River Town Times May 31, 2023

Ride for Dad draws hundreds of motorcycles

The Motorcycle Ride for Dad rolled into Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 Sunday morning (left). Over 500 bikes came to town. They also stopped at Colchester Bar & Grill before finishing back in Amherstburg at Wolfhead Distillery.

BY RON GIOFU

Both Prior and Cristofanilli say they have participated in most of the events since it was founded locally in 2005 and have been committee members for about a decade. They pointed out the proceeds from the Motorcycle Ride for Dad benefit prostate cancer research.

“Every dollar raised stays local,” said Cristofanilli.

Prior said they saw some familiar faces participate in the Motorcycle Ride for Dad but added “it’s always nice to see new faces as well.”

“Every year, we’re overwhelmed with the public support,” said Prior.

By Ron Giofu

The Motorcycle Ride for Dad rolled through Amherstburg Sunday with a pair of local stops.

After leaving Thunder Road Harley Davidson in Windsor, the first stop on the ride was at Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157. Over 500 motorcycles stopped in with riders and passengers enjoying a barbecue at the branch before heading off to the second stop, the Colchester Bar & Grill.

The third and final stop was at Wolfhead Distillery where prizes were awarded, top donors recognized and where ride participants enjoyed a meal.

James Prior and John Cristofanilli, both members of the local Motorcycle Ride for Dad organizing committee, were pleased with how things turned out.

“It’s obviously an awesome day,” said Prior.

Hotel setback approved

By Ron Giofu

The new boutique hotel on Dalhousie St. is one step closer to reality after town council approved a request to setback relief.

After three hours of debate at the May 23 meeting, Amherstburg town council approved the request from Black Dog Entertainment to have the rear setback at 256 Dalhousie St. reduced to zero. While the vote was obviously pleasing to the proponents and their supporters, opponents voiced anger and frustration at the same time with many opponents being from the neighbouring Salmoni Condominiums at 252 Dalhousie St.

Voting in favour were Mayor Michael Prue, Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb, Councillor Don McArthur and Councillor Linden Crain. Opposed were Councillor Diane Pouget, Councillor Peter Courtney and Councillor Molly Allaire.

The ride was a mix of younger and older people as well as men and women, Prior added.

“All are welcome and we’re happy to have them,” he stated.

Cristofanilli said people are becoming more and more aware of prostate cancer and word-of-mouth has helped the event grow over the years. He said the more the word gets out, the more the event will be successful.

As part of their stop at the Legion, incoming president Ernie Gazdig and member Jim Jariett presented the Motorcycle Ride for Dad representatives with a cheque for $1,000. Gazdig said the Legion dug deep to help out and the money came through fundraisers that are held throughout the year, and are separate from other funds the Legion has such as the Poppy fund.

The money raised through community events are put back into the community, Gazdig added.

Continued on Page 8

Prue cast the tie-breaking vote after the rest of council had deadlocked the voting. Prue said he had “mixed feelings” about the request coming into the meeting due to the feelings of the Salmoni Condo owners and others who didn’t want the downtown to change.

A big issue for Prue coming in was about where to put the garbage and the grease from the restaurant that is planned for the proposed boutique hotel. He added he listened to the issue over fire safety, which brought much discussion as part of the overall debate, as that was a major concern as well.

Prue said he listened to discussions from Black Dog Entertainment, owned by Richard and Colleen Peddie, around composting their garbage and called composting “the wave of the future.” Grease, if there is any, would be pumped out two or three times per year.

“I don’t have any concern with that,” said Prue. Reducing the setback to zero has only been approved previously for the Queen Charlotte Condominiums but 36 per cent of older buildings in the downtown core are close to having zero setbacks themselves.

Continued on Page 2

RTT PHOTOS

Incoming Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 president Ernie Gazdig (left) and veteran Jim Jariett (right) present a $1,000 cheque to Motorcycle Ride for Dad committee members James Prior and John Cristofanilli.

Town council passes setback request for hotel by 4-3 vote

There is a parking study underway, the mayor continued, and he suggested that could include more parking spaces if such things are done including more one-way streets and having angle parking. Traffic can be busy, he acknowledged, but didn’t think there are any traffic jams in Amherstburg.

“Anyone who thinks there are traffic jams in this town have never been to a bigger town,” said Prue. “There are no traffic jams in this town.”

Prue added it all comes down to economic development, and that was his priority in the last municipal election. He believed the town needs more commercial and industrial uses so taxes remain low and the town remains prosperous. He said if the town’s economy grows, youth can get jobs locally and stay in Amherstburg.

The proposed hotel will allow for accessible places to stay, he added.

“That’s very, very important,” he said.

Prue acknowledged it was a difficult decision and believed it will end up in front of the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), which takes it out of the town’s hands anyway. He said he has never seen such an emotional issue dropped without appeal and if this issue does end up at the OLT, the town would have to hire a lawyer and planner to explain the planning rationale if it had been turned down.

“I can understand the emotion on my colleague’s faces when they listened to the people from the Salmoni building and others and their pleas but it is not a planning rationale,” said Prue.

Gibb believed when it is all said and done, council will have little say in the matter as he predicted the matter will end up before the OLT. He said he was

sympathetic to the residents’ concerns but didn’t believe it would be an issue for the OLT. He added the town has to be in the best legal position possible in case of an appeal.

The deputy mayor added “this is going to be decided by an upper level of government and we will have to accept their decision.” Having a third party review it would be “a good thing,” he said, adding the cost to defend their decision will be high but it will be higher if it is overturned. He didn’t believe reasons for rejecting the request would stand up at an OLT hearing.

The request satisfies the Official Plans of the county and town, downtown revitalization plan and the Ontario Building Code, he said, adding “we live in a province with a provincial government that is very development friendly.” He added

other businesses in the area don’t provide parking so didn’t see that as a reason to turn down the request.

Crain said the town wants a hotel “and has waited far too long for it.” If the request would be turned down, Crain believed that would send a negative message to other developers who would take their money and go elsewhere. Crain said Black Dog Entertainment invests their own money into Amherstburg by choice and cited other projects that he believed have benefitted the town.

Crain also hoped this hotel would “spark” Amico in getting started with their hotel, which is proposed for the corner of Gore St. and Dalhousie St. He added the request is in line with the Official Plan and other documents, said the fire chief stated it would not cause any additional impacts to exiting the Salmoni Condos to the south. Garbage and traffic issues were either resolved or not that big of an issue, he added, believing “it’s time to move forward on a hotel and the many more that may come from this.”

“The town needs a hotel,” said McArthur, and he believed it will broaden the tax base and provide local jobs.

McArthur said Amherstburg would “catch up” to other municipalities who have hotels, and the only thing not being done in the downtown core is having a place to stay. He said shops are opening and activity is picking up, while town council spent three hours talking about why a hotel shouldn’t be built rather than why it should. He said a vacant building is being turned into a 15-suite hotel with a bike shop and restaurant.

“I don’t think there is a higher and better use of the land, to be honest,”

said McArthur.

The town is winning tourism awards and is doing that “with one arm tied behind their backs” due to not having a hotel. He said the Peddies “get it done and do it right,” pointing out other business ventures and projects.

Looking at the positive side of the issue is that the town is growing and development is creating jobs, new businesses and bringing in more services. He said the Salmoni Condominium owners are losing something and that is “unfortunate” but noted “it’s not a perfect world.”

Pouget said she was not voting against a hotel but the request to make it a zero setback.

“We have variances and setbacks in place and that is so we don’t pit one neighbour against another. That is what is happening with this setback,” said Pouget. “That fact it is 24-feet, eightinches and zero land left – I can’t vote for that.”

Pouget argued that safety was still an issue and believed council could not take a chance of having someone “getting stuck” in the Salmoni Condominiums for fire or other reasons. She added the traffic study didn’t take everything under consideration.

“I can’t vote for a zero setback. I just can’t,” said Pouget.

Pouget predicted the staging area during construction would be “a disaster for many weeks” though the proponents say they would try and move quickly and put the hotel up as efficiently as possible.

Allaire also said she was not against a hotel but believed it was “a common sense decision” for the residents.

Continued on Page 9

Door Prizes!

A boutique hotel (left) is one step closer after council approved a request for a zero setback.

Notice of motion given to discuss possible eight-lane track

By Ron Giofu

Expect to hear more about a possible eight-lane track coming to H. Murray Smith Centennial Park.

Thursday

Richmond St. fire causes roughly $20K damage

By Ron Giofu

The Amherstburg Fire Department is estimating the damage at a Richmond St. home at $20,000 after a fire call last Thursday afternoon.

Stations 1 and 3 were called to the 200 block of Richmond St., just west of Victoria St. S., around 4:45 p.m. Approximately 30 firefighters were on scene, added deputy fire chief Ron Meloche.

“We were called for a structure fire,” said Meloche. “It ended up being a small fire at the back door that extended into the crawl space.”

Firefighters had to cut the floor and door frame, which added to the damage estimate, he added.

Residents were home at the time of the fire and one of the homeowners was trying to extinguish the fire with a garden hose. A woman and her son were temporarily displaced, said Meloche, as hydro and gas had to be

shut off and isolated.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, the deputy chief added. Meloche further stated the fire was more of a smouldering fire with “very little flames.”

There were no injuries to firefighters or occupants, Meloche stated, and Amherstburg fire crews were on scene for approximately 90 minutes.

Councillor Peter Courtney put forth a notice of motion at the end of the May 23 town council meeting regarding a track at that park. The notice of motion will be considered at the June 12 meeting.

According to the notice of motion, Courtney would call for administration to identify space required for an eight-lane track within H. Murray Smith Centennial Park on a north-south orientation should the motion be passed. Courtney’s motion also would call for administration to reserve space in the H. Murray Smith Centennial Park conceptual plan that would be required for an eight-lane track “inclusive of any associated amenity such as parking, access trails, etc. in order to properly use such an amenity should it be created.”

Courtney has previously stated, and also provided a previous council motion, that no taxpayer dollars be used in developing a track, if possible, with the notice of motion calling for “the period for raising funds towards the creation of a track be extended from the original 18-month period to June 12, 2025” and “the decision on whether an eight-lane track is installed at Centennial Park or whether the reserved space be used for a passive trail network be considered following June 12, 2025.”

The original council motion referred to by Courtney pointed out that H. Murray Smith Centennial Park or Jack Purdie Park were not to be considered surplus and if a track is built at the site, it retain the name of S. Ralph McCurdy. If the track does not move forward and a passive trail system is installed, the McCurdy name would be put on the former Amherstburg Cultural Centre building, also known as the former ACS building.

Councillor Peter Courtney made a motion regarding a potential new eight-lane track at H. Murray Smith Centennial Park. The south end of the former track (pictured), was cut off due to the construction of North Star High School. RTT

Malden Centre Park Open House

Malden Centre Park Open House

Malden Centre Park Open House

Malden Centre Park Open House

Amherstburg is excited to embark on the process of reviewing the amenities and services provided at Malden Centre Park

Amherstburg is excited to embark on the process of reviewing the amenities and services provided at Malden Centre Park

Amherstburg is excited to embark on the process of reviewing the amenities and services provided at Malden Centre Park

The Town of Amherstburg is hosting an Open House regarding park improvements on June 9 from 3 - 6 pm at the Libro Community Centre

The Town of Amherstburg is hosting an Open House regarding park improvements on June 9 from 3 - 6 pm at the Libro Community Centre

The Town of Amherstburg is hosting an Open House regarding park improvements on June 9 from 3 - 6 pm at the Libro Community Centre.

We want to hear from you!

We want to hear from you!

We want to hear from you!

Visit talktheburg.ca for details and up to date information or call 519-736-5712.

Visit talktheburg ca for details and up to date information or call 519-736-5712

Visit talktheburg.ca for details and up to date information or call 519-736-5712.

June 9, 2023 3 - 6 pm Libro Centre

June 9, 2023 3 - 6 pm Libro Centre

June

Amherstburg firefighters battle a house fire in the 200 block of Richmond St. last

Fire stations 1 and 3 attended a fire in the 200 block of Richmond St. last Thursday afternoon.

Photo by Hailey Zimmerman

Eucharistic Miracles of the World displayed in Amherstburg

By Fred Groves

In 595 A.D. a Roman noblewoman receiving Holy Communion began to laugh because she had doubts about the Real Presence of Christ in the consecrated Bread and Wine.

Pope St. Gregory the Great troubled by her disbelief decided not to give her communion and then turned the Bread into Flesh and Blood.

The Miracle was just one of over 100 that were highlighted at the Columbus Community Hall on Richmond Street in Amherstburg on Saturday, Sunday and Monday and hosted by the AmherstburgHarrow Catholic Family of Parishes. The Eucharistic Miracles of the World

is an international exhibition and one in which local organizers were very pleased to be able to display.

“It’s exciting,” said Pastoral Minister Kim Bornais. “It gives us a chance to learn and renew our faith. It’s been well received, and people have been coming from all over to see it.”

Designed and created by Blessed Carlo Acutis, it took over six months to bring the exhibition of Amherstburg.

Acutis was only 15 when he died in 2016 and he is in line to be Sainted. The youth took it upon himself to research and write The Eucharist Miracles by using the internet.

“His parents weren’t religious at all. His babysitter taught him the good things

Amherstburg man wins

about The Eucharist,” said parishioner Wayne Bergeron. “Every day he wanted to take communion and talk to Jesus.”

Bergeron was the one who was instrumental in bringing the exhibition to Amherstburg.

“My first call was to the Vatican, and they put me in touch with the people in charge of the exhibit,” said Bergeron.

Bergeron said the process then included talking to a woman in Virginia where the Eucharistic Miracles of the World are regularly displayed.

Among the miracles were three in the same church in Buenos Aires and the most recent researched and presented by Acutis was Oct. 12, 2008 at the church dedicated to Saint Anthony of Sokolka, the Holy

$100,000

Mass of 8:30 a.m. was celebrated by a young vicar named Filip Zdrodowski. During Communion, unknowingly the Host falls from the hands of one of the priests. A woman kneeling ready to receive the Eucharist, makes him notice it.

The priest remains paralyzed from fright and believing it was dirty, places in it the vasculum, a small silver vessel which contains water utilized by priests to wash their fingers after distributing Communion.

At the end of Holy Mass, the sacristan, Sister Julia Dubowska, takes the vasculum with the Host and for increased safety pours in into another vessel which she then locks in the safe where the chalices are kept.

in OLG-sanctioned lottery

Special to the RTT

An Amherstburg resident has won big, says the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).

Rocco DiPierdomenico of Amherstburg is celebrating after winning a $100,000 top prize with Instant Crossword Tripler, the OLG stated in a media release Monday afternoon. The OLG states the retiree said he’s been playing the lottery for about 20 years.

“I’ve always liked playing Instant tickets as a way to pass the time and socialize with friends,” he shared, while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up his winnings. One evening, Rocco purchased a ticket at his local coffee shop. When he checked it to see if he was a winner, the machine shut down.

“My body became still with shock,” he recounted to the OLG. “I needed to double check the ticket, then took a couple minutes to process my win outside.”

The 64-year-old called his wife to reveal the news.

“Are you ready to retire?” he asked. “She couldn’t believe it!” Rocco said he was shaking when he returned home. “I told my daughter, and she said, ‘Are you kidding me?’ We celebrated the win together as a family.”

With his windfall, the OLG added DiPierdomenico is hoping to purchase a car and new furniture. He plans to save whatever is left.

“It feels fantastic,” he said. “You always joke about winning, but when it happens, it’s unbelievable.”

Instant Crossword Tripler is available for $5 a play and the top prize is $100,000. Odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.81.

The winning ticket was purchased at Downtown Espresso Café on Dalhousie Street in Amherstburg.

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With The Eucharistic Miracles of the World exhibition are, Wayne Bergeron, left; Father Mathew Kocharski and Pastoral Minister Kim Bornais. Photo by Fred Groves

The Eucharistic Miracles of the World exhibit was presented last Saturday through Monday by the Amherstburg-Harrow Catholic Family of Parishes. It was at the Columbus Community Hall in Amherstburg.

Rocco DiPierdomenico of Amherstburg was in Toronto recently claiming his $100,000 prize that he won playing Instant Crossword Tripler. OLG Photo

Amherstburg Firefighters Association helps The House

By Fred Groves

There were lots of smiles at The House Youth Centre on Richmond Street in Amherstburg last Tuesday night.

Amherstburg Firefighters Association made a special trip and brought board games and other fun activities as well as snacks, first aid kits and pizza.

“We always like to be involved in the community and foster leadership like The House does,” said association president Cameron Arksey.

The volunteer organization not only keeps the town protected but is also well engaged when it comes to helping out such groups as the local Youth Centre.

“We had things left over from this year’s toy drive, so we decided to see what they needed here,” added Arksey.

The House is a non-denominational youth centre that fosters today’s youth to become tomorrow’s leaders. It offers a range of activities and services for those who are in Grade 8 and up.

Morghan Shearon is the program director of

The House, and she says that the centre is very grateful for the donation from the Amherstburg Firefighters Association.

“They reached out to us to collaborate in regard to our counselling services and they want to help amp up the drop-in part,” said Shearon.

The centre has a drop-in program from 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and the donation from the firefighters including new board games, including Monopoly as well as a table tennis and basketball set will provide a lot of recreation opportunities.

“They (firefighters) said they are an organization that wants to support us and that is amazing,” noted Shearon.

She said the firefighters have been involved with the centre’s Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser and plans are in the works for future involvement with The House.

The youth centre offers peer mentoring, art therapy and drop-in counselling.

The annual golf tournament fundraiser is scheduled for July 23 at Sutton Creek Golf Club. For more information contact info@houseyouthcentre.com or call 519-736-6811.

Large turnout for “Dare 2B Challenged” race event at Holiday Beach

Holiday Beach which included going over a boardwalk.

“I had a baby seven months ago and I used to run. This is my first post baby run,” said Turnbull.

By Fred Groves

A total of 223 girls and women took part in this year’s Dare 2B challenged 5km walk, 5km run and 10km run at the Holiday Beach Conservation Authority

Sunday morning.

The weather was ideal and much better than the rainy conditions for the inaugural event held back in August 2022.

Dare 2B Challenged provides opportunities for girls and women to challenge

themselves, evolve and experience a sense of belonging and well-being.

That was certainly the case for a couple of competitors from Essex, who along with a throng of supporters, pushed themselves to the limit.

“I’m doing the 5k walk. I’ve lost 100 pounds in the last year, and I can do this now,” said Amy Brett prior to the 9 a.m. start.

Brett and Julie Turnbull were both ready to tackle the picturesque course at

Memories of Yesterday...

Photos courtesy of the Marsh Historical Collection

80 Richmond Street Amherstburg

519-736-9191 • www.marshcollection.org

The purpose of Dare 2B Challenged is not only to support girls and women to exercise but to set difficult personal fitness goals and persevere through challenges while building confidence.

“I think it’s amazing. It gives women something to do for us. We do for everyone else all the time,” said Brett.

The registration fee for the event on Sunday was $50 and for those who did not want to run or walk, a hearty 90-minute

outdoor fitness class was also available for the same price. Proceeds were going to a specific initiative.

Girls Organizing and Learning Sport G.O.A.L.S is a non-profit group that provides sports programs for girls aged 6-13 in underserviced environments.

“The funds that come from this is going to GOALS. We are going to be offering free after school programs,” explained Dare 2B Challenged organizer Barbara Anne Pollard.

Pollard went on to say that if young girls don’t get involved in sports at an early age, they probably will not take part in recreational activities at all.

These Bob-lo Island riders were (hopefully) enjoying the dizzying sensation of the Round-Up, an iconic favourite of visitors to the amusement park. Centrifugal force holds passengers in place as the ride raises to an almost vertical position. The ride made its debut in amusement parks in North America in the 1950s and is still in operation in some parks to this day, though sometimes with a different name. This evocative photo, taken in July of 1977, will surely bring back memories of the heyday of the island and the excitement of a family outing to the park for those lucky enough to have experienced it.

The Amherstburg Firefighters Association visited The House Youth Centre last week and brought snacks, first aid kits and lots of new board games.

Photo by Fred Groves

The start of the Dare 2B Challenged race at Holiday Beach is pictured. The race was last Sunday. RTT

Photo by Fred Groves

Cabins get moved at Bryerswood thanks to generosity of crane company

stones that were sinking.

Each new cabin costs $14,000 but Robertson said that cost swells to $30,000 when the electrical, beds and other necessary amenities are acquired to make the cabins ready for use. The Solcz Family Foundation, Windsor-Essex Community Foundation and an anonymous private donor stepped up. Robertson said they are grateful to them and all donors who have supported the camp’s purchase and restoration.

Moir donated their time to help move the cabins, Robertson stated.

The BYCOC states they have to pay off the mortgage to another anonymous donor that helped with the land purchase while there are other projects and upgrades they are planning around the site. Winterizing one of the buildings and making it accessible is on the agenda as well, with Farm Credit Canada being another organization offering grant funding. Farm Credit Canada is helping to fund the replacement of windows in the activity centre.

Walker Aggregates donated stone for the driveways and Robertson added there have been new additions to “The Founders Club,” including Ground Effects president Jim Scott and several anonymous donors.

“There’s always something to be fundraised for,” said Robertson.

Robertson also pointed out that Extreme Drilling from the Fortis Group donated the horizontal drilling to put in the water line from the main lodge to the activity centre, the latter being the building that is being winterized.

By Ron Giofu

Upgrades continue at the Bryerswood Youth Camp and the latest work involved a large crane being brought to the site.

Moir Crane Services was at the Texas Road campsite last Thursday moving the cabins to newly poured cement bases where they were placed on cribs. Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club (BYCOC) president Kathi Poupard and vice president Cathy Robertson were excited as they saw the crane load up the flatbed truck and haul two cabins at a time to a new location at the campground.

Robertson stated that project has been something they’ve been working on since Feb. 2022.

Original cabins were removed, with Robertson estimating they were from the 1970s when the site was first a KOA campground. It later became a Girl Guide camp and is now owned by the BYCOC.

“We wanted to push the cabins back into one area,” she said. “We wanted to make more like a group setting.”

The cabins currently sit on cribs with the next part of the process to put spray insulation underneath them so they can better handle winter temperatures. They will be then lowered to the concrete bases, which replace patio

A number of children’s summer camps are planned for July and August as well as a camp for families. A “Mess Maker Day Camp” is also in the works for June 9. More information on those camps can be found at www.bryerswood.com. People can also sign up to donate or volunteer through that website.

Poupard pointed out their second annual golf tournament is planned for September at Coachwood Golf and Country Club (formerly Fox Glen) and they hope to top the $5,600 they raised last year.

“A lot of things are happening, and we’ve had great support,” said Robertson. “We feel very blessed. We’re here for the kids. It’s all for the kids.”

Moir Crane Services donated their time and equipment last Thursday morning and helped to move cabins at the Bryerswood Youth Camp.

Active Aging Two-Day Expo coming to Libro Centre June 7-8

By Ron Giofu

Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) and the Town of Amherstburg are coming together to present the 2023 Active Aging Two-Day Expo at the Libro Credit Union Centre in early June.

The expo is being held June 7-8 with the first day being a 11.5-hour day with a number of activities and programs available to be tried and observed. The second day is four hours and that will feature over 30 vendors, demonstrations, presentations and Meals on Wheels food sampling.

There is free admission to the Libro Centre on both days.

ACS executive director Kathy DiBartolomeo was pleased the expo has become a two-day event. Previous attempts have been held over one day.

“It’s the biggest and best one we’ve done,” she said.

Trese MacNeil, the town’s recreation manager, said the town undertook an inclusive communities project and out of that came the need for more things for seniors to do, including an active and aging expo for older adults. MacNeil said DiBartolomeo was part of that process.

“On Day 1 (of the expo), we have a full day planned with recreational activities,” said MacNeil. “It includes physical activities to card playing.”

Events and activities planned for that day include pickleball, tennis, badminton, tae kwon do, a guided trail walk with Phil Roberts, turf tots for kids and grandparents, card games, yoga and nature-based education with Natural Pathways.

Program instructor Kristen Saunders added it also includes “Golden Games Turf Time” where low impact physical activities such as cornhole, bocce, spikeball, giant pong, washer toss and other activities will be featured.

The first day runs from 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

The second day runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. with seniors encouraged to bring donations for the ACS food bank. Demonstrations and presentations include topics such as cooking, health and wellness, singing and dancing, United Empire Loyalists, and the Marsh Historical Collection.

The first 50 people on Day 2 receive a free ACS tote bag. A “passport” will be distributed to seniors and those who obtain at least ten vendors are eligible for a free lunch,

said MacNeil.

Seniors in need of a ride can register for a free ride on the CareLink Accessible Transportation bus by calling 519-736-5471. Rides are only for those in Amherstburg.

DiBartolomeo said she is often approached about what programs and activities there are for seniors in town and believed partnering with the town was a great way of showing what is offered locally.

“I feel good about it,” said DiBartolomeo. “I think there will be something for everyone at the expo.”

“It’s also an opportunity to come in and see what is happening at the Libro Centre,” added Saunders. MacNeil stated that partnering with ACS gives the town a platform to show what they do for older adults as well as to promote new programs at the Libro Centre.

“We’d like to see this as an annual event,” stated DiBartolomeo.

The Libro Centre is located at 3295 Meloche Road. For more information, call ACS at 519-736-5471 or the town’s recreation department at 519-736-5712.

Town recreation staff members Kristen Saunders and Trese MacNeil and ACS executive director Kathy DiBartolomeo welcome seniors to the Active Aging Expo coming June 7-8. Pickleball, seen in the background, will be one of the featured activities.

Town to stick with current short-term rental bylaw despite additional concerns

By Ron Giofu

An Edgewater Beach resident is looking for additional action due to her and her family’s issues with short-term rentals.

Mary Anne Adam appeared before town council last week outlining her concerns not just with noise and disruption but with the possibility additional houses on her street could turn into short-term rentals. She said the issue of short-term rental is very passionate for people in her neighbourhood, telling town council they have to endure “a tremendous amount of disruption, chaos and trespassing” from several units over the past year.

Adam said six calls have been placed to the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment. She noted town council voted unanimously April 17 to go forward with a short-term rental bylaw, with a clause to have a manager or designate available within a 30-minute time period, if needed.

A petition calling for a moratorium on short-term rentals until town council could get a grasp of the situation was simply tabled with no further action, she said.

Adam added they are pleased with the bylaw that was finalized and passed May 23, but she said she wanted to see density and proximity clauses added.

“These clauses currently exist in other municipalities namely Essex and Blue Mountain as they experienced an influx of short-term rentals and the problems that came with them,” said Adam. “We were surprised not to see these in our bylaw. Very surprised.”

Adam told town council Edgewater Beach has seven homes operating as short-term rentals.

“This is not a ‘not in my backyard issue,’” she said.

Some of the homes are not causing issues and neighbours have had problems with others, she asserted, and more rental units are planned with that causing concern among long-term owners of the

street. Houses are close in that subdivision and more short-term rentals could cause additional problems, she feared, noting short-term rentals may be next to each other.

“Please also remember these establishments don’t operate on a weekly seasonal basis,” said Adam.

Noise enters their homes even when windows are closed, Adam claimed.

Adam pleaded with council to include density and proximity clauses, adding it does very little for local tourism as she told town council she doesn’t believe those who attend the short-term rentals don’t buy groceries or alcohol locally.

Councillor Peter Courtney asked if it was possible to include such clauses into an Amherstburg bylaw, with manager of licensing and enforcement Bill Tetler saying it is possible. Tetler listed concerns about how it is tracked, the size of the areas defined, whose application is accepted first and other issues.

Tetler added to include such clauses, it would have to be taken back and the bylaw would be delayed from a planned June 5 launch. He pointed out all bylaws are living documents and could be brought back for amendments at a later time.

Mayor Michael Prue asked if the bylaw were passed and if town council were to ask administration to investigate amendments currently, he wondered if it could be done. Tetler said if a report would be brought back later, those with licenses should be “grandfathered” since they are issued.

“We have a bylaw we all know is necessary,” said Prue. “Edgewater is a unique place as is Lake Erie where there is a lot of homes together. I’m trying to figure out a way to help residents of those two areas and have a bylaw to get us going.”

CAO Valerie Critchley agreed licenses should be grandfathered if they have been issued.

Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb wanted to know how many Edgewater Beach residents could get licensed, with Tetler saying he didn’t know as they would have

to actually apply for a license.

“Until we start accepting licenses, I don’t know where those short-term rentals will be,” said Tetler.

Gibb said the situation is “overwhelming” for many residents and wanted to know how many police and bylaw complaints were received. Bylaw received eight complaints all over Amherstburg since he started, said Tetler, with Staff Sgt. Brian Caffarena stating police had also received eight complaints.

Gibb asked why there weren’t more complaints filed, with Adam stating “people in Edgewater don’t want to complain. They don’t think anything is going to be done.” Adam recognized a proximity clause is difficult but told town council the current situation is “unfair to us.” Gibb encouraged residents to call police to inform them of problems.

“If there are bad actors, complain, complain and complain so we can do something about it,” said Gibb.

Courtney believed the town could open “a can of worms” with the clauses but suggested the shortterm rental units be governed under a “pilot project” but Critchley said the grandfathering issue would still be in place.

Councillor Linden Crain asked what could occur to help Adam and other residents with similar issue, with Tetler saying existing bylaws or police could provide assistance.

Courtney believed “I think we should stay the course” because if it is delayed further, it could lead to the continuance of problems. He said there is something now to enforce in terms of a short-term rental bylaw. Councillor Molly Allaire said “we need to start with this” and said she had faith the existing bylaw will help.

“I feel the other route would slow it down too much,” said Allaire.

Allaire believed a lot of people will be “weeded out” with the current bylaw. Prue said he’d like to see a report in six to eight months on how the program is going and if amendments are still required.

Two local stops on Motorcycle Ride for Dad

Continued from Page 1

BRANCH 157 AMHERSTBURG

FLAG DECORATION CEREMONY AT THE CENOTAPH

SUN. JUNE 4TH @ 11:00AM - ALL ARE WELCOME

TASTY TUESDAYS

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Burgers•Pizza Burgers Hotdogs•Wraps

Chicken•Fries•Onion Rings POOL

TUESDAYS 7:00 PM

Everyone Welcome!

WEDNESDAY MEAT DRAWS DRAW AT 5:00 PM

FISH FRIDAYS (Volunteers are always welcome) 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Haddock , Fries, Coleslaw Shrimp & Fries, Chicken Wrap

Quesadilia, Salsa & Sour Cream Chicken Fingers

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Tinnitus can be effectively managed with the use of sound therapy, masking and behavioral therapy.

According to www.ridefordad.ca, “participants register for local riding events and collect pledges. Motorcyclists travel through the community with VIPs,

celebrity riders and community partners drawing attention to this important cause. Since the very first Ride for Dad in the year 2000, $39 million has been raised in the fight against prostate cancer.”

Volunteers helped out at the Legion during the RIde for Dad.

Riders stopped at Wolfhead Distillery (above) and Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 (below). Colchester Bar & Grill was another stop.

Town council debate on boutique hotel issue lasts longer than three hours

Continued from Page 2

“We’re always for development, we want our plan to thrive,” she said.

Allaire told the Peddies they have supported the town a lot and the compost idea is great, but “I just don’t like the zero setback. That is what we are voting on and that’s the decision that I am making.”

Courtney said his colleagues made “great points” but believed the situation happened because “someone didn’t do their homework” on what the lot could handle. He called it “ a complete annihilation of the setback to zero” and said there were no impacts from the zero setbacks at Queen Charlotte.

“Not one councillor is saying no to a hotel,” said Courtney, saying the issue was the setback.

Courtney thanked the Peddies for “everything they are doing” but called for mediation to find a middle ground.

“It sounds like there’s ways to mitigate,” he said.

Courtney said it is a very small lot and safety and garbage are issues he is not convinced are resolved. He emphasized he is not opposed to a hotel, but to the setback request.

Fire safety was debated extensively during the meeting. Former firefighter Dave Wharram said he had serious concerns with the proposed hotel, noting there were seven bedroom windows on the south side of the Salmoni Condominiums. Wharram said he respectfully disagreed with some of fire chief Bruce Montone’s report, believing having all four sides available for potential rescue is preferable.

“Present day Salmoni has been designed way over minimum standards,” said Wharram. “Why take any of that away?”

Wharram said he was often first on scene during his time on the fire department, and that his action plan would include laddering off the south side rather than attempting an escape off the balconies off the west side. He believed Montone’s numbers “were a little off” and wouldn’t be able to perform a ladder rescue with a hotel on site.

Wharram said he didn’t dispute most of Montone’s report except with issues over the south wall.

“Profit over safety or safety over profit. It’s your call,” Wharram told town council, adding he didn’t oppose a hotel but that location was the issue.

Montone - along with assistant deputy chief Dan Monk and chief building official Angelo Avolio –made a lengthy presentation to town council. It was interrupted on occasion by remarks from the audience but it addressed issues that council had asked for. Montone said the Salmoni Condominiums started construction in 2006 and pointed out the heat activated roll-down shutters on the south side.

Montone told town council ladder rescues above the second floor are “extremely risky even in the best of conditions” and said there is no ground ladder that could reach the fourth floor. He also cast doubt on the ability of the 75’ ladder truck to reach all windows on the south side.

In the case of the Salmoni Condos, the fire chief stated they would use a fast-attack command position. His report told council that multi-unit buildings, as per the Ontario Building Code, don’t have to provide access to all four sides of the building. He added many of Amherstburg’s larger buildings offer only one to two sides for the fire department to utilize.

“Bedrooms in larger buildings are not required to have egress windows, but instead occupants are provided with multiple protected means of egress through the interior of the building and monitored fire alarm systems to ensure occupants are notified of a fire as quickly as possible so that they may use those exits,” Montone’s report stated. “Balconies which are included in several of the suites are an additional added area of refuge which is not required however are provided in this building.”

Montone told council the construction of the hotel at 256 Dalhousie St. would not have any additional impact for the south wall of the Salmoni Condos at 252 Dalhousie St. and stated “the two properties are independent from each other and any design and construction of a new building would have to comply

with the Ontario Building Code and, following occupancy, the Ontario Fire Code.”

Pouget asked if he wouldn’t prefer to fight a fire from all four sides of the building but Montone replied he would rather fight it from the inside.

“It is a very, very safe building,” Montone said of the Salmoni Condominiums.

Don Parks, a resident of the Salmoni Condominiums, believed “there is more than one place to park that (fire) truck” and said he measured the area and came away with the belief the ladder truck could reach the windows on the south side.

“If there is any way that needs to be accessible, it’s the south wall,” said Parks.

There was a concern over “death by entrapment,” believing access would be blocked off to rescue. He asked council if they could live with themselves if something were to happen.

Parks also disputed the traffic study, stating it was done in early May with rain. He said the wall blocks the views of people crossing the road and feared someone was going to get hit and injured.

“I don’t want anyone to get hurt,” he said. “I don’t know why (the traffic study) was put into the report. It was done to get the results you wanted.”

Laws that come into place in 2025 weren’t discussed enough and there had to be room for loading and unloading. Parks also voiced issues with the garbage and grease concerns from the restaurant.

Believing there are too many “red flags,” he called for a further study of the proposal. Parks also suggested trading a piece of the Duffy’s site for the 256 Dalhousie St. to act as a compromise.

Robert Brown, a planner retained by condo owners, said there has been talk about how much the hotel is needed but questioned whether it was appropriate for the impact on neighbours for 15 hotel rooms. Light and airflow caused by a reduced setback was brought up as was whether a shadow study was addressed. He didn’t believe the applicant did not provide planning justification for a 100 per cent rear yard setback.

Brown acknowledges it complies with the Provincial Policy Statement and Official Plan but the issue was the setbacks. Citing an example of using a neighbouring property for garbage, he questioned why the request should be granted if all that is needed to operate can’t be done on the property itself.

The proponents had a presentation of their own, which included Colleen Peddie, planning representative Moira Davidson, traffic engineer Arash Mithoseini and architect Jerry Kavanaugh. Davidson told town council the requested setback is to construct

the lands to achieve the intended planned function and to realize a mixed-use building to maximize the use of the site. Davidson outlined properties she said function with zero metre setback. She added parking is not required for non-residential land uses on CG-4 zoning, which the property has.

Mithoseini said there is already an issue regarding view including vehicles that park at the rear of the Salmoni Condos impacting the sightline. His report stated rear laneway peak hour traffic volumes “are very low” and there are also walls, fences and pillars already there.

Davidson said Black Dog Entertainment invested in an on-source commercial composter that will reduce waste by 90 per cent. A garbage room was added to the ground floor, she added, and a grease pump was added under a waste disposal room. She added the restaurant plans to use locally-sourced food to result in limited waste. Garbage bins would be placed Davidson acknowledged there the loss of view from the southern-facing units at the Salmoni Condominiums but alternate views are still maintained “and the proposed development provides opportunity to benefit more than just one public interest.”

Peddie noted comments that the hotel would negatively impact property values, but she said “just the opposite” would occur. She said an MLS listing for a condo in the Salmoni Condos include photos of buildings the Peddies have already built.

Council members have said Amherstburg needs a hotel, said Peddie, and she argued the town needs more than one. Other municipalities in the area are moving forward with hotels, and Peddie believes a downtown hotel is the best option as it is close to attractions and services.

“Heathy investment is more than just manufacturing plants,” said Peddie. “It’s hotels too.”

Peddie believes their track record is proven and includes working with local museums. She estimated 21,024 meals will be needed annually for guests, over 60 jobs will be created, there would be increased property taxes and the hotel would help to attract other businesses. She said they were accused of making threats to council, with Peddie stating they “would never conduct ourselves in that manner.” She said their project is $1 million past its “no-go” number “but Richard and I are committed to this town. We are passionate about this project.”

“We are hopeful you are going to listen to the many and not just the few,” Peddie added, stating they have received a lot of support for their proposal.

Kicks & Giggles

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Being more selective can enhance your life in many different ways, Aries. You often are judged by the company you keep, so think about that when starting new relationships.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Set up camp on the sofa for the next few days, Taurus. Enjoy the rest and relaxation. You don’t have to be productive every minute of the day so don’t feel guilty about your R&R.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Rotary Club inducts two new members

By Ron Giofu

The Rotary Club of Amherstburg has welcomed two new members to its ranks.

The local service club welcomed Sandra Paisley to its membership while Don Mackay has returned to the club. Mackay was initially inducted into the Rotary Club of Amherstburg in Nov. 2021 but had left for the Harrow Rotary Club. He is now back in Amherstburg.

Paisley had attended numerous Rotary Club meetings to get a feel for how the club operates and what it does.

“It’s close to home,” said Mackay. “I like to support my community of Amherstburg.”

Mackay said while Harrow is a nice community, he decided to return to the Rotary Club of Amherstburg due to its proximity to his home. He commented the Rotary Club’s meeting place at Amherstburg Community Services’ offices is within walking distance of his house.

“I decided to stay local and do things in our area,” said Mackay. “I like this club too. There are some really nice people here.”

Mackay added he enjoys being in the community and that he plays and teaches pickleball outside of being a Rotarian.

“Making people happy,” he said, “that’s what life is all about.”

Paisley said her involvement with the Rotary Club dates back to the

establishment of the scholarship her brothers set up in memory of their mother June “Roadhouse” Paisley. She said she enjoys giving back to the community and the work Rotary does connects with other projects she has been involved with previously.

“I know there are a lot of connections with the Miracle League,” she said.

Paisley, a long-time Community Living Essex County employee, said she is learning more about other groups and initiatives as well.

“What I’m finding out is there are groups and programs helping out in the community that I didn’t know about,” she said.

Paisley added she has already been recruited to assist with the Rotary Club of Amherstburg’s 90th birthday celebration dinner, which is planned for Nov. 25.

Also as part of last Wednesday evening’s Rotary Club meeting was a presentation by Joanne Fear and Meriya Wolin from Safe Families Windsor-Essex (SFWE). Rotary will be collecting diapers and wipes for SFWE during the club’s “Day of Service” June 10. Fear explained SFWE helps provide support for parents in crisis and assists with keeping families together, as they try to “break the cycle” of children needing foster support.

“We’re trying to keep children out of the system,” said Fear. “We’re giving (parents) the opportunity to dream and think about their famiies.”

LaSalle Night Market

The latest installment of the LaSalle Night Markets occurred Sunday

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Some interesting information could be coming your way, Gemini. You just need to keep your ear to the ground and open to receive it. Others may want to get in on the news.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, this week you may find it easier to cut out superfluous spending or extravagant behavior than at other times. You may need to exert greater control and discipline.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

There’s a fresh cosmic wind blowing your sails, Leo. This gives you all the energy you need to tackle projects or get moving in other ways. Embrace all of this energy.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Your romantic life is about to get even more exciting, Virgo. Date nights are happening with greater frequency and you’re likely to enjoy all of the extra attention.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

You’ll likely feel more at ease having a big group of people around you during the next few days rather than heading out alone. Put away that lone wolf mentality for now.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Ambitious career goals could have you reevaluating all of the choices you have made thus far, Scorpio. It might be time to venture off on new paths once you figure out the way.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, the call of the wild is quite strong right now. This means you might be right at home on a hiking trip or a rafting trip. Make your plans and bring a friend.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, rather than being light-hearted, conversations could take a turn to the more serious, especially as they pertain to a health condition for someone you love.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, don’t try to take on too many things yourself. You need to know when to ask for help this week, especially as your schedule gets even more filled up.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

This is the perfect time to get more organized, Pisces. Try to fit in time to sort and clean among all the other things on your itinerary.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

MAY 28 - Seth Rollins, Wrestler (37)

MAY 29 - Mel B, Singer (48)

MAY 30 - Steven Gerrard, Coach (43)

MAY 31 - Phillipa Soo, Actress (33)

JUNE 1 - Tom Holland, Actor (27)

JUNE 2 - Justin Long, Actor (45)

JUNE 3 - Al Horford, Athlete (37)

The

WORD SCRAMBLE

Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to salad.

The Rotary Club of Amherstburg inducted two new members to the club at last Wednesday night’s meeting. The Rotary Club welcomed back Don Mackay while Sandra Paisley also officially joined. From left: president Joan Donaldson, Mackay, Paisley, Rotarian Terry Hall, assistant District 6400 governor Kim Spirou.

evening behind their muncipal building off of Malden Road. Crowds stream through the market (top left) while Billy Deslippe from Smashed Apple Catering Co. shows one of the spices he was demonstrating to the public (bottom left).

Border City Barkers also performed (below).

AMBA welcomes young players back for 2023 season

travel to Kingsville, Harrow, LaSalle and Essex to play games. There are a mix of boys and girls on the teams.

Sarah Anderson is the AMBA president this season with Jeremy Giesbrecht being the vice president. Giesbrecht stated they hope to add more players and teams, including some travel teams, as the years progress.

Giesbrecht said they will try and facilitate something if more players show up as the season progresses, but they will move forward with established teams right now.

Opening day featured the soccer/ baseball combination game as well as burgers, hot dogs and pizza after their games.

By Ron Giofu

The Amherstburg Minor Baseball Association (AMBA) is back and looking forward to a new season. Opening day festivities were held at Malden Centre Park last Saturday with young T-ball players helping to celebrate the day. They played a game that combined soccer with baseball

but they will get into the nitty gritty of developing their baseball skills as the season went on.

Organizers were passing out Blue Jays Rally Caps, and forms that players, coaches and parents can use to monitor the development of their skills throughout the 2023 season. There are three divisions this season. There are currently 150-200 players

signed up for minor baseball this season. Age divisions include T-Ball, U 9 and U11 with AMBA organizers hoping to get the players excited about baseball once again.

The bulk of the players, about 95 or so, are in T-Ball this season. That division is house league while there are three teams in U9 and one in U11 that will play interlock. The latter will also

“We want to make Amherstburg competitive again,” said Giesbrecht. “It’d be nice to have the OBA’s in Amherstburg again.”

Giesbrecht said they have something to build from. He credited Anderson for stepping up last year and said she has more support this season. He said they are grateful for Anderson’s efforts as she just wanted her children to play baseball.

Track and field athletes advance to OFSAA west regionals in Cambridge

By RTT Staff

Several athletes from both St. Thomas Villanova and North Star high schools have advanced to the Ontario Federation of Schools Athletic Association west regional track and field championships.

This past Wednesday in Chatham, and Thursday at the University of Windsor the Southwestern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association meet was held with the top performers in each event qualifying for the OFSAA regionals which will be held this Friday and Saturday in Cambridge.

On her first attempt at the SWOSSAA meet, Villanova’s Olivia Douma had a jump of 10.14 metres to win the novice girls triple jump. She will be joined at the regionals in that event by teammate Carly Bolton who had a 9.34 jump good for the eighth spot. Douma also qualified in the 80m hurdles as she was fifth.

With a throw of 53.67 on his third attempt, Kalma Chyz won the senior boys javelin event.

The Villanova Wildcats team of Cary Thomas, Kelsey Antanucci, Selena Guarasci, and Kylie

Provost finished sixth in the senior girls 4x400 metre relay. Antanucci also qualified in the senior girls 400m hurdles as she finished fourth.

Also from Villanova, Adalin Murphy was eighth in the 300m junior girls’ hurdles. Senior long jumper Sara Fazekas was second and also qualified in the 100m hurdles. Carys Thomas was third in the 400 junior girls’ hurdles, Sebastian Levesque had a toss of 33.59 m to place third in the novice discus, and Jackie Leonard qualified in the senior girls 400m. Ezra Hewitt was third in the senior boys shot put. Brendan Currie won the junior boys 3,000m race with a time of 9:24.25 30-seconds ahead of the second place finisher.

Kane Murphy qualified in the senior boys’ hurdles, MacKenzie Doll was fifth in the 800m novice girls’ race, and Mercedes Ferber was third in the 800m senior girls event. Also headed to Cambridge are Luke Samson in the triple jump and Lauren Kelly in the novice girls’ long jump.

For the North Star Wolves, Declan Veldhuis will head to Cambridge for three events. He was first in the 400m senior boys at 49.99 seconds, second in the

AristoCats Kids

The Windsor-Essex Community Arts Project returned to the Villanova Festival Theatre over the weekend with a production of Disney’s The AristoCats Kids. The young performers took to the stage Friday night with afternoon shows Saturday and Sunday.

200m and fourth in the 100m.

Lily Mulder was second in the senior girls 100m at 12.77, and second in the 200m. Emma Rudling also moved on to the regionals as she was seventh in the novice girls 3000m and Ashyln Gascoyne was sixth in the senior girls 400m.

The Amherstburg Minor Baseball Association (AMBA) held its opening day last Saturday at Malden Centre Park. The T-Ball players got their season started with a game that combined their soccer skills with their baseball skills, including Lucy Jones (left).

RTT PHOTO BY RON GIOFU

North Star boys soccer team falls in WECSSAA “AA” playoff semi-final

By RTT Staff

The North Star Wolves boys soccer team had high hopes for this season but, unfortunately for the home team, those hopes were dashed.

The Wolves advanced to the WECSSAA semifinals but could get no further. They played the Riverside Stingers in the semi-final match last Tuesday afternoon and lost 1-0 on the neutral field at Tecumseh Vista Academy.

According to a post on the North Star High School Facebook page: “The Senior Boys soccer team suffered a heartbreaking loss last night against Riverside when they scored a lucky goal late in the game. Mrs. Soucie, Mrs. Craig-Wammes, and the coaches would like to congratulate the team on a fantastic season and extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the fans who came out to each game! A special shoutout to Mr. Pelger for showcasing the new North Star flag at last night’s game. Players are reminded to hand in their uniforms ASAP to Mrs. Soucie.”

Three yellow cards were issued to North Star players during the game – Brett Jones, Declan Veldhuis and Carter Prieur – while Cameron Rousell was issued a red card.

Riverside advanced to the WECSSAA “AA” final last Thursday evening in a game played at Holy Names Catholic High School, but L’Essor ended up winning the game 3-0 to claim the championship.

The Wolves had a successful first season in their new high school, despite the semi-final loss. They finished the regular season 3-0-3 and defeated the Assumption Purple Raiders by a final score of 2-1 in the WECSSAA quarterfinals.

Wine ‘N’ Hop returns, overcomes hydro outage

By Ron Giofu

Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) held its annual “Wine ‘N’ Hop” fundraiser last week and there were a few added components, some planned and some not.

ACS reported that 95 of 100 tickets were sold for the event last Wednesday night. It was the 11th “Wine ‘N’ Hop” presented by the non-profit agency, and it is in its eighth year. In previous years, there were two “Wine ‘N’ Hop” events held.

Ticket holders met at Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 before being divided into teams. Participating restaurants included Burger 67, the Artisan Grill, Lot 10 Brewing Co. and Chicano’s Tacos and Tequila. They returned to the Legion afterward. ACS executive director Kathy DiBartolomeo said the event is a way for people to not only support ACS, but to try out and support local restaurants as well. She said it has proven to be a popular annual event.

“People keep asking for this every year so we keep doing it,” said DiBartolomeo.

The Wine ‘N’ Hop is capped at 100 participants to keep it manageable for restaurants and their capacity limits. DiBartolomeo added a new twist this year was

the inclusion of a trivia contest, which was done in conjunction with the agency’s 50th anniversary. The Marsh Historical Collection was credited for helping to come up with information and history on the buildings the restaurants are in.

An added, but largely unwelcome, challenge this year was a power outage that impacted the downtown core last Wednesday night. Restaurants had difficulty serving food due to the power outage, which temporarily impacted almost 3,000 Essex Powerlines customers in Amherstburg and LaSalle, but it was restored as the evening went on allowing the “Wine ‘N’ Hop” to resume its usual format.

There are some new faces that attend the “Wine ‘N’ Hop” each year, but there are many returning faces as well, DiBartolomeo pointed out.

“We do find we have a lot of people who keep coming back,” stated DiBartolomeo. “I think it’s just a great event. It’s a nice way to support ACS. There’s a sense of community and it’s a relaxed atmosphere. People can sample local cuisine and meet other people in the community too.”

Sponsors for the most recent “Wine ‘N’ Hop” included Bornais Insurance, Dollars and Cents Investments, Tech It Easy and the Remax realty team of John D’Alimonte, Kim Wheeler and Jayci Wigle.

The Wine ‘N’ Hop that was presented by Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) last Wednesday night overcame a power outage early on but the lights came on later in the evening. A group of ticket holders head down Dalhousie St. (left) while another group started their evening off at Chicanos Tacos and Tequila. RTT Photos by Ron Giofu

At this time, classifieds are only being accepted by emailing

Happy

40thAnniversaryPAT & SUE PILLON

Happy 60thAnniversaryAlbert & Dorothy Simone

~ June 1st ~

Thank You

The Mickle family would like to thank all of the family and friends who attended the celebration of life for Ron & Susie. It was wonderful to remember them and visit with you.

I had a lot of help from my Aunt Kitsie, also known as Kathleen Alfini, I could not have organized this without her. And it was so much fun baking all of mom’s favourite things with her for this.

A very special thanks to Darwin Wismer, longtime family friend and Dad’s personal Minister, for providing exactly the service that they both wanted.

Pat and Sue Pillon celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary on May 28, 2023.

Love, your family.

YARD SALE

MOVING SALE - Everything

Must Go! Saturday June

3rd & Sunday June 4th, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at 1692 Park Ave, Amherstburg.

YARD SALE

GARAGE & YARD SALE -

5341 County Rd 18 (Pike Road), Amherstburg. June

3rd & 4th, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Rain or shine.

PEST CONTROL AND WILD ANIMAL CONTROL

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

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.

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.

FOR SALE

1-4PC LUGGAGE - white, excellent shape, $90. 1-3pc luggage, beige, excellent shape, $60. 519-562-1187.

WANTED TO BUY WANTED JACK MINER GOOSE BANDS - will pay $50-$225. Call Ted 519919-4716.

WANTED TO BUY LOOKING TO BUY Older Gibson or Fender guitar. Call or text 519-567-4446.

WANTED TO BUY WANTED GOLD SILVER JEWELRY ALL COINSSelling your Gold Silver ALL Coins? Please read!!

I did not recently send a colored brochure to your home. Before you sell take the time to get a second opinion (my offer is often double) - ** Locally owned* 55 years of “satisified customers” Not colored brochures. Free estimates no obligation. Friday, June 2 at Knights of Columbus Hall, 190 Richmond St., Amherstburg, 9:00 a.m. -

5:00 p.m. Buying All gold silver, all coins, Canada, USA, world-paper money, mint sets, Military items, Windup watches. Free no obligation estimates. 55 Years of satisfied customers. Not colored brochures. House calls available. Dan Jones B.A.B.Ed. 519-818-1805.

May they rest in Peace.

Love the Family

Community Calendar

FRIDAY, JUNE 2

MUSIC OFF THE BACK PORCHNext installment of “Music off the Back Porch” will be held at the rear of the Park House Museum, 214 Dalhousie St., in Amherstburg starting at 6 p.m. Entertainment will be “Foxy Doe” (Adam Fox and Sidney Doe) and Linda Girard. No admission charge, but donations to the Park House are welcome. Weather permitting, bring your own lawn chairs.

at randr2023.givesmart.com. For info, call 519-736-5433.

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

ONGOING

details, call 519-800-8640.

SUDOKU ANSWERS

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

KIDS HELPING KIDS -  Lemonade/ BBQ Stand to raise funds for Safe Families Windsor-Essex. Runs from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.. Location: 270 Brock St., Amherstburg. Lemonade, pop, chips, burgers & hot dogs. By donation. Help us help kids in need in our community!

WED., JUNE 7 & THUR. JUNE 8

ACTIVE AGING EXPO - Being held at the Libro Centre, 3295 Meloche Road in Amherstburg. First day features recreation activities and demonstrations from 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. and the second day features vendors and presentations from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Being presented by Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) and the Town of Amherstburg. For info, call 519-736-5471 or 519-736-5712.

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

RIBS & RAGTIME - Presented at Amherstburg Freedom Museum, 277 King St. Entertainment is Six Degrees. Runs 4-8 p.m. Tickets $60, includes chicken and rib dinner. Tickets available

MCGREGOR MUSIC FESTIVAL - Held at Co-An Park, gates open at 10 a.m. $5 per person. Features eight local bands, car show, pie auction, raffles, door prizes and more! Bands include The All Nighters, Back 2 Back, C2C Entertainment, Brand X, Exit 31, The Wellness Band, Lookin’ Back and Bad Moustache. Proceeds benefit the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation.

MONDAY, JUNE 19

BELLE VUE FUNDRAISER - Belle Vue Conservancy hosting “New York, New York” dinner fundraiser at Artisan Grill, 269 Dalhousie St. in Amherstburg. Entertainment will feature Renée KingJackson. Event runs from 6-9 p.m. with people to choose dinner entrées ranging from New York Strip Loin Steak, Salmon Cedar Plank, Pollo Al Carbon or a Shanghai Vegetable Bowl. Tickets are $125 and available by calling CursonPrue at 519-736-7586 or at the Artisan Grill.

SUNDAY, JUNE 25

EGG TO BUTTERFLY - The LaSalle

SCRAMBLE ANSWER

CELERY

Horticultural Society presents event to teach people how to raise a Monarch butterfly. Event being held at St. Andrew’s Church at 205 Laurier Dr. in LaSalle. Runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., $25 registration fee. For details, e-mail horticulturalsociety@ mdirect.net.

FREE COMMUNITY GARDENInterested in a free community garden bed? Accessible and raised beds available. Bed comes with soil and water access. Please call Amherstburg Community Services at 519-736-5471 if interested.

YARD SALE DONATIONS WELCOME

- Hope of St. Joseph Shelter Inc. is now accepting donations of good, clean, quality items for their annual huge twoweekend Charity Yard Sale this summer. Please no large furniture. All donations can be delivered to Mary and Marc Beneteau’s home, located at 3560 Middle Side Rd. (County Road 10). Must call first: 519-996-4800.

FREE COMMUNITY MEAL - Lighthouse Church, in conjunction with Feeding Windsor, invites the public to come every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. for a free dinner. Everyone welcome. Come meet others in the community and enjoy some good food. No registration required. Bring a friend! Lighthouse Church is located at 266 King St. (entrance off Gore St.).

MENTAL HEALTH & COUNSELLING

SERVICES - The Youth Wellness Hub presenting mental health and counselling services at The House Youth Centre. Starts Feb. 8 and will run every Wednesday from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. Free for people between the ages of 12-25. The House is located within the Amherstburg Community Hub at 320 Richmond St. For

MISSION HOURS - The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, 298 Victoria St. S., is open from 10 a.m.12:30 p.m. with lunch served between 12-1 p.m. Mission food bank open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-11:45 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. For info, call 519-736-9140 or visit www.aburgmission.ca. Stop by for food, fellowship and a warm welcome.

BINGOS - K of C Hall in River Canard at 7 p.m. Dine-in BBQ first Friday of the month, call in advance for tickets – 519734-8575.

GOLDEN AGE CLUB - The Golden Age Club, Amherstburg’s friendship club, located at the Libro Recreation Centre is offering social activities five days a week. It costs $10 a year to join. There are over 160 members who have a lot of fun playing euchre, pepper, bingo, cribbage, and bridge and doing line dancing. We also have three special luncheons and a beautiful Christmas party each year. You pick which activities you want to participate in. Go to our website www.goldenagecentre.ca.

JUNIOR OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL - Looking for youth in Grades 4-12 who are interested in giving back to the community and developing leadership skills. Contact Caitlin at 519-995-5289 or secretary@bryerswood.com.

Together you are the perfect example of commitment of love and family. We are so blessed Y

Flag raisings held to commemorate National Accessibility Week

By Fred Groves & Ron Giofu

In recognition of Accessibility Week, flag raising ceremonies were held in front of the Essex County Civic Centre and Amherstburg town hall Monday.

“We are doing more than just raising a flag, we are raising awareness,” said Dennis Sanson, chair of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee.

May 28 to June 3 is National Accessibility Week and May 31 is Easter Seals Red Shirt Day.

Sanson thanked the committee for its continual efforts towards not only accessibility but inclusion as well. He said that the ECAAC is very busy right now as it is in Phase Three of the ‘We Check the Trails’ program. In co-ordination with the Essex Conservation Authority, the program ensures there are no barriers on the Greenway Trails nor the Wide Transportation System’s multi-use pathways.

He is hopeful that in the future, the committee will be able to offer volunteer training to various organizations

Notice of Application of Larvicide for Mosquito Control

and have public sessions on inclusion.

Monday’s flag raising was well attended and included county staff, county councillors and the public.

12th

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

Town Contact: Eric Chamberlain at (519)-736-3664 x2312 or echamberlain@amherstburg,ca

STATUTORY PUBLIC MEETING:

Kim DeYoung is the Essex County Council representative on ECAAC and she noted that while having accessibility and inclusion widely accepted, it is a challenge but something that is attainable.

She said that throughout the day, local municipalities who had not already done so would be having their own flag raising ceremonies.

Describing the flag that was hoisted in front of the county building, DeYoung commented, “the seven chevrons represent the seven municipalities moving forward.”

DeYoung also had a special announcement that the county has received a federal grant to allow for two more accessible doors at the county building as well as a wheelchair ramp.

The county ceremony was held in the morning with the town having their ceremony in the afternoon. The town’s event included Anderdon Public School Grade 7 student Aryan Setia, who was accompanied by principal James Cowper.

Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb noted this year’s theme is “Disability Inclusion: From Possibilities to Practice” and noted “National Accessibility Week

CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF AMHERSTBURG

is an opportunity to mark the important contributions of Canadians with disabilities and to highlight how Canadians are identifying, removing and preventing barriers to inclusion and accessibility. It is also an opportunity to highlight people’s work and reflect on ongoing efforts to become a better, more accessible and more inclusive, Canada.”

Gibb highlighted such projects as Amherstburg being home to Canada’s first Miracle League, an accessible recreation facility such as the Libro Centre, the Essex County Heroes Athletic Club, ACS’s CareLink transportation and the flag raising. He said like all Ontario municipalities, “we strive to improve our infrastructure and services” and the town’s accessibility advisory committee put forth the recommendation to showcase National Accessibility Week.

NOTICE OF STATUTORY PUBLIC MEETING TO CONSIDER A ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT at a public meeting or written submissions to the Council or, in the opinion of the Ontario Land Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party.

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg will hold a public meeting on Monday, June 26, 2023 commencing at 5:00 p.m. in the Town of Amherstburg Council Chambers, 271 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, Ontario. The purpose of this meeting is to consider a proposed amendment to the Town of Amherstburg Zoning By-law 1999-52, under Section 34 of the Planning Act.

ANY PERSON who wishes to attend and address Council by electronic means, must register with the Clerk’s Office no later than 4:00 pm on Thursday, June 22, 2023. To register for electronic participation please email the Clerk at clerk@amherstburg.ca. Once you register, you will be given information on how to make your submission at the electronic meeting by electronic participation. To participate, you will need access to a computer or tablet with internet service or a telephone.

ANY PERSON who wishes watch the meeting proceedings only, please visit http://video.islive.ca/amherstburg/live.html

THE SUBJECT LANDS AND PURPOSE OF THIS

REZONING APPLICATION:

This rezoning application affects approximately 1073.03 sq m of land municipally known as a portion of 138 Tilford Lane.

(see map below).

This rezoning, if approved, change the zoning of the subject lands noted above from the “Residential Type 1A (R1A) Zone” to “Special Provision Residential Second Density (R2-9) Zone”. The lands are designated Low Density Residential in the Town’s Official Plan.

The effect of the amendment will be to allow general residential uses specifically limited to single detached dwelling, home occupation and accessory uses on the subject properties with a minimum lot area of 460 sq m, a minimum lot frontage of 12 m and a maximum lot coverage of 35% for single detached dwellings, whereas the current zoning permits 30% lot coverage and requires 900 sq m minimum lot area and 20 m minimum lot frontage for single detached dwellings.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

ANY PERSON may make written representation in support of or in opposition to the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment by email to the Clerk’s office at clerk@amherstburg.ca or in person by appointment for drop-off at the Libro Centre located at 3295 Meloche Road. Comments must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2023 before the meeting and will be read aloud prior to the application being heard by Council.

IF A PERSON OR PUBLIC BODY does not make oral submissions at a public meeting, or make written submissions to the Town of Amherstburg before the by-law is passed, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Land Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there is reasonable grounds to do so.

Further information relating to the proposed Zoning By-law (File# ZBA/13/23) Amendment is available for inspection by calling or emailing the Planning Department Office during normal office hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The proposed Zoning By-law Amendment is also available for review on the Town of Amherstburg Website: www.amherstburg.ca. If you wish to be notified of the passage of the proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendment, you must make a written request to the Town at the address below. The hearing will be available for viewing by livestream by visiting www.amherstburg.ca.

The meeting will be available for viewing by livestream by visiting www.amherstburg.ca.

For Council and Committee Agendas and Meetings, visit amherstburg.ca/calendar.

To subscribe to Council & Committee Agendas, visit Amherstburg.ca/calendar and click SUBSCRIBE.

DATED at the Town of Amherstburg this 31st day of May, 2023.

Christopher Aspila Manager, Planning Services

(Above) A flag promting National Accessibility Week was raised at the Essex Civic Centre Monday.

Photo by Fred Groves (Right) A flag was also raised at Amherstburg town hall Monday afternoon. That ceremony included Anderdon Public School student Aryan Setia and principal James Cowper.