County Council Highlights for Sept. 20, 2023

Warden Welcomes New Treasurer and EMS Chief

Warden Hilda MacDonald welcomed new Director of Financial Services and Treasurer Melissa Ryan and congratulated the incoming Chief of Essex-Windsor EMS in her opening to remarks to Essex County Council on Wednesday.

Ryan is joining the county after seven years as manager of provincial offences for the City of Windsor. The warden noted Ryan has “deep financial and management experience, along with a track record for effective leadership in times of change.”

MacDonald said Essex-Windsor EMS Deputy Chief Justin Lammers, who will take over as Chief on Oct. 9, has shown he is up for the challenge.

“Deputy Chief Lammers has ably represented Essex-Windsor EMS at this table and elsewhere in the community over the past 18 years. He has taken on daunting projects – including the coordination of Essex-Windsor EMS’s COVID-19 response – with passion, commitment and determination,” she said.

MacDonald also encouraged members of council and the public to take advantage of Invisible No More – An Accessibility Forum being hosted by the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee on Oct. 19 at Heritage Park Alliance in LaSalle. The focus of the forum is learning about invisible disabilities and ways to be more inclusive of those who have them. Register online at countyofessex.ca/accessibility-forum.

Council Revises Land Acknowledgement

Council has revised the County of Essex land acknowledgement and asked administration to report annually on steps taken to educate staff and build respectful, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous Peoples.

The new wording of the land acknowledgement, which is read at the beginning of council meetings and other county events, is:

We acknowledge the land on which the County of Essex is located is the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, comprised of the Ojibway, Odawa and Potawatomie Peoples. We specifically recognize Caldwell First Nation and other First Nations which have provided significant historical and contemporary contributions to this region. We also value the contributions of all Original Peoples of Turtle Island, who have been living and working on this land from time immemorial.

County council adopted a land acknowledgement two years ago as a living document that would be open to revisions. A report to council and accompanying briefing memo recommended revising the land acknowledgement to specifically name Caldwell First Nation “in recognition of its significant and ongoing connection to the County.”

Conferences Council Members Can Attend in 2024 Identified

Council approved seven annual conferences that members can attend in 2024 at the county’s expense.

The county’s Travel, Meetings and Conferences Policy allows each member of council to spend up to $5,000 a year to attend events that are related to their role on Essex County Council. Under the policy, council is responsible for ensuring there are legitimate reasons for attending the events, such as conferences and seminars, and that they will allow council members to better carry out their duties.

Meeting Dates Set for 2024

Essex County Council’s meeting schedule for 2024 has been set. The budget meeting is set for Jan. 10 and council will continue to meet twice a month, starting at 6 p.m., with the exception of July and August.

Tender Awarded for Replacement of Drain on County Road 50

Front Construction Industries has been awarded the contract to replace the Tom Wright Drain on County Road 50 for $1.25 million plus applicable taxes.

The contract allows for the replacement of the drain near the intersection of County Road 50 and County Road 13 to be completed by the end of October 2024. The current drain was affected by heavy rainfall in late August and an assessment is being done to determine whether any immediate repairs are required to keep it functioning until construction begins, says a report to council.

Council to Consider Putting a Plaque at a River Canard Bridge

County Council has requested a report from administration on the feasibility of having a plaque installed at the bow string bridge over River Canard on County Road 8.

LaSalle Mayor Crystal Meloche made the motion to request the report, noting that the bridge in the community of River Canard is a historical landmark that is located on the boundary between LaSalle and Amherstburg.

Report on Making Intersection Safer Requested

Council has asked administration to prepare a report on how to make the intersection of County Road 18 and County Road 15 in Essex safer. Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy made the motion, which was supported unanimously by Council.