County Council Notes for December 18

by Sylene Argent

Warden

commends staff for snow clearing, caring

for

Sun Parlour residents over holidays

Over the holidays, Essex County experienced a several-day snowstorm. While many did not have to leave their homes, there were many who had to get to work and others who waited for roads to be cleared to visit family, Warden of Essex County, Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald, said.

County of Essex Road Crews rolled for 72-hours straight, from just after midnight on December 23 until boxing day, she said.

The 12 plows covered 26,644km, and put down

2,428 tons of salt, so travels and commuters could reach their destinations safely.

“Every member of the Roads Teams, including four who were scheduled to be on vacation, reported for duty…impressive,” MacDonald said, adding 186 staff at Sun Parlour Home in Leamington braved the snow to get to work, some working double shifts or staying the night.

Paramedics, she added, navigated snow-covered roads to attend emergencies and transport patients to hospital ERs.

She thanked everyone who braved the weather, and took time away from families, to serve the public over the holidays.

“Thank you for setting the right tone as we enter 2023,” she said.

Official Plan review shows “very positive growth forecasts”

Essex County Council received an update on the County of Essex Official Plan (OP) review, a comprehensive planning document (that has to be updated every 10-years) that sets out long-term goals and objectives to guide the development of the County.

Rebecca Belanger, Manager of Planning Services, explained in February of 2022, County Council was made aware of the Comprehensive Work Program regarding the County’s Official Plan Review 3.0.

The exercise is titled, “One Land, One Climate, one Future, Together.” servicing constraints for all designated settlement areas, Belanger said. She added meetings were also held with Caldwell First Nation, administration from City of Windsor, and representatives from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, to provide information on the Work Program and determine need for future consultations.

Larry Silani, Official Plan - Planning Advisor, explained it is important there is an Official Plan that works for Essex County.