River Town Times - April 17, 2024

Wismer Clydesdales host busy fundraiser for mission

By Ron Giofu

Area residents got their chance to visit with some Clydesdale horses and help a good cause at the same time.

Wismer Clydesdales held what has become an annual open house at their Pike Road farm Sunday afternoon and visitors steadily streamed in and out of the property with the crowds having to park along the road after many couldn’t find parking on site.

Owner Ron Wismer said it was their fourth year having an open house. He stated there are 18 Clydesdale horses currently on the farm and was pleased so many people turned out to view them.

“It’s an amazing crowd,” he said. “The support from the community is unbelievable.”

Wismer said he was approached a few years ago about allowing people to view the prized Clydesdales and they decided to marry it up with raising money for a good cause. Previous causes included a firefighters’ benefit fund and Street Help, with this year’s beneficiary being the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission.

The mission received $2,292.80 in Canadian funds, $105 in U.S. funds and 33 non-perishable food items.

The plan is to help non-profit organizations in Essex County every year, he added.

“So many people from the area are here,” said Wismer. “We even have people here from Michigan.”

Last year’s open house drew people from as far as Sarnia, he added.

Once the public gained knowledge of the number of Clydesdale horses on the farm, Wismer said interest

quickly grew.

“I don’t think people realized what we have here,” he said.

The Wismers have been raising award-winning Clydesdale horses since Ron’s father Jerry started doing so in 1979.

“It grew into what we are today,” said Wismer.

Jill Kanwischer, a volunteer board member at the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, said they were happy to be this year’s recipient of the funds raised.

“It’s going fabulously. We’re very happy to have this event for us,” she said.

Not only did the mission raise awareness, but it helped their bottom line as well.

“People have been so generous,” said Kanwischer.

Linda and Rocco DiPasquale and granddaughter Ellie Boutet get a look at one of the Clydesdale horses last Sunday (above). Bradley Sasso also got an up close look at one of the famed horses, with the horse being held by Steve Durham.

Town seeking grant to aid with South East Quadrant development

By Ron Giofu

Town council has authorized administration to pursue the Housing Enabling Water Services Fund (HEWSF) to help fund infrastructure for the South East Quadrant project.

The South East Quadrant would see four housing subdivisions in and near the area of Lowes Side Road and Fryer St. with the HEWSF designed to “help municipalities repair, rehabilitate and expand critical drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.”

Deadline to apply for the grant is April 19. Town council is not only applying for the grant, but has directed Mayor Michael Prue to write a letter to Essex MPP Anthony Leardi seeking support of Amherstburg’s grant application.

“The town currently has a very limited number of buildable lots within the settlement areas approved by the province as outlined in the Town’s Official Plan. The Southeast Quadrant (SEQ) lands offer one of the larger areas that can be developed for residential use. As this area has a number of different landowners, the Town has initiated and facilitated previous negotiations to provide a servicing strategy that outlines the necessary main infrastructure for the development of these lands to move forward,” deputy CAO/director of development services Melissa Osborne stated in a report to council. “Without this initiative the probability of the lands being developed in the near term would have been low as each developer would have been responsible for obtaining their own servicing plan for their respective lands, which would be far more difficult and costlier to achieve and possibly an impediment to timely development of the lands.”

Osborne’s report pointed out the total estimated cost for the project is over $16.8 million based on 2024 costs estimated by a third-party engineering firm.

“Of the total cost of the project $16,326,677 is eligible for grant funding and $511,540 is ineligible. Should the Town be successful and receive 73 per cent funding we would be awarded

$11,918,474. The remaining 27 per cent of eligible costs, $4,408,203 as well as the ineligible cost of $511,540, for a total of $4,919,743 will need to be funded,” she said.

Projects awarded funding will be notified in August and work must commence by Sept. 30.

“Without the addition of the HEWSF dollars it is expected that it will likely take 10 years before there will be sufficient development charges in the reserves to fund this project. This is the next area of projected growth and without it the Town will soon run out of available building lots,” she stated “If the Town is required to add the full cost of this project to the development charges (DC) it will significantly increase the sanitary portion of the DC and could be a detriment to other developers and homebuilders. The project costs have increased significantly in the last three years due to inflation and other factors. If the project continues to be delayed these costs will continue to increase, requiring additional dollars to complete later.”

Manager of engineering Todd Hewitt said the grant would be for sanitary and water infrastructure, with no other infrastructure included.

Councillor Diane Pouget wondered where money for infrastructure such as roads would come from.

“There is money in the five-year capital budget for engineering and construction of Fryer and Lowes in this area,” said Hewitt.

Osborne agreed there is capital money budgeted for Lowes Side Road and Fryer St.

“It is already identified as a development charge project so some of those funds will be through the development charge reserve in order to fund the road portion of that work,” said Osborne. Pouget also questioned the timing of the grant, asking when administration knew of the HEWSF opportunity. She pointed out the report came before council ten days before the April 19 deadline.

“It seems like we’re always having a knee-jerk situation and we have to make

a decision right away,” said Pouget.

Osborne said the grant opened in February and administration attended workshops to clarify what has to go into the application. CAO Valerie Critchley said “it’s a pretty complicated grant” and administration was gathering information on it.

There were at least two workshops on it with interested municipalities and provincial officials, the CAO stated.

“We then have to get together all of our information. It’s not something that gets written overnight. That’s why it’s before you tonight,” said Critchley, at the April 9 meeting.

Osborne said the town had pricing around infrastructure works that was over a year old, so they had to get a third-party reassessment so costs put forth in the grant application are more current.

“Our intention is any funding not covered by the grant would be covered off in large part by the developers doing a pre-payment of their development charges,” said Osborne. “We then needed to schedule a meeting with the four developers who are associated with this project to confirm we had at least enough support from the developers that they would fund the project.”

Councillor Linden Crain had it confirmed it would take ten years to undertake the project if there was no grant, with Osborne stating that is the timeframe if the $16 million were to remain static and the town were to have to wait to collect enough development charges.

One of the developments – the Hunt Club subdivision – are “the furthest ones along” and there are over 700 homes planned for that subdivision alone.

Two other proposed subdivisions would bring forth applications “to start their processes in earnest” if the grant moves forward, she stated.

Pouget pointed out the portion in the report stating the $511,540 in ineligible costs includes sanitary infrastructure on Lowes Side Road and Fryer St. and will be recovered from 28 existing homeowners through local improvement.

“Does that mean the 28 existing properties have to share in the cost of $511,540?” she asked.

Hewitt said that is correct, comparing it to what happened on Simcoe St. in 2010 when sewer lines were extended to the Libro Centre.

“The homes on Lowes Side Road and there are a few homes on Fryer St. that are still on septic systems would be responsible for the sewer and its connection,” he said.

Hewitt added through the environmental assessment process in 2018 were included as stakeholders, adding he has spoken to some who are “anxious” for this work to occur due to a variety of reasons such as failing septic systems or opportunities for severances.

Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb added the part of the motion to direct Prue for the “written request of support for our application” from Leardi.

“This has to happen,” said the deputy mayor. “We have a housing crisis in this area. We’ve got an affordability crisis in this town. To be able to open up 750 homes right away with the possibility of another 700 units down the road, and have the province cover 73 per cent of the bill and the developers covering most of the rest, I can’t see how we can turn this down.”

Gibb added he’s been chomping at the bit to support this, with Crain adding the town should always seize the opportunity to apply for grants.

“It’s really going to help us reactivate that South East Quadrant that I know that’s been on pause or is just pending being able to build due to a lack of funding,” said Crain. “I’m hoping with the support of our MPP, that we can get this done.”

“This is our opportunity because this is one of those places where we are ready. Lots of other municipalities will not have 700 units ready to go where all you need is an infusion of money,” said Prue. “If we want to build more homes faster, which most municipalities have promised to do, this is the only way we’re going to get it done. I don’t want to see this opportunity lost.”

Gibson Gallery celebrates new sign

By Ron Giofu

The Fort Malden Guild of Arts and Crafts – the board that operates the Gibson Gallery – are celebrating the realization of a long-time goal.

Board members held a ribbon cutting for the new LED sign in front of the gallery, located at 140 Richmond St., last Tuesday evening. David Cozens, president of the board, cut the ribbon as he was surrounded by board members.

“The sign has been on our wish list for the last 15 years,” explained Cozens. “We’ve been setting funds aside for over ten years. We were finally able to purchase the sign in 2023.”

Cozens, who also chaired the gallery’s sign committee with the assistance of board member Carole Deschaine, added they had to work with the Town of Amherstburg regarding the installation. He said director of parks, facilities and culture Heidi Baillargeon helped co-ordinated various departments in order to have the gallery’s sign installed.

“She gathered us all together and we sat down for a meeting. She was a big asset,” said Cozens.

The new LED sign was “a significant expense” for the gallery, he added, but they believe it will be well worth it.

“We are hoping it will pay off by increasing traffic through the gallery,” he said.

There are Amherstburg residents who don’t realize the gallery is there or don’t

know what it is all about, he stated.

The sign was installed roughly one month ago and Cozens said the goal is to give the Gibson Gallery “much needed exposure to the public.” He said the building, a historic former train station, is set back off of Richmond St. and behind neighbouring Shoppers Drug Mart.

“We’re hopeful the high resolution LED sign will help us get our messages out,” he said, “and allow us to post information about exhibits, children’s classes, adult classes, various guilds that meet at the gallery, Art by the River and our railway museum.”

The Gibson Gallery is excited about new and returning events this year such as the Art Crawl, a trunk sale and pop-up sales. Combined with the new sign, Cozens said they are optimistic visitors and tourists will find the gallery.

“We’ve had several people contact us about the sign,” he added. “They really like it. Some want to know where we bought it.”

“The programming of it is a learning experience,” said Cozens. “We hope to change the messages on a regular basis and keep everyone’s attention.”

The sign will be turned off between 11 p.m.-7 a.m. so that it doesn’t become a distraction to neighbours.

For more information on the Gibson Gallery or its programs and exhibits, visit www.gibsongallery.org or call 519-736-2826. Their current hours are Thursday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Council defers remuneration report

By Ron Giofu

The report dealing with how much remuneration Amherstburg town council earned last year will be the subject of a further clarification.

Town council has pushed the report back one meeting due to concerns and questions over the report. Details of the report were printed in the April 10 issue of the River Town Times.

Councillor Diane Pouget has concerns about the report. She said the report states she made $27,756.11 in 2023 in total remuneration. Pouget added her T4 shows she made $26,134.76.

“I already filed my income tax and everything. This seems to be $1,621.35 more than what I actually received,” said Pouget.

CAO Valerie Critchley said she will have director of corporate services/treasurer Tracy Prince take a closer look at the question. Prince missed the meeting due

to illness.

“I am looking at the breakdown in the report. There was a portion for salary, portion for communication and portion for per diem,” said Critchley. “I’m not sure what all gets reported on the T4 but I can certainly ask the treasurer and let you know.”

Pouget asked for a “full report” and said the public couldn’t speak to it because “they didn’t know I was having a discrepancy with this item.” The CAO said she can bring a clarification to town council.

Councillor Molly Allaire said she was confused regarding the report, noting there were two totals listed for her and she assumed one included her remuneration for sitting on the Essex Region Conservation board of directors.

Allaire said she attended a conference and thought the amount was close to $1,000, but the amount in the report was listed as $85.

The Gibson Gallery held a ribbon cutting for its new sign last Tuesday evening. From left: board members Liz Campbell and Barrie Brewin, board president David Cozens, board members Carole Deschaine, Trudy Dempsey and Stephanie Thomson.

Heritage district open house draws many questions from crowd

By Ron Giofu

The town’s proposed heritage conservation district drew many questions from the crowd that attended the open house Monday evening at the Libro Centre.

Amherstburg’s proposed heritage conservation district is being worked on by consultants from MHBC Planning, Urban Design & Landscape Architecture as well as the town’s heritage planner Adam Coates.

Nick Bogaert from MHBC said it is a two-phase process that is being worked on with research having been done to define a study area, with that study area currently including much of the downtown core from the river to streets like George, Seymour, Brock and King. Bogaert said they are doing research on what is in the study area and finding out what qualities are there pertaining to a possible heritage conservation district. There is also an area along the Dalhousie St. area inclusive of the Belle Vue mansion.

Rachel Neiser and Dan Currie from MHBC were also on hand Monday night to answer questions. Over 50 people attended the open house in the Libro Centre’s downstairs community room, with a question and answer session lasting roughly one hour.

Currie said the firm has worked on many heritage districts across Ontario, some are more policy driven while others have more of a guideline feel.

“Most are about what you should do, not what you must do,” he said.

Bogaert said districts offer a “level of guidance” for homeowners on what is being sought to fit in a neighbourhood inside of a district. Coates pointed out that as of Jan. 1, 2025, provincial regulation changes state that any properties of interest not actually designated are in danger of being exposed to demolition.

Currie indicated that if a property is designated in a heritage conservation district, it receives a level of protection. Coates had stated in a prior interview with the River Town Times that properties would be classified as contributing or non-contributing properties.

Heritage committee chair Simon Chamely brought up interior or exterior work that would be covered as part of a district with Coates confirming that it would only apply to the exterior of

a home. Streetscapes and public property would also fall under the guise of a district.

Questions included whether there is a fee for a heritage permit, with Coates saying there would not be. Currie said routine maintenance to a home likely would not require a heritage permit.

“It’s all about the character,” said Currie. “This process is to maintain the character.”

On the issue of commercial versus residential developments, Bogaert stated there would likely be different policies drafted for each. Local entrepreneur Lauri Brouyette noted commercial properties could lose money if there were delays in granting any sort of permits or permissions.

There would be a set of policies for existing homes and new builds, Currie stated, adding zoning often covers such matters. New developments would often be encouraged to fit within the character of a neighbourhood, though builders would have the freedom to build something more contemporary. “It has to fit,” he said.

Traffic flow was asked about but the public was told it likely would not be part of a heritage conservation district. Traffic patterns are usually adjusted through other methods, Coates stated.

The consultants and the heritage planner said reasons to enact a heritage conservation district would include whether an area is worth protecting, to provide a set of “guidelines to manage change” and offer a level playing field, protect a sense of community and even to bolster economic development.

Currie said there are “teeth” in

heritage conservation district policies, some that can be appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal should a landowner object.

Local resident Karen Gyorgy said she has a heritage home and doesn’t know if the town would go ahead with an incentive plan, but noted other homeowners could be interested in incentives to maintain their heritage homes. She said she is proud of her home and is already willing to preserve it.

Other questions pertained to what was not included in the study area,

including the General Amherst High School building and Laird Ave. Coates suggested he would work on researching the former high school, with the facade and murals making it a property of interest.

On the issue of Laird Ave., Coates said properties of interest, the town’s original layout and other factors went into the study area and he noted many homes are already well taken care of there. He said the town could come back and do a study there, if requested, with Currie adding municipalities are not restricted to one heritage conservation district.

Currie added if no major projects are planned for a home in a heritage conservation district, nothing would happen regarding the home and the homeowners.

“If you are not working on anything major, it will likely not affect you,” he said.

The consultants and town administration promised more public open houses as the process continues, with Coates adding there is a chance for input on the Talk the Burg website. The first phase is anticipated to come before town council in late spring or early summer before work goes into the second phase.

Memories of Yesterday...

Photos courtesy of the Marsh Historical Collection 80 Richmond Street Amherstburg 519-736-9191 • www.marshcollection.org

The Hackett Wrecking Company’s lighter L.S. Hammond lightering coal from the schooner Montezuma, aground at the Lime Kiln Crossing in 1903. The Hammond was built as a three-masted schooner and was later converted to a lighter/tow barge by the Trotter Wrecking Company. Around 1904, she was abandoned in the ship graveyard at Callam’s Bay (later known as Amherstburg Beach). In 1937, McQueen Marine received the contract to blast the ship into sections which were brought to shore to be used as firewood.

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Consultants from MHBC and town heritage planner Adam Coates field questions from the public at an open house held Monday night regarding the town’s proposed heritage conservation district.

Town council asks for five-year extension on Ontario Heritage Act stipulation

By Ron Giofu

A five-year extension has been requested by the Town of Amherstburg as it relates to stipulations in the Ontario Heritage Act. Town council has passed a resolution recommended by its heritage committee to send a letter to Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism Michael Ford requesting a subsection of the Act be amended and the deadline before a non-designated heritage property listed on a municipal register of properties be removed be extended five years.

The motion reads: “Whereas Subsection 27(16) of the Ontario Heritage Act stipulates that any non-designated heritage property listed on the municipal register of properties as of December 31, 2022 shall be removed from the municipal register on or before January 1, 2025, if the Council of the municipality does not give a notice of intention to designate the property under subsection 29(1) of the Ontario Heritage Act on or before January 1, 2025.

“Whereas since January 1, 2023, municipal staff and members of the municipal heritage committee in this municipality have been diligently working to: review the municipal heritage register; research the heritage value and interest of listed (non-designated) properties; review and research the heritage value and interest of non-designated properties; contact owners of such properties; determine which properties should potentially be designated in accordance with the provision of Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act; and take all required steps to designate such properties; and

“Whereas the above-noted work involving 125 listed properties in this municipality is extremely time consuming and cannot be completed by December 31, 2024 with the limited municipal resources available.”

“Amherstburg is unique among most municipalities in that we have 125 heritage buildings. Not many municipalities in this province, not even Toronto, has 125 on their roster ready to go,” Mayor Michael Prue

said. “We have them and they are unique heritage buildings because they encompass three key periods in the province’s history. The first is the War of 1812 and the buildings that went up when Amherstburg was razed to the ground. The second was the Rebellion of 1837 and the Americans who were captured and deported to Tasmania from Boblo Island and the history all around that. The third, and probably the most important one in terms of our heritage buildings, are the homes that were built by the Quakers and the Abolitionists to house the people from the United States seeking freedom. Many of those homes on George St. and other areas are there.”

Prue said the request is to preserve the history of Amherstburg and the province.

“There is no other town that has the history of the escaping slaves,” he said.

Few have the history of the War of 1812 and the Rebellion of 1837, Prue added.

“Those homes and those properties need to be protected,” the mayor said.

Without an extension, Prue feared “most of the province’s history will be lost.”

County of Essex Transportation Master Plan

Clarification on remuneration report brought back to town council

Notice of Study Commencement

Continued from Page 3

Critchley added she will have Prince confirm what is happening, but believed Allaire’s overall expense was also reflected in her per diem and travel and mileage expenses.

The Study: The County of Essex has initiated a Transportation Master Plan (TMP) study to identify a long-term transportation vision and strategy to achieve the County’s objectives for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods, and to address current needs and anticipated growth to 2053

“I’ll have her clarify that,” said the CAO. Mayor Michael Prue suggested the delay until the next meeting. Prue said he “wanted to be absolutely clear” that he is not paid to attend or receive any remuneration from the Windsor Police Services Board. He believed it

was listed because there was a template when former Mayor Aldo DiCarlo was a full WPSB member and received remuneration when he was a member.

“This is a relatively minor thing but we might as well get it right,” said Prue.

County of Essex Transportation Master Plan Notice of Study Commencement

County of Essex Transportation Master Plan Notice of Study Commencement

The Study: The County of Essex has initiated a Transportation Master Plan (TMP) study to identify a long-term transportation vision and strategy to achieve the County’s objectives for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods, and to address current needs and anticipated growth to 2053

The Process: The Transportation Master Plan will be carried out in accordance with Phases 1 and 2 of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) process (Municipal Engineers Association, March 2023), which is an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act

The Study: The County of Essex has initiated a Transportation Master Plan (TMP) study to identify a long-term transportation vision and strategy to achieve the County’s objectives for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods, and to address current needs and anticipated growth to 2053

County of Essex Transportation Master Plan Notice of Study Commencement

County of Essex Transportation Master Plan Notice of Study Commencement

The Study: The County of Essex has initiated a Transportation Master Plan (TMP) study to identify a long-term transportation vision and strategy to achieve the County’s objectives for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods, and to address current needs and anticipated growth to 2053

The Process: The Transportation Master Plan will be carried out in accordance with Phases 1 and 2 of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) process (Municipal Engineers Association, March 2023), which is an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act The study will evaluate and recommend solutions in consultation with the public, Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and agencies. At the conclusion of the Study, the process will be documented in a report prepared for public review.

The Process: The Transportation Master Plan will be carried out in accordance with Phases 1 and 2 of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) process (Municipal Engineers Association, March 2023), which is an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act

The Study: The County of Essex has initiated a Transportation Master Plan (TMP) study to identify a long-term transportation vision and strategy to achieve the County’s objectives for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods, and to address current needs and anticipated growth to 2053

The study will evaluate and recommend solutions in consultation with the public, Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and agencies. At the conclusion of the Study, the process will be documented in a report prepared for public review.

The study will evaluate and recommend solutions in consultation with the public, Indigenous communities stakeholders, and agencies. At the conclusion of the Study, the process will be documented in a report prepared for public review.

The Process: The Transportation Master Plan will be carried out in accordance with Phases 1 and 2 of Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) process (Municipal Engineers Association, March 2023), which is an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. The study will evaluate and recommend solutions in consultation with the public, Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and agencies. At the conclusion of the Study, the process will be documented in a report prepared for public review.

The Process: The Transportation Master Plan will be carried out in accordance with Phases 1 and 2 of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) process (Municipal Engineers Association, March 2023), which is an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.

To submit a comment or question, or if you would like to be added to the Project Contact List to receive future project notices, please contact: Jerry Behl, P.Eng., PMP, PTOE, RSP1 Manager, Transportation Planning & Development

Your Input is Important: The public is invited to provide comments to help identify transportation related opportunities, issues and improvements Public Information Centres are planned for future stages of the study to inform the public about the steps involved in the work and to gather feedback on the alternative solutions being considered. Information

Your Input is Important: The public is invited to provide comments to help identify transportation related opportunities, issues and improvements. Public Information Centres are planned for future stages of the study to inform the public about the steps involved in the work and to gather feedback on the alternative solutions being considered.

Your Input is Important: The public is invited to provide comments to help identify transportation related opportunities, issues and improvements Public Information Centres are planned for future stages of the study to inform the public about the steps involved in the work and to gather feedback on the alternative solutions being considered.

The study will evaluate and recommend solutions in consultation with the public, Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and agencies. At the conclusion of the Study, the process will be documented in a report prepared for public review.

Information about future Public Information Centres will be published in local newspapers and posted on the County’s social media channels: facebook.com/EssexCountyOntario and twitter.com/EssexCountyON

Information about future Public Information Centres will be published in local newspapers and posted on the County’s social media channels: facebook.com/EssexCountyOntario and twitter.com/EssexCountyON

Information about future Public Information Centres will be published in local newspapers and posted on the County’s social media channels: facebook.com/EssexCountyOntario and twitter.com/EssexCountyON.

Information and updates about the project can be found at countyofessex.ca/TransportationMasterPlan or by scanning the QR Code.

Your Input is Important: The public is invited to provide comments to help identify transportation related opportunities, issues and improvements Public Information Centres are planned for future stages of the study to inform the public about the steps involved in the work and to gather feedback on the alternative solutions being considered.

Information and updates about the project can be found at countyofessex.ca/TransportationMasterPlan or by scanning the QR Code.

Information and updates about the project can be found at countyofessex.ca/TransportationMasterPlan or by scanning the QR Code.

To submit a comment or question, or if you would like to be added to the Project Contact List to receive future project notices, please contact:

Information about future Public Information Centres will be published in local

To submit a comment or question, or if you would like to be added to the Project Contact List

receive

about future Public Information Centres will be published in local

project notices, please contact:

Your Input is Important: The public is invited to provide comments to help identify transportation related opportunities, issues and improvements Public Information Centres are planned for future stages of the study to inform the public about the steps involved in the work and to gather feedback on the alternative solutions being considered.

Jerry Behl, P.Eng., PMP, PTOE, RSP1 Alvaro L. Almuina, P.Eng. M.Eng. PMP, DCE

Letter addressed to council causes concern from councillor

By Ron Giofu

The whereabouts of a letter from a constituent and how it was handled was a cause for concern from one member of Amherstburg town council.

Councillor Diane Pouget said she brought in a letter from a resident and gave it to Mayor Michael Prue April 3. She said it was directed to all of council, and wondered about the letter’s whereabouts.

“Members of the public are able to submit that correspondence to members of council and I think that was done,” said clerk Kevin Fox. “Following that, we did certainly speak with the resident about their concern and hopefully found a productive solution to their concerns.”

Pouget asked if the letter was distributed to members of council and Fox indicated he was under the assumption Pouget was doing that.

“No, I talked to the mayor and he said to give it to you and ask that it be put under correspondence,” said Pouget, in

By Fred Groves

response to Fox. “I just can’t deliver a letter to council. I had to go through the proper procedure.”

Fox said concerns have been addressed with the resident and more information can be provided to council. Pouget said “it was very specific” that the letter go to all of council, with the letter being regarding a right-of-way to their property and grandfathering their home and easement.

CAO Valerie Critchley said the letter was delivered to her as well and believed administration was directed to look into the matter. She said Pouget was advised that the residents were being worked with.

“I’ll take responsibility that the letter isn’t on the council agenda because I felt the matter had been dealt with,” said Critchley.

Pouget called for council to receive a copy of all correspondence sent to them with Critchley agreeing, stating a copy should have been placed in council members’ mailbox.

“I thought you were delegating it for administration to deal with,” said Critchley.

Fox apologized and believed it was a misunderstanding as he received a photocopy that he thought was distributed more broadly. Pouget believed it was “very inappropriate” that council did not receive the letter.

Prue asked if the issue of a report could be brought back to a future meeting so that it could be discussed by council.

“I just want assurances that when a letter is brought in, that everyone from council, and it stresses members of council, are entitled to get our mail,” said Pouget.

Councillor Don McArthur asked for clarification on the matter, wanting to know if a resident dropped off a letter at town hall or whether Pouget was given the letter to give to council.

“If (the latter) is the case, why didn’t you give it to council?” McArthur asked Pouget.

Pouget said she was asked to bring it

to Prue and make sure it was given to council. She said Prue read the letter and asked Fox to put it on the agenda.

“You could have just put it in our mailbox. That would have worked,” said McArthur.

Pouget said specific things were asked of council in the letter.

Councillor Linden Crain said “we praise in public and criticize in private.”

“This is a 20-minute conversation about a letter that could have been addressed privately,” said Crain. “I feel like we’re wasting staff’s time and the public’s time talking about this.”

Pouget agreed the matter could be dealt with in-camera, adding she wanted assurances council could get correspondence sent to them.

Fox said the procedural bylaw states “only correspondence elements that comes from other levels of government or other associations are those are relevant for agenda items.” Other matters can be raised under new business “which is what we are doing today.”

Essex County will not have a tree cutting bylaw

The inability to enforce a tree-cutting bylaw means a change of direction for the County of Essex when it comes to what it calls a Natural Heritage Areas Preservation By-law.

Manager of planning services Rebecca Belanger told county council that neither the county nor individual municipalities are in the position, at this time, to enforce tree cutting bylaws and instead, suggested a review of the feasibility of a site alteration to the county’s Official Plan.

“An additional policy can be drafted into the county’s official plan which states that as any part of the background studies or development proposal, an inventory and preservation plan be required,” said Belanger.

A new policy in the Official Plan could come forth in the future which would require every new home to have at least two new indigenous trees planted and

any trees that are cut down due to disease must be replaced.

“The lower municipalities agree that we don’t have enough trees in the area,” said Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara.

Lakeshore Deputy Mayor Kirk Walstedt said that in the past a tree-cutting by-law had a lot of push back from property owners.

“I think we will save wood lots with this approval rather than being heavyhanded by having a by-law that makes it impossible to cut down trees on private property,” said Walstedt.

The county and the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) have been working together on a Clean Water Clean Green Spaces program for about 20 years and all the local municipalities have been contributing financially to the program.

However, at the meeting, ERCA CAO Tim Byrne said that changes to the province’s Bill 23 means that the conservation authorities cannot levy

directly the municipalities. Byrne said that five local municipalities continue to support the program except for Windsor and Kingsville.

“We are looking forward to continual conversation with the important venture. A few dollars from each municipality goes a long way,” said Byrne.

Patricia McGorman is the president of the Canada Land Trust which preserves natural areas. She was at the meeting and told county council that while the United

Nations strives for as much as 12 per cent tree coverage, Essex County only has about three percent.

“What we have here in Essex County is very rare because we are part of the Carolina life zone,” said McGorman.

McGorman pointed out that there are unique types of soil and weather patterns in the region which contributes to a decline in growth and that the county is not moving fast enough to preserve natural areas.

Dupuis

Passed away surrounded by the love of her family on April 8th , 2024 at the age of 93. Reunited with her beloved husband Gerald Garant. Loving mother to Richard, Sharon (Robert) Damm, Connie (Richard) Machin, Denise (Herb Quigley) (late William) Calzavara, Valerie (Timothy) McDonald, Barbara

Garant and Mike Garant. Cherished Grandmother to 13 grandkids, as well as many great-grandkids and great-great grandkids. Sister to Pearl, Maryann, Alvin, Dorothy, Paul, Marty and Lawrence. Will be missed by many extended family and friends.

Special thanks to the palliative care nurses and doctors at Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare- Y-Emara centre for their outstanding care.

Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to James H. Sutton Funeral Home (401 Sandwich St S, Amherstburg). In memory of Virginia donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared at www.jhsuttonfuneral.ca

Roth, Christine

August 27, 1927 – April 8, 2024

Passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 96.

Reunited with her beloved husband Ludwig (2023) whom she shared 73 years of marriage.

Loving mother to Lou and wife Gail.

Visitation on April 18th, 2024 from 10:30am until a funeral service at 11:30am all at Families First Funeral Home, 585 Sandwich St. South, Amherstburg (519969-5841). Interment to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Share memories, photos, video condolence or make a donation at www.FamiliesFirst.ca

Villanova robotics team in world championships

By Ron Giofu

The Villy WiredCats are wired and ready for the FIRST World Championships.

The robotics team from St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Secondary School are in Houston, Texas this week to participate in the FIRST Worlds, marking the school’s return after seven years.

The WiredCats have almost 50 team members this year with Michael Dunne, Celeste Deschamps and Jack Frias telling the River Town Times they are excited to attend this year.

Dunne stated there are approximately 10,000 FIRST robotics teams worldwide and 250 in Canada. Of the 150 Canadian teams, 20 of them get to go to the worlds and Villanova is once again one of them.

student had equal contributions to this.”

Frias added they have worked daily on their robot whether it be at meetings after school or at points during the school day when time permits.

Dunne added without everyone working together, the WiredCats wouldn’t have achieved what they have thus far. Community outreach was also big for the team this year, as they went into local elementary feeder schools to assist with their STEM programs and Frias added they also helped with First Lego League (FLL) teams. Deschamps added they also went to the John McGivney Centre in Windsor as part of their outreach.

The team thanks its sponsors and Dunne noted “it’s a very expensive project. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to compete.” Deschamps pointed out some of the companies sponsoring them have professional engineers that also act as mentors.

Deschamps was also happy they have 38 per cent of the team being girls. She said that percentage has grown dramatically this year.

The WiredCats started their season at the District North Bay event held March 22-24, where they were placed 15th out of 32 teams and won the Jack Kamen Imagery Award for combining engineering excellence and outstanding visual aesthetics of machine and team integration.

They competed at the Windsor-Essex Great Lakes District Event March 28-30 where they placed ninth of 31 teams and qualified for the provincial finals.

During the April 5-8 provincial finals, they competed against the best 100 teams in Ontario. The WiredCats won 9 of their 12 exhibition matches and were ranked fourth out of the 50 teams in their division at the end of qualification matches, ultimately finishing in 22nd place and secured their trip to Worlds.

The tasks assigned to the robots this year was a form of “disc golf for robots,” said Deschamps. There was also a music theme to this year’s competitions where the robots have to shoot discs into baskets resembling amplifiers, speakers and notes.

About 800 teams from around the world will meet in Houston with the competition running today (April 17) through Saturday. Robotics is considered the “sport of the mind” and FIRST is a global robotics community that prepares young people for the future and advancing STEM education.

The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB) confirmed the team from Villanova was the only WECDSB school to advance to the world championships.

Deschamps said the WiredCats have a lot of new members this year with Dunne adding that while they didn’t do as well as they wanted last year, they bounced back this year with a team that has been engaged all year.

“So many hours of work go into it,” said Frias. “It’s a huge collaboration. Everyone works together. Every

Dunne stated being part of the robotics team at Villanova has led the Grade 12 student to seek engineering as a career path. Deschamps is in Grade 11 and Frias is in Grade 10 and both will be returning next year to try and build on what they have done.

Deschamps said there were many subcommittees from actually building the robot to marketing what they were doing and everyone worked like “a well-oiled machine.”

The WiredCats hope to win the imagery award at worlds, something Villanova has won three times in the past. The team plans on posting to its Instagram and Facebook accounts during the competition to keep people informed on how they are doing.

For more information, visit www.wiredcats5885.ca.

Members of the Villanova “WiredCats” robotics team compete earlier this season. Submitted photo

SKILLED TRADES DID YOU KNOW

Apprenticeship registrations have increased by 24 percent in the last year – from 21,971 to 27,319 – as more people decide to pursue rewarding, well paying careers in the skilled trades.

To find out more about what we are doing to grow the skilled trades in the riding of Essex, I encourage you to reach out to my office.

Kicks & Giggles

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, this is a great week for transformation. Be careful where you direct your attention, as what you do will have lasting effects. Choose your plans wisely.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Use this week’s powerful energy to strip away all of the unnecessary static in your life right now. It is doing more harm than good. Open yourself up to new opportunities, Taurus.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, there is a lot of stuff going on around you, and you need to sort through the noise to determine your priorities. Things will start to become more clear this week.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

You are in a great position to make some lasting and strong impressions on others, Cancer. Focus on group work, as this will showcase how well you work with others.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, you do not know which direction to go in this week, and that is perfectly fine. Try out different options and figure out what fits best. This will require some trial and error.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, you have a tremendous amount of power at your disposal this week. Use all of it wisely and thoughtfully. Others will be strongly affected by your presence.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

A conflict in your life that you may feel is beyond your control may crop up at the worst time, Libra. Use this as a learning opportunity on how to cope under pressure.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, you have the power to produce a powerful outcome, even if it seems that forces are working against you. Do not give up; in fact, double down your efforts.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, take things with a grain of salt if people seem insensitive to your feelings this week. You don’t know what others have going on in their lives.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Nothing can stop you when you put a lot of gusto behind your efforts, Capricorn. Just be mindful of who you might affect if you take things with a little too much ambition.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, are you getting the sense that something is going on around you that you’re simply not a part of? Maybe your exclusive invitation is just waiting in the wings. Be patient.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, stand up for what you want, even if means that you are taking a different stance than others. You don’t have to please everyone in every endeavor.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

APRIL 14 - Sarah Michelle Gellar, Actress (47)

APRIL 15 - Chris Stapleton, Singer (46)

APRIL 16 Sadie Sink, Actress (22)

APRIL 17 - Victoria Beckham, Singer (50)

APRIL 18 - Kourtney Kardashian, Reality Star (45)

APRIL 19 - Loren Gray, Singer (22)

APRIL 20 - Shemar Moore, Actor (54)

Committee wants more hotel info

By Ron Giofu

The Amherstburg Accessibility Advisory Committee reviewed the site plan being proposed by Black Dog Entertainment for 256 Dalhousie St. and has requested more information.

The committee is seeking more information on doors and the swinging thereof to ensure they are fully accessible as part of their meeting last Wednesday night. New plans were requested with accessible doorways, swings and accessible paths of travel. The committee outlined several issues with doorways and the accessibility of them.

“I can’t support this the way it is,” said committee member Chris Drew, calling for more specifics.

Clerk Kevin Fox told the committee their primary role is to review it, and provide comment on exterior elements. Councillor Don McArthur, the council appointee to the committee, wanted to ensure as a new build that the proposed hotel would be up to current codes and wanted clarification if any regulations were grandfathered in. Fox said the developers need to meet all of the requirements of a new build.

Committee member Tony Pietrangelo wanted to know about an elevator, with Fox said is understanding there is one as well as some accessible suites. McArthur also wanted it confirmed there were no parking lot or accessible spaces shown is because there is currently no requirement to have one. Fox responded “correct” to McArthur’s questions.

Pietrangelo said what he was seeing at the meeting didn’t indicate doors were accessible, with Fox stating the Ontario Building Code will ensure the doors are

accessible to get in. A permit could not be issued to occupy the building unless the doors are accessible, said Fox.

“I think we need to understand this is one mechanism of the process. It’s reviewed by the chief building official and it has to meet the requirements set out by the ministry,” said committee member Marc Renaud.

McArthur said, based on what was presented to council, there was an intention by the developer to have two accessible suites.

“I would encourage the committee to think about is there anything we can suggest to leverage what they have to make it more accessible?” said McArthur.

The building will be up to code because it’s the law and hoped the applicant will elaborate on what they plan to promote accessibility.

Drew said he didn’t want it to appear the committee “rubber stamped” anything and wanted more information.

Linda Saxon said she came before the committee on behalf of herself, the Amherstburg Residents Forum and “other residents that have approached me with their concerns.” Her appearance was before the committee debated the site plan.

Saxon said questions she previously posed have not been answered. She added she is not sure why the committee is reviewing the site plan, noting it is due to come before an Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) hearing later this year.

Questions and comments posed by Saxon included whether there would be a drop-off area and that the hotel has stairs.

Continued on Page 15

WORD SCRAMBLE

Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to laughter.

Boys soccer season underway at North Star High School

By Ron Giofu

The effort was good last Friday afternoon, but the weather not so much.

The North Star Wolves boys soccer team opened the 2024 season with a 1-1 tie against the Kennedy Clippers at the Libro Centre.

Kennedy got a first half goal from Abdifatah Mohamed Hussen but the Wolves tied it in the second half on a goal by Fynn Randall.

Strong winds and cold temperatures impacted the game with the team shooting at the east net having a distinct advantage due to the wind.

“It was a good effort,” said Wolves coach Gavin Blunt. “We definitely had our chances. I thought we had the better game. The weather conditions were tough but we managed to get a tie.”

Blunt said the goal was to try to stick to the game

plan despite the weather conditions, but that was often tough to execute given the strong winds that persisted throughout the match.

“The boys did well,” he said. “We’ve got a young

group but it’s an exciting young group.”

The boys soccer team is talented and hard-working, Blunt added, and that give him hope.

“I think we’ll have a good year,” he said.

The expectation is to do well within WECSSAA. He said the Wolves fell short last year but they are still trying to build on that and go further despite losing a lot of senior players from the 2023 squad due to graduation.

This year’s North Star boys soccer team has seven returning players from last year’s team.

“It’s a fresh, new group,” said Blunt.

North Star returned to the pitch Monday afternoon for a match against Lamothe-Cadillac. The Wolves’ record is now 0-1-1 after the game ended 3-1 in favour of Lamothe-Cadillac.

All games are at the Libro Centre this year and start at 4 p.m. on their respective dates, with the next one being today (April 17) against the Assumption Purple Raiders.

Villanova grad Langlois lands gig with the Toronto Blue Jays

By

The St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School graduate has landed a coveted internship with the Toronto Blue Jays, who picked up another win Sunday as they blanked the visiting Colorado Rockies 5-0.

“I caught a little bit of the game. I help

the guys in the back getting the pitchers ready on their day off,” he said shortly after the game.

Langlois is between his third and fourth year at Sheridan College which entitles him to an internship that will hopefully lead to him becoming a certified athletic therapist. He said he remembers getting the news about joining the Blue Jays and calls it surreal.

“I was with my cousin doing a workout when I got the call. I saw that it was from Florida so I knew who it was from.”

While other classmates had the chance to join a Canadian Football League team or work in a gym or a clinic, Langlois hopes that if he makes a good impression that his gig with a pro team could become permanent.

“If the opportunity is available, absolutely, the internship will help make connections.”

His duties with the Blue Jays involve acting as a support person who makes sure the training room is tidy, assisting with players who may be doing some offfield training and packing up a lot of gear for when the team goes on the road.

Langlois will not travel with them but is expected to be at all 81 home games at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.

Town council to get a report on boat ramp April 22

By RTT Staff

Town council will get an “information report” at its next meeting on a proposed boat ramp at Ranta Park.

The 11-page report from director of parks, recreation and facilities Heidi Baillargeon on the April 22 agenda concludes with the recommendation that a boat ramp at that location not proceed. Baillargeon cites “the significant financial commitment and resources required to pursue this initiative further, coupled with the fact that the Town would be in direct competition with the abutting boat launch at Ranta Marina” as reasons not to move forward.

Boaters have pressed for public access to the water for several years, including a desire to have a boat launch. In 2022, AMA Sportsmen Association president Rodney Ferriss presented a petition to council asking for a boat ramp there.

“Amherstburg needs and deserves a public access to the local navigable waterways west of Amherstburg, which is the Detroit River. So much of Amherstburg’s identity is being lost because many boaters and sport-paddlers have no place to put in publicly for one day, or even a weekend,” he said at the time.

Council has yet to debate the report or make a decision whether or not to go forward with a boat ramp at that location.

Asked how the professional athletes are treating him, Langlois responded, “they are welcoming, very nice and very appreciative. They are a great group of guys and super to be around.”

Attending the University of Windsor as an undergraduate, he does not just talk the talk when it comes to baseball and is a major contributor to the Sheridan Bruins

where last year, he led the team with five stolen bases and batted .257 while patrolling the outfield. He played ball from T-ball until he was in Grade 6 at the Turtle Club and then switched over to soccer. His brother Andrew is a catcher for the St. Clair College Saints and the brothers had a chance to pay against each other with Andrew coming out the victor.

The North Star Wolves boys soccer team celebrates after Fynn Randall’s second half goal against Kennedy last Friday.

Fred Groves

Sunday was a busy day for Dylan Langlois.

SPECIAL TO THE RTT

St. Thomas of Villanova graduate Dylan Langlois has landed an internship as an athletic therapist with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Community Calendar

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

FREEDOM ACHIEVERS SERIES; The Freedom Achievers Mentorship Program connects successful achievers with mentees at sessions where mentors can provide insight into career options and interact with mentees, in addition to a high-profile speaker series. Held at Amherstburg Freedom Museum starting at 10 a.m. Next speaker is Gary Archibald, CTV meteorologist/ community reporter, who will share career advice, but also how he overcame obstacles in order to achieve success. Through the Freedom Achievers Program, museum wants to provide mentees with insights and tools that will assist them in creating a path to success. Event is free to attend. If interested in becoming a mentee or mentor, please e-mail curator@amherstburgfreedom. org.

FRIDAY, APRIL 19

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE; Night of live music returns to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 129 Simcoe St. (corner of Bathurst St.), from 7-9 p.m. Acts thus far include The Blue Grass Bunch, Carol Laliberte, Doc and the Rev, Johnny Mac and Friends. Free to attend, donations appreciated.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

EARTH DAY; Held at Bryerswood Youth Camp, 6480 Texas Road, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. There will be interactive games and activities for children, solar demonstrations, a showcase of electric vehicles, a pollinator garden creation and more. Participating groups are Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club, Green Sun Rising, EV Society Windsor-Essex, McGuire Tree Service, community leaders.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

SPRINGFEST; Over 200 vendors will display and sell their products at North Star High School’s Springfest 2024. Activities throughout the day, lunch available through school’s culinary program. Free admission. Runs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER; Held at the Columbus Community Hall, 190 Richmond St., to benefit the Fighting Island Boxing Club. Serving from 5-7 p.m. Pasta and salad dinner $15. Tickets available in advance at the boxing club or by calling 226-787-0046.

SUNDAY, MAY 5

HASTA LA PASTA; Pasta luncheon held at Encounter Church, 125 Alma St., at 12 p.m. (following 10:30 a.m. service). Proceeds help youth ministries at the church, including paying for retreats and other activities. Cost is $10 minimum donation, at the door. Cash, debit or credit. Following the meal, there will be a dessert auction. Anyone with dietary restrictions that want to attend can e-mail mark@encounteraburg.ca.

ONGOING

MISSION GOLF TOURNAMENT SEEKING

SPONSORS; The Amherstburg Food & Fellowship

Mission golf tournament is June 29 at Coachwood Golf and Country Club. Hole sponsors and main sponsor still being sought. Interested businesses/individuals can contact Laura at 519-982-2684.

AMHERSTBURG RESIDENTS FORUM; Group welcomes residents seeking solutions to town hall to join them the last Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the union hall on Pickering across from Walmart.

MIRACLE LEAGUE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS; The Miracle League of Amherstburg’s spring season starts May 4. Volunteers are still needed. People can help out at one game or multiple games (up to four) every Saturday through June 22, weather permitting. Great for students needing volunteer hours or adults looking for ways to give back. For info or to sign up, visit www. amherstburgmiracle.com.

ECLIPSE GLASSES; Glasses that were used during the solar eclipse can be dropped off in a collection box at the Libro Centre, 3295 Meloche Road. The box will be there until April 30. The glasses will be repurposed by children in Latin America for an eclipse there Aug. 1

YARN DONATIONS WANTED; Resident looking for yarn donations as she knits beds for the WindsorEssex County Humane Society. Drop-off yarn at Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 or call Pinky (Deborah Barnett) at 519-995-4057 for pick up.

ROTARY CLUB OF AMHERSTBURG MEETINGS; Rotary meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month in the community room at ACS at

6 p.m. New members welcome. For info, e-mail rotaryclubofamherstburg@gmail.com or call Susanne at 519-990-2775.

MEALS ON WHEELS; Offered by Amherstburg Community Services (ACS). Meals on Wheels assists those who are unable to shop for food and cook meals. Also available to those recovering from illness or surgery. Healthy, delicious and affordable meals provided to residents of Amherstburg, Harrow, McGregor and LaSalle residents. ACS caters to dietary needs, each meal comes with soup, bread, main course and dessert. Cost $7.50 per meal. Call 519-736-5471 for details.

GOLDEN AGE CLUB; The Golden Age Club, Amherstburg’s friendship club, located at 179 Victoria St. S., is offering social activities five days a week, $10 a year to join. There are over 160 members who have fun playing euchre, pepper, bingo, cribbage, and bridge and doing line dancing. We also have three special luncheons and a beautiful Christmas party. You pick which activities you want to participate in. Visit www. goldenagecentre.ca to see how to join, participate, and learn how we support our community.

ESSEX COUNTY ORCHID SOCIETY MEETINGS; The Essex County Orchid Society invites you to join them monthly, third Sunday of the month till May at St. Stephen’s Church Hall, 5280 Howard Ave; 1:30 p.m. Refreshments served. New members and visitors are welcome. We are on Facebook!

COLUMBUS COMMUNITY HALL EVENTS; Columbus Community Hall, 190 Richmond St. Senior dance, 3 p.m. and dinner 5 p.m. every second Tuesday of the month ($12 donation). Serving burgers and fries for purchase every Monday 12-2 p.m., Bingo on Thursday at 7 p.m., Fish Fry on Friday (includes chicken) from 4:30-6:30 p.m., eat-in or take out. Everyone welcome.

FREE COMMUNITY MEAL; Lighthouse Church, in conjunction with Feeding Windsor, invites the public to come Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. for a free dinner. All welcome. Come meet others in the community and enjoy some good food. No registration required. Lighthouse Church is located at 266 King St. (entrance off Gore St.).

MENTAL HEALTH & COUNSELLING SERVICES; The Youth Wellness Hub presenting mental health and counselling services at The House Youth Centre. Runs every Wednesday from 2-6 p.m. Free for people between the ages of 12-25. The House is located at 320 Richmond St. For details, call 519-800-8640.

MISSION HOURS; The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, 298 Victoria St. S., open from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. with lunch between 12-1 p.m. Mission food bank open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-11:45 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. For info, call 519-736-9140 or visit www.aburgmission.ca. Stop by for food, fellowship and a warm welcome. All donations welcome.

ACS FOOD BANK; Curbside pickup at Amherstburg Community Hub (320 Richmond St.). Runs MondayFriday 9 a.m.-12 noon. Call 519-736-5471 for assistance.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED; Community service volunteer hours are available for high school students. Outside jobs at Bryerswood Youth Camp. Please contact info@ bryerswood.com.

BOTTLE DONATIONS; The AMA Sportsmen Association continues to accept donations of empty beer and wine bottles. People who wish to donate their empties can drop them off at the rear of the club, 468 Lowes Side Road in Amherstburg. For information, visit www.amasportsmen.com or call 519-736-5706.

FOUNDERS CLUB; Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club seeking donors to join the “Founders Club.” Donors help fund general operations fund of the camp. Donors with gifts of $5,000 and over become “Founders Club” members and have one square of camp property sponsored in their name. Multiple squares available. Tax receipts provided. For info, visit www.bryerswood.com, call 519-996-7364 or e-mail info@bryerswood.com. AMHERSTBURG

320 Richmond St., 519-736-5471. Meals on Wheels, CareLink Accessible Transportation, Food Bank, Senior Support, Keep The Heat, Ontario Energy Support Program & much more. Please call to see how we can help!

3-BEDROOM UPPER DUPLEX FOR RENT IN AMHERSTBURG; Very clean, well maintained, approximately 1200 sq. ft. Upper-Duplex in quiet neighbourhood on Queen Street. Open-concept living-room and diningarea with cathedral-ceiling. Carpet and Ceramic-Tile throughout. Open-concept kitchen with Island, Fridge, Stove and Dishwasher included. Private ensuite laundry-room, Washer and Dryer included. 3 Bedrooms with lots of closet-space. 4-Piece Bathroom. Central ForcedAir Conditioning and HighEfficiency Gas Furnace. No Smoking. Private access to your own deck, within shared rear-yard. $1,875 Monthly, plus Utilities. Minimum 1-year Lease. Apply with: References, Income-Verification & Credit Checks. First and Last Months Rent Required. By Appointment Only, call 519-736-4473 between 9:00am to 5 pm and leave a detailed message.

RUMMAGE SALE

ST.ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 129 Simcoe Str. Amherstburg Friday, May 3 10am-4pmSaturday, May 4 9am-2pm Come find your treasure in women’s, men’s, children’s clothinghousewares, books. Great prices! So much more to find. Something for everyone! If you wish to donate items call (519)9956957 before April 30 to arrange pick-up.

HAIRSTYLIST/ BARBER CHAIR

RENTAL

Hairstylist Chair rental; available April 1, contact Vivienne or Carol at Carol’s unisex 519 736-4400

YARN DONATIONS

WANTED

YARN DONATIONS WANTED; Resident looking for yarn donations as she knits beds for the WindsorEssex County Humane Society. Drop-off yarn at Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 or call Pinky (Deborah Barnett) at 519-995-4057

SUDOKU ANSWERS

SCRAMBLE ANSWER COMIC

SUDOKU ANSWERS

LANDSCAPING "Preferred Landscaping"

Locally owned company offering lawn care services. Weekly, monthly, or one time cutting, trimming, and yard clean up. Please call Larry for a free quote. 519984-7412.

RobeRt AllAn

February 5th 1961- April 19th, 2023

Miss me, but let me go

When I come to the end of the road, When the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom-filled room. Why cry for a soul set free.

Miss me a little, but not too long

And not with your head bowed low, Remember the love that we once shared, Miss me, but let me go.

SCRAMBLE ANSWER COMIC

For this is a journey that we all must take And each must go alone.

It’s all part of the Master’s plan, A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart, Go to the friends we know, And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds, Miss me, but let me go. Love Mom, Jerry, Darlene and the late Norman

THANK YOU

To all who called or stopped by, sent cards, flowers or gifts, Theresa Bellefleur and her family want to thank each and every one of you, she was deeply touched by everyone's kindness and generosity.

First-ever wedding performed at Seasons Amherstburg

By Ron Giofu

For the first time in the history of Seasons Amherstburg Retirement Community, a wedding between two residents was conducted.

Les Barker and Mabel Reid tied the knot last Thursday afternoon at Seasons Amherstburg, with Carol Hrycay acting as the bridesmaid and Ward Yorke as the best man.

Reid said she felt “great” after the ceremony concluded. The reception was also held at Seasons. Before they exchanged vows, Barker sung a song for his new bride. Live music was also part of the ceremony.

“We met here two years ago,” said Barker. “I was here one month ahead. Mabel came the next month.”

Reid said they were introduced by Hrycay. Barker was asked to fix something in Reid’s unit and it was arranged where he could go in and do the work. A friendship blossomed and they started saying hello to each other when they would see one another around the building.

It is the third marriage for both of them, Barker added. Much of Reid’s family live out of town and future plans involve being closer to them. Because of that, the newlyweds made the wedding one of their farewells to Seasons, as they are now moving to Niagara Falls. Reid said that is where her family is and she wants them to be closer to them.

Jenn Lauzon, fun manager at Seasons Amherstburg, helped plan the first-ever wedding there. She said it was put together over a two-week timespan.

“They wanted to get married at Seasons where all of their friends are,” said Lauzon.

Lauzon added even the officiant, Becky Ewen, had a connection to Seasons Amherstburg as Ewen is the daughter of a resident.

ANY PERSON who wishes to attend and address Council by electronic means, must register with the

Office no later than 4:00 pm on Thursday, May 9, 2024. To register for electronic participation please email the Clerk at . Once you register, you will be given information on how to make your submission at the electronic meeting by electronic participation. To participate, you will need access to a computer or tablet with internet service or a telephone.

Their relationship grew further to where they became a couple and led to the marriage last Thursday afternoon.

ANY PERSON who wishes watch the meeting proceedings only, please visit http://video.islive.ca/amherstburg/live.html

THE SUBJECT LANDS AND PURPOSE OF

This rezoning application will affect approximately 27.32 hectares ± of land described as Concession 6, Part Lot 5, municipally known as the retained farm parcel from a surplus dwelling severance at 6387-6391 Concession 6 N (see map below).

Proposed Dalhousie St. hotel subject of debate at accessibility committee

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Saxon asked where a drop-off area could be, and if it were in front of the hotel, would curb cuts be installed.

“Does the magnitude of the development warrant the provision of parking spaces for people with disabilities?” she asked.

Saxon noted the Official Plan notes that serious consideration should be considered for a barrier-free

environment. She also asked whether parking requirements conflict with the Official Plan. She wanted information on doors, whether they and the path of travel to them will be clear of obstructions and how many will have automatic doors.

Accessible bikes for the proposed bike rental business were also asked about, as was access to the restaurant should there be stairs and whether there would be a lift or an elevator.

PUBLIC MEETING:

NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg will hold a public meeting on Monday, May 13, 2024 commencing at 5:00 p.m. in the Town of Amherstburg Council Chambers, 271 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, Ontario. The purpose of this meeting is to consider a proposed amendment to the Town of Amherstburg Zoning By-law 1999-52, under Section 34 of the Planning Act.

PERSON seeking to attend meetings in-person should follow all public health guidance to ensure the safety of themselves and others during the COVID-19 pandemic. ANY PERSON who wishes to attend and address Council by electronic means, must register with the Clerk’s Office no later than 4:00 pm on Thursday, May 9, 2024. To register for electronic participation please email the Clerk at clerk@amherstburg.ca. Once you register, you will be given information on how to make your submission at the electronic meeting by electronic participation. To participate, you will need access to a computer or tablet with internet service or a telephone. ANY PERSON who wishes watch the meeting proceedings only, please visit http://video.islive.ca/amherstburg/live.html THE SUBJECT LANDS AND PURPOSE OF THIS REZONING APPLICATION: This rezoning application will affect approximately 27.32 hectares ± of land described as Concession 6, Part Lot 5, municipally known as the retained farm parcel from a surplus dwelling severance at 6387-6391 Concession 6 N (see map below). This Zoning Amendment, if approved, will rezone the subject lands from “Agricultural (A) Zone” to “Special Provision Agricultural (A-36) Zone”. The parcel is designated Agricultural in the Town’s Official Plan. The lands described above are subject to an application for consent (File B/06/24) to sever a dwelling which is surplus to the needs of a farming operation. The purpose of the rezoning will be to allow for general agricultural use on the subject property and prohibit any new dwelling unit on the land. The “Special Provision Agricultural (A-36) Zone” is established as a site-specific zone for the retained agricultural parcel created through consent, to prohibit new residential uses on these lands.

This Zoning Amendment, if approved, will rezone the subject lands from “Agricultural (A) Zone” to “Special Provision Agricultural (A-36) Zone”. The parcel is designated Agricultural in the Town’s Official Plan. The lands described above are subject to an application for consent (File B/06/24) to sever a dwelling which is surplus to the needs of a farming operation.

The committee was also asked if they would consider feedback from the Open Air survey, with Saxon noting a top complaint was the lack of accessibility.

“If the committee is OK with closed streets, how will it address accessibility concerns?” she asked.

The purpose of the rezoning will be to allow for general agricultural use on the subject property and prohibit any new dwelling unit on the land. The “Special Provision Agricultural (A-36) Zone” is established as a site-specific zone for the retained agricultural parcel created through consent, to prohibit new residential uses on these lands.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Waiting areas and accessible seating were also asked about, as were outdoor public use eating areas. Walkways being clear of overhead items were also among Saxon’s questions.

Committee chair Shirley Curson-Prue asked Saxon to submit a copy of her report to the clerk, but Saxon declined. Saxon said the committee is a mandated committee and it is the committee that will provide recommendations, not her as an individual.

ANY PERSON may make written representation in support of or in opposition to the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment by email to the Clerk at clerk@amherstburg.ca or in person by appointment for drop-off at Town Hall located at 271 Sandwich Street South. Comments must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2024 before the meeting and will be read aloud prior to the application being heard by Council.

“The committee provides advice to council, not me. It’s up for you to decide whether the hotel plan will be endorsed by the committee,” she said. “I can’t endorse it.”

NO PERSON OR PUBLIC BODY shall be added as a party to the hearing of the appeal unless, before the bylaw was passed, the person or public body made oral submissions at a public meeting or written submissions to the Council or, in the opinion of the Ontario Land Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party.

IF A PERSON OR PUBLIC BODY does not make oral submissions at a public meeting, or make written submissions to the Town of Amherstburg before the by-law is passed, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Land Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there is reasonable grounds to do so.

Officiant Becky Ewen (centre) conducts the wedding ceremony of Mabel Reid and Les Barker last Thursday afternoon.

Mabel Reid and Les Barker share their first kiss as husband and wife last Thursday at Seasons Amherstburg. It was the first wedding ever held at Seasons Amherstburg.