River Town Times April 12, 2023

Local farmer enters Essex County Agricultural Hall of Fame

grew up on a cash crop farm and started combining peas for the green giant in high school. When he purchased his own home at the age of 18, Simon quickly got to work making a name for his own family.

Simon was a beef cattle farmer for a number of years but has been doing cash crops his entire career. He has been on the Ontario Soil and Crop board, Ontario Corn board, Ontario Wheat Board, as well as a member of the Essex Steam and Gas Engine Club.

Simon’s biography adds that he “is known for being one of the first no till farmers in Essex County. He prides himself on being a leader in this farming breakthrough. He was one of the first to no till field corn as well and has been doing this for over 25 years. Anthony is not always a board member, but always attends meetings and is well spoken for his community. Anthony has received the conservation award. Anthony has been farming his entire life. It truly is his passion.”

By Ron Giofu

A local farmer has been recognized for his work and has been inducted into the Essex County Agricultural Hall of Fame.

Anthony “Tony” Simon was inducted last Thursday evening in Harrow. He was nominated by the Essex County Steam and Gas Engine Museum, as Simon and his family are long-time volunteers.

“I’m proud of it and to be recognized,” said Simon.

According to his biography, Simon has been farming his whole life. He

Simon “is a proud father of five children whom he has taught how to raise cattle, combine, and how to grow, pick and sell sweet corn. For his 30th wedding anniversary, Simon took a farming tour around Hawaii,” his biography continues.

“He is such a passionate member of his community and will even stick up for his neighbours at drainage meetings and town council. Anthony is unique in the fact that he is always willing to teach. He will stop to take the time and help out his local farmers or even far away visitors such as friends from Mexico, Germany, and India,” the bio went on to say.

Continued on Page 13

Amherstburg farmer Tony Simon was inducted into the Essex County Agricultural Hall of Fame last Thursday night in Harrow. (Top photo) The Simon family enjoys the moment including Yvonne Simon, Molly Allaire, Mike Simon, Tony Simon, Megan Simon-Beaudoin and Markie Simon (daughter Mandy McLellan is absent). (Left photo) Simon (right) was nominated by the Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Museum, who was represented by president Gary Struhar (left).

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

ACS, community groups welcome potential volunteers

By Ron Giofu

With many community groups in need of new volunteers, a local service organization helped them with recruiting.

Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) held a volunteer recruitment fair last Wednesday evening in the community room of their space within the Amherstburg Community Hub. A dozen local organization – 11 of them being non-profit – attended the twohour fair with representatives from ACS, LaSalle-Windsor Special Olympics, Community Living Essex County, the Park House Museum, the Rotary Club of Amherstburg, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157, the House Youth Centre, Miracle League of Amherstburg, Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, the Gibson Gallery as well as the Town of Amherstburg’s tourism department being the participants.

Amherstburg Community Services executive director Kathy DiBartolomeo pointed out that this year is the organization’s 50th anniversary and ACS wanted to do something as part of the celebrations to assist other organizations. She noted they need volunteers like all of the groups, but they wanted to incorporate other organizations that need assistance as well.

“We decided to give back to the community as part of our 50th anniversary celebrations,” DiBartolomeo explained. “We need volunteers too but we thought

it would be a good idea to lend a hand and help other volunteer organizations.”

Stephanie Pouget-Papak, curator of the Park House Museum, said she had several people interested in helping them out. She pointed out it is also a milestone year for the museum.

“We’ve been around 50 years,” said Pouget-Papak. “We always need volunteers. The more, the merrier.”

Pouget-Papak added she enjoyed seeing the groups get together in one place.

“It’s great. I love seeing all of our volunteer organizations come together,”

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she said. “I think all of our organizations are amazing.”

Tony DeSantis, manager of community relations and resource development with Community Living Essex County (CLEC), said they are also in search of more helping hands.

“As an organization, like the others, we’re finding it more and more difficult to secure volunteers, especially coming out of COVID,” said DeSantis.

DeSantis said the volunteer recruitment fair was helpful for CLEC.

“An event like this gives us an opportunity to reach out to people in the community,” said DeSantis, “and tell them about the variety of outstanding volunteer opportunities we have available.”

Jill Aanwischer was one of the residents who came through the fair last Wednesday.

“I’m retired and looking for the right opportunity to help out,” she said.

Lynn Rammler was another resident who stopped by the volunteer recruitment fair to find a way to give back.

“I want to volunteer and I want to get out of the house,” she said. “It’s time for me to get out and start volunteering.”

Rammler said she stopped at a number of different tables and chatted with representatives from groups and was intrigued by what she heard.

“Just give me a job to do,” said Rammler. “I’m looking to fill a lot of time because I have it.”

Notice of Application of Larvicide for Mosquito Control

Beginning on April 1th and continuing through to August 31st, 2023, Pestalto Environmental Health Services Inc. will apply a biological larvicide in the Amherstburg area. This application is for the control of larva mosquitoes only and will be conducted over specific mosquito breeding sites within the boundaries of:

Kingsbridge Subdivision to McCurdy Drive and from the Detroit River to Meloche Rd / Concession 3 N

A detailed map that indicates the specific boundaries of application and affected properties for this program is available at the Town of Amherstburg Public Works office at 512 Sandwich Street South and on the Town’s Website at www.amherstburg.ca

The larvicide VectoBac 1200L (PCP#21062, liquid) and VectoBac 200G (PCP# 18158, granular) may be applied to standing water if mosquito larvae are detected. This product contains the active ingredient B.t.i. which is a naturally occurring bacterium found in soils and is very specific to mosquito larva. This bacterium is not harmful to bees.

If your property falls within the treatment area you may be contacted by direct mail. If you have any questions, concerns you may contact Pestalto at 1-866-648-7773 or by e-mail.

TECHNICAL AND PROGRAM INFORMATION

Pestalto Environmental Health Services Inc.

501 Rennie St., Hamilton, ON, L8H 3P6 Tel: 1-(866) 648-7773 x234 Kevin Taylor at kevin.taylor@pestalto.com

Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission president Tim McAllister and vice president Zainia Brockett greet potential volunteer Jill Aanwischer at last Wednesday’s volunteer recruitment fair (above). Lynn Rammler chats with representatives of The House Youth Centre (right) during the two-hour event held in the community room at Amherstburg Community Services.

RTT PHOTOS BY RON GIOFU

Official Plan meeting shut down due to high number of vocal residents

By Fred Groves

Essex County residents will have to wait a bit longer to give their input on the county’s new Official Plan.

Last Wednesday night in Essex, an overcapacity and clearly upset crowd forced Warden Hilda MacDonald to adjourn the meeting and it is suspected that a larger venue will be required.

“We (county council) are here to hear what you have to say,” began Mcdonald.

However, despite her attempt to bring order to the meeting, and with signs reading, “No 15-minute cities,” the public’s hostility forced the warden not only to recess the Official Plan portion of the night but cancel the regular council session.

With the council chambers filled, dozens more were in the lobby and with the door open were quite vocal that they could not hear what was being said.

“You either sit orderly and with respect or we will recess this meeting,” MacDonald told those in attendance.

Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy motioned that the meeting be halted and that a larger venue be sought out.

“We’re not scared to face the public,” said Bondy. Although he agreed that a larger place to hold the meeting might be in order, Amherstburg Mayor

Michael Prue felt the meeting should have continued. Wednesday’s meeting allowed three people to speak in regards to the Official Plan and MacDonald also said that if time permitted others in attendance would have a chance to address council.

“I wanted to continue and hear these three people. They deserve to be heard and then go to a bigger venue,” said Prue.

The Official Plan has several goals including providing a broad range of housing choices within Essex County, employment and leisure opportunities for growth and a close look at the county’s aging population.

“The purpose of the Essex County Official Plan is to establish a policy framework for managing growth, protecting resources and providing direction on land use decisions during the planning period up to 2031,” notes the 114-page plan.

“This is the first time the public can comment on the Official Plan. It’s not the last,” said MacDonald.

Security guards and members of the Ontario Provincial Police were at the meeting, but it was to no avail as the county’s Official Plan is now on hold.

In the document it states that, ‘the official plan is based on a set of assumptions, forecasts, values and objectives which relate to future conditions.”

“This has nothing to do with 15-minute cities,” said MacDonald.

The concept of 15-minute cities, which the public outcry seemed to be entirely about, is a concept in which residents can access shopping and entertainment within a 15-minute walk or bike ride.

They have been billed as a modestly self-sufficient enclave, green-friendly transportation alternative to urban sprawl.

Amherstburg agrees with Essex regarding short-term rentals tax classifications

By Ron Giofu

A motion from the Town of Essex regarding tax classification of shortterm rental units has been endorsed by the Town of Amherstburg.

Essex town council passed a motion at its March 6 meeting where, according to a letter sent to Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark, that the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) and “any other relevant bodies” investigate tax classifications of short-term rental units and to consider taxing such units as commercial as opposed to residential.

“In particular, council discussed the implications of having short-term rental units operate as a business within a residential community,” the Town of Essex’s letter states. “Council noted that allowing short-term rental unit operators to pay residential property taxes is inequitable to those business owners who must pay commercial property taxes, solely due to the location of their business.”

The letter was signed by Shelley Brown, the acting clerk, legal and legislative services for Essex.

Councillor Diane Pouget pointed out Essex sent the letter to the province and wondered if Amherstburg town council could support the letter.

“We will be dealing with short-term rentals in the very near future and maybe this could be part of our recommendations,” commented Pouget.

Mayor Michael Prue believed it was “an excellent thing” that Essex is requesting.

“It doesn’t cost us any money,” said Prue. “If the town and the councillors believe that this is a business and not a residence, they should be paying business taxes. It’s pretty simple.”

Prue added: “Is renting out your home to people every weekend a business? I would assume it is.”

The mayor said MPAC could return with a scenario that could say something like a person rents out their home for part of the year and live in it the rest and the taxes could be split.

“That’s up to them, not up to us,” said Prue.

Councillor Linden Crain asked if town council should wait until a short-term rental report is brought back to council for consideration. Town council started the process of studying the matter more closely last term after numerous

residents around Amherstburg complained of issues including noise and trespassing from short-term rental units. An open house was held this past January where opinions were gathered on the issue of short-term rentals, with some residents vehemently opposed to them while others didn’t want to be lumped in with problematic properties, with the latter group also believing

short-term rentals should be encouraged to come to Amherstburg.

In response to Crain’s question, CAO Valerie Critchley did not believe there was any risk in supporting Essex’s request.

“Whether you have short-term rentals in the community or not, this is about the tax classifications only,” said Critchley. “I don’t see a risk in that.”

SCREENSHOT

Warden Hilda MacDonald uses her gavel during a special county meeting on the Official Plan. Capacity issues and noise from the gallery caused disruptions and the meeting was adjourned so that a larger venue can be found. The regular meeting of county council that was supposed to follow that night was cancelled.

Federal government releases 2023 budget, Conservatives will not support

By Ron Giofu

The federal government released its 2023 budget last week and the Member of Parliament for Essex says his party can’t get behind it.

“Conservatives cannot support Budget 2023,” said Essex MP Chris Lewis. “This budget will add an additional $4,600 in taxes for Canadian families. Instead of listening to Canadians, Liberals are continuing with their war on work and increasing taxes which means workers are punished for working and take home even less of their pay cheques. I want to see less taxes and more in Canadian’s pockets.”

In a statement issued by Lewis through his constituency office, the local MP stated: “Justin Trudeau’s inflationary spending has caused the cost of food and groceries to skyrocket.”

Lewis further stated “Justin Trudeau’s ‘grocery rebate’ will give $234 for a single adult to cover the rising cost of food that his inflationary deficits helped cause.”

According to Lewis, the grocery rebate is less than half of what the average family will pay in Carbon Tax this year.

“The Parliamentary Budget Officer shows the carbon tax will cost the average family between $402 and $847 in 2023, even after the rebates. Justin Trudeau’s carbon tax will increase to 14 cents per litre on April 1st, making it more expensive for Canadians to heat their homes and get to work,” Lewis stated.

Lewis further contended that “Canada has the lowest number of housing units per 1,000 residents of any G7 country. The number of housing units per 1,000 Canadians has been falling since 2016, owing to the sharp rise in population growth. An extra 100 thousand dwellings would have been required to keep the ratio of housing units to population stable since 2016—leaving us still well below the G7 average.”

According to the Essex Member of Parliament: “Justin Trudeau has no plan to get gatekeepers out of the way and get more houses built. Canada must bring homes people can afford by removing gatekeepers, freeing up land and speeding up building permits

and withholding federal funding from cities that refuse to remove gatekeepers. Justin Trudeau will not do that and will not make housing affordable, and he has not included provision for this in the budget.”

Lewis said the federal budget boasts of helping workers mobility with a deduction in taxes but, “it does very little to provide for what a tradesperson’s travel expenses would be over a year.”

A labour mobility deduction has a limit of $4,000 per year, he stated.

“This would cover possibly one or two work trips for the average worker. Whereas the Private Member’s Bill I put forth, Bill C-241, that has just passed third reading in the House of Commons and now goes to the Senate for debate, provides a tax deduction for tradesperson’s travel with no upper limit. This will allow those who need work to find it across the country and make as many travel-claims as are needed to provide for their families,” he said.

According to a press release from the Government of Canada, it states “Canada has made a remarkable recovery from the COVID recession” and the governing Liberals state the country’s economic growth was strongest in G7 over the last year with 830,000 more Canadians employed

today than before the pandemic.

“Inflation in Canada has fallen for eight months in a row, our unemployment rate is near its record low, and, supported by a Canada-wide system of affordable early learning and child care, the labour force participation rate for women aged 25 to 54 reached a record high of 85.7 per cent in February,” the government’s press release states..

Through the grocery rebate, the budget “delivers targeted inflation relief for 11 million Canadians and families who need it most, with up to an extra $467 for eligible couples with children; an extra $234 for single Canadians without children; and an extra $225 for seniors, on average. The government also takes action to crack down on hidden junk fees and predatory lending, lower credit card transaction fees for small businesses, and help Canadians keep more money in their pockets.”

The Liberals also state the budget delivers $198.3 billion to reduce backlogs, expand access to family health services, and ensure provinces and territories can provide the high quality and timely health care Canadians expect and deserve.

“In Budget 2023, the government also introduces a new Canadian Dental Care Plan, to benefit up to nine million Canadians and ensure that no Canadian has to choose between taking care of their health and paying the bills at the end of the month,” the government states. “Budget 2023 makes transformative investments to build Canada’s clean economy, fight climate change, and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers. This includes significant measures that will deliver cleaner and more affordable energy, support investment in our communities and the creation of good-paying jobs, and ensure that Canadian workers are able to produce and provide the goods and resources that Canadians and our allies need.”

“I have never been more optimistic about the future of our country than I am today. Budget 2023 will deliver new, targeted inflation relief for the Canadians who need it most; stronger public health care, including dental care for millions of Canadians; and significant investments to build Canada’s

clean economy. At a challenging time in a challenging world, there is no better place to be than Canada,” added Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) believe the budget shows how their party “have used their power to deliver results for Canadians,” touting a doubling of the GST rebate and dental care for children under 18, seniors and people living with a disability.

“(The recent federal) budget shows that when New Democrats use our power, we get real things done for people,” said Singh. “This is a difficult time for Canadians. The cost of everything is up. That’s why we fought for a budget that saves you money and creates good jobs with better wages. Justin Trudeau voted against dental care twice and he didn’t want to double the GST rebate, but we didn’t take no for an answer. We fought and we got those things for working people. And if Pierre Poilievre had his way in this budget, there would be no dental care. Your pension, and the services that your family relies on would be cut to benefit the big bosses.”

The NDP says they got investments in a clean energy economy “to create good-paying union jobs while tackling the climate crisis,” $4 billion for a co-developed Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Strategy that will help Indigenous people living out of their communities find a safe and affordable place to call home, and support for students by increasing student grants by 40 per cent

“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, but we’re not satisfied — because we see that there is so much more Ottawa can do to make people’s lives easier,” said Singh in a press release. “Last election, we promised to fight for Canadians, and that’s exactly what we will continue to do. We will keep fighting for working people to get the respect they deserve by ensuring that everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home, bigger paychecks and better working conditions. We’ll make sure rich CEOs and the ultrawealthy pay what they owe, and we’ll bring the cost of groceries and telecom services down by stopping the free ride for big companies who are exploiting you.”

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Essex MP Chris Lewis said he and his Conservative Party of Canada colleagues are not in support of the 2023 federal budget. Submitted photo

Local resident wins prizes from Libro, charitable component included

By Ron Giofu

A contest Libro Credit Union ran in conjunction with Bright Lights Windsor featured a winner from Amherstburg.

Eleonora Vitella won $500 for herself and another $500 that will be split between two local charities. Vitella visited the light displays at Jackson Park in Windsor during the holiday season and snapped a photo at a Libro ornament with that photo subsequently being posted on social media. By doing that, Vitella was automatically entered into the contest.

Tammy Affleck, community manager at Libro Credit Union’s Amherstburg branch, said Libro ran a similar contest last year but with a different ornament.

The $500 that will go to charity will be divided with $325 going to the Happy Sole Project – Kick it Capes and $175 for Cuddles for Clefts. Vitella’s daughter Micayla was born with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate.

Vitella said she sent the photo in through Instagram and was “super excited” to find out she won, particularly for the charitable aspect of it.

“I think it’s very nice to be able to pick charities to give back to,” she said.

Vitella said her daughter has had ten surgeries since she was born. Now that Micayla will be 13 this year, their donation to Cuddles for Cleft will create 13 care packages for children who have had similar surgeries or those who are born with such conditions. The packages will contain bibs and a stuffed animal for the child and a journal for the parents.

The Happy Soul Project – Kick it Capes creates capes for children who have undergone surgery or are enduring health issues. Micayla has capes of her own because of that group, Vitella pointed out.

“We’re happy to bring awareness to local charities and give some light to them,” she said.

The $500 for herself will likely be devoted to doing

something for her family, Vitella added.

Micayla added “it’s a good thing that Libro does” as they are offering ways to help charities. The charities chosen by her mother help people and she added those served “are their own heroes and they can get through it with their own families.”

Laura Spencer, who founded the Happy Soul Project – Kick it Capes in memory of her son Maisyn, said they have created 7,000 capes since the group’s inception. They ship them all over the world, she said.

“This donation will definitely help us with the cost of shipping, materials and things like that,” said Spencer. “We get nominations for capes for kids going through anything. We have a stock of capes, but we also have a cape maker that will make specialty requests.” Donations to the Happy Sole Project – Kick it Capes can be made at www.happysoulproject.com. More information on Cuddles for Clefts can be found at www.cuddlesforclefts.com.

Fraud prevention seminar/luncheon being held in Amherstburg April 18

By Hailey Zimmerman

All segments of the population are getting hit by fraud.

“We have people coming in here who have fraud being committed against them who are 20-years-old, 50-years-old, 80-years-old. It doesn’t really matter, they are all getting hit by fraud,” says Tammy Affleck, community manager at the Amherstburg branch of Libro Credit Union.

To help protect citizens from fraud, Libro Credit Union is holding a fraud prevention presentation April 18 that will be presented by Affleck and her team. The presentation was collaborated by Libro Credit Union, Community Living Essex County, and the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment.

“We are seeing fraud so often, a large number of people in even one day. It is just so incredible that people are clicking on whatever on their phones and computers. We just want to make people aware of what’s out there, especially the grandparent scams which are really prevalent in our area right now,” says Affleck.

Affleck elaborates that in the presentation, some of the most important stuff to retain would simply be making sure your passwords are as protected as possible, and simply to watch who you are talking to online.

“We have had a couple of people come in who were actually on the phone talking to the fraudsters to remove cash from their accounts. We ask a lot of questions, and that is to protect our owners. They’re being told not to talk to professionals, not tell them what’s going on, and they still stay on the phone talking to the

fraudsters,” says Affleck.

The fraud prevention presentation will take place at the Amherstburg Community Services office at 320 Richmond St. in Amherstburg. The April 18 event starts at 12 noon. The presentation will take place in a luncheon fashion, with pizza.

People who wish to attend are asked to call at 519-736-5409 to register for the event. There is no fee to register or attend this presentation.

“Fraud happens at all banks, and we have been able to stop so many people from being taken advantage of. Those that have been on the phone with the fraudsters have been stopped by our branch staff. Others that have phoned in because it didn’t ‘feel right’ have had their online banking canceled immediately and did not suffer a loss. It is encouraging when we can prevent fraud and we would like to help our community become better protected,” finished Affleck.

Micayla and Eleonora Vitella (left) accept Eleonora’s $500 cheque as a prize Libro Credit Union offered in conjunction with Bright Lights Windsor. Making the presentation are Libro owner experience representatives Eric Learn and Skye Metz.

Libro community manager Tammy Affleck (second from left) joined Eleonora and Micayla Vitella in presenting a $325 cheque to the Happy Soul Project - Kick It Capes, represented by Laura Spencer (far left).

Eleonora Vitella (right) received $500 for herself and $500 for charity thanks to a Libro Credit Union contest with Bright Lights Windsor. She and daughter Micayla will donate $175 to Cuddles for Clefts. Community manager Tammy Affleck is in the centre.

Easter at the Mission

The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission celebrated Easter on Easter Monday with a complete meal, including ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, baked beans, broccoli and dessert. A total of 92 meals were served, both in-person and take-out, to the hungry crowd. Among the team of volunteers that helped serve the meal Monday afternoon were mission vice president Zainia Brockett, Victor Hall and president Tim McAllister.

RTT PHOTO BY RON GIOFU

Town council extends interim control bylaw, business owner expresses concerns

By Ron Giofu

A request to extend the interim control bylaw has been objected to by a business owner.

Joel Bezaire, owner of Townline Parking along North Townline Road, said he supports actions to develop industrial lands in the Howard Industrial land area, stating the town is fortunate to have such industrial lands in the Official Plan. He said checking MLS listings show there are no 50-plus acre industrial properties listed from here to Toronto.

“It’s clear how important these collection of properties are to the future of Amherstburg and Windsor-Essex

County,” he said.

The proposal to extend the interim control bylaw would prohibit development in the area until the secondary plan is completed, he told council. He said he interprets that as “Amherstburg is closed for business.”

“The mechanisms to control development are in place regardless of the interim control bylaw in my opinion,” said Bezaire. “The property in the Howard industrial park has been designated industrial in the Official Plan for the past 20 years.”

Bezaire questioned the necessity of the interim control bylaw and asked what message the extension sends to the world outside of Amherstburg. He

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asked if the bylaw extension would deter investment.

“Do we want to push investment away until August or possibly longer should another extension be requested in the summer?” said Bezaire. “Let’s avoid delays and red tape.”

Current measures are “control enough” and believes there is no need for an interim control bylaw.

Deputy CAO/director of development services Melissa Osborne believes the interim control bylaw is necessary because while the Official Plan identifies the lands as industrial, the zoning is agricultural for the most part.

“Anyone seeking to do industrial in that particular area would need to have a zoning bylaw amendment and bring it to council,” she said.

The interim control bylaw allows administration to ensure the area is studied “as a whole for highest and best use for that land” respecting that there are agricultural and residential uses in that area. Compatibility with lands is a factor, Osborne added.

The interim control bylaw also studies infrastructure issues to look at the

Council coverage

viability of the site.

Osborne added if a zoning bylaw amendment is needed, applications and consultation would also be needed and the process would take about five months. The interim control bylaw does not stop anyone from starting down that path, except administration would not bring it to council prior to Aug. 31 unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Councillor Linden Crain asked if there would be any business turned away, Osborne said she reached out to Invest Windsor-Essex and she was told by Stephen McKenzie that in his opinion, extending the bylaw until the end of August aligns with the completion date of the secondary plan for the area and does not send a message to potential investors that Amherstburg is not open for business. She added McKenzie believes “it sends a positive message that Amherstburg is conducting the necessary research to identify the highest and best use for developable lands” in the area.

Town council voted at the March 27 meeting to extend the interim control bylaw through Aug. 31.

As Amherstburg town council met Tuesday night this week due to the Easter Monday holiday, it means the meeting was held after this issue of the River Town Times went to press.

Stories from the meeting will be in next week’s issue.

Book Review

Y/N

By: Esther Yi

Your Name, stylized as Y/N, is a piece of complex literature written in a way that is pretentious and nonsensical, yet captivating and easy to devour simultaneously. This troubling and awe-inspiring novel delves into the mind of an obsessed, disturbed individual who finds herself enthralled by K-Pop superstar, Moon. An all-encompassing devotion to Moon begins the moment she lays eyes on him at a concert, inducing an inability to stand anything that is not Moon. When it is announced that he is taking a hiatus, our narrator finds herself compelled to travel to Seoul to find him.

Submitted by River Bookshop Staff - Bookseller Taylor

North Side Road resident seeks tar and chip for rural gravel roads

By Ron Giofu

A North Side Road resident continues to press for upgrades to gravel roads, including his own.

Lee Seguin is continuing to seek tar and chip for roads like his, or at the very least, a plan to get that type of work done. Seguin said his gravel road is graded, but the impacts are often temporary and that ruts, potholes and uneven surfaces quickly re-appear once again.

Seguin appeared before town council in January on the matter and said gravel was put on his roadway shortly thereafter. He said more attention is needed to his road, and others like it.

“It was a band aid,” he said.

Seguin said prior to the laying of gravel, the road had become almost a clay surface which became slick after it rained.

“It was a hazard,” he said. “It was clay mud.”

According to Seguin, there have been several accidents on the roadway in recent years including one that saw a vehicle enter a corral and strike a horse, another car head down an embankment and another that ended up in his front yard. Many of the accidents he identified happened in clear, dry weather conditions.

“That’s just in this little section,” he said, noting he lives between Concession 5 North and Concession 6 North. “It’s not a matter of if someone gets injured. It’s a matter of when.”

Speed is a factor, he stated, and would also like to see more radar patrols in that area.

Noting “this is also a major bus route,” Seguin said there are four buses that go down that road in the morning and again in the afternoon. He fears a bus could lose control one day and does not want to see that happen.

Seguin also cited issues with dust, stating trees in his front yard and vehicles are often covered with dust.

“It turns the trees brown because there is so much dust,” he said.

There would be better “bang for their buck” by making the road tar and chip, he believed, adding it will only become more expensive to do the longer it sits as gravel.

“I know it’s expensive,” said Seguin.

Seguin emphasized he has safety concerns and believed “gravel is a band aid.” He said he would like to see a plan for when roads such as his could get done, adding he would be disappointed yet understanding if other roads went ahead of North Side Road.

“Don’t do a band aid fix. Fix it properly,” he urged.

North Side Road is better in some years than others, depending on how much rain falls, he said. He questioned why the work wasn’t completed in 2006 when a bridge along that roadway was replaced. Another bridge, this one on Concession 5 North, is scheduled to be replaced soon and he worries that will lead to more traffic on North Side Road.

Seguin outlined many of those concerns when he appeared before town council in January, and council asked for a report to come back during budget deliberations. The report, authored by manager of roads and

fleet Eric Chamberlain, estimated the cost to tar and chip North Side Road between Concession 5 North and Concession 6 North at $198,000 over two years. To complete all 32.8 km of gravel roadways to tar and chip would cost the town just over $6.1 million, he further estimated.

“Prior to 2018, the Town would attempt to use the stone budget to spread stone on all of the roads each year. This practice did not replace the stone that was lost from dust and roll off from traffic. As a result, the gravel roads had depressed which caused berms along the roads. This caused water to be trapped at the surface resulting in major wheel ruts and potholes,” Chamberlain wrote in his report that went before council Feb. 21. “Since 2018, the Town has placed gravel on roads on a ‘more stone less often’ basis, meaning the Town will place the majority of the stone on selected roads on a rotation. The Town is through the first round of the fiveyear plan for gravel roads. Now, the plan is to reduce the time between rotation schedules.”

Chamberlain added: “In addition to the gravel stone budget, the Public Works budget includes $17,000 for dust control. The dust control consists of liquid brine that is applied to the gravel roads in the early summer and

provides dust control throughout the summer months. The dust control also provides strength to the road by causing the ground to dry out and causing the stone to stiffen. In rainy summers, the Town may require additional dust control due to the brine being removed by excessive water.”

The roads division has difficulty maintaining the roads in fall, winter and spring “due to the wet weather and lack of warm weather to dry the roads,” he stated.

Chamberlain pointed out the Municipal Act provides for the ability for a project to be undertaken as a local improvement. Should council ever vote to move forward with a gravel road conversion program, he recommended a consulting firm be hired to review traffic data and road conditions to prioritize the road projects.

“Windsor Police has provided information regarding the accidents on North Side Road between Concession 5 North and Concession 6 North from 2018, when Windsor Police began providing policing services for the Town. There was one accident over the five years. The accident involved two vehicles at the intersection of North Side Road and Concession 5 North,” Chamberlain said. “In addition to the accident information, Windsor Police reviewed the complaints generated through their online Road Watch and Traffic Complaints platform for North Side Road. Since 2018, there have been two complaints generated by residents for North Side Road.”

Mayor Michael Prue said council will look at road conditions regularly with a plan to look at gravel roads. He recalled that converting gravel roads would take about ten years, if council goes down that path, and anticipates a further report on the subject. He noted road contractors are busy preparing for the construction season, so it may be difficult to gather enough information in the short term, but added council could still debate it at the 2024 budget deliberations.

“That plan will come out. We have another six months before the next budget,” said Prue. “I will want to know what roads are being done.”

Prue added opinions on roads can vary, noting he has heard from residents along Concession 2 North that are “overjoyed” that road is getting upgraded this year.

North Side Road, seen here between Concession 5 North and Concession 6 North, has ruts, potholes and other issues which residents want fixed. Resident Lee Seguin wants to see a plan for the town to fix roads like this.

Tenders approved by town council for major planning studies

By Ron Giofu

Town council has approved a pair of tenders for upcoming planning policy studies.

Dillon Consulting Limited was approved for consulting services to help complete the Official Plan and zoning bylaw update for an amount not to exceed $213,240 plus HST. Consulting services for the Heritage Conservation District Study were awarded to MacNaughton Hermsen Britton Clarkson (MHBC) Planning Limited for an amount not to exceed $120,925 plus HST.

The studies and consultations will be funded by a previously approved $125,000 from the plans and studies reserve, $164,903 from the development charges – community based services administrative studies fund and an additional $88,450 from the plans and services reserve that was approved at the March 27 town council meeting.

“In November 2022, the planning team began to revisit the approach to updating the Official Plan, Zoning By-law, Heritage Conservation District and related studies. The Manager of Planning Services, in consultation with all members of the planning team and the Deputy CAO / Director of Development Services, determined that, with the continuing record level of planning applications and building permit reviews requiring the planning departments involvement, issuing a Request for Proposals is the recommended way forward to complete these Council directed initiatives,” stated urban design, community improvement and heritage planner Adam Coates. “At the February

13, 2023 council meeting, administration brought a report to council outlining the Major Planning Policy Studies which needed to be complete. This included the Official Plan & Zoning By-law update, and the Heritage Conservation District projects. These projects were identified as requiring specialised consultants to complete the work.”

Coates report added there is risk to not updating the Official Plan.

“Failure to review and update the Official Plan in accordance with the Planning Act places the Town in a position for non-compliance with the Planning Act and Provincial Policy Statement issued under section 3 of the Planning Act. Furthermore, Official Plans and Zoning By-laws that are outdated no longer accurately represent the desired land use policy direction for the community. These matters result in the Town facing more exposure to costly Ontario Land Tribunal hearings. The level of risk for the Town having outdated key land use policy documents is high,” Coates wrote. “There is moderate to high cultural risk associated with not completing a Heritage Conservation District Study, and adopting a Heritage Conservation District By-law. The Town of Amherstburg has a large number of properties on the Municipal Register that have ‘non-designated’ status. Legislative changes brought forward by the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 (Bill 23) has made significant amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act. Adopting a HCD By-law based on the findings of an external consultant that specialises in Heritage Conservation will allow the town to put in protective measures where they are justified and defensible.”

New members join ACF, new president takes over

scenes at the (Amherstburg Food and Fellowship) Mission, so I wanted to come out from behind the scenes and make an impact.”

D’Alessandro said she has been in other service organizations in the past, such as the Rotary Club, and is the current sales representative at the RTT. She said she believes in giving back to the community.

Wightman said there is still a vacancy on the board. She became president after Chris Gibb was elected as deputy mayor. Linden Crain also left the board when he was elected as a councillor. She thanked them both for their service, as she did for Dan Gemus, who also recently left the ACF board.

By Ron Giofu

The Amherstburg Community Foundation (ACF) has welcomed two new members and a new president is also at the helm.

Lori Wightman is the ACF’s new president while Paul McAllister and Laura D’Alessandro have joined the board as directors. The new members state they are looking forward to their new roles.

“For me, it’s something I paid attention to from the beginning of when the foundation was formed,” said McAllister.

McAllister said there are a lot of groups that have big goals, but the ACF achieves their ambitions and makes a difference in the community.

“It’s been impressive to see,” he said.

D’Alessandro said she didn’t know a lot about it at first, but looked into it and liked the work they did.

“When I got to know more about it, it filled a void that was missing in my life,” she said, adding the ACF is a professional group that helps a number of groups.

McAllister said he is passionate about the work the ACF does, and noted the organization is “projectbased.” There are a lot of experienced people on the board, he said.

“I’m born and raised and proud to be from Amherstburg,” he said. “I’ve always been behind the

“We feel we’ve been doing good work for Amherstburg,” said Wightman. “We don’t want to see that go away.”

Wightman said the ACF wants to be inspiring and inclusive and is pleased with the new additions to the board. The ACF is focusing on capital projects rather than helping with operational expenses and aim to helping organizations in need. One such project they recently funded was a new cooler at the mission, with McAllister helping his father – mission president Tim McAllister – in writing the grant before Paul was named to the board.

No specific fundraisers are in the works at the present time but the ACF board is working to come up with new initiatives.

“People are welcome to donate any time,” she said.

Wightman pointed out they are now helping to partner with the WindsorEssex Bike Community in fundraising for new mountain bike trails at the Libro Centre.

Coates added: “There is a moderate to high timing risk associated with the completion of the HCD. Many of the non-designated properties on the Heritage Register will be removed, as dictated by Bill 23 on January 1, 2025. The HCD study area captures 84% of the properties on the Register that have non-designated status. The planning services team will work closely with the successful proponent regarding the timing of the study, and measures will be put in place if the risk increases.”

Paul Donald Valleau

November 27, 1961 – April 6, 2023

Paul passed away peacefully at WRH Ouellette Campus at the age of 61. Loving son of Anita and Virgil (1994). Dear brother ofthe late David (2020), Susan (Ken) Taylor, Dan (MaryLou), Tim (Seng), Annette (Wayne) Stoehr, Patrick, Beth Wiese (Chris Belcher), and Cathy (Jennifer).

Uncle Paul will also be remembered by 13 nieces and nephews and 9 great nieces and nephews.

Paul worked many summers on Boblo Island in the Games Department. After high school, he started his career at Ford Motor Co and was a dedicated employee for more than 25 years.

Paul was an avid sports fan and an incredible athlete in his own right. At General Amherst he excelled at basketball, football and long-distance track and field. He played shortstop on a travel baseball team in his youth. He also enjoyed golfing with his friends and played in many tournaments over the years.

He was very social and had a great sense of humour. He will be remembered by the many friends he met over his lifetime.

Special thanks to Dr. Tarabain and nurse Alana from the 5th floor at WRH Ouellette Campus.

Visitation will take place at the James H Sutton Funeral Home, 401 Sandwich St. S., Amherstburg on Saturday, April 15 from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Cremation to follow.

In keeping with his love of sports, memorial donations may be made to Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, which helps enrich the lives of kids in need through sport and physical activity.

You may leave your condolences online at www.jhsuttonfuneral.ca

Book Review

The Firekeeper’s Daughter

By: Angeline Boulley

This YA novel is a slow-burn mystery set in Northern Michigan. Daunis is a high school athlete, sharing her life with her father’s Ojibwe family on the reservation and her mother in the city. When Daunis witnesses a murder, she decides to help with the investigation. The truths of the crime reveal that deceptions and dangers have been closer to home than she could have ever imagined. If Daunis can help solve this mystery, she can protect the community she loves - but it may also tear it apart.

New members have joined the Amherstburg Community Foundation with a new person in the president’s chair. Paul McAllister (left) and Laura D’Alessandro (centre) have joined the board with the new ACF president being Lori Wightman (right).

Kindergarten kids help the cause

“Dog Man” coming to town this weekend

By Hailey Zimmerman

Dog Man will be coming to River Bookshop to visit fans next week.

The latest installment Dog Man series released Dog Man book 11, Dog Man: Twenty Fleas Under the Sea on March 28. To celebrate the book release, Dog Man will be visiting River Bookshop April 15 and 16.

Dog Man will be “signing” books for the people in attendance with his paws. There will also be plenty of activities for the children in attendance such as coloring, drawing, many games, and also plenty of Dog Man activities. River Bookshop will also be handing out coloring sheets that will be entered in a raffle if they are brought back.

The book store will be handing out freebies to people in attendance who buy the book, like temporary tattoos, and exclusive comics.

“We have already had many customers who have come in for the Dog Man book, and have said they cannot wait to come back to our store for the event. There is already a good buzz surrounding this event, so I’m sure there will be a great turnout with the Dog Man fans,” says Meghan Desjardins from River Bookshop.

Desjardins also elaborates that there will be a free photo op for fans with Dog Man at the event.

The Dog Man series, written by author Dav Pilkey, targets the age

audience from 7-12. There is no registration necessary to attend this event, so anyone can show up as they please.

Dog Man will be in attendance on both the Saturday and the Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at River Bookshop at 67 Richmond St. For those interested in this event, more information can be found at riverbookshop.com, or at 226-906-8311. Everyone is welcome.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

A display of “Dog Man 11” books is pictured at River Bookshop in Amherstburg. Submitted photo

Good Friday procession

St. John the Baptist Church brought back the annual Good Friday procession. Things started inside the church before heading out, where the procession used Brock St., Richmond St., Ramsay St., Park St., Bathurst St. and Simcoe St. before returning to the church. Once back at St. John the Baptist Church, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ was acted out by volunteers. Stops were also made at Christ Anglican Church and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. The church’s Italian population are a driving force behind the procession.

RTT PHOTOS BY RON GIOFU

Wolves girls soccer team starts with 4-0 loss to Belle River

By Ron Giofu

The scoreboard may have listed last week’s senior girls soccer game as a loss for North Star High School, but the team is optimistic about the 2023 season.

The Wolves hosted a strong Belle River Nobles squad last Monday afternoon at the Libro Centre and came out on the short end of a 4-0 final score.

It was the opening match of the regular season for both Essex County high schools.

“I think we played well,” said North

Star coach Joe Ciliberto. “I think we made it tough on them.”

The Wolves are a young team this year, Ciliberto added, and he was able to get most of the players into the game against the Nobles.

“I’m super proud of them,” he said. “I know the wins are going to start to come.”

This year’s senior girls soccer team is also a fast team, Ciliberto stated, and they have a lot of talent in their own right.

They got some opportunities against

Belle River and Ciliberto looks forward to the Wolves starting to take advantage of them.

“We’re definitely team that is hard to play against,” Ciliberto added.

With it being a new school and a new team, Ciliberto believes it will take time to come together but predicted they will be able to do just that.

“I think we’re going to gel as a team,” he said.

North Star has a total of six regular season games this season, last week’s game being one of them. Four of the six games will be held at the Libro Centre.

The next game for the Wolves is this Thursday (April 13) at home against the visiting Essex Red Raiders.

The first of two road games for North Star will be April 20 in Kingsville before they return home April 25 for a match against the Cardinal Carter Cougars.

The second of the two road games for the Wolves is May 1 in Leamington against the Leamington Lions before wrapping up the season at the Libro Centre May 8 versus the Tecumseh Vista Academy Vortex. All games are at 4 p.m.

Boys soccer team debuts as North Star battles Kennedy to a 1-1 tie

By Ron Giofu

The first senior boys soccer game under the banner of North Star High School ended in a tie.

The Wolves went up against the visiting Kennedy Clippers last Wednesday afternoon at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. North Star started the game slowly and trailed 1-0 thanks to a goal from Kennedy’s Riley Poisson.

Fortunes improved for the North Star Wolves in the second half and they were able to tie the game thanks to a goal from Declan Veldhuis.

The Wolves have a total of six regular season games, including the 1-1 tie against Kennedy last Wednesday. All but one of North Star’s games will be at the Libro Centre.

The second game for the Amherstburg public high school will be this afternoon (April 12) at the Libro Centre against the Assumption Purple Raiders. They will then welcome Windsor Islamic to town April 17. After a week away from game action, the Wolves will battle the Walkerville Tartans April 24 in Amherstburg.

Their lone road game is April 26 against the Catholic Central Comets in a match that is scheduled to be played at Holy Names.

The regular season is set to conclude May 1 at the Libro Centre against Lajeunesse.

All games are scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

Gemma Goldman (right, foreground) heads upfield with the ball during North Star High School’s game against the Belle River Nobles last Monday at the Libro Centre. Belle River won 4-0.

Bianca Goncalves (24, right) battles for the ball during last Monday afternoon’s game with the Belle River Nobles. The Nobles won 4-0 but the North Star Wolves were happy wih their effort in the game.

RTT Photos by Ron Giofu

North Star’s Colin Hebert heads the ball down the field during last Wednesday afternoon’s game against Kennedy (above). Evon Brockett Jr. is knocked off balance as he goes for the ball in the same 1-1 tie against the visiting Clippers (right).

Simon inducted into Agricultural Hall of Fame

Continued from Page 1

“One of his favorite moments is when a local pilot had to make a sudden landing in his field behind his house. It was a wet year and the plane got stuck. Anthony was able to use his antique D2 Caterpillar and pull the plane to safety. Anthony’s pure generosity on helping others is one of the main reasons he deserves this award.”

Simon told the River Town Times he is proud to have his photo hang with the other inductees at the Harrow Agricultural Building.

“I’ve looked up to most of them,” he said.

Simon said he didn’t know of the honour last December but started receiving questions from his daughter Molly Allaire, the latter now a town councillor, and then learned of the honour in January.

“(Essex County Steam and Gas Engine Museum president) Gary Struhar from the club told me what was going on,” he said. “I was surprised they would want me there.”

Simon said his family’s involvement with the museum dates back to when it was located at Heritage Village in Essex in the early 1990’s. That has continued since the club moved to its present location at Co-An Park in McGregor, recalling when he helped level off stone to build the museum’s first building there.

“We volunteer when we can,” said Simon. “We have volunteered since day one in McGregor. It’s

a good hobby for a lot of people.”

Describing himself as “not a limelight person,” Simon added he was proud to be inducted this year.

Farming is something Simon said he has always enjoyed.

“There’s just something about it,” he said. “Harvesting good crops is enjoyable. I enjoy a good harvest. I enjoy looking at a nice crop.”

Crops that Simon currently grows include mainly corn, soybeans and wheat. He used to grow a lot of alfalfa hay for the horseracing industry. He plans on continuing to farm for the foreseeable future.

“I’m 64-years-old,” he said. “Most farmers don’t look at retirement at 60 or 65. As long as I’ve got my health, I’ll keep going for a few more years.”

Farming is an industry that is tight-knit, he indicated. If another farmer has a question or needs help with a piece of equipment, other farmers would assist.

“One thing about farming, at least old school guys like us, we get along with each other and help each other out,” he said. “You don’t see that in too many other occupations.”

Simon said he was surrounded by his family at the Essex County Agricultural Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

“My whole family was there,” he said. “It made me proud.”

Amherstburg Library celebrating

110th birthday this week

By RTT Staff

The Amherstburg Library is turning 110-years-old this week. Activities are planned by the Essex County Library to commemorate the milestone, with events starting today (April 12). An open house will be held at the Amherstburg Library starting at 4 p.m., followed by local author Meg Reiner to speak about her book “Heritage Buildings of Amherstburg” at 6 p.m.

On Thursday, the local library presents “Baby Storytime” at 9:30 a.m. Park House Museum curator Stephanie Pouget-Papak will present “Little House on Dalhousie,” a talk about the history of the museum at 2 p.m.

On Friday, there will be a presentation from Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) at 10 a.m. That talk will promote their services and activities.

Saturday’s activities will include “Happy Birthday Amherstburg Library!” at 2 p.m. Games, treats and activities will be presented and while that event is geared to children ages 4-10, all are welcome. All events are free.

With April being National Poetry Month, the public is also invited to “Create-A-Poem” at the Amherstburg branch. People are invited to stop at the Amherstburg Library and create a poem or two using the library’s “basket of words” as a guide.

For more, visit www.essexcountylibrary.ca or call 226-946-1529 ext. 246.

The Amherstburg Library is at 232 Sandwich St. S., at the corner of Richmond St.

Boiler s Plumbing Plus

Announcements

Happy 98th Birthday Veronica Laing

The Family celebrated their beloved Mother’s birthday with an open house on Easter Sunday. She is loved and admired by her many Children, Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren and Great-Great-Grandchildren.

Happy 70thAnniversary

Ted & Adeline Kuzniar

~ Married April 18, 1953 ~

Love, your family

Remembering a Dear Husband, Dad, Grandpa & Great-Grandpa

John Mayville

January 14, 1941 - April 12, 2006

Time Passes, Memories Stay

Loved and Remembered Every Day.

Love – Mary Lou, Dave, Kathy, Kelly, Mike, Mitch, Taelor, Brett, Brooke, Madison, Kate & Trevor

Happy 50th Anniversary SAL &

ALBA

~April 14, 1973~

Congratulations to you both! With much love, Angela & John Riolo, Manuela & Richard Meloche, Loredana & Gareth Knocker and all your grandkids.

$15

RUMMAGE SALE ST. ANDREWS

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

- 129 Simcoe St. Amherstburg. Friday, April 28 – 10:00 – 4:00. Saturday, April 29 – 9:00 – 2:00. Come find your treasure! Great pricesladies, men’s, childrens clothing, housewares, books and so much more. Something for everyone! If you wish to donate items call 519-995-6957 before April 26 to arrange pick up.

RENOVATIONS & REPAIRS

WITH OVER 30 YEARS of renovation and construction experience I can ensure your project is completed professionally, correctly and with pride. Locally owned & operated. www.renovisions.ca Steve 519-300-0961.

WANTED

VINTAGE GOLF CLUBS

- Vintage wood head woods, irons with wood or metal shafts. Also golf bags. Very old only please. Call or text 519-567-4446.

At this time, classifieds are only being accepted by emailing sales@ rivertowntimes.com and payment is only being accepted by VISA/MASTERCARD

FOR SALE

28’ 2010 EDGEWATER

CAMPER - 5 new tires.

$17,000 firm. Call Albert at 226-759-4048.

LAND FOR SALE

14 ACRES OF RENTED

FARMLAND, 2 houses; one with 3 bdrm, another 2 bdrm. Lifetime roofs. County Rd. 34. NO REAL ESTATE. Private sale only. Must see, it’s beautiful. Call 519-961-9614.

FOR RENT

LARGE QUIET BRIGHT Bachelor - ensuite bathroom, kitchen, private entrance, hydro/laundry/ fees+. No smoking, no pets. Call 226-345-5719.

APT FOR RENT

CASA BLANCA & BELLA Vista 365-369 Dalhousie.

Large, clean, quiet with security entrance. Laundry, patio or balcony, stainless steel appliances, parking. Centrally located to all amenities. Starting at $1395 utilities included. Call to view 519-995-1565.

$25

PEST CONTROL AND WILD ANIMAL CONTROL

DELINE’S SERVING AMHERSTBURG since 1988. Call 519-736-2448.

WANTED TO BUY SELLING YOUR GOLD SILVER JEWELRY ALL Coins? ** Locally Owned* 55 Years of “SATISIFIED CUSTOMERS” FREE ESTIMATES NO OBLIGATION Saturday, April 22 at K of C Hall, 190 Richmond St. Amherstburg. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Private Appointments FREE ESTIMATES Buying + Selling ALL Gold +Silver JEWELRY Even some Costume Any Gold(even teeth) **OLD COINS Canada USA World War Costume Jewelry War Medals Windup Watches Mint sets House Locally Owned* 55 Years of “SATISIFIED CUSTOMERS” Dan Jones B.A.B.Ed. 519-818-1805.

Community Calendar

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12

ESSEX COUNTY FIELD

NATURALISTS CLUB MEETS every second Wednesday of the month, except for November, at Ojibway Nature Center. Next meeting April 12th, at 7:30 p.m. at Ojibway Center, 5200 Matchette Rd. Carole Donaldson & Howard Williams will present “A Personal Journey: From Rocks to Wildflowers.” Carole and Howard will present a photographic journey from New Zealand to Nova Scotia and Ontario illustrating their current obsession with wildflowers. All are welcome. Free to public.

SATURDAY, APRIL 15 & 22

E-WASTE & ALUMINUM APRIL

Ronald BaRRette

January 13, 1952 - April 10, 2019

It has been four long years since you left. I love and miss you every day. ♥

Forever in my heart, Josie

RECYCLING EVENTS; Monseigneur Augustin Caron (MAC) School will be holding two 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at MAC, located at 8200 Matchette Rd school parking lot. Residents of Windsor and Essex County are invited to bring their used, old, broken, and unwanted electronics and aluminum beverage cans on both days. Residents can drop off items such as computers/ laptops, VCRs, DVD players, printer/ fax machines, phones, cell phones, radios, TVs, microwaves, toasters, hair dryers and electric toothbrushes. The following items will not be accepted: CDs, DVDs, VHS Tapes, Floppies or cases, Glass –blender cups, coffee glass, light bulbs in lamps, Lithium batteries, Fridges, air conditioners (i.e., nothing with Freon), Laundry appliances, stoves.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19

ESSEX ONTARIO ANCESTORS

WEBINAR; April webinar being held at 7:00 p.m. Topic is “British Home

Children in Essex County” and the speaker is Jayne Foster. Free and open to everyone. Visit https://essex.ogs. on.ca for Zoom link to register.

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

EARTH DAY FAMILY EVENT - Held at Bryerswood Youth Camp, 6480 Texas Road, from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Tree planting, solar cooking, electric vehicles, scavenger hunt, local exhibitors, food truck, games and more. Everyone welcome. For information, visit www.bryerswood. com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

PURPLE MARTIN ASSOCIATION

MEETING - The Ontario Purple Martin Association will meet at 9:00 a.m. at Orchard View Golf Course, 1357 County Road 34, Ruthven.  This is a great way to learn more about these amazing birds.  There is an active martin colony here that will be used to demonstrate our martins and some housing options. The public is welcome. Call Paul at 519-738-3476 for more information.

FRI., APRIL 28 & SAT., APRIL 29

RUMMAGE SALE - Held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 129 Simcoe St. (at Bathurst St.), in Amherstburg. Runs 10:00 a.m.4:00 p.m. April 28 and 9:00 a.m.2:00 p.m. April 29. Come find your treasure! Great prices - ladies, men’s, children clothing, housewares- books and so much more.  Something for everyone!  If you wish to donate items, call 519-995-6957 before April 26 to arrange pick-up.

SATURDAY, APRIL 29

Jane’s Walk; Windsor Jane’s Walk 2023 will take place in Essex County from April 28 - 30 and in Windsor from May 5 - 7. April 29 will feature an entire day of walks in Amherstburg! Free event. The link for the schedule is windsorjaneswalk.ca Amherstburg walks are “Boats in the Burg” – 9:00 a.m. - led by the Meg and Kara of the Marsh Collection; Look Again: Outside Amherstburg - 10:45 a.m. -  led by Sophie Hinch of Art Windsor Essex; Structures with Stories: Built Heritage in Downtown Amherstburg – 1:00 p.m. - led by Meg Reiner; Heritage at Risk: The Importance of Designation, HCDs and Advocacy - 2:15 p.m. - led by Tammy Dewhirst and St. Clement Church Tour (McGregor) – 4:00 p.m. - led by church volunteers.

SATURDAY, MAY 6

OUTDOOR VENDORS SHOWHeld at the Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Museum, located at Co-An Park in McGregor (11081 Concession 11). Runs from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Any vendors interested in participating can call 519-726-0606 or visit www. essexsteamandgasengine.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 6

DETROIT RIVER WALLEYE

CLASSIC - Takes place at Gil Maure Park in LaSalle (Laurier & Front Road). Presented by the LaSalle Firefighters Association in partnership with Belfor Property Restoration and Sterling Ridge Group Inc. Boats are encouraged to arrive by water for registration as parking is limited. Cash prizes for winners. For more info, visit www.detroitriverwalleyeclassic.com.

“Easter Egg-Stravaganza” draws children to the Libro Centre

By Ron Giofu

Children got into the Easter spirit in a variety of ways last weekend at the Libro Centre.

The Town of Amherstburg’s recreation department presented a new event last Saturday with local families turning out to enjoy crafts, games, and a picture with the Easter Bunny.

“This is our first annual Easter Egg-Stravaganza,” explained Kristen Saunders, supervisor of recreation, programming and events. “This is our first year coming back out of COVID. We haven’t had an event since the pandemic.”

Saunders pointed out there has been an Easter Egg Hunt staged in years past but town recreation staff decided to switch it up this year. She said last Saturday’s event included the “turf tots” program, crafts, treats, the Easter Bunny, games and a variety of activities spread over not only the turf field, but the community rooms at the Libro Centre.

While the Easter Egg Hunt was popular in the past, it was a quick activity where children went onto the outdoor turf football field, collected as many chocolate Easter eggs as they could and departed. Saunders believed the current format allows for children to stay longer, have additional activities to do with no allergy concerns.

“It’s a little bit more of an inclusive event,” she said. People can also come and go as they please, Saunders added, as they can attend at a time that is convenient to them and attend multiple times if they desired.

Early feedback was positive, Saunders indicated, and said the two volunteers and town recreation staff that assisted in running the event would likely be gathering additional comments and suggestions for future years.

“This is the format going forward,” she said. Saunders believed the event had “a good flow” to it and staff may see where to add or what to change in future years.

“It’s a good crowd,” said Saunders, noting the younger children were coming in first. “It’s a free event.”

Discover our Challenging Golf Course, Modern RV Facility iscover Modern RV Di Disiscocovover er and The 19th at Wildwood Eatery and Banquet room an and nd

Relaxing atmosphere, peaceful country setting & a beautifully enhanced 18 hole executive course

• Great Snowbird location

• Only 25 minutes from Windsor/Detroit Ambassador Bridge

• 5 Star rated • Big Rigs welcomed

• Surrounded by great shoppiing, dinin & g area attractions

Discover our Challenging Golf Course and the 19th at Wildwood Eatery

Relaxing atmosphere, peaceful country setting and a beautifully enhanced 18 hole executive course.

• Banquet room availablef e for any type of celebration

• Known for our Genuine Broaster Chicken Thursday Specials and Fish Friday’s

RESTAURANT OPEN 11:00 AM TO 7:00 PM

If you are lo oki ng f or a seasonal RV Resor t that de l ivers equal par ts of l ife and st yle, we’ve got what you’re lo oki ng f or.

NOTICE OF THE PASSING OF AN INTERIM CONTROL BY-LAW EXTENSION BY THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF AMHERSTBURG

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg passed By- law No. 2023-048 on the 27th day of March, 2023, under Section 38(2) of the Planning Act, R.S.O., 1990, c.P. 13, as amended.

AND TAKE NOTICE that Council has the authority to extend the period during which By- law 2022-111 will be in effect to a total period not to exceed two (2) years.

AND TAKE NOTICE that Council has approved a five (5) month extension of By-law 2022- 111 to expire on August 31st, 2023,

AND TAKE NOTICE any person or public body who was given notice of the passing of a by-law under subsection (2) may, within 60 days after the date of the passing of the by-law, appeal to the Tribunal.

An explanation of the purpose and effect of the By-law and a key map showing the location of the lands to which the By-law applies is provided below.

The complete By-law No. 2023-048 is available for review in the Planning offices and on the Town website https://www. amherstburg.ca/en/town-hall/Planning-Notices.aspx

DATED at the Town of Amherstburg this 3rd day of April, 2023.

Explanation of Purpose and Effect of By-law No. 2022-111

The purpose of the interim control by-law (ICBL) is to prohibit new industrial development in the Howard Industrial Park District Secondary Plan Area until such time as the Howard Industrial Park District Secondary Plan is completed. The estimated timeline for completion of the Secondary Plan, including review by the Approval Authority (County of Essex) is March 31, 2023. As such, upon approval of the Secondary Plan Administration will recommend the removal of the ICBL for the area.

Explanation of Purpose and Effect of By-law No. 2023-048

The purpose of the extension of the interim control by-law (ICBL) is to extend the expire date of By-law 2022-111 to August 31, 2023.

Christopher Aspila Manager of Planning Services Town of

Lance Lee meets the Easter Bunny last Saturday at the “Easter Egg-Stravaganza” held at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg.

Tina Walsh and her son Myles enjoy some crafts that were part of the “Easter Egg-Stravaganza” event last Saturday at the Libro Centre.

Jack Jones, 2, balances a ball on a spoon.

Twenty-two-month-old Olivia Peixe plays on the slide during the “Easter Egg-Stravaganza” event.

Talk the Burg is an online tool for residents to provide feedback on current projects. Talktheburg.ca

Enjoy your weekend in NATURE Spend some time OUTDOORS!

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