patients When our team went and same-day in, we went in with the emergencies! goal of vaccinating all the residents as well as the caregivers that were there,” said Dr. Ahmed.

Dr. Ahmed said the WECHU is monitoring Dr. Roy Dr. Sandra Dr. Dennis Petras Frederick Petras vaccine supply, adding they are receiving Call for Moderna and not the appointment: Pfizer vaccine, which is the one that is facing (519) 713-8985

Dr. Wajid Ahmed wentover statistics during the COVID-19 update as part of the most recent meeting of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit’s board of directors. Dr. Ahmed broke it down to how the virus is impacting local municipalities in the Windsor-Essex County area.

Screenshot

possible delays.

“Our health unit is expecting another shipment of Moderna in early February,” added Dr. Ahmed, noting they will be able to do the second round of vaccinations once that arrives.

Board chair Gary McNamara asked about vaccine inventory and wanted to know if there is a concern about the ability to get a second dose.

WECHU CEO Theresa Marentette said there are currently not enough vaccines to do second doses until they get the shipment.

“We have withheld some vaccine to ensure we can provide second doses to some people prior to the shipment date. We are really counting on our second shipment. Without our second shipment, we will not be able to vaccinate everyone with a second dose,” said Marentette. “We are scheduled to have a shipment of Moderna.”

Hospitals use Pfizer and Marentette said their shipment has been “greatly impacted” and the WECHU has focused on retirement and long-term care homes.

When it comes time for a broader community rollout, Marentette said they are working on the logistics of how that would look like. She indicated they

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used for flu shot clinics such as health care providers including physicians, nurse practitioner clinics, Family Health Teams and pharmacies. She also envisions having mass immunization clinics.

Meetings have been held with municipal chief administrative officers (CAOs) in order to set up larger clinics around the area. Each of the municipalities are interested in working with the WECHU and are awaiting the next step.

“We’re moving in the right direction. I think we have a good, solid plan,” said Marentette.

Windsor city councillor Rino Bortolin asked the public to “keep their emotions in check,” adding that professionals “are working their butts off.”

“If you are not going to add to the conversation, stay quiet,” he said, adding the WECHU is “ahead of the curve” and getting things done “well ahead of expectations.”

“This is a crew that is overworked, under-resourced and pushed to the brink for the last ten months,” said Bortolin. “Everything that can be done is being done.”

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Wednesday, January 27, 2021 – River Town Times – 13

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IN MEMORIAM

OBITUARY

BIRTHDAY

93

Cournoyea, Charles Francis

Happy rd Birthday

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the sudden passing of Frank on January 17th, 2021. He leaves behind his loving wife Karen of 26 years. He was stepfather to Matthew (Shawna). Pepe to Marshall, Forrest and Jamieson. Loving brother to Ann, Pat, Joan and Jim. He will be cremated with a private burial service in Strathroy, date to be determined. A memorial service shall be held at a later date due to Covid 19.

OBITUARY

Specht, Delores (nee Maslanka) It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of Delores, peacefully on January 21, 2021 at 79 years of age. Beloved wife of Michael for 56 years. Loving mother of Christine Rogers, and Nicole Brush (Tyler).

Devoted lifelong mother and caregiver to Tom. Precious grandmother of Cody and Brandon Rogers, Aaron and Jillian Brush. Remembered and always loved by Allen Rogers. Dear sister of Phyllis Kaminski, Louise Clark, Chris Maslanka. Sister in-law of Doug Specht (Donna), Dave Greenwood (Taeko), predeceased by Frances “Fran”, Barbara and Bernice “Bunny”. Delores was a devoted member of St. John the Baptist Church. She was also a very active member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Community Living Essex for many years. If you desire, memorial tributes to the Toronto Sick Children’s Hospital or charity of your choice would be appreciated.

On Monday January 25, 2021 reservations and personal face coverings are required to attend visitation from 2-6 pm at Families First 585 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, 519-969-5841. A private family service will be held at St. John the Baptist on Tuesday January 26, 2021 at 10:30 am. A livestream of the service will be available to view. Please visit our website and go to the link provided. Interment to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. To RSVP, share memories, photos or make a donation at www.FamiliesFirst.ca A future memorial service will be held celebrating Delores’ life.

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In Loving Memory of

Gary Gauthier January 26, 2015

Gary, I look back in time and remember the fun, the laughter and the love we shared.

It is difficult to find that in these days of chaos and isolation.

So my mind rests in my memory of you because that is where I find comfort, hope and healing.

We remain...Heart to Heart...Soul to Soul....

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Alfred “Bud/Doc” Ladouceur Love, your family January 31st

AUCTIONS

Shackelton Auctions Inc

2021 EARLY LISTED AUCTIONS MARCH 2ND – MCEACHREN FARMS – GLENCOE ONTARIO - John Deere 8320, 8120, 4555, 6400 & 2355 tractors, John Deere 9660 combine & heads, John Deere 4830 sprayer, John Deere 1990 CCS drill, John Deere 1770NT planter, Kongskilde 9100 Vertical Till, RJ 600bu. wagons and more.

MARCH 13TH – BRUCE & BRIAN GARDEN – AMHERSTBURG ONTARIO - John Deere 7810 & 4450 low hour tractors, IH 706 & White 2-70 tractors, John Deere 9510 combine, great line of tillage, planting, grain handling and farm equipment.

MARCH 19TH – DAVID DURHAM – DUTTON ONTARIO - John Deere 8285R & 8245R low hour tractors, John Deere 4520 compact with loader, John Deere 1770NT & 1990 planters, Great Plains vertical till, 3 tandem grain trucks, John Deere 850D Gator.

MARCH TBA – TED HILHORST FARMLAND – TILLSONBURG ONTARIO - Over 400 acres of farmland for the TED HILHORST estate. Full details will be posted as they become available.

MARCH 27TH – WRAY KNOX – SCOTLAND ONTARIO -Case IH 8920 tractor, John Deere 2955 & 2555 tractors, John Deere 1750 planter, John Deere 750 drill, Sunflower 1434 21’ disc, line of farm & grain handling equipment.

MARCH 30TH – GRANT & HARVEY McMURCHY – CLARKSBURG ON. 2 – Case IH MX 215 Magnum tractors, Salford cultivator, Landoll disc, Sunflower disc chisel, Salford 30’ seeder, JD 1760 12R planter, NH BR740 round baler, Hardi sprayer, Demco grain buggy.

APRIL 9TH – SHACKELTON AUCTION CENTRE – SPRINGFIELD ON - Annual spring auction – CONSIGN NOW – tractors, combines, farm equipment, construction equipment, trucks and trailers, lawn mowers and more. Call to consign 519-765-4450.

APRIL 9TH – TED HILHORST ESTATE – To be included in Shackelton’s annual spring auction – John Deere 4760,4230,3140 & 3130 tractors, New Holland L218 & L170 skidsteers, Kongskilde 2900 30’ cultivator, Case IH 330 Turbo till, hay & forage equipment, farm equipment.

APRIL 10TH – NEW EQUIPMENT AUCTION – Shackelton Auction Center – new skid steer attachments, power washers, plasma cutters, welders, buildings, tool chests, generators, shop equipment, tires, generators, 40’ container and more.

JUNE TBA – TOTAL RENTALS – SPRINGFIELD ONTARIO Shackelton Auction Centre – up to 20 late model John Deere tractors from Total Rentals – Consignments of Tractors, combines, farm equipment, trucks & trailers, lawn and garden accepted. Call to consign.

WATCH UPCOMING ISSUES AND OUR WEBSITE FOR UPDATES ON ALL THESE AUCTIONS. CALL US TO DISCUSS YOUR AUCTION, LARGE OR SMALL. GREAT DATES STILL AVAILABLE.

MIKE, JOHN, LES & CAM SHACKELTON – AUCTIONEERS

Shackelton Auctions Inc 519-765-4450

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14 – River Town Times – Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Kicks & Giggles ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, it is not often that you feel compelled to be a people-pleaser, but you’ve been a lot more cautious about what you say or post online lately. That can be a good thing.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, certain things aren’t adding up and someone close to you is being rather evasive. You may want to do some investigative work and get to the bottom of the situation.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, even though you detest drama, unless you are careful this week you could put yourself right in the middle of some.

Watch your words and actions carefully.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 You are known for adding your personal touch to everything, Cancer. Just don’t push this so far as to have the final word on everything; otherwise, you could ruffle feathers.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, you’re often focused on the bigger picture but don’t consider the small details. When financial issues become a concern, you have to learn to scrutinize data.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 You can’t resist helping other people who are close to you, Virgo. However, this week is a time when the roles are reversed.

Don’t hesitate to accept help.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, you are normally upbeat and passive. However, you may have to be a little more forceful if you want to get your point across and be heard in the days ahead.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 You don’t mind defending your opinions or your ideals, Scorpio. In fact, you are highly skilled at constructive conversation.

Your negotiation tactics may be put to the test.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, it is not your job to solve a group issue on your own. This needs to be a democratic process with all opinions included in the discussion. You may act as moderator.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Is there something going on in your life right now that could benefit from a little more investigation, Capricorn? Personal problems may involve delving a little deeper.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, it seems that for each step you take forward, you move two or three steps back. Break this cycle and develop a contingency plan so you don’t miss a beat.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 The distance between you and someone you love keeps widening, Pisces. Take the time to mend this fence.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS JANUARY 24 - Michael Provost, Actor (23) JANUARY 25 - Alicia Keys, Singer (40) JANUARY 26 - Colin O’Donoghue, Actor (40) JANUARY 27 - Noah Schnacky, Singer (24) JANUARY 28 - Ariel Winter, Actress (23) JANUARY 29 - Adam Lambert, Singer (39) JANUARY 30 - Christian Bale, Actor (47)

WORD SCRAMBLE Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to financial planning.

ANSWERS ON PAGE 13

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Town council discusses zoning amendment, procedural matters around it

By Ron Giofu Concession 4 South.

The farmhouse on the land is being Amherstburg town council not only sold “to an interested buyer and renodiscussed a zoning bylaw amendment vate the house and keep it as it is,” said at their first public meeting of the new Garardo. year, but procedural matters around it.

There were no public comments on the Town council held a special meeting matter, Garardo noted, and asked that prior to the start of their Jan. 11 reguthe amendment be passed at the regular lar meeting to discuss a zoning bylaw meeting that followed.

However, Prue amendment on lands owned by George did question the procedure of passing and Ruth VandenBrink as, according to such a motion at the regular meeting. a report from manager of planning ser“This is no really big deal if go ahead vices Frank Garardo, the town is in reand do it in this particular case but I ceipt of an application for a zoning bydon’t think this is good practice,” said law amendment to By-law 1999-52.

Prue.

“We put out the information to the The subject lands affected by the public on all the websites and in print proposed amendment are described that we’re taking information and that is municipally known as part of 4431 the first, second and third readings at County Road 20; with Garado stating the next meet“the residence ing.” which was Prue bethe subject of lieved wordthe severance ing in the reis located at port should 4431 County reflect that Road 20, is not council will subject to this deal with rezoning. At some matters conclusion of immediately. the severance, “There may the remaining be some peofarm parcel ple out there subject of the who might Zoning ByTown council discussed a zoning bylaw amendment at have wanted law Amenda special meeting recently. While there didn’t appear to contact one ment will to be any issue with the specific request, procedural of us, or do have a total matters caused the vote to be delayed. something or area of 39.08 send a letter to the clerk,” he said. “They hectares (96.58 acres).” may still want to do something and we The proposed amendment to the zonare foreclosing an opportunity which we ing bylaw would change the zoning for presented to them that they would have the subject lands noted above from the “Agricultural (A) Zone” to “Special Pro- until the next meeting. I don’t think it’s vision Agricultural (A-36) Zone,” Ga- good political practice to do it.”

Prue said he would vote in favour of rado’s report stated. “The land is desigthe bylaw in question but didn’t want to nated Agricultural in the Town’s Official do it the same night.

Plan.”

If there are no public comments, The parcel was the subject of an apwhat is being brought back to the next plication for consent to sever a dwellmeeting except the same information, ing which is surplus to the needs of the asked Councillor Don McArthur. CAO farming operation, the report added.

John Miceli indicated he appreciated “The effect of the zoning bylaw Prue’s concerns but “my experience is amendment will be to allow for general when they don’t show up to the planagricultural uses on the subject property ning meeting, they don’t show up to the and prohibit any new dwelling units on council meeting.” the land,” Garardo’s report added.

Prue agreed with that but reiterated Councillor Peter Courtney said “we’re his concerns with doing everything on seeing these up come up a little more one night. Courtney said “we know frequently” and sought clarification as where this is going” and that it would be to why. supported but it was advertised at a fu“I guess it would be the simple fact ture meeting, “we’ve got to honour it.” farmers had smaller lots back in the day “I think we should wait until the next so a farm house would be severed off meeting, if that’s what we advertised,” and the farmer would live there with added Councillor Marc Renaud. “It an outbuilding for his tractors and so doesn’t sound like it was urgent to be forth but now is it because there are completed tonight.” fewer farmers and they acquire all this Deputy Mayor Leo Meloche said he land and they want to do away with the had no problem waiting until the next dwelling and do away with the concern meeting but one could argue the reguof running the house? Is that correct?” lar meeting was “the next meeting.” He said Courtney. questioned why extra time would be Garardo said that is the case and spent on the matter if there was no vothat provincial policy allows for such a cal opposition but added he was willing move. to remove his motion to pass the bylaw Councillor Michael Prue questioned that night and move it at the next meethow the landowner would access the ing. lands and would be “difficult to farm as That next meeting was the town counit would create two different parcels.” cil meeting held this past Monday night He asked if there is an adjoining properand town council officially passed it. ty and Garardo said there is access from

Wednesday, January 27, 2021 – River Town Times – 15

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CWATS outlines latest vision in master plan process

Fundraising campaign underway to keep Gesstwood Camp operational

SCRAMBLE ANSWER

EXPENSES

SUDOKU ANSWERS

SUDOKU ANSWERS

By Ron Giofu An Essex County camp is turning to the public to try and help them stay open and keep repairs going.

Gesstwood Camp, located just south of Essex, is trying to raise funds to help keep the camp going and they are attempting to raise in the neighbourhood of $300,000 to help offset revenue the camp would have otherwise had in 2020. They lost an estimated $350,000-$400,000 due to having to cancel programming and other events at the camp last year, said executive director Karen Seguin, and they believe the $300,000 figure will “help us get back on track.”

Gesstwood Camp was unable to host any events in 2020 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, she pointed out, and it also derailed other fundraising initiatives they hoped to undertake.

“Originally we had planned to launch a capital campaign to do a bunch of things at the camp,” said Seguin. “The whole idea behind the capital campaign was to raise awareness and grow.”

That campaign was to be in the neighbourhood of about $1.5 million, she said, as she stated many people who go to the camp never previously realized it existed.

“We like to say we’re a hidden gem that nobody knows about,” said Seguin.

The Gesstwood Camp board, Seguin and staff would also like to make enhancement to the camp but now can’t due to the pandemic. Seguin and the camp’s caretaker are currently the only paid staff members and they are trying to keep the camp going with Seguin writing several grants and the caretaker making as many repairs as possible.

Seguin pointed out the camp is approximately 60-years-old and the age is starting to show in certain areas.

“Everything is 60-years-old,” she said. “Everything needs updating. With the pandemic, we lost an entire year of revenue.”

Public health guidelines prevented Gesstwood Camp from opening at any point in 2020 so the over 5,000 youths from SK through post-secondary students were unable to attend. All field trips were cancelled as were summer programs and other activities and events.

The 55 youths and young adults that are normally employed in the summer missed out as well.

“If we lose another year, we could be in trouble,” she said.

Gesstwood Camp also features corporate retreats and training and has been a site where weddings and Christmas parties have been held as well.

“We’ve lost a lot and the community has lost a lot,” said Seguin.

People can donate to the fundraising efforts through the camp’s website at www. gesstwoodcamp.com or contact Seguin at gesstwoodcamp@gmail.com. People can also call 519-776-7119.

“The more we get, the more we can tick off of our list,” she said. “We want to raise enough to be sustainable. Anything at this point is good.”

They are affiliated with the United Church so they are looking for help that way as well as through corporate sponsors. Seguin acknowledges it is a tough time for a lot of people but they are hopeful there are enough donors and sponsors in the area that can help keep the camp going.

Gesstwood Camp is located at 1034 Mole Road in Essex.

SUDOKU ANSWERS

Camps and programs, such as archery as seen in this submitted photo from 2013, have not been able to be offered at Gesstwood Camp due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gesstwood Camp is seeking fundraising dollars to help keep the camp going and allow necessary repairs to be made.

By Ron Giofu Representatives of the County-Wide Active Transportation System (CWATS) and their consultants gathered people together virtually to outline their latest steps.

CWATS is updating its master plan as the original version was created in 2012. Cristina Valente, a senior project planner with the firm WSP, outlined some of what her firm and CWATS are hoping to accomplish.

“The purpose of (the virtual open house) is to present an update to the CWATS project, what we’ve done to date and what the plans are for 2021,” said Valente.

CWATS is an arm of the County of Essex and is supported through the seven county municipalities, ERCA, Windsor, Chatham-Kent, the MTO and the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. The goal is to provide a “safe, comfortable, bicycle and pedestrian friendly environment by encouraging people of all ages and abilities to engage in nonmotorized activities for every day transportation and recreation.

Valente said since the master plan was originally adopted in 2012, there have been a number of changes and upgrades but now is time for an update. The process has been underway for over one year and included an in-person open house at the Essex Civic Centre last year.

There are six phases to the CWATS master plan update, Valente pointed out, with the plan being just about finished. Katherine Wilson, the active transportation co-ordinator with CWATS, expects the updated CWATS master plan to go before Essex County council early next year.

Valente said they have conducted various forms of public consultations throughout 2019 and 2020 including public open houses, bike tours, the sixth annual CWATS celebration in June 2019, being at festivals in the pre-COVID era, bike tours and meetings with area CWATS committees.

Among the statistics shared included showing the percentage of communters with a commute time of 15 minutes or less. About 24 per cent of Amherstburg residents had a commute time in that range as compared to 55 per cent in Leamington. Their survey showed 91 per cent of people believe that the county and local municipalities should continue to invest in active transportation, up five per cent from 2013.

The CWATS network has components like off-road multi-use trails, paved shoulders, cycling tracks, signed routes and two-way use pathways.

The updated master plan will include network and program updates, information on maintenance and operations, policy reviews and suggested performance measures.

Projects in Amherstburg that were completed in 2020 included the Alma St. paved shoulders between Fryer St. and Meloche Road and paved shoulders on County Road 20 between Front Road South to Lowes Side Road.

A featured project for CWATS in 2021 include a functional design study of cycling facilities at County Road 33 and County Road 34 in Leamington. Other works either proposed or approved in Amherstburg include paved shoulders on 6.5 km of County Road 20 from County Road 50 to Front Road South and paved shoulders on 2.1 km of County Road 50 from Collison Side Road to County Road 20.

In Essex, paved shoulders are possible on 2.9 km of County Road 18 from County Road 23 to McCormick Road and on half of a kilometre of County Road 23. In Kingsville, paved shoulders are in the works on 1.8 km of County Road 34 from County Road 29 to Inman Side Road and on 3.1 km of County Road 34 from Inman Side Road to Upcott Side Road. A multi-use pathway is also planned on 1.5 km of County Road 45 from County Road 20 to County Road 34.

Paved shoulders are being planned in Lakeshore for 0.5 kilometres of road on County Road 2 between Molson Creek Bridge and Strong Road and a feasibility design study is planned on County Road 2 from Brighton Road to East Pike Creek Road.

Wilson indicated they were able to do a lot of work on the network in 2020. She said public comments are welcome online through Jan. 8 and there could be another period of public comments later in the process.

There have also been other projects done as well, including the installation of bicycle lockers around the county, including at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg.

The total CWATS network is currently estimated at 800 km.

“We’ve built about 420 km of the 800 km network,” said Wilson. “We’ve built about half of the network.”

The Zoom call that people tied into for the CWATS open house was hacked last TuesSCRAMBLE ANSWER day night but the full presentation is available at www.cwats.ca. People who weren’t able to see the end of the presentation or those who missed it entirely can view the slides there.

EXPENSES

16 – River Town Times – Wednesday, January 27, 2021

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The Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg 2021 Summer Student Lottery Positions Public Works Student General Labourers Parks Student General Labourers Eligible candidates for these positions must be in attendance at a secondary school, college or university, and must be returning to school on a full time basis in September 2021. Must possess a valid Class G2 Driver’s License at minimum. The detailed job descriptions and Student Lottery Guidelines are available on the Town’s website at careers.amherstburg.ca.

Qualified applicants and returning students are invited to apply online at careers.amherstburg.ca no later than Friday, March 12th 2021 at 4:30 p.m.

The Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg 2021 Summer Student Position GIS Technician Student (Non-Lottery Position)

The GIS Technician Student assists in maintaining all aspects of the Town’s GIS. Eligible applicants will be currently attending a college or university program with a concentration in Geomatics and/or Civil or Environmental Engineering.

Visit careers.amherstburg.ca for a detailed job description. Qualified applicants are invited to submit a resume outlining qualifications and experience as they relate to the position no later than Friday March 12th 2021 at 4:30 p.m. to resumes@amherstburg.ca.

The Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg is recruiting for the position of Temporary Full-Time Planner (Up to 2 Years)

Reporting to the Manager of Planning Services, the Planner will provide assistance to other Town departments as it relates to planning matters, i.e. zoning and property advice/information, and will provide planning opinions to members of the public, Council and the Committee of Adjustment.

The successful candidate will have a University degree in Land Use Planning, Urban Geography or a related field, with 2 to 4 years’ experience, preferably in the public sector. Membership with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute or working toward attaining designation as an RPP is required. Must possess excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and GIS software is required.

Visit careers.amherstburg.ca for a detailed job description. Qualified applicants are invited to submit a resume no later than Monday February 1, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. to resumes@amherstburg.ca.

HU

UH

The Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg is dedicated to maintaining a fair and equitable work environment, and in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the Human Rights Code, the Town of Amherstburg will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process to applicants with disabilities. If selected to participate in the recruitment process, please inform the Town of Amherstburg Human Resources staff of the nature of any accommodations you may require to ensure your equal participation.

Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O 1990, and will be used only for the purpose of determining eligibility for employment.

Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O 2001, and will be used only for the purpose of determining eligibility for employment.

The Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg is dedicated to maintaining a fair and equitable work environment, and in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the Human Rights Code, the Town of Amherstburg will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process to applicants with disabilities. If selected to participate in the recruitment process, please inform the Town of Amherstburg Human Resources staff of the nature of any accommodations you may require to ensure your equal participation.

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