Teamwork, collaboration at core of warden’s luncheon address

By Ron Giofu

The warden of the County of Essex gave the annual address at the Warden’s Luncheon last week and working together was a common theme.

Warden Hilda MacDonald spoke to a packed hall at the Ciociaro Club last Thursday afternoon where she gave a bit of her background and what her and county council’s goals are going forward. The event was presented by the WindsorEssex Regional Chamber of Commerce (WERCC).

“The talent, passion and ingenuity in this room is inspiring,” said MacDonald, who is the first female warden in Essex County history.

MacDonald is also the mayor of Leamington, having been first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. She also spent a term as her municipality’s deputy mayor and two terms as a councillor. She called the luncheon a “gathering of friends” and said they look forward with working with its partners.

“Success requires teamwork and strong partnerships,” she said, “which we are fortunate to have in abundance in Windsor-Essex.”

The county won’t always agree with their partners, such as Windsor, but she pledged they will work collaboratively with them for the betterment of the region. She also thanked provincial and federal representatives for being available to hear the county’s concerns and advocate on the county’s behalf.

“We could not achieve our goals without the backing and input of our business community,” she stated.

MacDonald pointed out she was once a small business owner, telling the crowd of over 300 people “I stand before you as someone who knows the courage and conviction it takes to own and operate a business.” She said when she was a small business owner in Leamington, she was part of a larger business community, and they were stronger when united. MacDonald added she knows what it is like to deal with suppliers, employees, bills and profits.

From there, she entered the world of municipal politics. Telling the crowd, she was not suggesting they should all run for politics, MacDonald said she applauds them for being involved and making the region strong.

“If I didn’t have a business, I don’t think I’d be here today,” said MacDonald.

MacDonald also highlighted some of the region’s accomplishments and ongoing projects. She said the Conference Board of Canada’s forecast calls for the region’s economy to expand this year at nearly twice the national rate. One of the projects that factored into it was the ongoing construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, something MacDonald noted took years of advocacy and planning. She pointed out it is expected to be open by 2025.

“Not only will it be a key border crossing between Canada and the United States, but it is also resulting in millions of dollars of community investments in Windsor-Essex and Detroit,” she said. “It’s fantastic to see the bridge taking shape, with the towers on either side. It’s a reality. It’s important!”

Construction of the new Windsor-Essex mega-hospital is expected to begin in 2026, MacDonald added, with “detailed planning now underway.”

“The County of Essex is strongly committed to seeing this project through,” she said, noting there is $6.36 million in the county’s 2023 budget towards the reserve for the hospital project. That amount brings the overall total to over $40 million that Essex County has set aside.

“The new hospital will attract the best and brightest in the field of medicine to our region,” she predicted.

MacDonald also touched on the new NextStar Energy battery plant that is to be built in east Windsor. She noted the impact that will have on the county as well, pointing out the County of Essex is preparing for it with a “massive multiyear project in the County Road 42 corridor that will open that area up for traffic to the new battery plant and spinoff developments.”

The County of Essex has spent more than $50 million in that area since 2010 and there are almost $350 million in projects either underway or in planning.

“These three mega-projects are fueling tremendous excitement and growth for our region,” said MacDonald. “But the County of Essex is preparing for more.”

The warden stated the county’s population is growing as the economy continues to expand. Over the next 30 years, the county’s population is expected to grow between 268,000-315,000, which translates into 2,300-3,900 per year. The average over the last 15 years was 1,040 new people.

The number of jobs in the county is also expected to grow, she added, from 72,000 to between 107,000-124,000 by 2051.

“That’s an astonishing rate of growth that will require anywhere from 990 to 1,430 households per year,” said MacDonald. “The county needs to manage that growth smartly to ensure we maximize our economic opportunities while preserving our commitment to the environment and quality of life issues that make Essex County such an attractive place to live.”

The county is creating its first-ever strategic plan, she added, and hopes to have it completed later this year. She said it will show the county’s vision and help business owners “make smart decisions about investing in Essex County.”

In the meantime, the county wants to clear away “unnecessary red tape” and allow businesses to thrive in the region.

Noting that Essex County is comprised of “seven strong municipalities” that work together, MacDonald added she has been impressed by the “diversity of experience and knowledge around our council table.” Decisions are being made in the best interests of the region, she noted.

Deputy Warden Joe Bachetti also gave an address. Bachetti, also the deputy mayor of Tecumseh, noted county council has invested in its road network to the tune of $43.6 million this year to increase road capacity. Another $19.7 million road rehabilitation projects and $5.2 million in the County Wide Active Transportation System (CWATS) have been invested.

Bachetti also chairs the Essex County Library Board and encouraged residents to get their library cards, noting he is also proud of the “creative ways our staff launched new programs and activities” as they re-opened to in-person visits. He also praised the work of Essex-Windsor EMS and the Sun Parlour Home, noting the “tremendous pressures” both endured during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The county has been steadfast in support of our frontline workers and the public they serve, and we appreciate their ongoing dedication to their profession and our community,” he said.

Stating “Team Essex County is in the house,” MacDonald also welcomed the other county mayors.

Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue noted the growth the region is experiencing and welcomed more to Amherstburg. That includes industrial growth, noting there are lands on the former General Chemical property and in the Smith Industrial Park area that can be developed.

“We’ve been told we have the most industrial land, including Windsor, in all of Windsor-Essex,” said Prue. Amherstburg relies heavily on tourism, Prue added, noting there are a number of historical amenities and museums, along with parks like the King’s Navy Yard Park to enjoy. He pointed out the recent “Municipality of the Year” award from Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO). There is a “vibrant downtown with many new businesses,” hundreds of new homes and multiple new apartments being built. He also touted the recent filming of the CBC show “Still Standing” in Amherstburg.

“From tourism initiatives to commercial and industrial development; from major residential expansion to working on housing and homelessness solutions, the seven municipalities are working together to strengthen our regional economy while working to enhance our natural features and, in the process, maintain and improve the quality of life for all residents,” said MacDonald. “We can’t do it alone. We want to work with you, our partners –business, financial, legal, development, community organizations and political partners. There is strength in numbers. There is success in partnerships. There is value in collaboration.”