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Vol. 14, Issue 05
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Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Ice storm wreaks havoc on homes, residents
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The winter storm that made its way through the Sun Parlour on Wednesday, February 22 produced widespread power outages, damaged roofs and a few flooded basements. Trees and branches were down everywhere you looked throughout Leamington, Kingsville and Wheatley, with hydro lines often coming down with them. About 4,100 Leamington residences were without power on Wednesday evening for about six hours, while most of Kingsville and Wheatley were still without power Thursday morning. Many in Wheatley, Kingsville and Leamington didn’t have power restored until Friday. The sound of chain saws and wood chippers filled the air in some neighbourhoods as residents and municipal staff tended to trees and large branches blocking driveways and sidewalks. Thursday’s warming temperatures helped the situation as the ice eventually melted off the trees and roofs. For the second day in a row on Thursday, local school buses weren’t running and 17 Essex County schools were closed Thursday due to power outages. Wheatley Area Public School was also without power and closed for the day on Thursday. On Friday, a few schools across the county were still without hydro and remained closed.
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Tree damage at Seacliff Park in Leamington was evident on Thursday morning, February 23. The storm downed several trees and lots of branches in the area. SUN photo by Paul Forman
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Budget deliberations continue
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From The Weather Network WED., MARCH 1 THUR., MARCH 2 high
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A large branch fell onto the road on Danforth Avenue in Leamington. SUN photo
As of press time Tuesday morning, Leamington Council was still in chambers discussing the proposed 2023 budget brought forth by administration. The draft budget presented on Monday, February 27 included a proposed property tax increase of roughly four per cent, which amounts to an annual increase of approximately $95.53 for an average home in Leamington assessed at $190,000. That $190,000 assessment is based on 2016 values as determined by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). Included in budget talks were events such as Mill Street Markets, Summer Concerts at the Amphitheatre and Leamington’s 150th birthday celebration which will happen in 2024.
The budget represents about $100 million in total spending, with about $36 million coming through taxation. A planned rejuvenation for the Big Leamington Tomato in time for the 150th birthday celebration was also included, as well as discussion on the Mersea Park splashpad and other improvements. In alignment with the municipality’s master plan, the uptown streetscape re-design is scheduled to begin this year as well. At press time, council was still hearing reports from various departments, with those reports expected to wrap up on Tuesday afternoon. Wednesday was set aside for additional time, if needed.
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