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Vol. 13, Issue 21
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Santos stepping down as Kingsville mayor Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos has confirmed that he will not be seeking a sixth term as Mayor in the upcoming municipal election this fall. He also informed town staff Monday morning that he will be stepping away from the mayor’s office and role on July 17. After nearly 25 years in public office, serving as town councillor, deputy mayor and the past 19 years as mayor, Santos is changing course and pursuing a new career opportunity that provides more time and support with his family. “I have nothing but love and passion for community — this community,” he said. “It has been a true honour to serve and help lead Kingsville through the best of times and toughest of times.” “I have nothing but praise for this town and I’ve put my heart and
“We have celebrated so much together through special events and milestones, and we have also mourned together through tragedies and losses within our community,” he expressed. “Thank you Kingsville. Thank you residents for your belief and support in me over NELSON SANTOS the course of eight elections. soul into putting KingsI remain humbled by the ville’s best foot forward service and progress we when it comes to reprehave made together over senting and reflecting the community spirit that these years.” “There’s still some very thrives here,” he added. important work to do and Santos says he will miss transition over the next working with the town’s few weeks that will carry staff, who he feels have forward to council and been a second family to the town’s very bright him.
and exciting future.” When reached by the Sun on Monday, Santos said he’s thankful for the time he’s been able to serve the community and is happy that he’s been able to work with neighbouring communities so closely — a goal he had when he started. “Don’t let the boundaries slow us down,” he said. “We can all work together.” He credits TWEPI (Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island) and Invest Windsor-Essex with helping bring the region together, especially coming out of COVID. The town is working closely with Mayor Santos to ensure a smooth transition and seamless continuation of municipal business. “Kingsville has benefited from Mayor Santos’ dedication and leadership over the past two
decades,” said Kingsville Chief Administrative Officer, John Norton. “He has served this community for a very long time and we thank him for everything he has done to strengthen our municipality.” Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald said she was taken by surprise by the announcement, but wishes Santos well in his new endeavours. “We’ve had a wonderful relationship with Nelson over the years,” she said. “He will be missed by us and his own residents.” MacDonald said that Santos’ knowledge of the history of the area due to his policital longevity will be missed at the county level. Santos was first elected to Kingsville Council in 1997 and elected mayor in 2003.
Leamington replaces light abatement by-law with new one At its meeting held June 14, Leamington Council repealed and replaced By-law 79-20 with By-law 41-22 — a by-law requiring the abatement of interior greenhouse light. On December 8, 2020, Council passed By-law 79-20, which was a bylaw requiring the abatement of interior greenhouse light. Shortly thereafter, the municipality received applications filed with the Normal Farm Practices Protection Board (NFPPB) by several greenhouse owners seeking exemptions from the application of By-law 79-20. In June of 2022, most matters before NFPPB were resolved and minutes of settlement were executed by the parties that included changes to the provisions of By-law 79-20. In order to have uniformity across the municipality, Council repealed By-law 79-20 and enacted By-law 41-22, which in-
cludes provisions more in keeping with the manufacturer’s specifications for “blackout” curtains and also includes further provisions relating to greenhouse owners who use lights. With the new by-law, sidewall and endwall curtains must be installed and remain closed. Also, lights may be on until 10 pm until October 1, 2023 or the date that the operator has installed all required curtains, whichever comes first. As of October 1, 2023, ceiling curtains must be installed and closed in accordance with the provisions of the by-law. The specific time of day for curtain closure is included in the new by-law rather than referring to sunrise and sunset. As of October 1, 2022, greenhouse owners who have not installed ceiling curtains must provide proof of purchase of the same. Specific times of day to
allow for gapping of ceiling curtains, up to 10%, have been included. “For Council, it was important to ensure a balance between supporting the economic growth from our greenhouse industry, and protecting the quality of life of our residents,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “I believe this new by-law will allow us to accomplish that balance.”
Photo taken of local greenhouse operation in December 2020. SUN file photo
Highland Games Saturday
The Kingsville Highland Games will take place at Lakeside Park on Saturday, June 25 with the gates opening at 8:30 am. Opening ceremonies will soon follow, along with the mayors Haggis Hurl, band competition, sheep herding and all of the heavy events such as hammer throw, caber toss and sheaf. The famous tug-o-war will also take place, with numerous food vendors, dancers and musical talents on display throughout the day. A Ceilidh (entertainment kitchen) will be open from 5:30 pm until 1 am, featuring live music and a beer tent.
A 5k Kilt run is also planned. For more information, please visit the Kingsville Highland Games Facebook page or the Town of Kingsville wesbsite at kingsville.ca
