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The Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Show included the annual parade (above). A new barn quilt debuted on one of the buildings at the Co-An Park site (left).

By Ron Giofu The 40th annual Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Show returned to the museum of a similar name last weekend and gave the public a look back at farming eras gone by. The show was held at the Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Museum, located on the grounds of Co-An Park in McGregor, and featured tractors, antique farm equipment, tractor pulls, threshing demonstrations, vendors, children’s activities, live entertainment and more. It

was held Aug. 14-16 with a tractor parade last Saturday morning going from St. Clement Church on Walker Road to Concession 11 and going eastbound to the park. “It’s not 40 years for the museum but it’s 40 years for the show,” explained museum president Gary Struhar. Struhar thanked everyone who came out to last weekend’s show, including the dignitaries which included council members from both Amherstburg and Essex and Essex MP Chris Lewis. Volunteers were also thanked by Struhar. Struhar acknowledged the number of volunteers is declining but is grateful to all of those that turned out over the three days. “I could not do this by myself,” he said. “It takes everyone to get this going.” There was a lot of history on display, Struhar added, and that museum members and others within the Essex County community offer up their antique equipment for the weekend to be part of the show. “There is a lot to see here,” he said. “There’s a lot of stuff people have never seen before.”

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Continued on Page 12

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2 – River Town Times – Wednesday, August 19, 2026

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Changes made to town's financial services department By Ron Giofu Changes are being made to the town’s finance department, including a new treasurer and deputy treasurer. A bylaw was passed during the Aug. 10 meeting of Amherstburg town council that added the title and duties of treasurer to Yufang Du, the manager of accounting services and the duties and title of deputy treasurer added to the supervisor of accounting services. The latter is staffed by Mei Na Chen. Osborne has had the duties and title of chief financial officer (CFO) added to her roles as deputy CAO and director of development services. A report from Osborne pointed out the former director of corporate services/CFO/treasurer left those positions June 10. With that departure, Osborne said it created an opportunity to review the corporate services departmental structure. “The finance function has experienced significant growth in responsibilities across many areas but most notably related to capital planning, reserve management, grant reporting and cash flow oversight. This is largely driven by the Town’s transition to a multi-year capital plan, which has currently been developed for seven years,” the written report states. “Developing a multi-year capital plan incorporates all of the financial tools available to the municipality, including the increased use of reserve funding, and expanded grant fundings, resulting in increased reporting and oversight requirements. In addition, legislative changes to the Development Charge Act and new directives under Bill 72, Buy Ontario Act, 2025, have placed additional workload on finance staff, which must be executed.” Osborne’s report added the finance department has experienced additional pressures over the past several months due to the loss of the resources due to illness and/or departure. “The team has been under tremendous pressure, excessive overtime for finance and paid overtime for other departmental resources asked to assist. Most concerning has been the need for weekly meetings to determine what day-to-day work and or annual projects must be postponed, in some cases by months, to balance current priorities of the day. This situation is unsustainable and must be addressed in order for the department to function appropriately on a go forward basis,” the report states. “The first measure which was taken to move forward with appropriate resourcing was the engagement of a financial consultant to specifically assist to address critical functions such as the 2025 year-end close, the 2025 external audit and the issuance of previously approved debt financing for the South Fire Hall and water reclamation projects. Joe Mancina, who was the former CAO at the City of Windsor and previously held the positions of CFO/treasurer, deputy treasurer and senior manager of accounting services began his engagement with the Town in mid-April.” Other changes are the creation of a manager of purchasing, capital and grants, creating one additional senior financial analyst, the creation of a

temporary part-time financial clerk and the removal of information technology from reporting to the CFO and report directly to the CAO on a temporary basis. “The removal of the director of corporate services position provided an opportunity to add a manager of purchasing, capital and grants as well as a senior financial analyst with an overall impact to the operating budget of approximately $25,000. The 2027 budget will reflect this approved increase as part of the contractual obligations portion of the budget,” the report added. “The 2026 cost for these changes, along with other one-time costs, did not have a funding source identified during in camera. Currently administration is reviewing the salary gapping as well as overall corporate surplus for 2026 to determine if all costs associated with this transition can be addressed through these means. Should there be a need for a fund source to resolve any of these costs it will be provided to council for direction.” Councillor Peter Courtney said town council had to figure out a game plan and staff figured out this was the best way to proceed. He said his preference is not to decide such matters in-camera and believed this was more of a budgetary matter. He questioned what the impact will be on the town’s budget. Courtney said new provincial legislation and extra work is causing new positions to be created in Amherstburg and wondered if other municipalities are doing likewise. CAO Valerie Critchley said she is a huge believer in the concept when any staff member leaves, the organizational structure should be looked at. She believed it would be “irresponsible to simply post something and go forward with the same structure because that’s the way it always has been.” “I believe it is incumbent upon us to look at the structure and see what works best in the current state with the skills we have in our corporation,” said Critchley. Critchley said such a review happens regularly in municipalities and not just in finance. “This happens all the time and I believe it’s the best way to look at the resources in the municipalities and the skillsets. We are a lean team. As you know, we’re not several layers thick of union and non-union staff,” said Critchley. “We may be lean but I believe we have amazing skillsets here.” Osborne said Amherstburg staff have met with colleagues in LaSalle, adding the latter has added staff and a supervisor to accommodate new workloads. Other municipalities have more modern systems than Amherstburg, Osborne added, comparing it to looking up information in an encyclopedia instead of searching on Google. “We’ve got about 37 different business processes that are old, antiquated and time consuming. We have a skilled set of staff who can actually do more. They can get to those other things that people are asking us to get to but right now we can’t because we can’t get out of our own way for key-punching information,” said Osborne. Policy updates are coming before

town council, including one adopted Aug. 10 that should save weeks of work. Osborne added there is extensive overtime that financial staff have been putting in with 11 weeks of union and non-union staff overtime since January. “There’s a lot of heavy lifting done by this team. They absolutely need the resources and it’s one of the reasons I agreed to take on this additional work in order to allow those new positions to be created at a net impact of this community of only $25,000,” said Osborne. Courtney said it was an “impromptu solution that was thrown on us very quickly” and reiterated his position that it should have been done during budget. “I didn’t want action on it and I wanted to figure out another solution,” he said. Councillor Diane Pouget said she had “very serious concerns” about how things transpired. She noted Osborne authored the report and stated she is now the CFO. “When did you get the promotion and why hasn’t this been made public?” asked Pouget. Critchley responded by telling Pouget “all of council is aware this happened in April at an in-camera session of council and, Councillor Pouget, I believe that you were there.” Pouget contended it happened March 9, something Critchley disagreed with. “It did not happen March 9, to correct the record,” the CAO stated. “Council received information in-camera March 9 and the final organizational structural structure was brought to council in April.” Pouget said it was never made public, with clerk Kevin Fox stating when it came forward in March, it was done so as information. When direction was given in April, a public report was requested “and that is what is before us tonight.” Pouget said the audit and finance committee was concerned about a “control breach,” something she accused of being “downplayed.” Mayor Michael Prue questioned what that had to do with the issue at hand of the financial department restructuring. “This question came up and audit and finance and I corrected the record

at that time,” said Fox. “I’m happy to send that along to council as well. The auditor is reporting that there was a dual level of approval that existed with the treasurer several treasurers ago, several years ago. At that time, there was no actual wrongdoing that was identified. It was simply a process that needed improvements. It was identified, the treasurer acknowledged it and corrected it and it was closed.” Fox added that matter was fully disclosed to the committee and the council of the day and is part of the financial records of that year. Critchley said a former audit contained a note about a sign-off control and there was no untoward action, adding it was noted to the committee in either 2024 or 2025, though Fox believed it was earlier than that, possibly in 2021 when former treasurer Justin Rousseau was still employed by the Town of Amherstburg. Pouget pressed on, stating she only knew Osborne to work as deputy CAO and “involved with economic development and tourism.” Critchley said the town has to be careful regarding in-camera deliberations but all council members were made aware of changes being made in April “and Councillor Pouget was at that meeting so she should have been aware.” Prue said he didn’t know where the matter was going but claimed Pouget was “trying to dig up old things against either Ms. Osborne, the finance department or something and I can’t figure out why. It’s not making any sense.” Pouget said she was speaking on the report and “those things beg questions,” and added the minutes from the July 22 meeting were not before town council. “It all ties together with the report,” she said. Prue wanted questions to be on the restructuring and not items from several years ago. Councillor Don McArthur thanked administration for bringing the report forward that explained the restructuring and why it was necessary. McArthur referenced an earlier third party presentation on audited financial statements stating “we have solid, robust internal controls in place.”

Continued on Page 4

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 – River Town Times – 3

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Fire hall project delayed again, fire chief offers explanation By Ron Giofu The construction of the new Amherstburg fire hall has been delayed once again. It was learned late last week, thanks to a post from Councillor Molly Allaire on social media, that the project has been delayed until at least November. When the groundbreaking occurred, the goal was to have the building ready for around this time last year. Fire chief Michael Mio has acknowledged the delays and is offering an explanation as to what is happening. “We understand the frustrations around completing the project because we all share them. Our firefighters, administration and Council all want this building completed, and the contractor is well aware of it,” said Mio. “Nobody wants to get into the new hall more than we do. We want proper decontamination facilities, proper storage for our gear and a modern facility where our firefighters can safely do their jobs.” Mio states the new hall is an important part of the town’s Master Fire Protection Plan, their station realignment and their goal of better positioning the Amherstburg Fire Department to serve the community. “As I have said before, we are not building this fire hall for the next five years; we’re building it for the next 50 or 60 years. That is why, despite our frustrations, we must be patient to ensure it is done right,” the fire chief stated. “When the fire hall was first proposed, the Town hired an architect to design the facility and prepare the

The new South Fire Hall project is facing more delays with November now the new target for when it could open. Fire chief Michael Mio acknowledges the frustrations people have, but is encouraging people to be patient as it is a building that is designed to last 50-60 years.

plans. Once the design was complete, the Town tendered the construction work through a competitive tendering process. Municipal procurement rules must be followed to ensure public money is spent through a fair and accountable process. It’s the law.” According to Mio: “Municipalities cannot simply choose a contractor because they are local or preferred. We have to follow the rules, treat bidders fairly and protect taxpayers. Those rules exist for good reason, even when they sometimes limit the flexibility a municipality might otherwise have. The successful contractor entered into a stipulated-price contract, commonly called a fixed-price or lumpsum contract. The contract provides the Town with an important degree of cost certainty, but that does not mean circumstances can never change. Construction

contracts include processes for dealing with changes, schedule impacts, claims and disputes.” Mio stated that a delay does not automatically determine responsibility. The chief added that additional costs experienced by the contractor don’t

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automatically become the responsibility of taxpayers. “Our responsibility is to follow the contract, protect the Town’s interests and, ultimately, protect our taxpayers,” he said. The contractor also has a desire to complete the work as there are other projects they have to move on to, the fire chief said. “The contractor has now been mobilized on site for almost 22 months. I can assure everyone that isn’t something they wanted either. Maintaining supervision, management, and equipment on a project for an extended period costs money and prevents those resources from moving to other work. Everyone has an interest in finishing this project,” he said. Mio added the town’s expectations have been “clear from the start.” He said he, manager of engineering and operations Todd Hewitt, and CAO Valerie Critchley have all remained actively involved since the start.

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4 – River Town Times – Wednesday ,August 19, 2026

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Multiple issues being dealt with during fire hall construction, says chief Continued from Page 3

“We’ve attended project meetings and met weekly with the architect and project team to review progress, address concerns, and work through outstanding items, all the while doing our day to day jobs,” said Mio. “We also recognize that this project has been constructed during some of the most challenging times of our lives. The contractor has dealt with subcontractor and trade coordination, skilledlabour pressures, equipment and material availability, supply-chain issues, weather, tariffs, and trade uncertainty.” A modern fire hall “contains much more than steel and concrete,” he continued. “It includes electrical and mechanical equipment, HVAC, emergency power, controls, communications, specialized doors and many other components. One delayed component or trade affects the work that follows,” said Mio. “People have also asked why this building is larger than some other fire halls in the area. The answer is simple: this isn’t just a fire hall. The new facility will bring many of our fire department’s operations together under one roof, including fire suppression, fire prevention, training and administration, along with emergency management and our emergency operations centre.” Mio said administration will be located alongside operational staff, and the training division will have a room where firefighters can come together for training, certification, operational briefings and professional development. “That training has become even more important with Ontario’s mandatory firefighter certification,” said Mio. “Training isn’t something our firefighters complete once. They must continually train, maintain their skills and prepare for situations we hope they never encounter.” The building, located just east the intersection of Simcoe St. and Meloche Road, will also house emergency management and the town’s emergency operations centre.

The rear of the new Amherstburg Fire Station, facing the Libro Centre, is seen here. The new target date for fire hall completion is November 2026.

“During severe storms, flooding, prolonged power failures, industrial incidents, or other significant emergencies, we need a facility that can continue operating and help coordinate the Town’s response,” said Mio. “But perhaps the most important part of this building is firefighter safety. We know much more today about firefighter occupational exposure and cancer than we did when many of our existing stations were built. Firefighters can return from calls with contaminants on their equipment, protective clothing and themselves. This facility has been designed with that reality in mind, providing the proper separation and decontamination areas needed to help protect our firefighters—and ultimately their families.” The chief said the new hall will include proper decontamination facilities and separation between potentially contaminated and clean areas. “We want our firefighters to be able to clean themselves and their equipment properly and reduce the chance of bringing contaminants into their vehicles or, most importantly, into their homes,” he said. “If we know how to make the job safer for our firefighters,

we have an obligation to do it. That’s also why simply saying ‘just get it finished’ isn’t enough.” Mio said he understands people’s frustrations with the project, but “if something isn’t right, the time to address it is now, not five, 10 or 20 years from now when our firefighters and taxpayers are living with the consequences.” “This building will be here long after the people involved in its construction are gone. We can push for completion without compromising safety or quality. In the end, it’s about our people,” he said. “Through all the discussion about contracts, schedules, tariffs and construction, it is easy to lose sight of who this building is actually for. Our people.” Mio added “this isn’t about giving our firefighters something extravagant” but rather to give them a safe, functional facility, proper training space and the tools they need. “Right now, the delay feels significant because we’re living through it. Fifty years from now, it will be a footnote. What will matter is whether we made the right decisions,” he said. “I’m proud of our full-time firefighters. I’m proud of our volunteers. I’m proud of fire prevention, training and emergency management, and I’m proud of the way they represent our Town. So yes, I want the doors open. I wanted them open sooner. We all do.” Mio added: “The hall will get done. The trucks will move in. Our firefighters will make it their home, and then they’ll do what they’ve always done — answer the call and give their all to this community.” Allaire told the RTT she is frustrated by the process. She said she voted in opposition earlier this term due to concerns with the process but will do her best to assist where possible. “Now that the decision is made, I will step up and help where I can because we’re too far in the process to do anything else,” said Allaire. A ceremonial groundbreaking for the new fire hall occurred in September 2024 with the original occupancy date planned for August 2025.

Changes made to finance department in Amherstburg debated by council Continued from Page 2

“Can they be better? Of course they can be better,” said McArthur. “If there’s one department that this town, of all the towns in Ontario want in tip top shape given our history, it’s finance. We’ve made incredible strides over the past eight years but prior to that, there were some issues. We all remember those headlines.” Demands on finance staff are becoming more complex, McArthur added, and the workload has changed. “This is the thing that should concern people, not that we’re restructuring, but this report says our

financial staff work excessive overtime. They have weekly meetings to determine what work has to be postponed, sometimes for months. These pressures have been building 18-24 months. It’s pretty clear, when it comes to finance, we need more feet on the street. We need people crunching the numbers, reading the reports and getting things ready.” McArthur said frontline people are being added who can help get the work the department faces completed. “They are not only putting people in places where they need to be to get the jobs done, to fulfill our obligations to be solid financial stewards of this

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town, they’ve already identified 37 business process improvements, some involving automation and technology. They are getting that house in order.” McArthur asked “is this enough” with Osborne adding they have identified the resources they need and are looking for “low cost options” to get work done. Once they get through that, Osborne said they believe software improvements that need to occur as “we are limited in our systems and we are limited in our automation.” “There is abundant opportunity to create space and ability to take on more when we stop doing useless things,” she said.

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Wednesday, August 19 2026 – River Town Times – 5

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Town council defers McCurdy Ave. watermain 3 DAYS BUYING $$ CASH PAID $$ project, Buy Ontario legislation part of debate By Ron Giofu A watermain project for McCurdy Dr. will not be proceeding this year, it might next year, and the province’s “Buy Ontario” legislation was part of the debate into the matter. Town council will not proceed the tender on the McCurdy Ave. watermain replacement, which would have gone from Sandwich St. S. to Lilac Ct., and will instead see if it can be done as one whole project for the entire street in 2027. The project came in over-budget by $682,872, according to a report by administration, with the province’s Buy Ontario Act accounting for an additional $124,045 tacked on to award the tender. Had the recommendation to proceed with phase one of the project been approved, the over-expenditure would have been funded through the general reserve, wastewater reserve and water reserve. “On December 11, 2025 the Province of Ontario passed Bill 72, the Buy Ontario Act. This legislation was created to regulate procurement within the public sector in Ontario, prioritizing Ontario and Canadianmade goods and services. On April 13, 2026 the Buy Ontario Procurement Directive and the Municipal Buy Ontario Procurement Directive came into effect under the Buy Ontario Act for all government entities, including municipalities,” a report co-authored by engineering technologist Jesse Daudlin and manager of engineering Todd Hewitt. “In accordance with the Province of Ontario’s Municipal Buy Ontario Capital Infrastructure Policy and the evaluation criteria outlined in the tender documents, compliant bidders were evaluated using their submitted Domestic Supply Chain Plans. Following application of the prescribed evaluation methodology, a 10 per cent evaluation advantage was granted to the contractor that had submitted the highest Ontario made content.” The report from Hewitt added: “The implementation of the Buy Ontario Act will cost the Town an additional $124,045 to award this tender.” Marco Gardonio, president of the Heavy Construction Association of Windsor, addressed town council on the Buy Ontario Act. He said the association has met with town staff on Buy Ontario and how they are being applied to tenders within the Town of Amherstburg. “Those conversations have started to become more open and constructive and staff have informed me they are looking more at the commitment aspect when appropriate,” said Gardonio. “I should also say our association has nothing against Buy Ontario. We are the Ontario content. Our people live here, our people work here, our equipment is here.” Gardonio said their question is the method the province offers and what works best with heavy construction work. “The province has given municipalities more than one way to do this requirement that they’ve put down to us.” There’s the evaluated approach, Gardonio said, which was the method used with the McCurdy Dr. project and gives bidders the opportunity to present how much Ontario content they would use in the project. He added that is a tough number to determine at points and “it’s an arbitrary number the contractors are filling in.” Such a process has consequences surrounding costs of a project, he added, and the association believes the lowest price should always take priority. The commitment method should be used, rather than the evaluated method, Gardonio told town council. The act is new and can be difficult for contractors and municipal administrations to figure out, he added. “There is no offshoring. There are no foreign bidders bidding on most municipal contracts. Using a scored method is just a separation of a few points and no actual benefit to Ontario in that sense,” he said. Gardonio said he is not criticizing administration as

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it was a method the province allows. “The commitment approach avoids these problems where the lowest bid does not win the project. 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM A threshold can be set. The County of Essex has a threshold they’ve set. Other municipalities have set thresholds, the MTO has a threshold of 51 per cent,” he said. Their association was willing to assist with market research, Gardonio said. “We want council to align the commitment method as the standard. When it has to get away from the 87 STATION ST. 190 RICHMOND ST., 19 SEACLIFF DR. E. commitment method, that administration has a reason AMHERSTBURG ESSEX LEAMINGTON to go away from that method. That’s the simplest and Cash Paid for ALL GOLD JEWELLERY & ALL STERLING FLATWARE, fairest way for contactors when they’re bidding on any Gold (even teeth), Old Coins, Canada, USA, World, War projects,” said Gardonio. Medals, Wind-up Watches, ROLEX WATCHES working or Councillor Diane Pouget asked why the town not, Stamp Collections, Mint Sets. HOUSE CALLS AVAILABLE wouldn’t try to save over $121,000, acknowledging FOR LARGER AMOUNTS. ALWAYS PAYING MORE THAN THE FLYERS IN THE the Buy Ontario Act. Deputy CAO Melissa Osborne MAIL FROM QUEBEC! said the construction industry is also finding it difficult to determine the Buy Ontario content they’re B.A.B.Ed. putting forward. Osborne added consultants tried to determine if the 62 Years of Satisfied Customers commitment method could be stood behind if challenged. She said the town has to have market research and evidence otherwise the town could face legal BRANCH 157 AMHERSTBURG challenges. The town chose the method to put the EVENT responsibility on the construction industry and their CALENDAR attestation to Ontario content. The group that comes back with the highest percentage of Ontario content M O N DAY BINGO (CANCELLED AUG 3) 7: 00 PM gets an “arbitrary ten per cent reduction” from their TASTY TUESDAYS 11 - 2 PM T U E S DAY price, and that brought the recommended bidder MEAT DRAW 5:00 PM W E D N E S DAY below the lowest bidder. DROP-IN POOL [SEPT] 7:00 PM Council was able to reject the tender and defer the SENIOR GAMES* 7:00 PM project, she added, due to it being over-budget. There CHAIR YOGA* 10:30 AM T H U R S DAY were six companies that put in bids. FAMOUS CHICKEN 3-6 PM “It’s also important to understand this project was FISH FRY 3-6 PM F R I DAY over regardless,” she said. KARAOKE 7:00 PM Osborne said if they used a different Buy Ontario MIXED DARTS [SEPT] 7:30 PM option, it could still come in higher than what the CRAFT CLUB* 1:00 PM SAT U R DAY town budgeted for. “This is not a simple process. It’s not simple for LIVE MUSIC & SPECIAL EVENTS the industry that does this every day. You could fully SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 expect this legislation has cost us money that is sight LIVE BAND - MIKE SHAW unseen. The $121,000 is apparent,” she added. SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 Antonella Little, the town’s procurement specialist, LIVE BAND - 60’S LIVE told town council there are two approaches available under the Buy Ontario Act and each will be evaluated ` SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 LIVE BAND - ALL NIGHTERS on a case-by-case basis. Procurement specialists are working together to try and best deliver the objectives SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 LIVE BAND - NEW BEGINNINGS of the legislation. Pouget believed the bidder only benefits successful * bidders but burdens the taxpayers and called for the 281 DALHOUSIE ST., AMHERSTBURG • 519-736-4 485 town to speak with the province on it. She said it will be time consuming for town staff to ensure they are monitoring bids and ensuring content is from Ontario. “The province has definitely made this complicated and difficult to follow,” said Councillor Linden Crain. Hewitt cautioned that prices that have already been put forth may not fall, noting they were competitively bid. Supply costs, timing of the project and availability of companies can factor into overall costs. “This watermain needs replacement. It needs to be replaced now and it will need to be replaced next year,” said Hewitt. There have already been several breaks along the watermain already, he said, but emphasized residents will have safe drinking water. Councillor Don McArthur believed there would be benefits waiting until next year and doing one tender. He agreed that costs could go up, but there would be opportunities for economies of scale by doing it at once and bundling things together. If the next council wants to put out an early tender, there could be cost benefits if the companies are “hungry for jobs.” McArthur said having a sidewalk installed as part of the project was a highlight and doing the project at once prevents a “sidewalk to nowhere” that would stop at Lilac Ct. for Check out our website! several months.

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Continued on Page 12

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6 – River Town Times – Wednesday, August 19, 2026

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Allaire seeking second term as a councillor By Ron Giofu Molly Allaire is looking to build on what she has done in her first term as a councillor. Allaire is seeking re-election in the Oct. 26 municipal election and while it took a couple of years to learn on the job, “after that, I found my groove” as a councillor. “Now I feel I can stand up and make a difference even more,” said Allaire. Allaire said four years ago, she had a platform to protect parks and greenspaces, and she believes she has achieved that. She said there have been five new playgrounds opened, a new trail at Jack Purdie Park, and a basketball court at Pat Thrasher Park. Allaire pointed out she has been on the ERCA board of directors for all four years and chair for the last two. She said she fought against the amalgamation of conservation areas, including making a trip to Queen’s Park in order to express ERCA’s views. “I really did stick with my platform and I’m really proud of myself,” said Allaire. “Now, knowing what I know, I want to focus on tightening our budgets and making us more transparent.” Noting she stays active on social media trying to inform residents of issues, Allaire believes that helps her connect with residents. She said

Molly Allaire

she wants to continue to help identify issues important to residents. “Working with administration is a top priority for the next four years, if elected,” she said. Allaire said administration provides reports and information necessary for council members to make decisions. Road projects, including many in rural areas, need to be addressed, noting she tried to move reconstruction of Concession 6 North up a few years due to the condition of the road. Residents, including those who live in the county, simply want a smooth pathway to get to their jobs and to get around the community. “They don’t ask for much,”

she said. Taxes and Open Air Weekend are regularly important issues as is the future of policing in Amherstburg and getting a new town hall. Regarding the latter, she said staff are working out of buildings that have seen their better days. “I don’t think the people understand the state our buildings are in,” said Allaire. Getting a new boat ramp in CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF AMHERSTBURG Amherstburg is another issue, as is improving accessibility. She NOTICE OF STATUTORY MEETING CORPORATION OF THE TOWN PUBLIC OF AMHERSTBURG said there are measures, some TO CONSIDER A ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT NOTICE OF STATUTORY PUBLIC MEETING TO CONSIDER A ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT simple like additional signage STATUTORY MEETING: STATUTORY PUBLIC MEETING: and improving parking spots, PUBLIC TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg will hold a that can help make the TAKE town NOTICE more that Council ofSeptember the Corporation of theatTown Amherstb 4:30 p.m.of in the Town of publicthe meeting on Monday, 14 , 2026 commencing accessible. th, 2026 Council Chambers, 271 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, Ontario. The public meeting onAmherstburg Monday, September 14 commencing at 4:30 p.m. purpose of this meeting is to consider a proposed amendment to the Town of Amherstburg “Our community cares,” she Council Zoning By-law 1999-52. Amherstburg Chambers, 271 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg this meeting is who to consider a and proposed amendment to the said. “Everyone cares.purpose I wantof to ANY PERSON wishes to attend address Council by electronic means, must Town register o with the Clerk’s Office no later than Thursday, September 10 , 2026. To register for electronic Zoning By-law make sure people feel welcome no 1999-52. 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 matter where they come from.” electronic participation. To participate, you will need access to a computer or tablet with internet ANY PERSON who wishes to attend and address Council by electronic means service or a telephone. Allaire added she has a goal to with the Clerk’s Office no later than Thursday, September 10th, 2026. To registe ANY PERSON who wishes to watch the meeting proceedings only, please visit see more people voteparticipation this year,please email the Clerk’s office at clerk@amherstburg.ca . Once yo http://video.islive.ca/amherstburg/live.html given on how to make your submission at the electron wanting to see turnoutwill topbethe 40 information THE SUBJECT LANDS AND PURPOSE OF THIS ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT electronic participation. To participate, you will need access to a computer or tab APPLICATION: per cent mark. This election cycle service or a telephone. An application for Zoning By-law Amendment has been submitted by the owner of the property. is a bit different, as her children are The lands are approximately 10.6 hectares (26.2 acres) in area and are designated ‘Medium Density of Amherstburg Plan. A draft Plan of Subdivision has old enough to understand is ANYwhat PERSON who Residential’ wishesin thetoTownwatch the Official meeting proceedings only, been submitted concurrently with this application for Zoning By-law Amendment to the County http://video.islive.ca/amherstburg/live.html of Essex. The proposal includes the development of 312 residential dwellings within a Plan of happening. Subdivision, including 168 street rowhouse units and 144 apartment dwellings. The Zoning Bylaw Amendment will affect the lands legally described as Registered Plan 16 lots 10 to 18 Another difference this election Part Lot 4, Concession 1, Geographic Anderdon, in the Town of THE SUBJECT inclusive, LANDS AND PURPOSE OF Township THIS ofZONING BY-LAW is that Allaire is undergoing knee APPLICATION: Amherstburg, County of Essex. surgery Sept. 9, and likely won’t The Zoning By-law Amendment, if approved, will establish appropriate zones to reflect the Draft of Subdivision. The Zoning By-law Amendment is intended to rezone the lands from the be able to knock on as many doors. for Plan An application Zoning By-law(‘FD’) Amendment has been by the Future Development zone to a Residential Multiple submitted First Density (‘RM1’) Zoneowner and a Residential Multiple Second Density (‘RM2’) Zone to permit the development of these lands for are approximately 10.6 hectares (26.2 acres) in area and are desig She said she will figureThe outlands a way a residential subdivision containing a mix of residential dwellings. The proposed RM1 and/or RM2in Zones include of special provisions to implement the intended Density Residential’ themay Town Amherstburg Official Plan.development. A draft Plan of S to communicate with voters. with this application for Zoning By-law Amendmen ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: “I doesn’t mean I been don’tsubmitted care concurrently of Essex. The proposal includes the development of 312 residential dwellings w ANY PERSON may make written representation in support of or in opposition to the proposed if I don’t knock on your door,”including Subdivision, rowhouse units apartment dwellings. Zoning 168 By-lawstreet Amendment by email to the Clerk’sand office 144 at clerk@amherstburg.ca or in person T by appointment for drop-off at the Libro Centre located at 3295 Meloche Road. Comments Allaire said. law Amendment will affect theby lands described will Registered be read aloud priorPlan to the 16 must be submitted Thursday,legally September 10 , 2026 andas th

application being heard by Council. inclusive, Part Lot 4, Concession 1, Geographic Township of Anderdon, in Amherstburg, County of to Essex. If you wish be notified of the decision of Council on the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment

Pouget-Papak aims to make positive change By Ron Giofu Stephanie Pouget-Papak says she has given back to the community in several ways and now wants to do so as a member of town council. Pouget-Papak is seeking a councillor position in the Oct. 26 municipal election. She is a current member of the town’s heritage committee and says she has an understanding of how the Municipal Act works. “I’m always contributing to my community. I think I can continue to do so on a larger scale,” said Pouget-Papak. Pouget-Papak added she hopes to “make positive change” all the while keeping in mind the common good of the municipality. “I think the new council has a lot of decisions to make on some outstanding issues,” she said. Policing and taxes are among the items she mentioned. The latter is a concern of many and she said there are people concerned about affordability. “Obviously, we try not to have (tax increases) but we have to be realistic with expectations,” she said. Looking at town departments and making sure they are working productively and efficiently is a priority at budget time, PougetPapak stated. There are concerns in the community about inflation and

you must make a written request to the Clerk’s Office at 271 Sandwich St. S., Amherstburg, ON, N9V 2A5.

The Zoning By-lawIf aAmendment, if approved, establish appropriate person or public body would otherwise will have an ability to appeal the decision ofzones Council toto r the Ontario Tribunal but the person or public body does not make oralto submissions a Plan of Subdivision. The Land Zoning By-law Amendment is intended rezoneat the public meeting or make written submissions to Council before the proposed by-law is passed, Future Development (‘FD’) zone Residential First Density (‘RM1 the person or public body to is notaentitled to appeal the Multiple decision. “Realistically, we can’t restore Residential Multiple Second Density (‘RM2’) Zone to permit the development of the property using tax dollars,” a residential subdivision containing anot mix oforalresidential dwellings. propos If a person or public body does make submissions at a public meeting orThe make written Information will be gathered in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). All submissions to Councilreceived beforewillthe proposed by-law is passed, person or public may she said. comments and communications become part of the public record unless youthe expressly request the Townbody to remove it. If RM2 Zones may include implement the intended developm you want learnspecial more why provisions and how hearing the Town collects information, writethe to the Town Clerk's Office, 271 Sandwich Street not be to added as about a party to the of to anyour appeal before Ontario Land Tribunal unless,

However, the building can’t just in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: sit and deteriorate either. Further information relating to the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA-10-25 is “To let it sit there, we can’t,” she available for inspection by calling or emailing the Planning Department Office during normal ANY PERSON may written representation in support of or in t officemake hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional information is also available for opposition review on the said. “We have to moveZoning forward.” Town of Amherstburg Website:to www.amherstburg.ca. If you wish be notified of the passage By-law Amendment by email the Clerk’s office at toclerk@amherstburg. of the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment, you must make a written request to the Town at The new council could consider for by appointment drop-off the address below.at the Libro Centre located at 3295 Meloche Roa th, 2026 of August, 2026. and will be read alo Dated the Town of Amherstburg this 19 day10 a third-party investormust or selling be submitted by atThursday, September The meeting will be available for viewing by livestream by visiting www.amherstburg.ca. application being heard by Council. Christopher Aspila, Manager of Planning Services the property, she added, or they For Council and Committee Agendas and Meetings, visit amherstburg.ca/calendar. Town of Amherstburg, Libro Centre To subscribe to Council Committee Agendas, visit Amherstburg.ca/calendar and click 3295&Meloche Road, Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 2Y8 can think outside the box and SUBSCRIBE. Telephone: (519) 736-5408; Fax No.the (519)proposed 736-9859 If you wish to be notified of the decision of Council on Zoning By-la Website: www.amherstburg.ca develop programming you thatmust would make aDATED written to the this Clerk’s Office at 271 Sandwich St. S. August 2026. at therequest Town of Amherstburg 19 day of see others learn and ON, help reviN9V 2A5. KEY MAP KEY MAP talize the site. If a person or public body would otherwise have an ability to appeal the decisio Pouget-Papak will be theknocking Ontario Land Tribunal but the person or public body does not make oral su on doors soon, but added she has or make written submissions to Council before the proposed by public meeting the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision. been engaging with people online and also has an online survey. She believes the new council needs to Information will be gathered in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Priva look at the town as a whole. comments and communications received will become part of the public record unless you expressly request the you want tohere learn more about why and how the Town collects your information, write to the Town Clerk's Office, “There are a lot of people South, Amherstburg, ON N9V 2A5 or call 519-736-0012. with a lot of different needs,” she said. Transparency is key, she added, and she is focused on the common good of the community. Pouget-Papak, a teacher and former Park House Museum Christopher Aspila curator, said has a lot of lived Town Planner and Manager, Planning Services experience. Town of Amherstburg Libro Centre “I grew up in a lower socio3295 Meloche Road Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 2Y8 economic household and worked Telephone: (519) 736-5408 Fax No. (519) 736-9859 very hard in various blue collar Website: www.amherstburg.ca jobs to put myself through school,” she said. Pouget-Papak said she makes decisions based on policy and data, not on emotion. “I feel I have a good sense on what a family needs,” PougetPapak added. South, Amherstburg, ON N9V 2A5 or call 519-736-0012.

Stephanie Pouget-Papak

uncertainty around Canada’s trade situation with the United States and she believes making sure the town is running productively could lead to the town saving more money. Regarding Open Air Weekends, Pouget-Papak said they have to study the data, statistics and policies to ensure it is run the best way possible. “I don’t think we’re going to please everyone,” she said. Pouget-Papak sees there are definite benefits for restaurants but also sees issues relating to accessibility. Council has to decide as a collective as to how to best address these matters. “It’s a balance,” she said. Belle Vue is another matter on the new council’s plate.

Information will be gathered in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). All comments and communications received will become part of the public record unless you expressly request the Town to remove it. If you want to learn more about why and how the Town collects your information, write to the Town Clerk's Office, 271 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, ON N9V 2A5 or call 519-736-0012.

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 – River Town Times – 7

www.rivertowntimes.com

“Backpacks for Bright Futures” event held at Amherstburg Community Services

CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF AMHERSTBURG NOTICE OF DRAFT PLAN OF SUBDIVISION CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF AMHERSTBURG

E that the Council of theOF Corporation the Town of Amherstburg and the County NOTICE DRAFT PLAN OFof SUBDIVISION Approval Authority) have received Application No. 37-T-26005 for approval of a TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg and the County of Essex (the Approval Authority) have No. 37-T-26005 approval of a 23 through 25 on ision on lands described asreceived Lots 1Application through Lot 22, for and Blocks Plan of Subdivision on lands described as Lots 1 through Lot 22, and Blocks 23 through 25 on wing 20-47-556-03, dated February 5, 2026, municipally known 554 McLeod reference drawing 20-47-556-03, dated February 5, 2026, municipally known 554 McLeod Avenue (see key mapThe below). The Councilof of the Corporation of the Town of the Amherstburg has ey received map below). Council the Corporation of Town of Amherstburg has a request to circulate receipt of an application for Draft Plan of Subdivision pursuant SUBMITTED to the of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990 per Section and Plan Subsection of uest to provisions circulate receipt of an application for51(19) Draft of 4Subdivision pursuant Ontario Regulation 544/06 as amended by Regulation 298/19. PHOTOS ns of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990 per Section 51(19) and Subsection 4 of The544/06 proposed plan subdivision lands also subject to 298/19. an application for Zoning By-law ation as ofamended by are Regulation ACS held its “Backpack for Bright Futures” barbecue and school supply giveaway Aug. 8 at their location at 320 Richmond St. Amendment, ZBA/02/19.

Special to the RTT

The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg will be considering a resolution of plan of subdivision lands are also subject to an application for Zoning By-law support for the proposed plan of subdivision at the regular Council meeting on Monday, September 14th, 2026 commencing at 6:00 p.m. in the Town of Amherstburg Council BA/02/19. Chambers, 271 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, Ontario.

Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) recently

Draft Plan of Subdivision proposes to subdivide and create new lots andbe blocks that would theThe Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg will considering ahosted resolution its of Backpack for Bright Futures event through allow the construction/development of twenty-two (22) new single detached dwelling units and on approximately 3.112 hectares of land. The lands are designated Low Density Residential e proposed plan of subdivision at the regular Council meeting the on P2P Monday, Neighbourhoods Program Aug. 8, bringing local which allows for residential development in the Town’s Official Plan. th 4 , 2026 commencing at 6:00 p.m. in the Town of Amherstburg Council families together for a fun day of food, entertainment Any person or public bodySouth, may makeAmherstburg, written submissions toOntario. the approval authority (County of 1 Sandwich Street Essex) before the approval authority makes its decision under subsection (31) of the Act.

and back-to-school support.

a person or public body would otherwise have the ability to appeal the decision of the County than 110 backpacks filled with school of IfofSubdivision proposes to subdivide and create new lots and blocksMore that would Essex but does not make oral submissions at a public meeting, if one is held, or make written submissions to the Couty of Essex in respect of the (22) proposed plan single of subdivision before the dwelling truction/development of twenty-two new detached units were and distributed to local children to help them supplies approval authority gives or refuses to give approval to the draft plan of subdivision, the person elyor3.112 hectares land.theThe lands are designated Low Density public body is not entitledof to appeal decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal. getResidential ready for the upcoming school year. Families also or residential development in the Town’s Official Plan. If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting, if one is held, or make written submissions to the County of Essex in respect of the proposed plan of

enjoyed a BBQ featuring hot dogs, chips and freezees,

subdivision before the approval authority gives or refuses to give approval to the draft plan of along withofface painting, balloon creations, live interpublic body written the approval authority (County subdivision, themay person make or public body may notsubmissions be added as a party to to the hearing of an appeal the Ontario Land Tribunal unless, inits the decision opinion of the under Tribunal, there are reasonable music, caricature drawings and a visit from the thebefore approval authority makes subsection (31) ofactive the Act. grounds to do so.

Amherstburg Fire Department.

If you wish to be notified of the decision of the County of Essex in respect of this proposed plan public body would otherwise have the ability to appeal the decision ofThe the County event was made possible through the P2P of subdivision, you must make a written request to the County of Essex to the attention of Belanger, Manager of County Planning Fairview Avenue West,isSuite oesRebecca not make oral submissions at aServices, public360meeting, if one held, or make written Neighbourhoods Program, funded by the City of Windsor 302, Essex, Ontario, N8M 1Y6, indicating the County File No: 37-T-26005. o the Couty of Essex in respect of the proposed plan of subdivision before the andthethe County of Essex, along with the generous ADDITIONAL INFORMATION the proposedto Plan of Subdivision is available for orityinspection gives atorthe refuses torelating give toapproval the draft plan of subdivision, person Town of Amherstburg Planning Department Office at 3295 Meloche Road, support of local businesses, organizations, performers duringentitled normal office 8:30 a.m. p.m. The to hearing be availableLand for viewing by is not tohours, appeal theto 4:30 decision thewillOntario Tribunal. livestream by visiting www.amherstburg.ca.

and volunteers.

For more information matter, including the information about your meeting, appeal public body doesabout notthismake oral submissions atpreserving a public if one is held, rights, contact Rebecca Belanger, Manager, Planning Services, County of Essex, 360 Fairview en Avenue submissions to N8M1Y6, the County of Essex in respect of County the proposed plan of West, Essex, ON, or at rbelanger@coutnyofessex.ca indicating the No: 37-T-26005. foreFilethe approval authority gives or refuses to give approval to the draft plan of For Council Committee Agendas Meetings, visit amherstburg.ca/calendar. e person orand public body mayand not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal To subscribe to Council & Committee Agendas, visit Amherstburg.ca/calendar and click ario Land Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable SUBSCRIBE. so.

ACS also extends its sincere appreciation to the volunteers who helped set up, run the event to support families and clean up after the event. “Backpacks for Bright Futures is a great example of what the P2P Neighbourhoods Program is all aboutbringing people together, building connections and responding to the needs of our neighbourhood. We are incredibly grateful to the businesses, organizations and volunteers who came together to make this event such a success for Amherstburg families”, said Kathy DiBartolomeo, executive director of ACS. The P2P Neighbourhoods Program continues to support initiatives that strengthen neighbourhood connections, build community and foster a sense of belonging throughout Amherstburg. ACS is located at 320 Richmond St., inside the Amherstburg Community Hub. For information about ACS and the programs offered, call 519-736-5471 or visit www.amherstburg-cs.com.

e notified of the decision of the County of Essex in respect of this proposed plan Information will be gathered in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). All comments and communications received will become part of the public record unless you expressly request the Town to remove it. If you must make a written request to the County of Essex to the attention of you want to learn more about why and how the Town collects your information, write to the Town Clerk's Office, 271 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, ON N9V 2A5 or call 519-736-0012. nger, Manager of County Planning Services, 360 Fairview Avenue West, Suite ntario, N8M 1Y6, indicating the County File No: 37-T-26005.

INFORMATION relatingthisto19ththe day ofproposed August, 2026. Plan of Subdivision is available for Dated at the Town of Amherstburg he Town of Amherstburg Planning Department Office at 3295 Meloche Road, Christopher Aspila, Manager of Planning Services office hours, 8:30 a.m. toof 4:30 p.m.Libro The hearing will be available for viewing by Town Amherstburg, Centre 3295 Meloche Road, Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 2Y8 visiting www.amherstburg.ca. Telephone: (519) 736-5408; Fax No. (519) 736-9859 Website: www.amherstburg.ca

mation about this matter, including the information about preserving your appeal KEY MAP Rebecca Belanger, Manager, Planning Services, County of Essex, 360 Fairview Essex, ON, N8M1Y6, or at rbelanger@coutnyofessex.ca indicating the County 26005.

nd Committee Agendas and Meetings, visit amherstburg.ca/calendar. to Council & Committee Agendas, visit Amherstburg.ca/calendar and click

athered in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). All munications received will become part of the public record unless you expressly request the Town to remove it. If re about why and how the Town collects your information, write to the Town Clerk's Office, 271 Sandwich Street ON N9V 2A5 or call 519-736-0012.

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YouHear.ca or (519) 791-EARS Information will be gathered in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). All comments and communications received will become part of the public record unless you expressly request the Town to remove it. If you want to learn more about why and how the Town collects your information, write to the Town Clerk's Office, 271 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, ON N9V 2A5 or call 519-736-0012.

4 WINDSOR-ESSEX LOCATIONS: AMHERSTBURG, ESSEX, LASALLE, WINDSOR

8 – River Town Times – Wednesday, August 19, 2026

www.rivertowntimes.com

Essex MP hosts “Coffee with Chris” around the riding By Ron Giofu

Essex MP Chris Lewis hit the road last week sharing coffee and hearing what residents feel is important to them. Lewis presented “Coffee with Chris” Aug. 10-13 with stops in all areas of the riding he represents in Ottawa. His Amherstburg stop was last Thursday morning at Caffeine & Co. on Dalhousie St. and he concluded his journey around the riding later that day at Leonidas Chocolates Café in LaSalle. Other stops last week included Rose’s Kitchen in Essex, The Iron Kettle in Comber, Café Amor & Art in Lakeshore, the King St. Café in Harrow and the Red Lantern Coffee Co. in Kingsville. “I’m hearing everything,” said Lewis, during his Amherstburg stop. Affordability was a topic the Conservative MP said he heard a lot about during his stops. Uncertainty about the cost of living, the impact of tariffs from the Trump administration in the United States and the ability for businesses to stay afloat were among the issues he was hearing. “I’m just hearing a lot of fear and it breaks my heart to hear it,” said Lewis. “They want to get back to normal. They are just uncertain. They didn’t vote for this.”

Essex MP Chris Lewis (centre) speaks to constituents last Thursday morning at Caffeine & Co. in Amherstburg. He hit seven coffee shops around the riding last week to speak with residents.

Conservatives are proposing a stop the gas tax initiative. About 92 per cent of oil is shipped to the United States and Lewis added Canada needs to send more overseas. He also was critical of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to allow up to 49,000 electric vehicles from China into the country via a trade agreement. “We’ve got to keep holding the government to account,” said Lewis. Lewis also criticized Carney’s vacation to Italy, adding while everyone deserves a vacation, it should

not be at a “lavish resort” outside of Canada. Canadians “still don’t have all the answers” regarding a deal with the U.S. to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge. “We’re going to continue asking questions,” vowed Lewis. “There are just a lot of questions that need to be answered.” His letter that was sent to Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature, Julie Dabrusin regarding severe weather notification has been in the media lately but Lewis said he will continue pressing due to its importance to the region. He added he has not received official notification as of yet from the government. “This fight is far from over,” he said. “It’s the right thing to do for the safety of residents.” There were “fresh and good ideas” from residents in all municipalities, Lewis added. Community engagement is vital, he said, and he expressed his thanks to the coffee shops that allowed him to come in and meet with residents. The fact residents come in and met with him is something he takes as a sign he is doing his job. There were no confrontations, just respectful dialogue, he said. “It tells me I’m on the right track when people are engaged,” said Lewis. “I’m resident-driven. I want to help people. I love people.”

Revolver in concert The band “Revolver” presented an outdoor show last Friday night along Richmond St., outside of Musicland. The crowd enjoyed the show as the band played some favourites.

RTT PHOTOS BY RON GIOFU

The Draft Plan of Subdivision proposes to subdivide and create new lots and blocks that would Wednesday, August 19, 2026 – River Town Times – 9 allow for the construction/development of fifteen (15) single detached dwelling units, fifty-six (56) semi-detached dwellings and a stormwater management pond on approximately 5.29 hectares of land. The lands are designated Low Density Residential which allows for residential development in the Town’s Official Plan.

www.rivertowntimes.com

Any person or public body may make written submissions to the approval authority (County of Essex) before the approval authority makes its decision under subsection (31) of the Act. If a person or public body would otherwise have the ability to appeal the decision of the County of Essex but does not make oral OF submissions at aDESIGNATION public meeting, if one is held, or make written NOTICE PASSING OF BY-LAW submissions to the Couty of Essex in TOWN respect the proposed plan of subdivision before the BY THE OFofAMHERSTBURG approval authority gives or refuses to give approval to the draft plan of subdivision, the person TAKEbody NOTICE thatentitled the Council of the Corporation of thetoTown of Amherstburg passed By-law 2026or public isthnot to appeal the decision the Ontario Land Tribunal. 045 on the 10 day of August 2026 to designate portions of the property known as 130 Sandwich Street South as being of cultural heritage value or interest under Part IV, Sec. 29 of the Ontario If a person not0.18, make submissions at a public meeting, if one is held, heritage or Act,public R.S.O.body 1990,does Chapter as oral amended.

or make written submissions to the County of Essex in respect of the proposed plan of subdivision before the that approval or refuses give to the draft Act, plan of AND TAKE NOTICE as perauthority Section 29gives (Subsection 11) oftoPart IV approval of the Ontario Heritage any person who objectsortopublic the by-law may appeal to the Ontario Tribunal giving the subdivision, the person body may not be added as Land a party to thebyhearing ofTribunal an appeal andthe the Ontario Town Clerk, within 30 days after the the noticeofofthe the Tribunal, by-law passing published, a before Land Tribunal unless, in date the opinion thereisare reasonable noticetoofdo appeal grounds so. setting out the objection to the by-law and the reasons in support of the objection accompanied by the fee charged by the Ontario Land Tribunal, payable to the Minister of Finance.

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN BY THE TOWN OF AMHERSTBURG NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IMPROVEMENT OTICE that the Council of the TownCOMMUNITY of Amherstburg passedPLAN By-law No. 2026-035 on BY THE OF AMHERSTBURG day of August, 2026 to adopt anTOWN Amendment to Amherstburg’s Economic Development nityTAKE Improvement in accordance with Sectionpassed 28 ofBy-law the Planning Act, NOTICE thatPlan the Council of the Town of Amherstburg No. 2026-035 on RSO 1990, the 10th day of August, 2026 to adopt an Amendment to Amherstburg’s Economic Development Community Improvement Plan in accordance with Section 28 of the Planning Act, RSO 1990, cP. 13.

RPOSE of Amendment to the Economic Development Community Improvement Plan vide additional clarity on the implementation of the Plan and to help Plan supply shovelTHE PURPOSE of Amendment to the Economic Development Community Improvement to provide additional clarity on the implementation of theemployment Plan and to helpopportunities supply shovel- for Town ewisindustrial building sites and create new ready new industrial building sites and create new employment opportunities for Town s. residents.

The Amendment to the Economic Development Community Improvement Plan applies to the endment to the Economic Development Community Improvement Plan applies to the lands designed by By-law 2025-071 as the Economic Development Community Improvement signed by By-law 2025-071 as the Economic Development Community Improvement Plan Area and indicated on the Key Map below. a and indicated on the Key Map below. An explanation of the purpose and effect of the amendment is included in this Notice and the

amendment is available for inspection upon request. nation of the purpose and effect of the amendment is included in this Notice and the entThe is Amendment available to fortheinspection upon request. Economic Development Community Improvement Plan is exempt from

approval by the Minister. The decision of the Council of the Town of Amherstburg is final if a Notice of Appeal is not received on or before the last day for filing a notice of appeal. If no endment to the Economic Development Community Improvement Plan is exempt from appeal is filed within the prescribed time, the amendment to the Economic Development byCommunity the Minister. The decision the Council of the Town of Amherstburg is final if a Improvement Plan comesof into effect on the date of adoption.

f Appeal is not received on or before the last day for filing a notice of appeal. If no An appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal may be made by filing a notice of appeal with the City s filed within the prescribed time, the amendment to the Economic Development Clerk either via the Ontario Land Tribunal e-file service (first-time users will need to register for nityaImprovement Plan effect on the date My Ontario Account) bycomes selecting into The Town of Amherstburg asof theadoption. Approval Authority or by mail to the Town Clerk, no later than 4:30 p.m. on September 8, 2026.

al to the Ontario Land Tribunal may be made by filing a notice of appeal with the City The filing of an appeal after 4:30 p.m., in person or electronically, will be deemed to have been herreceived via thethe Ontario Landday. Tribunal e-file (first-time users need to register for next business The appeal fee service can be paid online through e-filewill or by certified cheque/money to the Minister Finance,ofProvince of Ontario.as If you to appeal to tario Account) order by selecting Theof Town Amherstburg thewish Approval Authority or by the Ontario Landno Tribunal request a fee for an appeal, forms are available he Town Clerk, later(OLT) thanor4:30 p.m. onreduction September 8, 2026. from the OLT website. If the e-file portal is down, you can submit your appeal to the Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg, 271 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, ON N9V 2A5.

g of an appeal after 4:30 p.m., in person or electronically, will be deemed to have been notice of appeal must: theThe next business day. The appeal fee can be paid online through e-file or by certified 1. be accompanied by the fee required by the Tribunal, and money2. order Minister Finance, Province of ofOntario. If you wish to appeal to set outto thethe reasons for theof appeal, and the specific part the proposed Community Plan to which the appeal rio LandImprovement Tribunal (OLT) or request a applies. fee reduction for an appeal, forms are available OLT website. If the e-file portal is down, you can submit your appeal to the Corporation No person or public body shall be added as a party to the hearing of the appeal unless, before wnthe ofplan Amherstburg, 271 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, ON N9V or 2A5. was adopted, the person or public body made oral submissions at a public meeting written submissions to the council or, in the opinion of the Ontario Land Tribunal, there are

If you wish to be notified ofany the person decision of the County of Essex in respect this proposed AND TAKE NOTICE that or agency may appeal to the Ontario LandofTribunal in respectplan of subdivision, you must make a written request to the County of Essex to the attention of the By-law by filing with the Clerk of the Town of Amherstburg not later than the 18th day of of OF Planning THE TOWN OF AMHERSTBURG September 2026.CORPORATION Rebecca Belanger, Manager of County Services, 360 Fairview Avenue West, Suite NOTICE OF DRAFT OF SUBDIVISION 302, Essex, Ontario, N8M 1Y6, indicating thePLAN County File No: 37-T-26004.

If you wish to appeal to the OLT, forms are available from the Ontario Land Tribunal website at https://olt.gov.on.ca/file-an-appeal/ TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg and the County

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION relating to the proposed Plan of Subdivision is available for of Essex (the Approval have received Application No. inspection 37-T-26004 forTown approval of a inspection at the Town Authority) of Amherstburg at 3295 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION relating to Planning the by-law Department is available forOffice at theMeloche of Road, PlanAmherstburg ofnormal Subdivision on lands described Part Park Lots 4, during 5, 6will and Plan Part of Partby 4 during office hours, 8:30 a.m. toas p.m. The hearing be7,available for viewing Planning Department Office at4:30 3295 Meloche Road, normal office12, hours, 8:30 on 12R1806, 12R28679, municipally known as a parcel of land located on the north livestream by Part visiting www.amherstburg.ca. a.m. to 4:30 p.m.1 on side of Texas Road with frontage between 436 and 440 Texas Road and extending north to th day of August 2026. DATED at the Town of key Amherstburg this 19 Pettypiece Drive (see map below). The Council of the Corporation of the Town of For more information about this matter, including the information about preserving your appeal Amherstburg received a request to circulate receipt of anCounty application for Draft Plan of rights, contacthas Rebecca Belanger, Manager, Planning Services, of Essex, 360 Fairview Adam Coates Subdivision pursuant the N8M1Y6, provisionsorofatthe Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990 per Section the 51(19) and Avenue West, Essex,toON, rbelanger@coutnyofessex.ca indicating County Planning Services Subsection 4 of Ontario Regulation 544/06 as amended by Regulation 298/19. File No: 37-T-26004. Town of Amherstburg Libro Centre- 3295 Meloche Road

TheAmherstburg, proposedand plan of subdivision landsand are Meetings, also subject to an application for Zoning By-law Ontario N9V 2A5Agendas For Council Committee visit amherstburg.ca/calendar. Telephone: (519) 736-5408 Fax No. (519) 736-9859 Amendment, ZBA/05/26. To subscribe to Council & Committee Agendas, visit Amherstburg.ca/calendar and click Website: www.amherstburg.ca SUBSCRIBE. The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg will be considering a resolution of support for the proposed plan of subdivision at the regular Council meeting on Monday, th, 2026 commencing at 6:00 p.m. in the Town of Amherstburg Council September Information will be14 gathered in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). All comments and communications received will become partAmherstburg, of the public recordOntario. unless you expressly request the Town to remove it. If Chambers, 271 Sandwich Street South, you want to learn more about why and how the Town collects your information, write to the Town Clerk's Office, 271 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, ON N9V 2A5 or call 519-736-0012.

The Draft Plan of Subdivision proposes to subdivide and create new lots and blocks that would allow for the construction/development of fifteen (15) single detached dwelling units, fifty-six (56) semi-detached dwellings and a stormwater management pond on approximately 5.29 hectares of land. The lands are designated Low Density Residential which allows for residential OF THE TOWN OF AMHERSTBURG development inCORPORATION the Town’s Official Plan.

NOTICE OF DRAFT PLAN OF SUBDIVISION

reasonable ce of appealgrounds must: to add the person or public body as a party. CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF AMHERSTBURG Any person or public body may make written submissions to the approval authority (County of e accompanied by the fee required by Janine the Tribunal, and Planner II Land-Use, For further information please contact: Mastronardi, NOTICE OF DRAFT PLAN OF SUBDIVISION et out the reasons for the appeal, and the of the proposed jmastronardi@amherstburg.ca and reference the specific Economic part Development Community Community Essex) before the approval authority makes its decision under subsection (31) of the Act. ImprovementPlan Plan 2026 Amendment. TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg and the County mprovement to which the appeal applies.

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg and the County Essex (the Approval Authority) have received Application No. 37-T-26004 for approval of a ofofPlanEssex (the Approval Application No. 37-T-26004 for approval of a of Subdivision on lands described as PartAuthority) Park Lots 4, 5, 6 andhave 7, Plan 12,received Part of Part 4 on or public body shall be added as a party to the hearing of the appeal unless, before If aPartperson or public would have on 12R1806, 1 on 12R28679, municipallybody known as a parcel ofotherwise land located on the north the ability to appeal the decision of the County NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE Christopher Aspila Plan onnot lands as Part was adopted, the person or public body made oral submissions at a public meeting sideorof of TexasSubdivision Road with frontage between 436 and 440 described and extending north to Park Lots 4, 5, 6 and 7, Plan 12, Part of Part 4 ofDrive Essex but does makeTexas oralRoad submissions at a public meeting, if one is held, or make written ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Town Planner Manager, Planning Services (see key map below). The Council of the Corporation of the Town of ubmissions toand the council or, in theCOMMUNITY opinion ofIMPROVEMENT the Ontario PLAN Land Tribunal, therePettypiece are BY THE TOWN OF AMHERSTBURG Town of Amherstburg on 12R1806, Part 1 on 12R28679, municipally known as a parcel ofsubdivision land located on the the north Amherstburg has received a request to circulate receipt of an application for Draft Plan ofof submissions to the Couty of Essex in respect the proposed plan of before bleLibro grounds addMeloche the person Centre,to 3295 Road or public body as a party. Subdivision pursuant to the provisions of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990 per Section 51(19) and TAKE NOTICE that the2Y8 Council of the Town of Amherstburg passed By-law No. 2026-035 on Amherstburg, ON N9V Subsection 4 of Ontario Regulation 544/06 as amended by Regulation 298/19. side of Texas Road with frontage between 436 and 440 Texas Road and extending north to approval authority gives or refuses to give approval to the draft plan of subdivision, the person August, 2026 to adopt an Amendment to Amherstburg’s Economic Development the 10 day of (519) 736-5408 herTelephone: information please contact: Janine Mastronardi, Planner II Land-Use, Community Improvement Plan in accordance with Section 28 of the Planning Act, RSO 1990, or public body lands is not entitled appeal to the Ontario Tribunal. of the Town of The proposed plan ofDrive subdivision are also subjectmap to to an application for the Zoningdecision By-law Council Pettypiece (see key below). The of theLand Corporation ardi@amherstburg.ca and reference the Economic Development Community cP. 13. Amendment, ZBA/05/26. ment Plan 2026 Amendment. Amherstburg has received a request to circulate receipt of an application for Draft Plan of THE PURPOSE of Amendment to the Economic Development Community Improvement Plan The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg will be considering a resolution of is to provide additional clarity on the implementation of the Plan and to help supply shovelIf a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting, if one is 51(19) held, and th support for the proposed plan of subdivision at the regular Council meeting on Monday, theready Town Amherstburg ofnew August, 2026.opportunities for Town Subdivision pursuantatto6:00the provisions of theCouncil Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990 Section Dated at the Town of Amherstburg this 19 day per of August, 2026. newofindustrial building this sites 19 and day create employment September 14make , 2026 commencing p.m. in the Town ofthe Amherstburg or written submissions to County of Essex in respect of the proposed plan of residents. Chambers, 271 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, Ontario. Coates, R.A., AICP,298/19. Candidate Member OPPI Subsection 4 of Ontario Regulation 544/06 as amended byAdam Regulation her Aspila subdivision before the approval authority gives or refuses to give approval to the draft plan of Planning Services Dated at the Town of Amherstburg this 19th day of August, 2026.

The Amendment to the Economic Development Community Improvement Plan applies to the

anner and Manager, Planning lands designed by By-law 2025-071Services as the Economic Development Community Improvement Plan Area and indicated on the Key Map below. Amherstburg ntre, 3295 Road KEY MAP Meloche An explanation of the purpose and effect of the amendment is included in this Notice and the burg, ON N9V 2Y8 for inspection upon request. amendment is available ne: (519) 736-5408

The Draft Plan of Subdivision proposes to subdivide and create new lots and blocks that would Town of Amherstburg, Libro Centre allow for the construction/development of fifteen (15) single detached dwelling units, fifty-six 3295 Meloche Road, Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 2Y8 (56) semi-detached dwellings and a stormwater management pond on approximately 5.29 Telephone: (519) 736-5408; Fax No. (519) 736-9859 will beLow gathered in accordance the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of hectares of land.Information The lands are designated Density Residential which allowswith for residential Website: www.amherstburg.ca development in the Town’s Official Plan. Privacy Act (MFIPPA). All comments and communications received will become part of the public record

subdivision, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal

The proposed of Land subdivision also subject to Tribunal, an application forreasonable Zoning By-law before theplan Ontario Tribunallands unless,are in the opinion of the there are grounds ZBA/05/26. to do so. Amendment,

unless you expressly request the Town to remove it. If you KEY want MAP to learn more about why and how the Any person or public body may make written submissions to the approval authority (County of The Amendment to the Economic Development Community Improvement Plan is exempt from Town collects to the Clerk's Office, 271 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, Essex) before the approval authority your makesinformation, its decision underwrite subsection (31)Town of the Act. approval by the Minister. The decision of the Council of the Town of Amherstburg is final if a n will be gathered Municipal of Information Protection of Privacy Notice of Appealinisaccordance not received with on orthe before the lastFreedom day for filing a notice of and appeal. If no ON N9V 2A5 or call 519-736-0012. PA).appeal All comments andthe communications will become of the Development public record unlessIf ayou is filed within prescribed time,received the amendment to thepart Economic person or public body would otherwise have the ability to appeal the decision of the County request the Town to remove it. comes If you into want to learn about why and how the Town collectsofyour Community Improvement Plan effect on themore date of adoption. Essex but does not make oral submissions at a public meeting, if one is held, or make written n, write to the Town Clerk's Office, 271 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, ON N9V 2A5 or callsubmissions 519to the Couty of Essex in respect of the proposed plan of subdivision before the An appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal may be made by filing a notice of appeal with the City approval authority gives or refuses th to give approval to the draft plan of subdivision, the person Clerk either via the Ontario Land Tribunal e-file service (first-time users will need to register for or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal. a My Ontario Account) by selecting The Town of Amherstburg as the Approval Authority or by mail to the Town Clerk, no later than 4:30 p.m. on September 8, 2026. If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting, if one is held, or make written submissions to the County of Essex in respect of the proposed plan of The filing of an appeal after 4:30 p.m., in person or electronically, will be deemed to have been subdivision before the approval authority gives or refuses to give approval to the draft plan of received the next business day. The appeal fee can be paid online through e-file or by certified subdivision, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal cheque/money order to the Minister of Finance, Province of Ontario. If you wish to appeal to before the Ontario Land Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) or request a fee reduction for an appeal, forms are available grounds to do so. from the OLT website. If the e-file portal is down, you can submit your appeal to the Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg, 271 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, ON N9V 2A5. If you wish to be notified of the decision of the County of Essex in respect of this proposed plan of subdivision, you must make a written request to the County of Essex to the attention of The notice of appeal must: Rebecca Belanger, Manager of County Planning Services, 360 Fairview Avenue West, Suite 1. be accompanied by the fee required by the Tribunal, and 302, Essex, Ontario, N8M 1Y6, indicating the County File No: 37-T-26004. 2. set out the reasons for the appeal, and the specific part of the proposed Community

If you wish to beCorporation notified of theofdecision of the of Essex will in respect of this proposed plan The Council of the the Town ofCounty Amherstburg be considering a resolution of of subdivision, you must make a written request to the County of Essex to the attention of support for the proposed plan of subdivision at the regular Council meeting on Monday, Rebecca Belanger, Manager of County Planning Services, 360 Fairview Avenue West, Suite September 14 Ontario, , 2026 N8M commencing at the 6:00 p.m. the Town of Amherstburg Council 302, Essex, 1Y6, indicating County FileinNo: 37-T-26004. Chambers, 271 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, Ontario. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION relating to the proposed Plan of Subdivision is available for

Improvement Plan to which the appeal applies.

No person or public body shall be added as a party to the hearing of the appeal unless, before the plan was adopted, 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. For further information please contact: Janine Mastronardi, Planner II Land-Use, jmastronardi@amherstburg.ca and reference the Economic Development Community Improvement Plan 2026 Amendment. Dated at the Town of Amherstburg this 19th day of August, 2026. Christopher Aspila Town Planner and Manager, Planning Services Town of Amherstburg Libro Centre, 3295 Meloche Road Amherstburg, ON N9V 2Y8 Telephone: (519) 736-5408 Information will be gathered in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). All comments and communications received will become part of the public record unless you expressly request the Town to remove it. If you want to learn more about why and how the Town collects your information, write to the Town Clerk's Office, 271 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, ON N9V 2A5 or call 519736-0012.

inspection at Subdivision the Town of Amherstburg Department Office 3295 Meloche The Draft Plan of proposes toPlanning subdivide and create newatlots and blocksRoad, that would during normal office hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The hearing will be available for viewing allow for the construction/development of fifteen (15) single detached dwelling units,byfifty-six livestream by visiting www.amherstburg.ca. (56) semi-detached dwellings and a stormwater management pond on approximately 5.29 hectares of land. The lands are designated Low Density Residential which allows for residential For more information about this matter, including the information about preserving your appeal available for ADDITIONAL INFORMATION relating to the proposed Plan of Subdivision is development in theRebecca Town’s Official Plan. contact Belanger, Planning Services, County of Essex, 360 Fairview inspectionrights, at the Town of Amherstburg Planning Department Office atManager, 3295 Meloche Road, during normal office hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The hearing will be available for viewing by livestream by visiting www.amherstburg.ca.

Avenue West, Essex, ON, N8M1Y6, or at rbelanger@coutnyofessex.ca indicating the County

File No:or37-T-26004. Any person public bodythe may written submissions to the approval authority (County of For more information about this matter, including informationmake about preserving your appeal rights, contact Rebecca Belanger, Manager, Planning Services, County of Essex, 360 Fairview Essex) before the approval authority makes its Avenue West, Essex, ON, N8M1Y6, or at rbelanger@coutnyofessex.ca indicating the County decision under subsection (31) of the Act.

For Council and Committee Agendas and Meetings, visit amherstburg.ca/calendar. To subscribe to Council & Committee Agendas, visit Amherstburg.ca/calendar and click If a person or public body would otherwise have the ability to appeal the decision of the County SUBSCRIBE. File No: 37-T-26004.

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

of Essex but does not make oral submissions at a public meeting, if one is held, or make written submissions to the Couty of Essex in respect of the proposed plan of subdivision before the approval authority givesinoraccordance refuses approval the draft plan ofofsubdivision, theAllperson Information will be gathered withto thegive Municipal Freedom ofto Information and Protection Privacy Act (MFIPPA). comments and communications received will become part of the public record unless you expressly request the Town to remove it. If or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal. you want to learn more about why and how the Town collects your information, write to the Town Clerk's Office, 271 Sandwich Street Information will be gathered in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). All comments and communications received will become part of the public record unless you expressly request the Town to remove it. If you want to learn more about why and how the Town collects your information, write to the Town Clerk's Office, 271 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, ON N9V 2A5 or call 519-736-0012.

South, Amherstburg, ON N9V 2A5 or call 519-736-0012.

If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting, if one is held,

10 – River Town Times – Wednesday, August 19, 2026

www.rivertowntimes.com

A SAFER ONTARIO MEANS

BUILDING NEW JAILS

Learn how we’re protecting the province at ontario.ca/SaferOntario Paid for by the Government of Ontario

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 – River Town Times – 11

www.rivertowntimes.com

Green Bin program’s second phase launched, Amherstburg included By Ron Giofu The regional Green Bin program is moving into its second phase and it involves the three remaining municipalities not yet in – including Amherstburg. Green bins will be distributed in September to homes in Amherstburg, Kingsville and Leamington with Cathy Copot-Nepszy, manager of waste diversion with the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority (EWSWA) stating deliveries will start in Leamington in the middle of the month and work their way west towards Amherstburg. “We’ll be starting phase two Sept. 14,” said Copot-Nepszy. “Amherstburg should see bins delivered before the end of September.” Copot-Nepszy said the program is geared mainly for expired food, bones, seafood shells and items of that nature. According to the EWSWA website, food waste included fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, bread, cereal, pasta,

The Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority (EWSWA) officially launched the second phase of the Green Bin program last week. Submitted photo

noodles, rice, eggs, baked goods, candy, dry baking ingredients, herbs spices, nuts, seeds, lentils, beans, coffee filters, grounds, paper tea bags, fats, oils, and grease. Other organics accepted are compostable bags, soiled food paper packaging, paper egg cartons and trays, wooden utensils and toothpicks, house

plants without pots or soil, pet food as well as human and pet hair. Instructions and guidelines will accompany the green bins, once delivered, Copot-Nepszy indicated. The intent is to divert organic waste away from the regional landfill, she added, and there were 9,000 metric tonnes

of organic waste diverted in the first year from municipalities involved. That figure is consistent with EWSWA’s projections. “We’re in line with that and we’re very pleased,” said Copot-Nepszy. “We’re really happy with that.” Items in green bins are pre-screened to take out “odd” materials that are placed in them, she added, then sent to Seacliff Energy Corporation where it is converted into liquid fertilizer for the agricultural industry. Some of it is also converted into thermal and electric energy and sold back to the grid. Copot-Nepszy added there are few, if any, concerns through phase one about smells or rodents, adding people are asked to throw out food waste as they usually do, just using the green bin instead of their garbage can. There have been instances were green bins have had to be replaced due to such things as squirrels chewing on the lids, but there is a replacement program for the bins through EWSWA.

Candidates for the 2026 municipal election in Amherstburg The 2026 municipal election is Oct. 26 and candidates have until this Friday (Aug. 21) at 2 p.m. to file their nomination papers. Here are the candidates, as of press time. They are listed in alphabetical order, based on their last name. (* denotes an incumbent) MAYOR Frank Cerasa Bill Fryer Chris Gibb Michael Prue*

(Frank DiPasquale has withdrawn from the mayor’s race.) DEPUTY MAYOR Linden Crain Bill Petruniak COUNCILLOR Molly Allaire* T.J. Botsford Keith Boussey Frank Cleminson Peter Courtney*

Lorne Dupuis Saurabh Katara Lena Lazanja Shawn LeBlanc Tony Pietrangelo Stephanie Pouget-Papak Dhaval Prajapati CONSEIL SCOLAIRE VIAMONDE Emmanuelle Richez

CONSEIL SCOLAIRE CATHOLIQUE PROVIDENCE Didier Marotte GREATER ESSEX COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD Mary Jane Fields Jeremy Palko WINDSOR-ESSEX CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD Dana Tonus Jesmond Tabone

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 – River Town Times – 12

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Implementation and costs relating to “Buy Ontario” policy discussed

Continued from Page 5

Councillor Molly Allaire said she was willing to move the staff recommendation to do the project in two phases, with the first phase being to replace the watermain from Sandwich St. S. to Lilac Ct. “I think I’ve been asking about McCurdy Dr. for three years. It’s been in our capital budget since I’ve been elected,” said Allaire. “It’s needed to be done. I agree with everyone that when you bundle things together, it makes everything a lot cheaper. This is done, we have to accept it now. We have to move forward.” Allaire said costs go up and if it is pushed back a year, things will be more expensive. She said the last council didn’t have budget deliberations until February and new councillors will be forced to make a huge decision. “To step back and not make this decision now after

all this work has gone into it would be insane to me. This has needed to be done multiple times,” said Allaire. Councillor Peter Courtney believed the province is downloading more on municipalities and believed the best mode of attack is to record how municipalities have to “foot the bill” on such legislation. “All we can do is record this so it can show how much it’s costing us on our bids and tenders,” he said. Pouget opposed Allaire’s motion, believing they could get a cheaper rate putting things together and putting out a tender in the spring. Mayor Michael Prue said he couldn’t support Allaire’s motion, stating both he and Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb spoke against the Buy Ontario policy at county council. “There are a lot of hair-brained schemes that come

out of Queen’s Park. I was there for 13 years and I listened to a lot of it,” said Prue. “I never was on the government side to make them but a lot of them don’t make sense. This one doesn’t make sense at all.” Prue said he agreed with Courtney that the town add up what the legislation costs the town and send an invoice. “It doesn’t work for the taxpayer,” said Prue. Prue said they can’t sit back and abide by policies that “cost the taxpayers a fortune.” “If our best way out of this is simply say no to all of it and go back, that’s where I’m going to go with this,” said Prue. Council defeated Allaire’s motion and agreed to defer the tender until 2027 when both phases of the project can be considered by the new council. “Bundling gives us opportunities to save significant money,” said McArthur.

Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Show displays agricultural history Continued from Page 1

Live entertainment included Crystal Gage on Saturday and Tina Schroeder on Sunday. “There are so many hidden gems across the county. This is one of the greatest ones,” said Lewis. Lewis also paid tribute to the volunteers and show organizers for putting the event on. He highlighted the history of agriculture and those who built up farming, lands, and businesses. It was an honour to be part of the parade and be in the show, Lewis added. Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy encouraged people to support the museum and the vendors that attended. “This is one of my favourite events of the year,” said Bondy. Bondy noted there is an educational component to the show and the museum, as it teaches about agricultural eras of the past. “The public education they do on agricultural history is second to none,” said Bondy. Bondy, who noted she was going backand-forth between the show and a baseball tournament next door promoting pop can recycling, said she wants the show to keep going well into the future. “I hope it continues for another 100 years to come,” said Bondy. Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue touched on the importance of agriculture and the work that farmers do. He said it is a great show by a great museum and thanked the volunteers for keeping it going, the latter spending “countless hours” in organizing the show and maintaining the museum. “We’re all here to cheer you on,” he said. “I’m delighted to be here.” Amherstburg Councillor Molly Allaire added the town has the motto of “Preserving the Past and Forging the Future,” adding “that’s what the Steam and Gas Museum does every day.” Case Tractors were this year’s feature.

This was also the first year the recently unveiled barn quilt was put up on one of the buildings at the site. In a statement from co-creator Bernie Meloche that was shared with local reporters, Meloche said he had the honour to work alongside Ken Voakes and Kathy Badlan on the barn quilt, which is entitled “The Essex Steam Engine Star.” “We started this little adventure earlier this year,” wrote Meloche. “Being a part of the Town of Essex heritage committee, the idea of barn quilts came across my mind as another heritage committee member was trying to come up with some sort of ‘program’ to help people make their own barn quilts.” “That program was in its early stages of planning and research but I had decided to bring it up at one of our museum meetings to see what our members had to say about barn quilts,” Meloche added. After discussions about barn quilts, the decision was made to leave it up to the museum to make the decision and Meloche, Badlan and Voakes came up with the designs. “I’m sure Kathy and Ken have their own reasons for being so involved with the barn quilt but, for me, it was close to home,” said Meloche. “My grandfather, Omer Meloche, was a big part in both Co-An Park and the Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Museum. Omer Meloche is the reason Co-An Park exists and, in his spare time if he had any, he was also a member of the Steam and Gas Engine Club. When the museum was looking at moving from their old location, that’s when Omer Meloche mentioned that he had the perfect spot. The land to the east of Co-An, which was set for future park growth, would now be the future home of the museum.” Meloche added: “To be able to leave a mark and to add to his legacy is why I became so involved with the barn quilt. Unfortunately, he passed away when I was young and he couldn’t make it to the

Antique tractors were on display as part of last weekend’s Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Show (left) while threshing demonstrations were also part of the weekend’s events (right).

first show at the museum’s new home. He may not be here right now, but he left a lasting impression in the community of McGregor. He also left a strong sense of commitment to one’s community in our

hearts.” It was a privilege and honour to “create a symbol or something he helped build,” he added.

Participants in Saturday morning’s tractor parade head down Walker Road.

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 – River Town Times – 13

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Kicks & Giggles ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Make the most of every opportunity that comes your way this week, Aries. You may not get many chances to test your mettle in the weeks to come, so it’s important to act now. TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, something that started out as a part-time venture could turn into much more. Figure out if this is the path you see yourself going and then make your move.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Let loose and have fun for a change, Gemini. Don’t delay when others want to invite you out for a night on the town or even a brunch. Say “yes.”. CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 There’s a lot going on right now and it may have your head spinning, Cancer. Delegate some of your workload if you can. Don’t be too hard on yourself. LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, it is important to remember that your online presence never goes away. Watch what you post and be mindful of what you support in social media groups. VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Family matters require your undivided attention this week, Virgo. You must dig in deep to address them. There are two sides to every story. LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, just when you started to lose hope, the new horizon you were seeking comes into view. It is well-deserved. SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, if you find yourself with too much extra time on your hands, why not volunteer with the community to pass the time? This can be a great way to meet people. SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 When plans change on a dime, you are ready to roll with the new situation, Sagittarius. Higher-ups may get a peek at your quick thinking, which can land you a promotion. CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 It’s time to make amends with someone who did you wrong, Capricorn. Life is too short to hold grudges, and this person has since mended their ways. AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Unless you take swift action, you could be heading for a financial free-fall, Aquarius. Start to pull back spending for a while and see if the situation will right itself. PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, you are on fire lately. There’s seemingly nothing you touch that isn’t turning to gold. This trend will continue, but try not to let it go to your head.. FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS AUGUST 16 - Madonna, Singer (68) AUGUST 17 - Austin Butler, Actor (35) AUGUST 18 - Christian Slater, Actor (57) AUGUST 19 - John Stamos, Actor (63) AUGUST 20 - Demi Lovato, Singer (34) AUGUST 21 - Usain Bolt, Athlete (40) AUGUST 22 - Richard Armitage, Actor (55)

WORD SCRAMBLE Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to traffic. ANSWERS ON PAGE ANSWERS PAGE1418

Instructors and students at the Amherstburg Karate Club celebrated their five-year anniversary last Sunday afternoon.

AKC celebrates its fifth anniversary By Ron Giofu The Amherstburg Karate Club (AKC) celebrated a milestone with their students and their parents last Sunday. The club is owned by Sensei Chad Waldron, Sensei Matthew Gholampoor and Senpai Stefan Miller and they are three of the four instructors at the school. The fourth instructor is Sam Denommee. For the fifth anniversary celebrations Aug. 16, instructors from the International Meibukan Gojyu-Ryu Karate-Do Association (IMGKA) came in from as far as Guelph to help train the instructors and students. “We are celebrating and we are growing our knowledge,” said Gholampoor. Gholampoor said five years is a big deal to the AKC. “When you hit five years, that means business is going the right way,” he said. “We started from scratch.” From training in backyards, they also called Encounter Church and

Amherstburg Community Services home before they moved to their current location on St. Arnaud St. There are almost 85 students in the dojo, Gholampoor stated. In addition to karate, there is jujitsu offered out of the AKC location. Gholampoor added they all have fulltime jobs but continue to offer classes in order to serve the community. They offer classes for children, youth and adults. “The dojo is going strong,” said Miller, noting it has been eight months since they moved into their current location. “We’re gaining new members all the time.” Miller said not only are their numbers growing, but the skills of the students as well. The new dojo is part of the reason for that, but he also credited the affiliation the AKC has had with the IMGKA for the last two years. He stated the IMGKA continuously support them and they often travel to keep their skills sharp.

Continued on Page 19

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U10 Cardinals Rep team heading to OBA championship By Ron Giofu The Amherstburg Cardinals U10 Rep baseball team will be playing for a provincial title. The Cardinals qualified for the Ontario Baseball Association’s (OBA) championship with an 8-5 win in playdown action Sunday afternoon at Bill Wigle Park. Amherstburg built an 8-2 lead heading into the seventh inning but LaSalle fought back with three runs to make things interesting. Tyler Hindermeier struck out the final batter to seal the deal. Neil Mathieson pitched six strong innings for the Cardinals while Patrick Motruk secured the first two outs of the seventh. “Our pitching was tremendous,” said Amherstburg head coach Mike Mathieson. “Neil went six innings. I don’t know how many strikeouts he had but he did a great job.” Mathieson also praised Hindermeier and Motruk for closing it out in the seventh. The Cardinals’ defense wasn’t as sharp in Sunday afternoon’s game, he added, but they hit the ball well. He believed they could have had more runs but credited LaSalle for being a strong team with good defense. “That was just a good baseball game,” he said. “There were two good teams.”

The Amherstburg Cardinals U10 Rep team earned a spot in the OBA championship Labour Day weekend thanks to an 8-5 victory over LaSalle Aug. 16 at Bill Wigle Park.

Cortex McEldowney had two hits for the Cardinals while Neil Mathieson had two runs scored and two RBI’s and Brock Abraham had two RBI’s. Neil, Parker Anderson, Ethan Bradacs, Motruk, Cam DiPasquale, Abraham and Jacob Fox all had one hit in Sunday

afternoon’s game. Amherstburg will be heading to Midland Labour Day weekend for the OBA’s and Mathieson said they are looking forward to it, though they have games they want to win before that. “It’s awesome,” he said of qualifying. “That was our goal from the beginning of the year.” Mathieson said the U10 Cardinals are “ahead of schedule” and credits the work of the assistant coaches and the players themselves for continuous improvement. “This puts them ahead of schedule and good for the (Amherstburg Minor Baseball) association,” he said. “The hard work from a lot of people is good for all of our teams.” This was the second win of the week for the U10 Cardinals as they defeated Woodslee 17-8 last Tuesday (Aug. 11), also at Bill Wigle Park. Amherstburg scored multiple runs in every inning with the game ending in the sixth inning due to the mercy rule. Mathieson said after that game they ground out a win, noting they wanted to put pressure on Woodslee from the outset. “This was a big win moving towards our goal of the OBA’s,” Mathieson said last Tuesday night. “They delivered. They came out swinging.”

Amherstburg Fire wins first responders slo-pitch tournament in McGregor By Fred Groves It was a long and hot day on the diamonds Saturday in McGregor but in the end, the Amherstburg Fire Department came up winners. Co-An Park hosted a slo-pitch tournament with a total of 14 teams. Six of those were in a recreational division while the other eight were all first responders from the county and they were placed in two different pools. “This tournament used to be successful for years and very well liked by the community but it hasn’t been back since COVID,” explained

Essex town councillor Kim Verbeek, a member of the organizing committee. Amherstburg went undefeated and in the finale bested the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) team. According to Verbeek, a member of the Co-An Park committee, Jim Meloche came up with the idea of the tournament as a fundraiser for the park that is owned in partnership between Essex and Amherstburg. Besides Amherstburg, other fire teams came from Essex, Lakeshore, Kingsville, and Tecumseh. There was also a team from the OPP and two teams from Essex-Windsor EMS.

Verbeek said that the first responders division was kind of built upon the charity hockey games they had this past winter. “I think this is going to get bigger and better. This is our first of many,” she said. Each team was guaranteed three games and there were raffles, door prizes, 50/50 and a unique prize of a fire hydrant. “I see a lot of smiles, cheering and happy faces at all of the diamonds,” said Verbeek. Amherstburg took home the brandnew trophy and no doubt will look to repeat again next year.

John Bondy of the Amherstburg Fire Department delivers a pitch during last Saturday’s slo-pitch tournament at Co-An Park in McGregor.

Young pickleball players learn the basics at a summer camp By Ron Giofu

Local youth had a chance to learn the basics of pickleball last week. The Amherstburg Pickleball Association (APA) hosted a youth pickleball clinic from Aug. 10-14 at the outdoor courts at the Libro Centre. According to APA president Linda DiPasquale, they had 19 youth ages 10-16 at the weeklong camp. “Some of them didn’t pick up a paddle before Monday,” she said. DiPasquale added they worked with the Town of Amherstburg’s recreation department to present the youth pickleball camp. She said they had a similar camp in July and had 12 participants, eight of which returned last week. “We tried to offer an advanced program for them so

The Amherstburg Pickleball Association (APA) held a camp for youth to train them in how to play pickleball.

they were not getting the same information from the first camp,” said DiPasquale. It was not the first time the APA offered a youth

pickleball camp, though it was the first time they did so on the outdoor courts. “Prior to us having outdoor courts, we had a youth pickleball camp inside the Libro Centre,” said DiPasquale. There were at least ten volunteers from the APA every day, DiPasquale added. “This is part of what we are as an association,” she said, stating they hope to start a youth pickleball league in the fall. This past week’s camp saw players divided into two teams with DiPasquale adding that meant both teams received prizes, one as the winner and the other as the runner-up. Parents were very supportive, she added, stating the week was “incredibly successful.” “We’re so impressed with how far their skills have progressed,” said DiPasquale.

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Community Calendar FRIDAY, AUGUST 21-SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 BARRELS & BRASS; Presented by the Marsh Historical Collection. Relive Amherstburg’s era of prohibition and the Jazz Age in the downtown core. Three days of events, some ticketed. Theatre groups, speakeasys, exhibits, silent movies, live music, tours, storytelling and more! For the schedule or to purchase tickets, visit www.marshcollection.org or call 519-736-9191. SATURDAY, AUGUST 29-SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 ART BY THE RIVER; Presented by the Gibson Gallery, on the grounds of Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada (100 Laird Ave., Amherstburg). Runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Over 175 exhibitors. Admission $8 or $15 for two, children 12 & under free with adult admission. Live entertainment, kids zone and more. Shuttle car running from seniors’ centre at 179 Victoria St. S. to Fort Malden and back from 10 a.m.-5:15 p.m. both days (shuttles not equipped with child safety seats). For more info, call 519-736-2826 or visit www.gibsongallery.org. SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 SOUTHERN ONTARIO VINTAGE BICYCLE SHOW; Held at the McGuire home, 6871 Concession 6 North, Amherstburg, from 8 a.m.3 p.m. Hundreds of vintage bicycles on display. Buy, sell, trade, display. For info, contact mark. mcguire64@gmail.com.

FAMILY OF PARISHES PICNIC; Held at St. John the Baptist Church field from 12:30-2:30 p.m. BBQ hot dog/hamburger lunch (free will offering). Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Games and activities for all ages. All are welcome. Registration is recommended by calling 519-736-5418. ONGOING YARN DONATIONS WANTED; Donations needed to make hats, mittens, scarves and blankets for the homeless and for hospitals. Also, volunteers making beds for cats and dogs at the WindsorEssex County Humane Society. Call Deb for pickup at 519-995-4057. Thank you in advance! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED; The Amherstburg Food & Fellowship Mission needs reliable volunteers every Friday from 3-5 p.m. to help clean, including sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping. For info, e-mail Jill at aburgmission@yahoo.com or visit www.aburgmission.ca and look under the “Volunteer” tab. A volunteer application can also be filled out at the mission. The mission is located at 298 Victoria St. S. VOLUNTEERS & ALUMINUM CANS NEEDED AT BRYERSWOOD; Community service volunteer hours are available for students. Outside jobs at Bryerswood Youth Camp. Please contact info@ bryerswood.com. Camp accepting donations of aluminum cans. Drop by the camp Monday-Friday 12:30-4 p.m. with donations.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 CRAFT SHOW & BAKED GOODS SALE; ROTARY CLUB OF AMHERSTBURG Presented by the Wildwood Social Club from 9 MEETINGS; Rotary meets on the second and a.m.-1 p.m. Held at Wildwood RV & Golf Resort, fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. New 11112 11th Concession Road in McGregor. Free members welcome. Rotary has temporary meeting parking and free admission. location of a board room behind the Site Zero store at Willowood RV Resort on County Road 18. For FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 info, e-mail rotaryclubofamherstburg@gmail.com MUSIC OFF THE BACK PORCH; Held at the or call Susanne at 519-990-2775. rear of the Park House Museum, 214 Dalhousie St. in Amherstburg, weather permitting. Starts at 5:30 GIBSON GALLERY EVENTS; Latest exhibit is “The p.m. Entertainment to include Compass Rose and Zen Freakshow” by Jay Raven. Runs through Sept. EdPiano Piano & Vocals. Free to attend, donations 6. Mixed media collage class with Julie Bell Sept. 14 to the Park House Museum welcome. Bring your from 6-9 p.m., $50 member and $60 non-member. own lawn chair. “A Week of Whimsy” class by Christine Paris Aug. 24-28 from 1-3 each day, $100 for the week or SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 $22 per class. For more info on the exhibit, guilds or AMHERSTBURG-HARROW CATHOLIC adult/children’s classes offered by the gallery, visit

www.gibsonartgallery.com or call 519-736-2826. AMHERSTBURG RESIDENTS FORUM; Group The Gibson Gallery is located at 140 Richmond St. welcomes residents seeking solutions to town hall in Amherstburg. Current hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. to join them the last Thursday of the month at 6:30 daily. p.m. at the union hall at 140 Pickering Dr., across from Walmart. MENTAL HEALTH & COUNSELLING SERVICES; The Youth Wellness Hubs Windsor-Essex holds GOLDEN AGE CLUB; The Golden Age Club, mental health and counselling services at The House Amherstburg’s friendship club, located at 179 Youth Centre, 320 Richmond St. (Amherstburg Victoria St. S., offers social activities five days a Community Hub). Runs every Thursday from 2-6 week, $10 a year to join. Over 160 members play p.m. Free for people ages 12-25. For details, call euchre, pepper, bingo, cribbage, mahjong, bridge 519-800-8640. and line dancing. Club crochets mats from milk bags for those in need. We also have three luncheons MEALS ON WHEELS; Offered by Amherstburg and a Christmas party. You pick which activities you Community Services (ACS). Meals on Wheels want to participate in. Visit www.goldenagecentre. assists those unable to shop for food and cook ca to see how to join, participate, and learn how we meals or those recovering from illness or surgery. support our community. Healthy, delicious and affordable meals provided to residents of Amherstburg, Harrow, McGregor FOUNDERS CLUB; Bryerswood Youth Camp and LaSalle. ACS caters to dietary needs. Meals Optimist Club (BYCOC) seeking donors to join the come with soup, bread, main course and dessert. “Founders Club” to help fund general operations Cost $8 per meal. Call 519-736-5471 for details. of the camp. Donors with gifts of $5,000 and over become “Founders Club” members and have one SERVICE TIME; Christ Anglican Church, 317 square of camp property sponsored in their name. Ramsay St., now has one service, starting at 11 a.m. Multiple squares available. Tax receipts provided. All are welcome. For info, visit www.bryerswood.com, call 519-9967364 or e-mail info@bryerswood.com. QUILT GUILD MEETINGS; The Erie Shores Quilt Guild invites guests/new members to attend MISSION HOURS; The Amherstburg Food and monthly meeting held every third Tuesday at St. Fellowship Mission, 298 Victoria St. S., open from John’s Hall, 1782 Oriole Park, North Woodslee. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. with free lunch from 12-1 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., meeting starts at 7 p.m. Mission food bank open Mondays, Wednesdays Our purpose is to promote and encourage the art of and Fridays from 10 a.m.-11:45 a.m. and 1-2:45 quilting in Essex County. 519-726-5869. p.m. For info, call 519-736-9140 or visit www. aburgmission.ca. Stop by for food, fellowship and RIVER CANARD COLUMBIAN CLUB EVENTS; a warm welcome. All donations welcome. Charity bingo Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Chicken or rib dinner first Friday of every month. Eat-in or BOTTLE DONATIONS; The AMA Sportsmen take-out. Call before Wednesday to order 519- Association accepts donations of empty beer and 734-8575. Dinner from 4:30-6 p.m. Hall located at wine bottles. People who wish to donate empties 8965 Malden Road. Hall space available for rent can drop them off at the rear of the club, 468 Lowes for showers, weddings, birthdays, stags and more. Side Road in Amherstburg. For info, visit www. For info, call 519-734-8575. amasportsmen.com or call 519-736-5706. COLUMBUS COMMUNITY HALL EVENTS; The Columbus Community Hall at 190 Richmond St. has bingos Thursday nights and fish fries (with chicken as well) Friday nights. Everyone welcome to come and enjoy the evening. Sr. parties every second Tuesday at 3 p.m. except in July and August. For info, call 519-736-4870.

AMHERSTBURG COMMUNITY SERVICES; Located at 320 Richmond St., 519-736-5471. Meals on Wheels, CareLink Accessible Transportation, Senior Support, Keep The Heat, Ontario Energy Support Program & more. Please call to see how we can help! Food bank runs Tuesday, Thursday, Friday with curbside pickup available.

18 – River Town Times – Wednesday, August 19, 2026

www.rivertowntimes.com

C L A SSI F I EDS ANNOUNCEMENTS from $25+tax WORD ADS from $15+tax

WITH OVER 30 YEARS of renovation & construction experience, I can ensure your project is completed professionally, correctly, and with pride. Locally owned & operated. Fully insured and references available upon request. www.renovisions.ca Steve 519-300-0961.

HELP WANTED

CASA BLANCA & BELLA VISTA APTS. 365-369 Dalhouise. Centrally located in downtown Amherstburg with river views. Large, clean, quiet and secure. Stainless steel appliances, on-site laundry, POWER WASHING patio or balcony and & PEST CONTROL parking. Starting at $1395 DELINE’S SERVING including utilities. Call 519AMHERSTBURG since 984-1745 to view. 1988. Making your home look new again. 519-7362448.

NOW HIRING

Part-Time Bookeeper/ assistant in Amherstburg area. 24hrs/wk: Knowledge of Sage50 & Microsoft Office. Strong typing and computer skills. Good attention to detail and organization. Previous administrative/accounting experience is an asset. To apply: Please send resume to lhea.exec@gmail.com

EVENT SPACE FOR RENT

Hall Rental for showers, birthdays or gathering at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church129 Simcoe St. Amherstburg. For information, please contact Linda @ 519-736-6096 or Doris @ 519-734-8154.

Please Recycle

@rivertowntimes

A warm thank you to the entire staff at Chartwell (Seasons) for their kind and compassionate care.

A memorial visitation has taken place from 10am until time of service at 12pm, on Thursday, August 13th, 2026, at Families First Amherstburg ( 585 Sandwich St S, Amherstburg, ON N9V 0E2).

Ron Rousseau

FOR RENT

Laferte Towers. 1 bedroom condo, 4th floor, downtown Amherstburg, walking distance to all shopping, underground parking, air conditioning. $1650, first and last month. Call 519566-3656 to view

With the love of his family, Gene entered eternal life on Monday, August 10th, 2026. He is reunited with his beloved wife, Alice (2020), with whom he shared 64 wonderful years of marriage. The best father to Debra White (Dennis), and Lynn Bellefleur (Bill). Proud grandfather to 8 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren. Predeceased by his sisters Mary Finn (Pete), Beatrice Crepp (John), and brother Steve Csikasz (Camille). Brother-in-law to the late Ronald Cadarette (Pat), the late Larry Jones (Joann), Ernest Cadarette (Gloria), and Marcella Best (James). He will be deeply missed by many extended family, nieces and nephews, dear friends, and most special friend Mary Johnston.

Should you so desire, a donation may be made to John McGivney Children's Centre in Gene’s name.

FOR SALE

Passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026, at 72 years of age, surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of Lorraine (nee Welsh) for 51 years. Loving father of Sean and Sebastian. Precious pépé of Lunaria and Noah. Beloved son of Corinne and the late Stan Rousseau. Dear brother of Jim (Cheryl), Janice Rousseau (Glenn Sandham), Gail Brown (Dan), Barb Brown (Patrick), Kathleen Parker (Jim), Karen Rousseau (Bronwyn MacKenzie), Roger (Xiao-Ying Yu). Beloved son in-law of Gwen Welsh and the late Don. Brother in-law of Lois Bebbington (Greg), Bruce Welsh (Judy), Robert Welsh (Patricia). Ron enjoyed his career as a mold maker. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting and his annual family trips to Buckhorn Lake.

Red Roundabout GB249 Mobility Scooter. Very good condition. Pick up in Amherstburg. Text 905 699 8400 for photos or more details. Asking $650 OBO. Laurie

SCRAMBLE ANSWER SCRAMBLE ANSWER

STOP STOP

SUDOKU ANSWERS

Seeking an intermediate/ advanced hobby pianist for occasional, relaxed music-making sessions in Colchester. You will be accompanying a flutist and potentially a string player. We love exploring all kinds of music genres! A baby grand piano is available on site. Please call Thomas at (519) 738-3653 or leave a message.

FOR RENT

“ARE YOU SAVED?”

That is the most important question you will face. Jesus Christ is the answer. Mt. Beulah Church, 246 King St., Amherstburg (519)736-4110.

Gene Chikaz June 5, 1938 - August 10, 2026

CALL 519-736-4175 OR EMAIL sales@rivertowntimes.com to book your spot! RENOVATIONS & REPAIRS

Obit ua ries

Cremation to take place. Memorial visitation to take place on Friday August 14, 2026, from 10 am until time of service at 11am at Families First Amherstburg, 585 Sandwich Street South. Memorial tributes to the Windsor Regional Cancer Center or the charity of choice would be appreciated by the family. A special thanks to our families and the Windsor Regional Cancer Center for all of their care and support.

SCRAMBLE ANSWER

STOP

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 – River Town Times – 19

www.rivertowntimes.com

Local track athlete wins bronze at national Legion meet By Ron Giofu

An Amherstburg track and field athlete returned home from a national track and field meet with a medal around her neck. Tyler Lamarche captured a bronze medal in women’s discus at the Legion Track and Field national championships in Regina the weekend of Aug. 7-9. “I’m really happy about it,” she said. “This is my first national meet.” Discus is one of her strongest events and “I was happy I was able to pull it together.” Lamarche said she was doing well during the competition. She said she was in third place when it got down to the round of eight portion of the event and she was able to keep her placement. “It stayed that way throughout the rest of the competition,”

Tyler Lamarche of Amherstburg (right) won a bronze medal in women’s discus at the Legion national track meet in Regina. Submitted photo.

said Lamarche. Lamarche stated that she qualified

for the meet through her performances at earlier track and field meets. “You have to meet the standards to go there,” she said. “You have to throw multiple times in order to go there.” Lamarche said she likes track and field, mainly the throwing events, and enjoys seeing if she can beat her earlier results. The atmosphere at meets is what also draws her back. “When I go to meets, I meet so many kind people,” said Lamarche. “They cheer each other on. It’s a great environment to be around.” Going to Regina was the farthest Lamarche said she has ever travelled for a track meet. She had been working towards that goal all season. Lamarche trains out of the Windsor-Essex Athletic Club (WEAC), which is based at the University of Windsor. “I train every day but coming up to nationals, I trained twice per day,” Lamarche said.

Lamarche went out on a high, as she is ineligible to compete next year. She is currently 17-years-old but will be 18-years-old next year thus unable to compete in the U18 event. “It was my last year,” she said. “I thought ‘why not go to nationals?’” Lamarche will start training in November for the indoor track and field season. She also competes in multiple sports at North Star High School, though track and field is a particular focus for her. It was in Grade 9 where she really became familiar with track and field and grew to love the sport. She threw shot put in Grade 9 and began competing more and more from there. Coaches Celine Gibb and Tina Sharman were thanked as well as coaches at North Star and her parents. She hopes to compete in future U20 track and field meets and later at the university level.

Amherstburg Karate Club hosts fifth anniversary celebrations

Continued from Page 14

“We go back-and-forth all the time to increase our level of training,” he said. Miller also pointed out the addition of jujitsu, adding they have also gone from two to three nights of karate training. “We’re going strong. We’re happy with the community support,” he said. The AKC not only gets the support from the community, Miller continued, but they also return the favour. They sponsor sports teams, donate to such causes as the Fill the Bus Food Drive and the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission and other causes. Miller is also the commanding officer with the #202

Fort Malden Windsor Regiment Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps and the corps trains at the dojo and the dojo helps sponsor cadet awards. “I find the organizations work hand-in-hand,” said Miller. Such lessons learned at both include discipline, dedication and structure. “There’s just so many symmetrical aspects to both programs,” he said. For more information about the Amherstburg Karate Club, e-mail amherstburgkarateclub@ gmail.com or visit their Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok sites. Demonstrations were held as part of the Amherstburg Karate Club’s fifth anniversary event Aug. 16.

TOWN OF AMHERSTBURG Notice of Application of Larvicide for Mosquito Control

PUBLIC NOTICE OF PESTICIDE USE

Beginning on May 1st and continuing through to September 30th, 2026, 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:

MUNICIPAL HARD SURFACES WEED CONTROL PROGRAM

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 S 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 or objections, you may contact Pestalto at 1-866-648-7773 or by e-mail. Objections and concerns will be tracked, and subject property will be removed from treatment. TECHNICAL AND PROGRAM INFORMATION Pestalto Environmental Health Services Inc. 501 Rennie St., Hamilton, ON, L8H 3P6 Tel: 1-(866) 648-7773 Morgan Tyler at morgan.tyler@pestalto.com Town Contact: Antonietta Giofu at (519)-736-3664 ext 2320 or agiofu@amherstburg,ca

The Town of Amherstburg has contracted Laing’s Lawn Care & Pest Control for the spraying of weeds on sidewalks, boulevards, curbs and fences within the Town limits. Please be advised that the following pesticide registered under the Pest Control Products Act (Canada) will be used for control of vegetation in these areas: •

Munger Horticultural Vinegar Plus (Acetic Acid) (Registration #29405) containing the active ingredient Acetic Acid.

Commencing on August 5, 2026, weather permitting and ending October 7, 2026. For more information, please call Laing’s Lawn Care & Pest Control (519) 818-5755 Antonietta Giofu, Director of Infrastructure Services (519) 736-3664 Collect calls accepted from individuals calling long distance.

20 – River Town Times – Wednesday, August 19, 2026

www.rivertowntimes.com

Fri 21

Sat 22

2026 Municipal Election Nomination Period Ends Friday, Aug 21 at 2pm

Market 5pm Rum Runners Tours 6pm LAST Bagpipe Parade 7pm Silent Film Screening 7:30pm

Storytelling 12pm Liberty Theatre 2pm Rum Runners Tours 6pm Speakeasies Open at 6pm

Wed 26

Thurs 27

Fri 28

Sat 29

Amherstburg Waterfront Festival Plaza Ribbon Cutting 1pm

Summer Splash BBQ with Aburg Fire Dept, Pat Thrasher Park at 5pm

Wed 19

Thurs 20

2026

OTE

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER Mon 24

Sun 23

Tues 25 Expect the Unexpected

Yoga in the Park Save the dates! 10am September 18-20 Liberty Theatre visitamherstburg.ca/uncommon 12:30pm Historic Tours 2pm Yard Waste Coffee and North Culture 3pm Zone Sun 30

Mon 31

Vendors & Crafts 12pm Art of Dance 1pm Maxei Cultural Group 2pm Sabor Latino Band 3pm 10-5pm

Wed 2

Tues 1

2026

OTE Yard Waste South Zone

Committee of Adjustment Mtg Town Hall 8am

Follow 2026 Election updates: amherstburg.ca /election

2026

OTE

White Goods Pick Up

Market 5pm Retro Candle Band 5pm Art of Dance 6pm Sabor Latino Band 7pm

Thurs 3

Fri 4 Open Air Finale Weekend Vendor/Youth Market 5pm

Vendors & Crafts 12pm Maxei Cultural Group 4pm Sabor Latino Band 7pm 10-5pm Fort Malden NHS Sat 5 OA Finale Weekend Entertainment Wrap up 12-6pm Labour Day Monday Garbage & Yard Waste (North Zone) will be picked up today

Amherstburg

LAST CALL: Notice of Nomination for Office Nominations for the Town of Amherstburg’s 2026 Municipal Election may be filed until Friday, August 21, 2026 at 2:00pm. Positions include Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Councillors as well as School Board Trustee for Conseil scolaire Viamonde. Book an appointment with the Clerk to file your nomination by emailing election@amherstburg.ca or calling 519-730-2128. Nominations must be filed in person at the Town Hall, 271 Sandwich St. S. Electronic submissions will not be accepted. Appointments for nominations are preferred but not required. Appointments will last approximately 1 hour. The fee to file a nomination is $100 for the Office of Councillor and Deputy Mayor and $200 for the Office of Mayor. The fee must be paid to the Clerk at the time you submit your nomination form. Review the 2026 Candidates’ Guide, and additional candidate information at: amherstburg.ca/election

To learn about accessibile voting options, visit amherstburg.ca/election or email election@amherstburg.ca

Kevin Fox, Municipal Clerk election@amherstburg.ca

519-736-0012 • www.amherstburg.ca 271 Sandwich St. South, Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 2A5