Essex County launches first-ever strategic plan process

By Fred Groves

Essex County has begun to build its first ever strategic plan.

At the regular session of county council last Wednesday night in Essex, Toronto-Ottawa based Strategy Corp presented the preliminary process.

“I fully appreciate that members of council have likely participated in the development of strategic plans within their local municipalities,” said Strategy Corp Managing Principal Chris Loreto.

While there is no specific deadline to have the plan completed, it is anticipated that gathering the data will begin shortly.

The process will entail having one-on-one interviews with each member of county council as well as workshops.

Staff will also have individual meetings as well as workshops, surveys and focus groups.

“At the end of the day, strategy is about making choices,” said Loreto.

He also said that residents of the county will be able to do a digital survey and there will be in-person pop-up community sessions.

Stakeholders will also be able to have one-one-one interviews if desired and written submission invitations will also be accepted.

“Strategic planning is about managing change and working to make decisions that will help you negotiate constantly evolving external and internal environments,” said Loreto.

Loreto said that creating conditions for success is the purpose of the strategic plan and that it establishes and clarifies values and goals as well as supporting the building of relationships and creating accountability.

“This is a great opportunity to make sure we are on the same page when it comes to these elements and that we are able to give everyone around the council table a preview to coming attractions in the next few months,” he said.

Loretto added that the plan allows county council and its administration and staff to measure success and report on results and while timelines are not forecasted, the plan is meant to be more of a measuring stick when it comes to progress towards certain attainable goals.

“It’s about where we are going and how we want to get there.”

In her opening remarks, Warden Hilda MacDonald said that consultation is the key.

“It is a clear vision of where to go and to maximize potential,” she said.

Strategy Corp pointed out that it is important to consider the past when doing the plan as well as contemplating the present and planning for the future. The strategic plan is designed to deliver results for county residents and to leave the community better off.

County’s accessibility committee highlights upcoming National Accessibility Week

By Fred Groves

One in five people have some sort of disability and the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee (ECAAC) is urging everyone to know that there are both visible and invisible disabilities.

Last Wednesday night at the regular session of Essex County Council, ECAAC invited members of council to attend a special flag raising ceremony which will be held Monday, May 29 at 10 a.m at the Essex County Civic Centre.

“We encourage you to participate in community events,” said ECAAC member Julie Miles.

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

ECAAC chair Dennis Sanson brought forth an important reminder.

“It is a time to celebrate the contributions of Canadians with disabilities and promote efforts to increase accessibility and inclusion in Canada,” said Sanson.

There is a lack of awareness it seems when it comes to identifying invisible disabilities.

According to ECAAC committee member Diana Kirkbride, invisible disabilities include those who may have brain injuries, mental health disorders, diabetes, COPD and PTSD.

“Lack of awareness and understanding can hurt a person with invisible disabilities in many ways,” explained Kirkbride. “When society recognizes invisible disabilities it’s a win-win situation.”

The ECAAC previews blueprints and designs, tours existing facilities and promotes accessibility events.

The committee also initiates discussion on social media in regard to disabilities and attends public events.

Kingsville Deputy Mayor Kim DeYong is the county’s representative on the committee, and she thanked Essex County administration and staff for ongoing support.

“I want to thank past councils for enabling change and inclusivity in the county,” said DeYong.

The ECAAC continues to co-ordinate its “We Check the Trails” program in which it works closely with the Essex Region Conservation Authority and ensuring there are no barriers on the greenway trails