River Town Times February 15, 2023

Amherstburg council votes to keep Windsor police

By Ron Giofu

The Windsor Police Service –Amherstburg Detachment will continue to operate in the town.

Town council voted to authorize administration to exercise the renewal clause with the Windsor Police Service Board for another five years, meaning that Windsor police will stay in Amherstburg from Jan. 1, 2024 to Dec. 31, 2028.

The renewal came as part of a special meeting of town council held last Wednesday evening.

Councillor Don McArthur was among those voting in favour of renewing the contract with Windsor police. He recalled it being a “massive issue” two elections ago but not so much in 2022.

“There was hardly a blip on the radar

screen,” said McArthur. “It was hardly discussed at all.”

McArthur didn’t believe the public at large was “up in arms” about the police service, and that if there are not many issues raised, it’s an indication people are fine with the status quo.

“Some people don’t believe the savings are there,” said McArthur. “The savings are there. It’s in the administrative report.”

McArthur disagreed with Mayor Michael Prue not being a voting member of the Windsor Police Services Board but noted it was a contractual agreement. He also believed someone with an Indigenous background or a person of colour should have representation.

“The contract saves us money,” he stated, adding the level of service is protected in the contract.

The identity of the town has not changed since the switch, he believed, as he judges the community based on such things as its people and events. Now that things have “settled down” at town hall as it relates to staffing, McArthur didn’t feel it was the time to make changes with policing in Amherstburg. He also didn’t believe it was right to add a Request for Proposals (RFP) onto the workload of town administration.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” he said.

Going back to the Amherstburg Police Service would be “extremely expensive,” he added, and that it comes down to annual operational savings.

Councillor Linden Crain said the savings have been over $300,000 per year since the switch and believed the town was getting good service. He said

a recent survey showed about 90 per cent of respondents were fine with Windsor police.

“It comes down to savings and the level of service,” he said.

Crain said there is not enough in reserves to restart Amherstburg police unless the town increases the tax rate, something he said residents don’t want to see. Additional services are offered through Windsor police, he added.

“If the next term wants to consider (switching), they can do it then but right now it’s not a smart financial decision to reinstate Amherstburg police or any other routes like OPP,” he said.

Time constraints are also a factor as it pertains to getting costings and making a potential switch.

Continued on Page 4

Kids Curing Cancer raises over $13,000 at pasta dinner

By Ron Giofu

Kids Curing Cancer (KCC) has been raising money in the fight against cancer for a decade and that continued in full force over the weekend.

KCC presented its annual pasta dinner at Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery Saturday night and raised $13,015.85 from that event alone. Led by the Baillargeon family, KCC fundraises throughout the year, with annual donations to cancer-related causes in March.

The month of March was chosen for the overall donation as the birthday of Dan Gerard is March 8. Gerard passed away from cancer and he was the grandfather of Lauren, Kierstyn and Ty and father of Jodi Baillargeon, mother of the three youths.

Proceeds this year will benefit Erie Shores Hospice in Leamington. “It’s our tenth year overall,” said Lauren, who started KCC as a Malden Central Public School student and continues it as a University of Windsor student.

Continued on Page 8

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Kids Curing Cancer’s pasta dinner fundraiser raised $13,015.85 Saturday at Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery. Lauren Baillargeon (second from left) was one of the musical entertainers and also helped organize the event with the help of her family, including siblings Kierstyn and Ty.

Town council gets update on Bois Blanc Island ferry emergency situation

By Ron Giofu

Amherstburg town council was updated on the ferry situation, particularly in the event of an emergency, as it relates to Bois Blanc Island.

Cindy Prince, vice president of development with Amico, appeared before town council Monday night to give the company’s side after council members had requested the company address the issue before them. Council voiced concerns over emergency response during a January meeting, noting there were issues pertaining to ferry access around Christmas.

Prince said Amico is proud of doing business in Amherstburg, with local projects including their Front Road South lands, the hotel property on Dalhousie St. and the Golfview subdivision to island-related properties including the ferry dock. She said the ferry is totally the responsibility of Amico and that purchasers know the use of the services is subject to Bois Blanc Island ferry terms.

Amico also doesn’t guarantee ferry service, Prince noted, as residents know “ferry service may be disrupted due to, but not limited to, weather conditions, mechanical breakdowns, work stoppages, river conditions, etc.”

Its Amherstburg Ferry Company arm “shall not be responsible for alternate transportation arrangements” or any losses or damages by a lack or delay in ferry services, she noted.

“We are fully acknowledging to purchasers there may be days the service doesn’t run,” said Prince.

The storm around Christmas meant the ferry was only available for medical

services Dec. 23 and early Dec. 24, and emergency runs for all who needed it later in the day Dec. 24. There was no regular schedule Dec. 25 but requests were accommodated, until full service was restored later that day.

Prince told council one request was a couple wanting to spend Christmas with their daughter on the island, with the couple being driven to their daughter’s home. She said there were thankfully no medical emergencies.

Water dropped approximately five inches due to the storm, she added, and noted ferry captains make the decisions on whether the ferry can operate safely.

“The reasons are many why we didn’t run the ferry but it is all focused on safety,” said Prince.

The storm caused an accident which closed Highway 401, grounded planes and caused delays in VIA Rail service, Prince added. She also noted ice buildup caused damage to pilings at the former dock, which caused a portion of it to buckle.

“There are times when weather and Mother Nature win and transportation can’t happen,” she said.

Ice buildup at the Bois Blanc ferry dock

was another issue, she added, but they are spending millions to create a new dock that will help to alleviate that issue.

“Our focus is on safety,” said Prince. “The ferry only runs when our ferry captains are convinced it can be done safely.”

Amico works closely with the Amherstburg Fire Department and Chief Bruce Montone, she added, and have done such things as acquire a fan boat to help in such situations. There has also been a tugboat engaged for ice clearing, when needed, and a temporary garage provided for a fire truck on the island.

Councillor Diane Pouget questioned a plan that was signed off on by town administration and Montone several years ago, but Montone indicated the entire emergency plan is approved by council but there are annexes (subsections) that can’t be publicly brought forward due to confidential information that is not in the public’s best interest.

Montone indicated the town’s establishing and regulating bylaw spell out

that access is not always available, adding there are challenges with delivering fire service to all areas of Amherstburg sometimes due to limited resources.

“We do our very best. Our firefighters are remarkable, but there are limits,” he said.

Councillor Linden Crain praised Amico’s efforts on providing a tugboat, a garage for the fire truck on Bois Blanc and and air boat, but Councillor Peter Courtney wanted to see more permanent solutions rather than measures he considered “band-aid fixes.” He wanted to know if by personnel and equipment on the island meant fire trucks as well, and also believed every possible measure should be mitigated to ensure emergency vehicles can access the island.

Prince stated the development agreement with the town has being followed “to the letter” and that Amico has incorporated many of Montone’s suggestions. Montone added they still hope to build a permanent hall on Bois Blanc Island and also possibly recruit island residents to help staff it. Acknowledging it wasn’t a perfect solution, Montone said the ideal solution is a self-sufficient fire service on the island but that was not affordable.

A third-party company agreed with steps that were being taken and that “one (truck) is better than none but more is better.” The company added the insurance situation for island and mainland residents has improved.

Continued on Page 9

The Bois Blanc vehicle ferry is seen crossing the Detroit River Monday afternoon. Town council discussed the issue with Cindy Prince from Amico Monday night, particularly what happens in an emergency situation.

RTT PHOTO BY HAILEY ZIMMERMAN

Indoor turf field among topics of discussions at budget open house

By Ron Giofu

The Town of Amherstburg changed budget consultation formats and a main topic of the new format that came out was about a recreation proposal.

Representatives of the Amherstburg Indoor Sports Association (AISA) and the Amherstburg Soccer Club (ASC) were some of those on hand at the Libro Centre Saturday morning for an open house on the budget. While previous years have seen a public meeting established where the draft budget was presented followed by public questions and commitments, this year saw the public able to go from table to table where department heads and staff fielded questions.

All seven members of town council were also on hand talking to the public and fielding questions.

A proposed conversion of the indoor turf field at the Libro Centre into a gymnasium, complete with a change from the turf field to a multi-purpose gymnasium-style flooring, is included as part of the draft capital budget. That drew out people both pro and con to the proposal.

Should it be approved, the 2023 cost would be $75,000 for a sports’ needs study, while $250,000 is earmarked to convert the space into a gymnasium each year from 2024-27. A budget paper on the subject notes the town was approached by the AISA asking to convert the space into a five-sport gymnasium, with administration recommending the conversion due to the turf field being “underutilized.”

Nick Cacciato, president of the ASC,

said the organization doesn’t oppose the AISA having their own gymnasium, but not at the expense of the turf field.

“I’m here in opposition to the proposal by the AISA to remove the turf and replace it with a gymnasium and multiuse facility,” said Cacciato.

Cacciato said the AISA “deserve a facility” but didn’t want that facility to be the Libro Centre turf field.

“I think we can work together,” said Cacciato. “I think we can come up with some solutions.”

Cacciato said he only learned of the proposal two days earlier when speaking with council members and believed while there are “a lot of good people” on council and in administration, he said ASC wants to preserve the turf field.

Tina Duby, describing herself as a “frustrated parent,” added she is also opposed to changing the turf field into a gymnasium. She believes the turf field is a service to youth and she feared a loss in programming for the ASC. She added she was not aware of any data stating

Florida crash claims life of Amherstburg man

By RTT Staff

An Amherstburg man passed away earlier this month as a result of injuries sustained in a traffic accident in Florida.

According to a report from the Fort Myers News-Press, the 77-year-old Amherstburg man died when his SUV collided with a bus.

The report states the crash occurred Feb. 3 around 4 p.m. along Summerlin Road, near San Carlos Boulevard in Fort Myers. That information came from a Florida Highway Patrol incident report, the paper stated.

According to the report, the SUV was travelling westbound on

Summerlin Road and attempted to turn left onto San Carlos Boulevard.

A Lee County Transit Bus was eastbound on Summerlin Road approaching the intersection.

The report alleged the SUV turned left in front of the bus, with the bus colliding with the side of the SUV.

The driver of the SUV was transported to hospital where he later passed away.

Two other occupants of the SUV were taken to the Gulf Coast Medical Centre with critical injuries, the Florida newspaper stated.

State troopers stated the bus wasn’t carrying any passengers, the Fort Myers News-Press also reported.

additional utilization by changing it into a gymnasium.

“So many people have spent a lot of time building up the program,” she said. Duby added her son utilizes the facility three times per week.

“I’m frustrated,” she added.

Joseph Thachen-Cary, a representative of AISA, said they are a group that supports multiple sports in town with no interest of “cannibalizing” anyone. He said they are looking forward to discussing issues with soccer club representatives and those from ultimate frisbee.

“I can respect the soccer people saying they don’t want to lose the turf,” said Thachen-Cary.

Sports like volleyball and basketball want a harder surface to play on, with Thachen-Cary adding their group is more than just pickleball. He said he has heard from people thinking their proposal is just for pickleball players. He said they want to keep people in town and offer an affordable solution, adding volleyball is

a growing sport.

“They have to travel long distances and take our user fees with them to other municipalities,” said ThachenCary, “and drive thousands of kilometres every week.”

Using school gymnasiums isn’t as easy as it seems, the AISA maintained, noting those gyms are not available during the day, have limited usage at night and not at all on the weekends.

“We’re looking for solutions that are good for all and one that is viable,” he said.

“Everyone’s got ideas,” said Mayor Michael Prue. “There are some misconceptions.”

Prue added he has received “dozens of e-mails” on the turf field/gymnasium issue and he said if council chooses to remove the $75,000 included in this year’s budget, it would reduce the budget by 0.25 per cent.

“I want to hear what council has to say,” said Prue.

There were residents speaking about their water, taxes, roadwork among other issues, Prue added.

The new open house format was something Prue was pleased with.

“This is a good venue. They are getting to talk to staff one-on-one,” said Prue. “I think it’s great. I’m glad staff did this.”

Town council will try to lower an initial budget figure of 4.23 per cent. Operating budget deliberations will be Feb. 21 (6-10 p.m.), Feb. 22 (9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.) and Feb. 23 (1-7 p.m., if necessary). Capital budget deliberations will be Feb. 27 (6-10 p.m.), Feb. 28 (9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.) and March 2 (1-7 p.m., if necessary).

The Town of Amherstburg held a budget open house last Saturday morning where people met with council members and administration to discuss their issues and concerns.

Town council votes to stick with the Windsor Police Service for another five years

Continued from Page 1

Prue said the previous council, where he served as a councillor, set aside money to switch back, if that was the wish of council. Approximately $365,000 was put aside in the first year with $100,000 in each of the next two years, but that $565,000 that was set aside in total “may be spoken for” for fire department radios.

“That’s the reality of budgeting. That’s where it may be going, and that will leave next to nothing in the police reserve,” said Prue.

The mayor wanted to know how much money would be necessary “to have a serious conversation” about policing options.

“I thought we were going to have a serious conversation but we find all the money has been spent on something else,” said Prue.

CAO Valerie Critchley disputed the money in the reserve has been spent, stating there is money in the capital budget and the decision is with council on how it is spent.

“Whether or not council uses that now for the radios or later, it will be at least $500,000 if we have to put aside our own police radio system,” she said. “Not enough has been put aside for that cost, which I believe was known at that time, that the police radios would have to be replaced.”

Prue suggested the town build that reserve up in case the citizens choose to have its own police service again.

The mayor added he has no ill will towards Windsor regarding the police service board position, stating he was told by Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens that the city would choose one of its citizens for the spot and that they had 49 applications.

“That’s the way they see it and that’s the way it was,” said Prue.

The mayor added he will continue to attend the meetings and he will try and convince the province to expand the board to seven members.

“I think that would be the best situation,” said Prue. Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb said “what happened in the past has happened. It’s done. The question is how we are going to move forward.” Gibb believed it would be “absolutely overwhelming” to restart Amherstburg police, with annual costs to be more than with what Windsor police offers. Reserves aren’t there and “it is what it is” adding he was doubtful there was enough time to get it done. Partnering with LaSalle was another option, but Gibb said there would be start-up costs with that too.

“LaSalle’s cost per resident is much higher than what

we’re paying right now,” the deputy mayor stated. Going with the OPP was another option, and while noting there was about a $2 million cost difference, Gibb said when speaking with other municipal leaders, some were not satisfied with the service they were receiving.

Gibb didn’t believe renewing with Windsor was a bad option, citing that 90 per cent of people felt safe in Amherstburg based on the recent survey. He added he has never heard anyone not receiving exemplary service, but wished Prue had a vote on the police service board.

“If we’re going to be honest with each other, we don’t really have a choice at this point,” said Gibb. “I feel the Windsor Police – Amherstburg Detachment does a good job, they do it at a reasonable cost and every indication I see is that the people of Amherstburg are happy with it.”

Gibb later read from Critchley’s written report on the reserve situation, where it stated the opening balance was $344,776. In 2020, $546,000 was recommended in the draft budget but was reduced to $100,000 during that year’s budget deliberation. In 2021, an additional $100,000 was placed into that reserve but nothing was placed into in during 2022 deliberations.

“While there is no money in reserves, it was a conscious decision that money was not put into reserves. I’m not going to speak to what was decided at that time but I think it is important as this is problematic for Amherstburg as not enough money is put into reserves,” said Gibb. “Here’s a prime example of when we didn’t and now it’s coming back to bite us.”

McArthur disagreed that the decision cost the town, stating residents were promised savings and that is what they received. He said the town had the option to do what it liked and pull the money it needed, but didn’t want to do that citing operational savings.

Critchley said administration compared the policing costs with that of Strathroy-Caradoc in preparation of the report. She said when Amherstburg numbers were studied, it showed an average annual savings of

$348,000 for a savings of approximately $1.7 million over the life of the contract. She estimated start-up costs to switch back, including radios, to be at least $500,000 with another $350,000 per year. A consultant would also be required to make another switch.

Prue pointed out there were no delegations listed on the evening’s agenda, and opened the floor to the crowded council chamber with one person stepping forward.

Nancy Atkinson questioned why there was a report of 380 calls by the Windsor police traffic unit in 2019.

“That’s more accidents than one a day in the Town of Amherstburg. How can that be?” she asked.

Those numbers dropped to 84 in 2020, 23 in 2021 and 27 last year. Atkinson said she was part of the fight in 2018 to keep Amherstburg police, noting she was told how important Windsor’s special units were.

Atkinson added statistics for the investigative branch went from 33 calls in 2019 to 375 in 2022.

Chief Jason Bellaire, joined by other high-ranking Windsor police officers, noted that in 2019, there were assigned traffic officers in Amherstburg in 2019 and the numbers increased every time they went out on a call. As the years went on, Bellaire said the traffic officers were not designated as such and those numbers only reflected when the traffic or accident reconstruction units came to Amherstburg. Bellaire said work done by the IB unit has shifted to Windsor rather than stay in Amherstburg, something he called “an escalated service” that improved public safety.

Atkinson asked whether the 380 numbers would be used to determine whether the cost of specialty units is efficient. She also questioned whether council members saw the numbers, with McArthur noting he and Councillor Molly Allaire had chatted about it already. McArthur also questioned self-generated walk-in incidents, and was told Bellaire people’s habits changed due to increased online reporting. Staff Sgt. Brian Caffarena added there are civilian personnel on hand during the day to assist the public with requests.

Bellaire told town council the minimum amount of officers on duty is three with being three to six most nights. He estimated 50 per cent of the former Amherstburg police officers are still here with others moving to Windsor or retiring.

Councillor Peter Courtney was not in attendance at last Wednesday’s meeting. Councillor Diane Pouget declared a conflict of interest due to having a family member employed by Windsor police and she did not participate.

Fire near Paquette Corners causes about $100,000 in damage

By RTT Staff

A fire in Paquette Corners near McGregor caused about $100,000 in damage Saturday morning, says the Amherstburg Fire Department.

Assistant deputy chief Dan Monk said the fire started from a wood stove in a garage structure on Walker Road, which

he said has multiple uses including a garage and apartment. No one was occupying the structure at the time, Monk pointed out.

“Luckily, there is a one-person room in the garage but no one was residing in there at the time,” said Monk.

Monk credited fire crews for containing the damage to one area of the building.

The blaze spread slightly but firefighters kept it mainly to one section.

“We were able to keep it to the roof,” said Monk.

Monk said the fire call came in around 4 a.m. Saturday and crews

were on scene roughly four hours. The Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment assisted with road closures. Approximately 30 firefighters were on scene, from Stations 2 and 3 (Anderdon and Malden).

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Staff Sgt. Brian Caffarena answers a question at town council’s special meeting on policing last Wednesday night.

A structure fire on Walker Road caused about $100,000 damage Saturday morning. Amherstburg firefighters pack up after dousing a fire on Walker Road last Saturday morning.

Mom’s ongoing recovery from alcohol addiction inspires daughter to fundraise

By Ron Giofu

Meaghan Marton is running competitively again and doing so with a purpose.

Her next race, the Burlington Chilly half-marathon is coming up March 5 and she is using the race as an opportunity to fundraise for the House of Sophrosyne.

Her mother Elaine recently completed a five-week program at the House of Sophrosyne.

The House of Sophrosyne states it is “an addiction treatment center for women and their families. We offer a holistic approach in treating women and their families for substance misuse through evidencebased practices.”

Meaghan said she ran when she was a student at General Amherst High School and the University of Windsor but took a seven-year hiatus.

“In 2019, I ran a marathon for the first time,” she said, noting it was a fundraiser for Charlotte’s Freedom Farm.

Meghan added she started training competitively on a regular basis near the end of 2021 and decided to raise money in conjunction with running distance races. She also is accomplishing running goals, including qualifying for the Boston Marathon thanks to her performance last year in a marathon in Nova Scotia.

Meaghan also founded the concept of “Run For a Reason (FAR)” and originally tried to raise $250 for House of Sophrosyne. When more money started coming in, the goal was raised to $1,000.

As of last Saturday, Meaghan had raised $677.

“It’s kind of cool,” she said. “I can run and raise money for a good cause.”

By helping to raise money for the House of Sophrosyne, Meaghan said it helps keep the programming to a minimal cost for women who need to enroll.

“I don’t want to just raise money for them, I want to raise awareness,” she said.

Elaine said people who suffer from addiction are often ashamed to admit their issues. The House of Sophrosyne is not just about one addiction, but many addictions, she added.

Recovering is “a hard job,” she continued, and that people need support.

“I’m very overwhelmed,” Elaine said of her

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daughter’s fundraising efforts. “Words can’t explain what she’s doing.”

Elaine said after she hit rock bottom, she went into recovery and decided to help people. She said her alcohol addiction came on gradually.

“You think you can handle it and you don’t have a problem,” said Elaine. “With self-isolation and being embarrassed to go out in public, the drinking intensifies.”

Elaine credits her family and friends for helping her cope with her addiction. Going through the House of Sophrosyne helped her get the tools she needs to handle the issue on an ongoing basis.

“It’s a journey,” Meaghan added. “It’s been hard at times.”

Meaghan added when her mother graduated from the program in early February, she walked out with

more self-esteem and self-worth.

“I’m really proud of her for taking those steps,” she said.

“It was like school all over again,” said Elaine of her experience at the House of Sophrosyne. “It was very structured.”

People can donate directly to the House of Sophrosyne’s website or to Meaghan’s GoFundMe page, found by searching “Running FAR: She Believed She Could So She Did.”

Meaghan estimated she has raised $20,000 for various causes over the years. She plans on continuing with other charities as well, including when she runs the 30K “Around the Bay” race later this year.

“My plan is to raise money with most of my big races,” she said.

Meaghan Marton has resumed competitive running again and is now using her races as an opportunity to raise money for causes she believes in, including the House of Sophrosyne. She is seen crossing the finish line in Niagara Falls (above left). The House of Sophrosyne is getting proceeds of her March 5 half-marathon in Burlington because her mother Elaine is a recent graduate of the program. Meaghan stands with her mother last Friday (above right).

ABOVE LEFT PHOTO SUBMITTED, ABOVE RIGHT BY RON GIOFU

Change at the top coming for two area school boards

By Ron Giofu

One area school board will soon bid farewell to its director of education while another welcomes a new one.

The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) has announced that Erin Kelly will retire as director of education effective Aug. 11.

“I am proud of the great things we have accomplished together,” Kelly stated in a press release issued last Wednesday. “We have managed our resources effectively; there have been many improvements made to our schools and classrooms; and I saw tremendous advancements made for students with unique learning needs. Most of all, though, I am inspired by the way that everyone - staff students, families and members of our communities - demonstrated kindness and support for one another.”

During the past decade, under Kelly’s leadership, the GECDSB states it has been “focused on providing diverse opportunities and experiences for students so that they are able to reach their full potential. There has been stringent fiscal responsibility in alignment with the Board’s strategic priorities and the GECDSB has been able to secure capital funding for new schools and building renewal.”

“The community partnerships we have established have had, and will have, great value,” Kelly says. “We have begun some important work with anti-racism practices and initiatives that are breaking down barriers for all students.”

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Gale Simko Hatfield stated: “Director Kelly has led us through some difficult times, especially the unique challenges of maintaining quality public education during the Covid pandemic. Erin has also been instrumental in guiding our board with her innovative work in creating a sustainable process for strategic and organizational planning. On behalf of everyone in the GECDSB I wish Erin the best in all her future adventures.”

The Greater Essex County District School Board states it will now undertake the process to hire a new director of education.

The GECDSB’s schools in Amherstburg includes Amherstburg

Public School, Anderdon Public School, Malden Central Public School and North Star High School.

Meanwhile, Le Conseil scolaire catholique Providence (Csc Providence) is announcing the appointment of Carolyn Bastien, described as “an experienced educational leader,” as interim director of education and secretary of the board.

This appointment follows the departure of Eugénie Congi and is effective immediately, stated CsC Providence.

The French-Catholic Board, which operates École St.-Jean Baptiste in Amherstburg as part of its family of schools, states Bastien has been with Csc Providence for over 20 years, including 15 years as business

superintendent and board treasurer. Responsible for all administrative functions of the board, including finance, human resources, facilities, and information technology, Csc Providence said Bastien has ensured that administrative functions are carried out in an efficient manner while ensuring alignment with the Board’s vision, values, and strategic goals. At the provincial level, she has participated in provincial negotiations and has chaired several boards, including the Council of School Business Officials of Ontario and School Boards’ Cooperative Inc.

Bastien holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, a Supervisory Officer’s Certificate and is a Certified Professional Accountant.

Her education, experience and commitment to the Board, its schools and its students will contribute to the continued success of Csc Providence, the school board stated in a press release issued last Friday.

Board Chair Jacques Kenny praised Bastien’s “suitability for this highly strategic position.”

“In addition to her financial skills, her extensive expertise in education and management and her collaborative approach align well with the Board’s values. Under Carolyn’s leadership, Csc Providence will continue to deploy the broad directions of its strategic plan and achieve its outcomes,” said Kenny.

Csc Providence states it would like to thank Congi for her contribution to Csc Providence and wishes her well in her future endeavors.

Greater Essex County District School Board director of eduction Erin Kelly will be retiring effective Aug. 11. Photo is from www.publicboard.ca.

Carolyn Bastien has been appointed as the interim director of education for the Csc Providence, the school board the École St.-Jean Baptiste is part of. Submitted photo

Black History Month events includes history of Amherstburg Freedom Museum

By Ron Giofu

The Amherstburg Freedom Museum has helped in co-promoting Black History Month events this year with a recent event showcasing the museum itself.

“It Started With a Dream – The History of the Amherstburg Freedom Museum” was presented last Thursday night in the River Bookshop’s “Hole in the Wall” upstairs event space. The bookshop was the other co-promoter of recent Black History Month events.

Amherstburg Freedom Museum curator/administrator Mary-Katherine Whelan pointed out the museum was founded by Melvin “Mac” Simpson and Betty Simpson. Whelan pointed out it was founded in 1975 as the North American Black Historical Museum.

“We are a community-based, non-profit museum that tells the story of African-Canadians’ history and contributions by preserving and presenting artifacts that educate and inspire,” said Whelan.

“The museum was created to enlighten the people of Canada and tourists regarding Black History and participation in the growth of this great country of ours,” Mac Simpson stated at the beginning of the museum’s existence, in a quote read by Whelan.

The groundbreaking for the current museum building was in 1979, assistant curator Dr. Lorene Bridgen-Lennie stated. When the building opened, over 500 guests came to its opening including thenMayor Garnet Fox, Essex-Windsor MP Eugene Whelan and Essex-South MPP Remo Mancini. Dr. Dan Hill, who was a historian and former president of the Ontario Black History Society, praised the significance of the museum.

The museum changed its name in 2015 on the occasion of its 40th anniversary, Bridgen-Lennie stated, and it became what is now known as the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. The name change was to emphasize its connection to people seeking freedom, she noted.

“In addition to sharing Amherstburg’s stories of the Underground Railroad and the compassion and solidarity it took to make this network possible, the Amherstburg Freedom Museum collects, protects, interprets, researches, educates and exhibits a collection of artifacts of historical and cultural value,” said Bridgen-Lennie.

museum’s grounds, was constructed in 1848 but the congregation dates back as far as 1826. It was named for Rev. Willis Nazrey.

The church was constructed by freedom seekers, who also used it as a gathering place over the years. Renovations were completed in 1888 which cost $1,100, which Whelan said translates into $44,063.90 in today’s dollars, and that included the plastering of walls, raising the roof, a new choir loft and new windows.

An annex was added to the museum in 1975. The last service was held in 1988.

By the 1990’s, the church was in rough shape and needed braces to keep walls upright and thanks to then-curator Elise Harding-Davis, over $2 million was raised for the church’s restoration.

Dr. Norm Becker was key to its preservation as well and the church became the first National Historic Site of Canada dedicated to Black history.

“It was a full circle moment because the church gave so much to the community,” said Whelan.

The history of the Taylor Log Cabin, which is now attached to the main museum building, was given and dates back to George Taylor, who came to Amherstburg in 1870. His son-in-law Thomas Thompson lived with them and his daughter Azailia and her husband William Wilson lived in the cabin into the 1970s.

Whelan pointed out Amherstburg was an important entrance point for those seeking freedom. She noted the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 stated those who escaped enslavement and took refuge in the northern United States could be captured and forced back into slavery in the south.

The Fugitive Slave Act caused many freedom seekers to come to Canada.

Rev. Anthony Binga documented the arrival of escaped slaves, noting they came as many as 50 per day at one of its higher points.

The Nazrey AME Church, which is located on the

When William passed away, Mac Simpson took possession and incorporated it into the museum, where it has been extensively renovated over the years thanks to Ontario Trillium Fund grants.

Artifacts donated by descendants of the Underground Railroad are part of what is now in the Taylor Log Cabin.

Bridgen added the museum is present online including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

The museum is located at 277 King St., can be found online at www.amherstburgfreedom.org and by calling 519-736-5433.

February 21 March 3, 2 0 23

Amherstburg Freedom Museum curator/administrator MaryKatherine Whelan (left) and assistant curator Dr. Lorene BridgenLennie discuss the museum’s history during a presentation last Thursday night at the River Bookshop’s “Hole in the Wall.”

RTT PHOTO BY RON GIOFU

Author event coming to local bookshop later this month

By Ron Giofu

A bookseller is organizing a local authors’ event later this month.

Cindy Lemieux, a bookseller at the River Bookshop in Amherstburg, is presenting a local author’s event Feb. 25-26 from 12-4 p.m. each day. It will be held upstairs in the Richmond St. bookshop’s “Hole in the Wall” event space.

“We have ten authors each day,” said Lemieux. Authors from around Windsor-Essex County that the bookshop deals with were invited to attend with ten authors of books targeted for adults coming Saturday while children’s book authors will be on site Sunday. Lemieux said each author will have a space to set up, chat with the public, have a reading and sign their books.

Authors scheduled for Feb. 25 are Mark Robinson, David Garlick, Kevin Shea, Mary Ann Adam, George Morneau, Christian Laforet, Elisa Sinnett, Dorothy Mahoney, Sally Cole-Misch and Victor Dinardo. Children’s authors coming in the next day are Duncan

Lam, Victoria D’anna, Gaye McGee, Celeste Kurcz, Glen Hawkes, Amy Soucie, Jane Ripley, Alma Hogan, Peter Billing and Lynn McLaughlin.

Lam, Soucie and Ripley will also be participating in “Story Time” that day at the bookshop.

“I wanted to do something to showcase local authors,”

Lemieux explained. “I want to showcase as much talent as possible. We reached out to local authors we carry or have carried.”

Lemieux said they had all of the positions filled within 24 hours. Reception for the authors’ event has been so positive that River Bookshop plans on having two or three of them per year, including some possibly to be held outdoors when the warmer weather hits. Having the first one in February is a way to help welcome people and get them in the door during the winter, she stated.

“I thought it would be a nice time of year to get people in,” said Lemieux.

The authors’ event is free to attend for the public with proceeds of sales to be split as they always are with contractual agreements between the store and the authors.

“I’m looking forward to it,” said Lemieux. “I’ve been trying to get together and have an event with local authors.”

Lead bookseller Meghan Desjardins said they want to find new ways to support local authors and be creative at the same time.

Kids Curing Cancer’s pasta dinner one of several fundraising events

Continued from Page 1

The pasta dinner is in its seventh year, she added, and first one since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It went really well,” she said. “As soon as we sent out the post that tickets were available (on their Facebook page), people started sending us messages.”

Jodi added people were asking about tickets even before they went on sale.

Last Saturday’s pasta dinner drew approximately 250 people, one of the largest they’ve ever had for the dinner.

“I think we had a little more than past years,” said Jodi.

Over 100 door prizes were donated, including 15 for a live auction, including some higher priced items like a gaming chair and Yeti cooler.

“The prizes we got were of very big value compared to other years,” said Lauren.

“Because we hadn’t had a pasta dinner for a few years, everyone was very generous,” added Jodi.

Not only were the guests happy and excited, Lauren said the staff and Sprucewood Shores were as well, with many commenting about how happy the crowd was. Staff also volunteered their time, Jodi added, with food also

donated.

The family also provided the entertainment as well as other musicians Lauren plays with, including Ken McLeod, Mike Houston and Max Marshall. Sean and Kim Mackinnon helped with the auction. What’s Poppin’ Popcorn Co., owned by a co-worker with Jodi at Anderdon Public School, also donated popcorn while the Sweet Moments Cookie Company also sold DIY cookie kits with proceeds going to KCC. Accurate Creations also surprised them with sweatshirts, Jodi added.

In addition to the pasta dinner, KCC also teams with the Sun County Predators with the girls hockey league also helping to raise money for the overall campaign. Funds are still being collected through pledges from the 11 teams, with top teams and individuals eligible for prizes. Kierstyn plays for Sun

The Windsor Spitfires also assist through ticket sales during certain

games, where some are set aside and proceeds from their sale going to KCC. The Amherstburg Admirals also help out with donations.

“They are hoping to make it $100,000 in ten years,” Jodi said of her three children.

The event keeps growing and expanding and the support keeps it going, the Baillargeons said. Lauren added it has evolved from being just their family to the “KCC Family” when all their supporters and donors are factored in. Those also include Erie Shores Hospice and Hogs for Hospice, who were at the pasta dinner.

“It’s not just the three of us,” said Lauren. “It’s not just Lauren, Ty and Kierstyn. It’s the whole KCC family.”

Cancer has touched everyone, Jodi added, and that’s another reason they think people are generous.

“Cancer is something everyone can relate to,”

Jodi stated..

Bookseller Cindy Lemieux is organizing a local author event at the River Bookshop. It is scheduled for Feb. 25-26.

Kids Curing Cancer presented a fundraising pasta dinner last Saturday at Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery. The event raised over $13,000, with proceeds going to Erie Shores Hospice.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Amherstburg taxi driver hailed as hero for stopping scam of senior

Public encouraged to educate others on the “Grandparents Scam”

By RTT Staff

An Amherstburg taxi driver is being hailed as a hero after stepping in to prevent a local senior from being scammed out of thousands of dollars.

According to the Windsor Police Service –Amherstburg Detachment, local taxi driver Abdullahi Farah picked up an 86-year-old passenger who requested that Farah take her to a financial institution. Farah spoke with the woman and discovered she was being scammed by a person claiming that the woman’s grandson was arrested.

The scam was that the senior was asked to withdraw money from her bank account and bail her grandson out of jail.

The Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment was notified and officers met with Farah and the woman at the local financial institution and prevented any transaction from taking place.

“We would like to thank Mr. Farah for his quick thinking and fast action,” said Windsor Police Chief Jason Bellaire. “He came across a person in trouble and selflessly took it upon himself to help them. His actions are commendable and an extraordinary example of good citizenship.”

Windsor police adds that not all grandparent scams are thwarted by good Samaritans like Farah and they encourage the community to educate elderly relatives and friends about this scam and what can be done to protect themselves.

More information on the “grandparents scam” can be found at https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/scams-fraudes/emergency-urgenceeng.htm.

Council also given update on Amico’s hotel project

Continued from Page 2

“The ferry is vital for the safety of the island,” added Courtney.

Councillor Molly Allaire asked how old the ferries were, with Mayor Michael Prue saying they are over 80. Prince said the engines are regularly maintained and they are in “top mechanical condition.” Prue believed a new ferry, with ice breaking capabilities, could solve many of the issues.

McArthur asked about the mainland hotel, proposed for the corner of Dalhousie St. and Gore St. He said it was announced as a Hampton Inn & Suites in 2021 with a groundbreaking to be held in Spring 2022.

“It’s almost Spring 2023. What happened?” McArthur asked.

Prince said costs of materials and interest rates have shot up with the associated construction costs making it not viable at this time to build the hotel. She added there is still a deal in place with Hilton and that the situation regarding costs is improving, telling McArthur they hope to be in a position to proceed with the hotel in approximately six months.

Prue, an island resident, stated at the start of the meeting he discussed his involvement at an Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) with the integrity commissioner.

That hearing is still an open file, he noted, and cautioned he would have to declare a conflict of interest should the matter stray from the issue at hand and into matters that were part of the LPAT hearing.

DEADLINE TO ADVERTISE AND MAKE LISTING CHANGES IS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH.

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Residents pick up the phone books and they want them! Want to reach your potential customers?

Windsor police chief Jason Bellaire (left) congratulates Amherstburg taxi driver Abdullahi Farah after Farah helped prevent an 86-year-old woman from losing thousands of dollars through the “Grandparents Scam.”

SPECIAL TO THE RTT

Ground broken for new Dairy Queen development on Sandwich St. S.

By RTT Staff

The ground is broken and construction is underway for one of the proposed new fast food developments. Dairy Queen is being constructed at 51-57 Sandwich St. S. The two homes that were there have been cleared from the property and the fast food restaurant will be erected soon.

It is the fifth Dairy Queen restaurant for the Barr family with other locations being in Tecumseh, Detroit, Chatham-Kent and Kingsville with another planned for Lakeshore (specifically Emeryville).

The Barr family are the only franchisees for Dairy Queen that operate on both sides of the Canada-United States border.

The family owns rights to the corporate brand locally and runs the restaurants together. They look forward to the Amherstburg location, adding they love

bringing Dairy Queen restaurants to communities like Amherstburg and Kingsville.

While Kurt Barr said “there’s nothing better than serving a kid an ice cream cone,” he added it will be a full

“Grill & Chill” restaurant with a “full array of ice cream and food.” It will be open for lunch and dinner, with likely hours being 10 a.m.-10 p.m. with summer hours possibly being extended to 11 p.m. with a patio in the front. Delivery will also be an option in the future.

The proponents state they worked with the town and its heritage committee to arrive at a final design for the restaurant. They feel it fills a void in this part of the county and want it to be a “destination for people.”

The new restaurant will be approximately 2,200 square feet with 45 seats for in-person dining. Anywhere from 25-40 people will be employed, many of whom will likely be high school-aged youth.

The new DQ is expected to be open in the third quarter of 2023 with a three-storey, 12-unit apartment building to follow.

The apartments will be a mix of one and two-bedroom units with rent pricing to be determined.

Book Review

Mighty Super Zero

By Duncan Lam

In this fun bilingual short story, local author Duncan Lam tells of the number Zero and their struggle to learn self worth. With the help of friends, Zero attempts to process big emotions that are difficult to understand.

This is a great read for any little one who may be having a hard time processing big emotions!

Come see Duncan and other local children’s authors read on February 26th at River Bookshop.

Submitted by River Bookshop Staff - Bookseller Cindy

North Star semi-formal

Book Review

Dream Reapers

Written by: George Morneau

Illustrated by: Keith Ashton

Dream Reapers is the comic book you didn’t know you needed to read. Conflict, one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse decides he wants to stop the end of the world, all he needs is the help of a damned soul to get things started. Through the power of infiltrating dreams, Conflict tries to convince sinful people to do right by humanity, using their worst fears to scare them straight.

Come listen to author George Morneau read with other local authors February 25th at the River Book Shops local author event taking place upstairs in the Hole In The Wall.

Submitted by River Bookshop Staff - Booksellers Cindy & Grace

The new Dairy Queen restaurant in Amherstburg is expected to be open in the third quarter of 2023. Special to the RTT

North Star High School’s semi-formal was held last Friday night at the Ciociaro Club in Tecumseh. Those students who attended had photos taken before and during the event. Tickets for the event sold quickly as the students were eager to attend the semi-formal.

Wolves advance in WECSSAA senior girls volleyball playoffs

By Ron Giofu

The first step has concluded with more to go for the North Star Wolves senior girls volleyball team.

The WECSSAA “AA” quarterfinal was played on the Wolves’ home court and saw the top-seeded North Star team down the Tecumseh Vista Academy Vortex 25-9, 25-14 and 25-15 last Thursday afternoon.

Head coach Jeff Miller said the Wolves were fine in their match, though they have higher goals this post-season.

“We played pretty clean for the first set,” said Miller. “We did what we had to do. We showed up, we served the ball.”

“We tried not to play down to our competition,” added assistant coach Mary Ewer. “In fact, I think (Tecumseh Vista) played up to their competition.”

Ewer said she was pleased with how the Wolves are playing, including a recent tournament in ChathamKent. North Star was victorious in that tournament with Ewer stating there were sets, including in the finals against London Banting, where the Wolves were at the top of their game.

“It was the best I’ve ever seen us play,” said Ewer. “I think we’re peaking at the right time. I truly believe we’re peaking.”

Miller said they were the top seed entering the tournament but didn’t play well early and were the seventh seed entering the playoff round. They downed St. Catharines Eden in the quarterfinals in what Miller said was one of

their best played matches of the season thus far. They also had one of best sets of the year in the finals against London Banting.

The WECSSAA “AA” playoffs continued last night (Feb. 14) at home against Catholic Central in the semifinal match after this edition of the River Town Times went to press.

If they win, they host the finals Thursday night.

Should the Wolves win that as well, they would host the SWOSSAA “AA” volleyball championship and attempt to go to the OFSAA tournament in St. Catharines.

“We’re looking forward to next week,” Miller said after last Thursday’s quarterfinal victory. “We’re taking it one step at a time. We’re taking nothing for granted and we want to play good volleyball.”

Admirals win pair of road games in Wallaceburg and Dresden

By Ron Giofu

The Amherstburg Admirals were on the road twice last week but won both games.

The first game was more dramatic, as it featured a comeback effort by the Admirals. Amherstburg won the game

6-5 in overtime last Wednesday over the Wallaceburg Thunderhawks but faced a three-goal deficit late in the second period.

After Josh Remsik put the Thunderhawks up 2-0 with a pair of goals in the first period, the first being on a powerplay, Owen Papulkas scored with under a minute left in the opening frame to make it a 2-1 game. The second period followed a similar script, with Wallaceburg going up 4-1 on goals by Zander Wright and Nelson Dekoning before Braeden Burke scored for the Admirals with about

three seconds remaining in the period. Dekoning’s goal as well as Burke’s goal were powerplay goals.

The Admirals flipped the script in the third period, outscoring Wallaceburg in the final 20 minutes. After Xavier Gelinas scored to make it 5-2 for Wallaceburg, the Admirals scored three straight goals to force overtime. Kyle Bleau, Mitchell Demelo and Connor Demelo scored for Amherstburg, the former being on the powerplay and the latter scored at the 19:08 mark.

Papulkas’ second goal of the game came 3:22 into overtime and snapped a five-game losing streak.

Amherstburg outshot Wallaceburg

53-49 on the night.

The Admirals were back on the road Friday night in Dresden. They toppled

the Kings 6-2, breaking the game open with four goals in the third period.

Drake McGowan scored his first Jr. C goal in the first period to give Amherstburg a 1-0 lead, in a period where Amherstburg outshot Dresden 21-8.

In the second period, Owen Campbell tied it for Dresden but Mitchell Demelo scored a powerplay goal in the second period’s final minute

Breck Rainey tied it for Dresden just 14 seconds into the final period but Amherstburg would score the next four. Papulkas put the Admirals up 3-2 just over

four minutes later before Connor Demelo scored a pair of shorthanded goals. Bleau added another goal at the 19:23 mark. The next games for the Admirals are this Friday in Lakeshore before returning home this Sunday against Wallaceburg. Both games are at 7 p.m.

The Admirals will then wrap up February with a pair of road games, the first being Feb. 21 in Essex and then a game in Mooretown Feb. 25.

There are two regular season games in March to wrap up the regular season, including a game back in Wallaceburg March 1 and the season finale March 5 at home against Dresden. The playoffs begin after that.

Amherstburg has an 12-22-0-2 record, good for 26 points, and sixth place in the PJHL Stobbs Division.

Wolves’ boys hockey team splits pair of road games over the past week

By Ron Giofu

The North Star Wolves boys hockey team played a pair of games on the road last week and won one of them and lost the other.

The Wolves started their week on a positive note, winning 5-1 against Riverside last Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 7) at the WFCU Centre in Windsor. After Brett Jones scored for North Star

in the first period, the Wolves outscored Riverside 4-1 in the second with no goals in the third period. Cam Roussell scored two of the second period goals for North Star with Declan McGrath and Ryken Atherton adding the others.

Roussell added an assist for North Star with Ryan Grondin and Carter Prieur each adding a pair of assists. Brett Jones and Max Evans also had assists against Riverside.

Brayden Hebert had the Riverside goal.

The Wolves travelled to the Atlas Tube Centre in Lakeshore last Wednesday afternoon for a game against the Belle River Nobles.

The Nobles won 3-2 but North Star head coach Glen Holden called it a “great hockey game with a playoff atmosphere.”

Belle River built a 3-1 lead after two periods with Carson Lippert, Dallas

Eddy and Anthony Puccio with Tiago Goncalves scoring the North Star goal. Roussell added a third period goal for the Wolves but they could get no closer.

The Wolves had a 5-2-1 record into this week. They finished the 2022-23 WECSSAA Cullen Conference regular season yesterday afternoon (Feb. 14) in Essex. The Red Raiders were 7-0-1 through their first eight regular season games.

North Star’s Emily Beauregard (6, right) spikes the ball over the net during the Wolves win in the WECSSAA “AA” quarterfinals last Thursday afternoon.

RTT PHOTOS BY RON GIOFU

Afften Essenpreis (8) and Lily Sleigh (12) go up for a block.

Wolves girls hockey team finish regular season with .500 record

By Ron Giofu

The North Star Wolves girls hockey team have concluded the regular season with just as many wins as they had losses.

The Wolves were on the road twice last week and came away with a tie and a win and that allowed North Star to finish the regular season with a 4-4-2 record.

The Wolves were in Windsor last Monday afternoon and came away with a 2-2 tie against Lajeunesse.

Mikalah Wilcox scored both goals for North Star while Sarah Scobie and Sage Fateaux scored for Lajeunesse.

The next day, North Star headed up the road to LaSalle and pulled out a 1-0 win over the Sandwich Sabres at the Vollmer Complex.

A shorthanded goal in the second period by Wilcox was enough for the Wolves to pull out the victory.

“I thought the defense played a really good game,” said Abby Souchereau. “They backchecked and the forwards played well in our zone.”

Souchereau said they wanted to get the win on the road before the playoffs start. She believes they will face tough competition with a lot of good teams in the WECSSAA “AA” playoffs.

“I thought we were going to lose,” she admitted. “I didn’t expect to win this game.”

Sandwich had defeated North Star 4-0 in the first game of the season back on Nov. 30.

“It was a little bit better than the last time we played them,” said North Star head coach Dan Pettypiece.

“It was a battle. (Sandwich) has a strong goalie. It was a battle of goalies.”

Once the Wolves took the lead, they played a good defensive game, he added, and didn’t over-pursue the puck.

“It was good to see,” said Pettypiece. “They still get a little bit nervous sometimes.”

The .500 regular season record was not a surprise for the coaches, he indicated.

“I think that’s where I thought we’d be,” said Pettypiece. “We gave up a couple of point earlier in the season.”

The young Wolves team improved as the season went on and are a close-knit team, he added.

“They support each other really well,” said Pettypiece. “They are still learning, though.”

There are only two Grade 12s and a few Grade 11 players, he added, with the rest in either Grade 9 or Grade 10.

Against Lajeunesse, the Wolves came back to tie the game against a team that has a goalie attending the University of Windsor on a scholarship next season, Pettypiece added.

“When you have a chance to score, you have to make good shot selections,” he said.

The WECSSAA quarterfinals will be tomorrow (Feb. 16) in Essex starting at 3 p.m.

Abby Souchereau (8) of the North Star Wolves takes a shot during her team’s game against the Sandwich Sabres last Tuesday afternoon at the Vollmer Centre in LaSalle. North Star won the game 1-0 in their regular season finale.

RTT PHOTO BY RON GIOFU

Local fighters from Amherstburg win medals at Brampton Cup

By Ron Giofu

Four fighters with Amherstburg’s Fighting Island Boxing Club came home with medals at a large boxing tournament recently.

Tiageo Baltiero, Curtis Realba, Kendal Wonham and Layne Mountain travelled to the Brampton Cup the weekend of Feb. 3-5 and each brought home a medal.

Joe LeBlanc, owner/coach at the Fighting Island Boxing Club, said Baltiero won gold in the senior open division while Realba won gold in the junior “B” division. Wonham captured a silver medal in the junior “C” category. Mountain won a bronze medal in the junior “B” division, losing to the eventual gold medalist.

“It’s the biggest tournament in Canada and the second largest in North America,” said LeBlanc. “There were over 600 competitors in the tournament. We had four rings going continuously.”

The Canadian National Senior Championships were being held at the same venue, he added.

Boxers in the Brampton Cup came from as far as Bahrain and Ireland as well as all across Canada.

“It was a great experience for the young athletes we have,” he said.

LeBlanc added the fighters end up becoming friends

with their opponents due to the respect they gain for one another.

“It’s something to see,” he said.

Baltiero and Mountain were unavailable for comment last Thursday evening but Wonham and Realba commented on their experiences.

Realba said it was his first fight, adding he started to box four months ago.

“It feels good,” he said of his gold medal. “I was nervous but when the bell rang, all of that fear went away.”

Realba said his next goal is to win and his next fight is not yet determined. He thanked his coaches for their efforts.

“It’s hard to describe,” he said of being in the ring. “There’s nothing really like it.”

Wonham said “it was fun” and she was confident heading into the ring in Brampton.

“I’m always nervous before a fight,” she added, stating she was fine when the bell rang. “I was disappointed I lost but I thought I had a good fight.” Wonham estimated she has been boxing for almost four years and has had “six or seven” fights along the way.

“We’re trying to get another fight some time in March,” she added.

Kendal Wonham (left) won silver at the recent Brampton Cup boxing tournament while Curtis Realba (right) won gold. Gold medalist Tiago Baltiero and bronze medalist Layne Mountain were absent. They train with the Fighting Island Boxing Club.

Season ends for boys b-ball team

By Ron Giofu

The season is over for the North Star Wolves senior boys basketball team.

The Wolves opened the playoffs Monday afternoon in Kingsville. It was the WECSSAA “AA” preliminary round and the Wolves fell to the Cavaliers 59-43. The loss eliminated North Star.

The Wolves had to hit the road Monday due to a 66-56 loss on home court to the Kingsville Cavaliers last Wednesday evening. That came 24 hours after a 76-53 win at L’Essor where Andrew Chambers scored 19 points.

The winner of last Wednesday’s game would host the playoff game the two teams played. It also meant the Wolves finished the 2022-23 WECSSAA Tier 2 regular season with a 5-5 record while Kingsville was able to finish 6-4.

“After Tuesday’s game at L’Essor, we came back with a good attitude,” said North Star head coach Ben Pelger. “We hoped we were going to come out strong against Kingsville.”

Pelger said they are similar teams statistically and expected the regular season finale against Kingsville to “be a really good game.” Kingsville’s late surge from behind the three-point line led to the Wolves demise in that game.

“We started off strong and led the game until the last quarter,” said Pelger. “In the end, (Kingsville) came out strong in the last quarter and started hitting threes. We couldn’t adjust in time.”

The Wolves have a solid offense but defense has been problematic, he indicated. They score over 50 points in most games but they have to do some adjustments on defense, said Pelger, adding they tried to play man-to-man against

Kingsville the first time and were not expecting the Cavaliers to hit threepointers like they did last Wednesday evening.

Last Wednesday evening’s game was the last regular season game for the senior players on their home court. Pelger said he wanted to thank Colin Hebert, Daniel Morujo, Noah Chammat, Gabriel Van Essen, Amadeus Yousif, DeLuca Jackson and Declan Valdhuis.

The 5-5 regular season record was an improvement over previous seasons, so Pelger said he was pleased with the season.

“For us, it’s a good record,” he said. “For so many years, we were struggling. For us, making the playoffs is a success. We’re hoping to build on this for next year.”

The Wolves had ten players this year and Pelger hopes more players come out next season.

Enbridge Gas Inc. Notice of Study Commencement and Information Sessions

Boblo Island Community Expansion Project

Enbridge Gas Inc. (Enbridge Gas) is proposing to construct the Boblo Island Community Expansion Project (the “Project”) to supply the community of Boblo Island with affordable natural gas. The Project is located in the Town of Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario.

The Project will involve the construction of approximately 2.9 kilometres (km) of a combination of 2-inch plastic and 4-inch steel pipeline. The proposed pipeline will tie-in to an existing Enbridge Gas 4-inch steel pipeline near the intersection of Dalhousie Street and Park Street in Amherstburg. The pipeline will cross the Detroit River (approximately 600m) to reach Boblo Island. The distribution system on the island will be approximately 2.3 km in length. The Project is planned to be within the existing municipal road Right-of-Way (RoW) with the potential for Temporary Working Space (TWS). The proposed pipeline route has been developed for purposes of an assessment of potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts and does not represent the final project scope/design that will provide access to natural gas to end-use customers. For further details, please refer to the map.

Consultation with Indigenous communities and engagement with landowners, government agencies, the general public, and other interested persons is an integral component of the planning process. As such, two Information Session options will be held:

In-person Information Session

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Libro Credit Union Centre

3295 Meloche Road, Amherstburg, ON

Virtual Information Session

Tuesday, February 21, 2023, to Tuesday, March 7, 2023

https://www.solutions.ca/Enbridge-BobloIsland

A copy of the Information Session story boards will be available for viewing on the Enbridge Gas project website provided below. A questionnaire will be available as part of the Information Sessions, and you will have the opportunity to provide comments and/or questions about the proposed Project. Input received during the Information Sessions will be used to develop site-specific environmental protection and mitigation measures for the Project. Input and comments for the Project should be provided by March 23, 2023

As part of the planning process, Enbridge Gas has retained Stantec Consulting Ltd. (Stantec) to undertake an Environmental Study for the Project. The Environmental Study will fulfill the requirements of the Ontario Energy Board’s (OEB) “Environmental Guidelines for the Location, Construction, and Operation of Hydrocarbon Pipelines and Facilities in Ontario, 7th Edition (2016)”.

It is anticipated that an Environmental Report for the study will be completed in June 2023, after which Enbridge Gas will file an application to request an OEB Leave to Construct (LTC) for the Project. Should the OEB find the Project to be in the public’s interest, construction is anticipated to commence as early as Q2 2024. For any questions or comments regarding the Environmental Study or the proposed Boblo Island Community Expansion Project, please reach out to:

Michael Candido Environmental Scientist

Stantec Consulting Ltd.

Telephone: (519) 585-3439

Email: BobloEA@stantec.com

Or visit the project website at: https://www.enbridgegas.com/BobloIsland

$25 $15

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

BIRTHDAY

To “Our Valentine Girl”

PEST CONTROL AND WILD ANIMAL CONTROL DELINE’S SERVING AMHERSTBURG since 1988. Call 519-736-2448.

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

Our daughter is a blessing

A treasure from above Her laughter, warmth and special joy, Her thoughtfulness and love.

So raise your glass

And cheers to her day!

21 years! Hip hip hooray!

HAPPY 21 st BIRTHDAY LAUREN WOOD!

February 14th

Love Mommy, Daddy & Ben xox

AUCTION

ONLINE FARM

EQUIPMENT AUCTION

Items held at 1003 South Middle Rd, South Woodslee AUCTION BEGINS TO CLOSE:

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 23 @ 6:00 PM NO Reserves, Farms Rented

Tractors: New Holland T4030 Tractor 70 HP, Cockshutt 1655, Agco LT 75, 6710 Agco White, John Deere 6210.

Farm Equipment: 338 JD square baler, Hardi Navigator 550 Sprayer, JD 3PH, 709 7’ chopper/shredder, Massey Ferguson 620 disc, 20’ folding Chain harrows, 18’ Market seed auger, Overum Triple K 5 furrow plow, Bush Hog 1600 14’ shredder, 15’ Sunflower no 2ll drill, Agco white 6600 soybean/corn planter, 2-Turnco 225 bu gravity wagons, Older Turnco 225 bu Gravity Wagon, Triple K s-2ne cultivator, 26’ crow foot packer, 1200 gal water tank on chassis w/2” Honda water pump, 2 furrow plow, Trimble EZ guide 250 lightbar guidance, Quick hitch, farm king 856 pto auger, tractor weights, 8’ heavy duty scraper blade.

Misc Horse Drawn equip: horse drawn bob sled, horse drawn bob sled & sleigh skids, misc horse collar, hames, and more.

Misc items: 48“ lawn roller, skid of misc jacks, 3 skids of misc double trees, misc tires and rims, hand sythes, misc garden tools and much more.

For catalogue, full details and bidding go to martyunholzerauctions.hibid.com

10% buyer premium capped at $1000 per item

Pickup: Saturday February 25 from 9a.m. - 6 p.m.

Prop: Tim Shanahan, Pine Grove Farms

Auctioneer: Marty Unholzer

1782 Lakeshore Rd#219, South Woodslee ON 519-723-2622 martyunholzerauctions.com

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.

OFFERING SPECIAL SERVICES

FREE OF CHARGE by a retired teacher for:

Spiritual mentoring, friendly home visits, art/music sessions for relaxation and enjoyment, anxiety, depression including health issues. Police Clearance, portfolio and references. Call 226-345-2987, leave message.

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.

North Star’s Colin Hebert (1) puts up a shot during his team’s game against Kingsville last Wednesday evening.

CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF AMHERSTBURG

NOTICE OF STATUTORY PUBLIC MEETING TO CONSIDER A ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT

STATUTORY PUBLIC MEETING:

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg will hold a public meeting on Monday, March 13, 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 199952, under Section 34 of the Planning Act.

ANY PERSON seeking to attend meetings inperson should follow all public health guidance to ensure the safety of themselves and others during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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, March 9, 2023. To register for electronic participation please email the Clerk’s Office 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 3542.95 sq m of land municipally known as the west side of Crystal Bay Drive. (see map below).

This rezoning, if approved, change the zoning of the subject lands noted above from the “Recreation (RE) Zone” to “Special Provision Residential Type 1A (R1A-11) Zone”. The lands are designated Recreational Development Special Policy Area 6 in the Town’s Official Plan.

The effect of the amendment will be to allow for general residential uses on the subject property including single unit residential uses, home occupation, accessory uses, public use with a maximum 30% lot coverage, 7.5 m front yard setback for all structures and a maximum accessory structure height of 7.62 m to the peak of the roof.

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, March 9, 2023 before the meeting and will be read aloud

prior to the application being heard by Council. NO PERSON OR PUBLIC BODY shall be added as a party to the hearing of the appeal unless, before the bylaw was passed, the person or public body made oral submissions 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.

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/04/23) 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 By-law 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

CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF AMHERSTBURG

DATED at the Town of Amherstburg this 15th day of February, 2023.

Christopher Aspila

Manager, Planning Services

Town of Amherstburg

Libro Centre

3295 Meloche Road

Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 2Y8

Telephone: 519-736-5408

Fax No. 519-736-9859

Website: www.amherstburg.ca

NOTICE OF STATUTORY PUBLIC MEETING TO CONSIDER A ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT

STATUTORY PUBLIC MEETING:

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg will hold a public meeting on Monday, March 13, 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 199952, under Section 34 of the Planning Act.

ANY PERSON seeking to attend meetings inperson should follow all public health guidance to ensure the safety of themselves and others during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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, March 9, 2023. To register for electronic participation please email the Clerk’s Office 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 1004.56 sq m of land municipally known as a portion of 551 McLeod Ave. (see map below).

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

The effect of the amendment will be to allow for general residential 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, March 9,

2023 before the meeting and will be read aloud prior to the application being heard by Council.

NO PERSON OR PUBLIC BODY shall be added as a party to the hearing of the appeal unless, before the bylaw was passed, the person or public body made oral submissions 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.

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/05/23) 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 By-law 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

DATED at the Town of Amherstburg this 15th day of February, 2023.

Christopher Aspila

Manager, Planning Services

Town of Amherstburg

Libro Centre

3295 Meloche Road

Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 2Y8

Telephone: 519-736-5408

Fax No. 519-736-9859

Website: www.amherstburg.ca

STATUTORY PUBLIC MEETING:

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg will hold a public meeting on Monday, March 13, 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 seeking to attend meetings in-person should follow all public health guidance to ensure the safety of themselves and others during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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, March 9, 2023. To register for electronic participation please email the Clerk’s Office 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 2.3 ha of land described as Part Lot 13, Concession 1 S, municipally known as 639 Front Road North (see key map below).

This rezoning, if approved, will amend the zoning of the lands noted below from the “Residential Type 1A/ Special Provision Commercial Neighbourhood (R1A/CN-4) Zone” to “Special Provision Residential Multiple Second Density (RM2-11) Zone” and “Special Provision Residential Second Density (R28) Zone”. The proposed Amendment to the Zoning Bylaw is in conformity with the policies in the Official Plan. The lands are designated as Special Policy Area 9 in the Town’s Official Plan, which permits neighbourhood commercial and high density residential uses.

The effect of the amendment to the RM2-11 Zone will be to allow for a multiple dwelling construction with special provisions including a reduced exterior side yard from 6 m or half the height of the building, whichever is greater, to 7.5 m, a reduced interior side yard from 6 m or half the height of the building, whichever is greater, to 7.5 m, and a reduced front yard depth from 25 m from Front Road N to 16 m.

The effect of the amendment to the R2-8 zone will be to allow for general residential uses on the subject properties with a reduced minimum exterior side yard width from 6 m to 4.1 m, an increased maximum lot coverage for single detached dwellings from 35% to 42% and an increased maximum lot coverage for semi-detached dwellings from 35% to 56%.

The amendment will allow for multiple types of residential development including single detached dwellings, semidetached dwellings and multiple residential buildings.

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, March 9, 2023 before the meeting and will be read aloud prior to the application being heard by Council.

NO PERSON OR PUBLIC BODY shall be added as a party to the hearing of the appeal unless, before the bylaw was passed, the person or public body made oral submissions 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.

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/20/22) 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 By-law 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

DATED at the Town of Amherstburg this 15th day of February, 2023.

Sarah French Planner, Planning Services Town of Amherstburg Libro Centre 3295 Meloche Road Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 2Y8

Telephone: 519- 736-5408

Fax No. 519- 736-9859

Website: www.amherstburg.ca