Gas tax revenues to be used to fund transit service in 2023

Councillor Linden Crain wanted to know if provincial gas tax funding could be delayed until the two-year pilot project ends or whether it should be done now. Manager of engineering Todd Hewitt said it could be put off but it is money that helps support the transit system.

“By approving it now in principle, we can apply for that gas tax revenue which I believe is approximately $113,000,” Hewitt told council at the most recent meeting.

If the town doesn’t apply for the gas tax funding, the cost of paying for the transit system would come from taxation, he indicated.

By RTT Staff

Transit Windsor will continue to operate in Amherstburg this year with gas tax funding to help pay for it.

Approximately 3,348 riders have used the service since September, when the transit service was launched. It runs three times per day between Windsor and Amherstburg. The previous town council approved a two-year transit service pilot project at the May 24, 2022 meeting with weekdays and weekends included year-round. As part of that motion, an estimated expenditure of $200,000 and $150,000 was approved as a first charge to the 2023 and 2024 operating budgets for the pilot project.

Moving forward with using gas tax for 2023 was approved at the March 13 town council meeting.

Rita Beaudoin,(nee Beneteau)

Reunited with her beloved husband of 55 years, Neil (2006), March 17, 2023, at the age of 95.

Loving mother of Beverly (Jack) Coleman, Douglas (Doreen) Beaudoin, Brian (Laura) Beaudoin, and Charles (Elizabeth) Beaudoin.

Dear grandmother to Robert (Elisabeth), Victoria (Phil), Sarah (Shawn), Steven (Jaclyn), Lyndsay (Ryan), Kimberly (Sylvain), Kelly (Justin), Michael, Jessica (Jeff), Andrew (Chelsey), Mark, Melissa (Tim). Loving great-grandmother of 16 great-grandchildren. She was survived by her sister Dorothy (Albert) Simone.

Rita wasn’t just an amazing Mom, she was an amazing homemaker. She raised four children, help with the farm and pick the milk weeds or whatever else needed tending to, she looked after the cooking, cleaning and all of the other home making duties but still found the time to make her famous home-made apple pies, and donuts.

All of those wonderful qualities that made her an amazing Mom are also some of the qualities that made her the perfect wife for her late husband Neil. Neil and Rita had such a strong love, the kind of love that makes them want to spend all their free time together. Friday nights together bowling and Saturday nights together out dancing together, they shared a love for music.

Traveling was another passion they shared and they enjoyed together as well. They were off to Florida two months of the year, Hawaii, East and west coast, Montanna, Alaska, Mexico, Europe, Nashville etc. They enjoyed bus tours together. They were a perfect match. A great team. Having a competitive edge about her, Rita really enjoyed playing Eucher at the K of C in River Canard, and also enjoyed a good game of BINGO from time to time. She will be dearly missed by many relatives and friends.

Friends will be received at the JAMES H. SUTTON FUNERAL HOME, 401 Sandwich St. S., Amherstburg (519-736-2134), Tuesday, March 21, 2023 from 2p.m.5p.m. and 7p.m. - 9p.m. with Parish Prayers at 4:30p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at St. Clement Church, 9567 County Rd 11, McGregor. Interment to follow at St. John the Baptist Cemetery.

In kindness, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

Share a memory or sign the Book of Condolence at www.jhsuttonfuneral.ca

“Applying now doesn’t mean we’re locked into a transit system forever. All it does is say council endorses this transit system and is committing the associated funds so they can move forward and that way we can make ourselves eligible for the gas tax,” said Hewitt.

Mayor Michael Prue said the previous council endorsed the pilot project but the town isn’t getting any money.

“By doing this, we’re getting $113,000 per year for our pilot,” said Prue.

Councillor Diane Pouget wanted to know if the town could still get out of the agreement with Transit Windsor if the service is shown not to be feasible. CAO Valerie Critchley indicated town council can opt out of the service at the end of the pilot project if they so choose.

Councillor Peter Courtney said he would love more detailed information and “day by day evaluations” in case town council wanted to “tweak” the service.

Darryl Bondy

It is with great sorrow that I announce the sudden passing of my son Darryl Bondy.

Son of George Bondy and the late June Bondy. Brother to Kristopher and wife Kim. Dear uncle to Nathen. He will be lovingly remembered & missed.

Catherine “Anne” Cohen (formerly Bodkin) (nee Wilson)

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Anne Cohen after a lengthy and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s on March 19, 2023 at 85 years of age. Survived by her husband Jerry. Loving and devoted Mom of Stephen Bazinski (Anna) and Angela Schipper (Pete). Cherished grandma of Andrew Bazinski (Madeleine), Nathan Bazinski (Katie) and Brianna Schipper. Dear stepmom of Randy “Joe” Bodkin and Lynn Bodkin (Jim). Predeceased by her parents, Norman Wilson (1973), and Phyllis Wilson (1999) and her former husband George Bodkin (1988). Anne had many accomplishments. As the leader of Caring Friends, she spearheaded efforts to visit people who had suffered brain diseases and others who have suffered some type of brain injury. Through her involvement with Caring Friends, Anne was the recipient of multiple recognitions and awards such as the Queens Jubilee Medal, the Amherstburg Citizen of the Year Award (1999) and the Canada 150 Volunteer Award.

A special thank you to the Alzheimer’s Society of Windsor/Essex and the numerous healthcare professionals who cared for Anne throughout the years.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Windsor/Essex, the Humane Society of Windsor/Essex or the Amherstburg Food & Fellowship Mission would be appreciated by the family.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial visitation Saturday March 25, 2023 from 10:30 am until the time of the Memorial Service at 11 am at Families First, 585 Sandwich St. S, Amherstburg (519-969-5841).

Share memories, photos or make a donation at www.FamiliesFirst.ca