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NOVEMBER 24
O P E N AT
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46 ERIE STREET SOUTH, LEAMINGTON
Volume 8, Issue 43
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
www.southpointsun.ca
Safer cycling on Seacliff Drive in 2018
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The CWATS (County Wide Active Transportation System) Committee recommendations for 2018 infrastructure projects were approved by Essex County Council last Wednesday, November 15th. The approved projects include extending cycling facilities on Seacliff Drive between Leamington and Kingsville, on Heritage Rd. between Oxley and Kingsville, as well as elsewhere in the County. The projects are cost-shared between the municipalities and the County of Essex. Both Leamington and Kingsville Councils have already approved their share of the 2018 projects. “Of course, we are most pleased that a cycling facility will be built next year on Seacliff Drive for all of the distance between Kingsville and Leamington,” says Sue Omstead of Share the Road Essex County. “We are very proud that our town of Kingsville has been a leader for CWATS since the plan’s inception. Kingsville and the County built a cycling facility along a portion of Seacliff Drive in 2016/2017. Now Leamington, Kingsville and the County are committed to seeing this through next year.” With this early project approval, the Omsteads are hopeful construction might start in the spring so that the facility can be used throughout most of 2018. “This is really great news for the many, many migrant workers, students and all the others who want to bike, walk or roll along Seacliff Drive between Leamington and Kingsville,” says Sue Omstead. Omstead and her husband Tom have been advocating for a safer cycling facility to be built along that busy and narrow road, as well as elsewhere throughout the County, since 2005 when they, along with over 100 local cyclists, rode from Leamington to Kingsville on Seacliff Drive to bring public attention to this initiative. Shortly afterwards over 1500 people provided their signatures in support of the cause. “Share the Road Essex County started because of concerns for the safety of migrant workers. Unlike us, they don’t ride for exercise,” says Omstead. “They use bikes like we use cars. Hundreds, if not thousands, of them live and work on Seacliff Drive and they bike to the community for basic things like food. We don’t put our lives at risk doing things like that. Neither should they.” Following that initial ride, the Omsteads met with County Engineer Tom Bateman who acknowledged their concern was legitimate and promised to take measures to address their concerns. So began a process, which eventually led to the formation of CWATS. “We never expected it to take so long,” says Tom, “but it’s better late than never.” “It’s also great news for motorists. Our Share the Road Essex County supporters drive cars along Seacliff Drive too. In the future, we won’t have to worry about accidentally hitting a cyclist we didn’t see. Now they’ll have some safe space to travel and this is better for everyone.” (Continued on Page 10)
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These two couples got into the disco spirit Friday night at the Diamonds and Denim Gala, Disco Edition. Dressed to the nines are, left to right, George Andary and Vicky Andary (of Leamington), and Jenny Sawaya and Clovis Sawaya (of Windsor). (SUN Photos)
Diamonds and Denim gala well attended By Pat Bailey Over 300 guests attended the Diamonds and Denim Disco Edition fundraiser held Friday night, November 17 at the Leamington Portuguese Club. Proceeds from the gala will benefit South Essex Community Council’s many programs. The evening included dinner, entertainment by the Cardinal Carter dance team, a silent auction and a raffle. Prizes included a 49” HDTV, two tickets for anywhere Air Canada flies, a $500 VIA Rail voucher, a hockey stick autographed by the Maple Leafs, four Walt Disney Park Hopper passes and a diamond tennis bracelet.
SECC employees Milka Peiper, left, and Vicki Noland got in the spirit of the event and greeted guests at the door.
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