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  • Essex to voice concerns regarding Province’s intention to merge conservation authorities

    By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press

    Essex Council directed its administration to prepare and send a letter to the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) at the December 1 meeting to express the Town’s support for its Board of Directors’ position regarding the Province proposing Conservation Authority (CA) consolidation.

    Recently, ERCA’s Board raised concerns about how these changes could impact local accountability and service delivery.

    The letter will be circulated to ERCA’s member municipalities, to the submission window to the Province for comments on the matter, and to local MPPs.

    Councillor Jason Matyi, one of Essex’s representatives on the ERCA Board, raised the resolution at the November 17 meeting, and Essex Council supported it at the December 1 meeting.

    This is in response to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP) announcing its intent to combine conservation authorities in the province, from 36 – largely in broader Southwestern Ontario – to seven regional entities under Bill 68, Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2025.

    This would combine the Essex region with other Conservation Authorities up to the north of Guelph as part of what is being referred to as the Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority (LERCA). It would be comprised of 81 municipalities. It is not known what the Board governance for this amalgamated CA would be.

    At the previous meeting, Council also supported Matyi’s motion to ask ERCA CAO Tim Bryne to speak of the changes at an Essex Council meeting. He did so on Monday.

    They are “rather sweeping changes being pushed forward by the Province,” Bryne told Essex Council of Bill 68, noting ERCA found out about it on a Friday morning three-weeks ago without any consultation.

    “It caught us somewhat by surprise, but we weren’t shocked.”

    ERCA has advised the Province if there is a need for change, “we need to understand why there is a need to change,” Byrne told Essex Council. “We need to understand what the problem actually is that we are trying to solve, and destruction does not actually push forward to success.”

    CAs operate on the principles of integrated watershed management, James Bryant, Director of Watershed Management Services for ERCA, explained. That is done through its municipal partners. Once established, a Board of Directors is created of appointed Councillors. Its administration enacts the vision of the Board in compliance with legislation.

    The proposed amalgamation of CAs is one silo of Bill 68, which is a budget measures Bill that is an enabling piece of legislation establishing a provincial oversight agency, the Ontario Conservation Agency, Bryant explained.

    If passed, that agency will oversee the proposed amalgamation, deciding on boundaries, the transition, governance, strategic vision, performance, and funding of the conservation authorities. It will have five to 12 appointed Board Members by the Lieutenant Governor and Council. There would be an appointed CEO and agency staff.

    Below that will be the seven proposed conservation authorities.

    Bryant said the Essex Region will compete with those other municipalities proposed for the LERCA Board in terms of prioritization of local projects, some of which have major population centres.

    As Bill 68 has been given Royal Assent on November 27, the expectation is that there will be a CEO appointed to the provincial agency, in addition to the Board members, Bryant said. Then staff will be brought on board and oversee the transition from 36 to the proposed seven CAs.

    He noted, as far as ERCA knows, the timeline to finalize CA boundaries is in the spring, transitioning into the regional CAs into 2027.

    “Every time I try to look at this through a different lens, I can’t find a good reason to amalgamate all of these Conservation Authorities,” Councillor Matyi said, pointing out of the 81 proposed for LERCA, 12 are large cities. “Having Essex’s voice ring out through that I think is going to get… cluttered.”

    He fears it will remove local Councillors from being on the CA Board.

    In answering Councillor Katie McGuire-Blais’s question, who is Essex’s other rep on ERCA’s Board, if building permits required through ERCA would be put to the next tier and not handled locally anymore, Byrne said they “do not have a clue.

    “The one thing we do know is the jurisdiction extends from the Detroit River 300kms to the north-east; watershed principle be damned, that goes out the door. Local accountability, that goes out the door,” Byrne said.

    “We have a flooding issue in Essex County…to potentially say we won’t have a board or…an authority in our own backyard who is going to protect our watershed and protect us from flooding is really scary to think about,” McGuire-Blais added, encouraging all municipalities and developers, as she believes they may have to wait a long time to get permits, to write the local MPPs and Premier Ford to express they are unhappy with the proposed changes.

    Councillor Kim Verbeek wondered if there was an opportunity for ERCA and other municipalities outside the region, perhaps up to 100kms instead of the proposed 300km, to come up with a plan to work as a larger body. Perhaps a case can be made to the Province to consider that an option instead.

    Bryant said the Province is looking for feedback and wants to see those types of suggestions. Byrne added there has been limited dialogue on that.

    These things should be determined by electorates, he said.

    Amalgamation does not necessarily mean cost-savings, Mayor Sherry Bondy added. It can lead to the degradation of local autonomy and governance and accountability.

    “I think Essex County is so unique. If they want to amalgamate boards in Toronto for their own reasons, so be it,” Bondy said. “But we are so unique here in Essex County that we really need to be our own, in my opinion.”

    She will be optimistic the Province will receive the feedback and “give Essex County the autonomy that it deserves from a natural heritage, flooding, and regulation point of view.”

    ERCA’s 2026 Budget

    In terms of the 2026 Budget, Byrne announced the original request of a 2.5%-2.8% increase would be put on hold and would move forward with zero-based budgeting, thanks to what he said was sound fiscal management and knowing of the economic climate. That will. However,be based on a split of local municipalities’ CBAs. The Town of Essex’s CBA jumped up by .3%, which he said is something.

    The budgeted amount to Essex last year was $165,953. The 2026 allocation, including mandatory and non-mandatory, will be $166,916.

    Essex CAO Kate Giurissevich appreciated the information, noting Essex built in a 5% increase into its 2026 Budget for which Council will start deliberations on Monday, December 8. That is around $8,000 in savings that can be adjusted into Essex’s Budget, she explained.

  • Ontario Invests in Windsor–Essex Fertility Care with $1.57M for IVF Expansion

    Ontario Invests in Windsor–Essex Fertility Care with $1.57M for IVF Expansion

    By: Matt Weinagrden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter

    The Ontario government is investing $1,571,277 in Victory Reproductive Care in Windsor to help more families access publicly funded fertility treatments closer to home. The funding, announced today, will support approximately 163 in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles through the Ontario Fertility Program (OFP), improving access and reducing wait times for individuals and couples in the region.

     

    The investment is part of a broader $250 million expansion of the OFP, which will enhance services at 25 clinics across Ontario, including six new IVF sites. The province estimates that $50 million allocated for 2025–26 will fund an additional 5,000 IVF cycles, with the remaining $200 million to be distributed in fiscal years 2026–27 and 2027–28.

     

    “Every family deserves the chance to grow, and this investment shows our government’s commitment to making that dream a reality for more people in our community,” said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor–Tecumseh. “By expanding access to fertility services close to home, we are easing the stress and reducing wait times for families who rely on this important support.”

     

    Dowie was joined at the announcement by Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health, and Dr. Rahi Victory of Victory Reproductive Care.

     

    “By investing in Victory Reproductive Care, our government is helping more people get the fertility care they need without having to travel far from home,” said Leardi.

     

    Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones emphasized the province’s commitment to expanding access. “Our investment in these 25 clinics will help triple the number of families in Ontario benefiting from publicly funded fertility supports—further protecting public services,” she said.

     

    Since its launch in 2015, the OFP has supported more than 125,500 Ontarians in their efforts to build families. The program now funds 54 clinics across Ontario offering services such as intra-uterine insemination (IUI), IVF, and fertility preservation.

     

    As part of ongoing quality improvements, all publicly funded fertility clinics under the OFP will be required to achieve accreditation through Accreditation Canada’s Qmentum Global program by April 1, 2028.

     

    In addition to expanded clinical support, the province is introducing a new refundable Ontario Fertility Treatment Tax Credit beginning in the 2025 tax year. The credit will provide up to $5,000 annually by covering 25 per cent of eligible fertility-related expenses up to $20,000. Covered costs include IVF cycles, fertility medications, diagnostic testing, and travel for treatment, provided services are delivered entirely within Canada.

     

    The investment aligns with Ontario’s broader health strategy, Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, which aims to improve access to timely, high-quality services across the province.

  • Film buffs shooting crime flick in Chatham-Kent

    Film buffs shooting crime flick in Chatham-Kent

    By Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice

    When Leeann Sousa told her husband Stephen he needed a hobby, she had no idea it would include making a feature film.

    Her wifely advice came after the couple moved to Wallaceburg from Brampton in 2023. Now, two short films later, the pair are in the throes of creating a crime action drama with many familiar sites serving as movie sets.

    The fact that its mostly local folks acting in the film is a bonus.

    “I’m always looking for good talent,” the indie filmmaker said in a recent interview with The Voice. “I’m always looking for people who want to participate and be involved in the filming process.”

    ‘Finding Cronus,’ the full feature film the Sousas are working on, tells the story of Artemis – a rich but evil antiquities collector. Stephen wrote the script telling the story of the villain’s search for a mystical artifact called the Book of Epignosis – a tome he hopes holds the secret keys to power. The ruthless Artemis does whatever he has to, Stephen said, to try and find the book.

    However, there’s also a secret agent named John who has been after Artemis for a long time and he makes it his mission to try to get the notorious criminal behind bars. But close to the end of Indiana Jones styled movie, agent John finds out he has more in common with Artemis than he thought.

    “I can’t say anymore without giving away the end of the movie,” Stephen joked.

    It’s Sousa’s first full-length feature film. With Leeann’s help, he’s already created two short films – Never Ending Rain and Limbo’s Glance. Both are currently in regional film festivals. Limbo’s Glance was filmed entirely in the Wallaceburg’s County Fair Mall and stars local chiropractor Curtis Scott.

    Prior moving to Chatham-Kent, the couple operated a toy store in Mississauga, among other ventures. Both have worked as photographers in the past, and earlier in life, Stephan dabbled in videography with his father Silverio, filming weddings and other events.

    So, in response to his wife’s suggestion, he decided to return his former pastime.

    “It’s turned out to be a really fun thing to dabble in,” Stephen said, noting he’s networked with indie filmmaker Robert Bellamy who is currently working on a Bell Media production to be aired on Crave.

    “I got involved because it was a passion,” he said. “I wanted to complete something.”

    However, Stephen stresses he’s leaving the Finding Cronus story “open at the end” in case anyone wants to pick it up and develop a television series or sequel.

    Movie making has its challenges, the pair said. Finding characters is an ongoing task, Stephen said, explaining he hands out his business card when he sees someone he thinks is suitable for a role, in addition to running ads.

    In developing Finding Cronus, the pair has filmed in a variety of local sites, including Wallaceburg’s Canadian Belgian Dutch Club and Loads of Love in Chatham. In August, they’ll be filming at Glasstown Brewing Company in Wallaceburg.

    Stephen said the toughest part of the process is scheduling everyone to get together for a shoot.

    “Everyone is on a volunteer basis and in saying that, I want to accommodate their schedules,” Stephen said. ‘I don’t want to take away from their work. They’re helping me out and I do my best to help them out.”

    The couple said they love their new home in Wallaceburg, adding living in a small community makes it easier to network and co-ordinate with others in the filming process.

    Stephen said he plans to put Finding Cronus on Tubi – a free streaming channel for all to watch – and he’s also hoping to arrange a screening at Chatham’s Capitol Theatre.

    “I want to put it out there so people can see what I can do,” he added.

    And while filmmaking began as Stephen’s so-called hobby, Leeann said it’s turned into a “joint hobby” and partnership, as she serves as the director.

    If you are interested in helping out or finding out more, direct message SEFilm (Sousa Entertainment Film) on Facebook.

  • Anti-bullying group turns 20

    Anti-bullying group turns 20

    By Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice

    Mike Neuts has covered a lot of ground in the last 20 years.

    On Oct. 25, 2005, the Thamesville resident and his wife Brenda founded Make Children Better Now (MCNB) – a non-profit agency aimed at carrying an anti-bullying message to children and youth.

    Created to honour the memory of their son Myles, who died as the result of a tragic bullying incident at school, the non-profit has allowed Neuts to share his story to some 300,000 students across Canada.

    “There’s a lot to celebrate,” Neuts said of the past two decades, noting MCBN has followed its mandate to “support like-minded organizations helping kids.

    “We want to help provide happy and healthy environments for all children.”

    Myles died in February 1998. The 10-year-old was taken off life support six days after he was discovered unconscious hanging from a coat hook in a washroom stall in school.

    A coroner’s inquest was held to probe Myles’ death. Its jury couldn’t determine the exact cause of death but they did bring forward 24 recommendations to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

    After much soul searching, the Thamesville couple founded MCBN, in part to fulfill the changes recommended by the inquest.

    The MCBN acronym aligns with Myles Casey Benson Neuts’ initials – another way for the couple to honour their child’s memory.

    Following the publicity generated by the inquest, Neuts was asked to share his anti-bullying message at a London-area elementary school.

    The effort grew from there, and along with presentations to thousands of students, Neuts has worked with dozens of agencies, law enforcement and educational groups, as well as mental health professionals.

    And while Myles’ death was a senseless tragedy, Neuts said sharing his experience has brought hope to many. He has received 40,000 letters and cards. Some feature little drawings from young children; some come from bullies who say they will never do it again and some are from victims who say Neuts’ talk kept them from committing suicide.

    “As long as I can, I’ve got to do whatever I can, because it seems to be helpful,” he said.

    Through fundraising and advocacy work, MCBN has launched various initiatives, supporting many other youth-oriented organizations and campaigns promoting empathy, justice and respect.

    Over the years, MCBN has sponsored summer camps, the singing program Respect Revolution, and held summits on children’s mental health, bringing experts to Chatham-Kent to assist with children’s mental health.

    But that’s just a few of the things MCBN has assisted with, Neuts said, stressing there’s more to be done as bullying appears to be on the rise.

    Cyber-bullying on social media is a particularly pressing problem, he said, creating difficult challenges for officials and children themselves. In days gone by, victims of bullying could find relief outside of school or work.

    “There’s no safe place,” he explained. “Thanks to technology, it occurs 24-7.”

    The current political climate isn’t helping the cause, he explained, as world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, are bullying others on the world stage.

    That isn’t helping create healthier kids or safer environments, he added, noting that in his opinion, many Americans are afraid but aren’t speaking out.

    “I think that if you have a different skin colour than white, you’re extremely scared of him,” he added. “Victims of bullying don’t speak out because of fear.”

    The news coming out of the United States makes Neuts think of friends he’s met along the way, including Jewish Auschwitz survivor Dr. Eva Olsen. Olsen became like a “grandmother” to him, he said, sharing her story of surviving the Nazi regime in the Second World War. Except for herself and her sisters, Olsen’s family perished at the hands of the Nazis.

    She taught Neuts that everyone has a role to play.

    He said Olsen also taught him that the bullies were the Nazi Gestapo and Hitler, the victims were the intellectuals and Jewish people, and the bystanders were the countries that “handed over” their Jewish population to Hitler with no questions asked.

    He points out that bystanders – those who stand by and watch as bullying occurs – are guilty too.

    Bullies who downplay their actions by saying they were just joking, don’t get a pass either, Neuts said.

    “’I didn’t mean to hurt anyone – I was just having fun’ is a common excuse.”

    But on a positive note, he said there are many great children and youth and they don’t get recognition.

    “The sensationalized stories are about the bad people, and the bad people always get press,” he said. “There’s an awful lot of really good young people out there that we don’t acknowledge in our day-to-day lives.”

    MCBN will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a special gala at the John D. Bradley Centre in Chatham on Oct. 25, landing on the exact date the agency was started. The extravaganza will feature music by Big Shiny Toons, a silent auction, photo booths and more.

    Tickets for the fundraiser are $150. Interested parties can contact neutsmike@gmail.com; tony.drouillard@hotmail.com; or davaroubichaud59@gmail.com online.

  • Sprucing up recovery home in Chatham

    By Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice

    For the past 15 years, two church families have put their faith in action by way of the Backyard Mission Project in Chatham.

    A joint effort between Chatham’s First Presbyterian Church and First Christian Reformed Church, the initiative sees volunteers come together to transform the outside of a home for those in need.

    Journey’s Recovery Home on Joseph Street, a facility where men receive help for substance abuse, is benefitting this year with a gleaming coat of new paint.

    “This is a big project,” said Rev. Nate Van Denend from the porch of the three-storey wooden structure as workers buzzed around the building cleaning, completing repairs and building scaffolding to prepare for the paint crew.

    Van Denend, pastor of the First Christian Reformed Church in Chatham, said Journey’s Recovery Home was chosen to benefit from Backyard Mission 2025 in order to champion the important work that takes place at the facility.

    “The idea is to show our support to the community and to show our Christian love to our neighbours,” Van Denend explained, noting he kicked off the morning devotion with volunteers with the biblical message, “Faith without work is dead.”

    Volunteers at the site ranged in age from 13 to 70 -plus, including second-time Backyard Mission volunteer Ashlyn Benallick.

    Benallick, 19, who was among those washing down the house, said she helps out simply to “serve the Lord.”

    Her comments were echoed by first time volunteer Liane Vanderveen, who said she wanted to assist the men living in Journey’s Recovery Home and “give them some pride.”

    Workers from Chatham’s Multi Construction Inc. home builders company also lent a hand to the effort.

  • Kingsville receives $25K Seniors Community Grant that will help connect generations

    Kingsville receives $25K Seniors Community Grant that will help connect generations

    By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press

    One thing the Town of Kingsville has been trying to accomplish is bridging the gap between generations through the creation of intergenerational programming.

    Its administration is one step closer to being able to achieve that goal, thanks to its successful application to a $25,000 Seniors Community Grant from the province, the maximum available funding through this program.

    According to the province, the Seniors Community Grant Program has supported over 1,800 projects in communities across Ontario since 2018.

    Last Wednesday afternoon, Essex MPP Anthony Leardi outlined the details of the grant during a special announcement hosted at the Kingsville Carnegie Arts and Visitors Centre.

    Leardi congratulated Kingsville on being successful in this grant application, which will go a long way to keep seniors connected through a variety of meaningful ways.

    “We want to keep our seniors active and connected, because social isolation is public enemy number one,” Leardi said, reiterating a motto Minister of Seniors and Accessibility and MPP for Scarborough North, Raymond Cho, often shares.

    Part of the ways to keep seniors active and connected is through a Seniors Community Grant.

    The funding will support the Kingsville Community Centre offer a Drum Fit program, with location to be determined.

    Kingsville Community Centre Chairperson Tom Harmon is looking forward to learning more about the program, noting it sounds loud.

    “We have put some feelers out, and we are getting an excellent response to this Drum Fit [program]. So, we think this is just going to be an excellent program.”

    The Art Society of Kingsville (ASK) will host the Art Bridge program that will connect seniors with youth through art. ASK Chairperson, Wendy Durante, noted that while the details of this program are being fine-tuned, it will be hosted through the Kingsville Carnegie Arts and Visitors Centre starting this fall. She anticipates it will be a two-hour program running for 13-weeks that will include arts and storytelling.

    It will be designed to foster meaningful connections between youth and seniors through creativity and storytelling.

    “At its heart, Art Bridge is about building bridges between generations, between experiences, and between voices that deserve to be heard and celebrated,” Durante said. “We believe the arts have a unique power to unite people, and through Art Bridge, we look forward to nurturing shared expression, mutual understanding, and lasting relationships in our community.”

    She offered her sincere thanks on behalf of ASK for being selected as a partner on this grant application, and for the incredible opportunity.

    “We are excited to witness the imagination, insight, and connection that this program will inspire,” she added. “We are honoured and really excited to receive this support.”

    The Essex County Library will host the Interviewing a Grandparent initiative.

    “I want to see the interviews,” Leardi said excitedly. “I am looking forward to seeing these interviews and I am going to watch them all.”

    Other activities planned include yoga and skill swaps.

    “We have a great working relationship with our MPP Anthony Leardi, who I know goes to battle in Queen’s Park on multiple revenue streams,” Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers said.

    Rogers also spoke of how this grant will not only connect generations, but is connecting community groups.

    Connecting generations is something that has always been near and dear to his heart, as someone who grew up with a close and important relationship with his grandparents.

    “I am very excited to see this program move forward. It is going to provide a tremendous amount of value for residents of all ages,” Rogers concluded.

    Information on these programs will be available at the www.kingsville.ca/programs, in addition to other town-operated programs, such as an intergenerational tea on November 29.

  • Essex County Plowing Match attracts most spectators than it has in years

    Essex County Plowing Match attracts most spectators than it has in years

    By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press

    With competitors firmly focused on straightness and uniformity in creating furrows, and burying straw stubble well, they all vied for a top ranking in Essex County Plowmen’s Association’s annual Plowing Match Competition and Farm Equipment Show last Saturday.

    The annual event not only brings farmers from the area and across Southwestern Ontario together to compete, and hopefully earn enough points to get an invite to showcase their skills at the International Plowing Match in the fall, it offers a family funday members of the community can check out and enjoy.

    This year’s local match took place at Reaume Farms in Comber, which provided the participating plowmen a plot of land to work. Once plowed, judges assessed the workmanship to determine who did it the best in each category, designed to incorporate small to large plows, and antique tractors.

    One category was offered to test and encourage youths interested in the ag industry.

    The Essex County-based match-up is one of a series of competitions set-up all over Ontario, where participants can compete to try to qualify for the International Plowing Match, which will take place in the Niagara Region this September.

    Danielle Gagnon of Kingsville was proud to wear the 2025 Essex County Queen of the Furrow sash she won last year on the competition site. This is a leadership program for young women ages 18-25. They are judged on their plowing abilities, knowledge of the agricultural industry, on a speech they prepare for the banquet, and an interview with a panel of judges.

    Gagnon won last year’s competition, and later that night was crowned the winner for the 2026 term, as well. She focused the topic of her speech on housing development and how much farmland is lost in Ontario every year.

    She has been involved in the farming industry since she was five. She got involved with a farm through her older sisters, who were helping to care for the horses. She said she has been driving a tractor for years.

    Last year’s appearance at the Essex County Plowing Match was her first, and she was looking forward to competing again this year.

    As part of her 2025 win, she is headed to the International Plowing Match in September, where she will compete amongst other title holders from other regions.

    She is excited and nervous to compete at the next level, but is looking forward to the opportunity.

    “I think it’ll be a good experience,” she said.

    “It was a perfect day,” Murray McLeod, Secretary/Treasurer of the Essex County Plowmen’s Association, said. “We had probably one of the highest attendance of people coming out to watch the plowing in a while.”

    He spoke of how the event offered a class on lawn tractors for youngsters in the Kids’ Zone, which ended-up being a big hit. McLeod heard over 50 youths got involved. Typically, around 30 participate. He was pleased to see the interest.

    Families were able to tour the competition site aboard a wagon, and grab a bite to eat from the Rotary Club of Essex’s food booth.

    In addition, agricultural displays and demos were hosted onsite.

    Competition on the site this year went well, McLeod added.

    One competitor was planning to compete at the Ploughing Championship to take place in the Czech Republic, another was preparing to compete in the United States competition in Ohio. This heightened the level of competition on Saturday.

    “We had some really good plowers from out of County who came down this year,” he said. “The plowing was good, because the moisture in the ground was good.”

    In addition to being a place to compete, the Essex County Plowing Match continues to be a mainstay for local farmers to connect and pass along tricks of the trade.

    That comradery extends to the banquet that is held later in the evening, where competitors share a meal with their families, and awards for top placings earned during the match are presented. This year’s banquet was held at neighbouring Visitation Church. In addition to recognizing plowing accomplishments, sponsors were recognized and the Essex County Plowmen’s Association presented scholarships to three deserving students.

    Every year, the Essex County Plowmen’s Association selects a new farm as the host site, spreading it around the region.

    “We are always looking for a host,” McLeod said, noting those interested in hosting the competition next year should connect with the board.

  • LaSalle installs Remembrance Day crosswalk in memory of those who served

    By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press

    The Town of LaSalle has installed a Remembrance Day commemorative crosswalk on Normandy Street, near its cenotaph. The new commemorative art piece is located on a busy thoroughfare, in the heart of the community, as a reminder to residents to stop and remember.

    As someone who has served his country, LaSalle Deputy Mayor Mike Akpata was happy to support this Council-led project that carries significant meaning.

    “Somebody gave something so we can be here and live in the community we live in and have the freedoms we have,” he said, speaking from the heart.

    He joined the Canadian Reserve Army in 1987, eventually touring Afghanistan in 2007 with the 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment.

    Akpata said his story of originally joining the Reserves is one that is standard, having been in university at the time and unsure what he wanted to do with the rest of his life.

    “The next thing you know, you are doing something you love for 20-some-odd-years. It was a wonderful experience,” he said, noting he wouldn’t trade that experience for the world for a couple of reasons. One of them being it fulfilled the need in him to contribute.

    He spoke of being deployed to assist with a snow storm in the early ‘90s, or helping to sandbag rivers. It was about “being prepared to do something to support the country.

    “I have met a lot of people who left an impression on me with their commitment to country and to other soldiers. It is nice to have people stop, and pause, and remember.”

    He noted there were fellow soldiers killed on his tour in Afghanistan.

    “I made it home. I am with my family. I met some of the members who were killed. And I am reminded every single day that they are not here. I owe them something,” Akpata continued. “I have to make sure their memories carry on, or I failed them.”

    It is not just about the loss of life in combat, Akpata noted. It is also about post-return home suicides, and knowing of people who struggle years after returning home due to decisions that were made.

    “I know they will never fill the void, but it is something simple for municipalities to do, is to say ‘we acknowledge the sacrifice and commitment of these men and women that went to give us what we have.’”

    Though Remembrance Day crosswalks are not a new initiative in Essex County – or across the province – Akpata is, however, glad LaSalle now has one, as well, to recognize the sacrifices Veterans have made for their country.

    “LaSalle – and this area – has ties to the First World War, ties to the Second World War, ties to Afghanistan, ties to every Canadian conflict. And it is one of these things that you can never thank some people enough. So, we proposed it, Council moved on it, and now it is done. It is actually quite amazing,” Akpata said.

    In the municipal grind, the project moved forward quite quickly, Akpata acknowledged. It took less than a year from the concept to installation.

    Akpata spoke of the privilege he has had in meeting some Second World War Veterans, prior to their passing, and their families. For their families, this Remembrance Day crosswalk “is a recognition of service. It is a recognition of our community. It is a recognition of our values.”

    The Remembrance Day crosswalk was relatively inexpensive and quick to install, Akpata noted. It is also a simple and fitting tribute for the hundred of thousand of Canadians who gave their lives. He said he is not glorifying war, but acknowledging sacrifice.

    “For so many people, and for so many families, it has a meaning,” Akpata added. “It is good to recognize those who have given up themselves for us.”

    In addition, the Town of LaSalle website showcases a number of Veterans from LaSalle and their stories. Residents or families of Veterans of LaSalle, or the former Township of Sandwich West, are encouraged to submit their photos and information to be added. More information can be found at www.lasalle.ca/recreation-culture-and-community/history/local-veterans/

  • Essex hosts Water Safety Day on the shoreline

    Essex hosts Water Safety Day on the shoreline

    By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter,  Essex Free Press

    With National Drowning Prevention Week kicking-off on Sunday, July 20, the Town of Essex hosted a Water Safety Day down at the Colchester Harbour and Beach.

    The informational event aimed to arm individuals and families with tips to help keep safe in and around water by learning how to prevent incidents, recognizing hazards, and putting safety first.

    National Drowning Prevention Week takes place annually during the third-week of July. The Lifesaving Society designates this recognition to bring attention to drowning prevention.

    This year’s recognition week will take place July 20-26, with the “Safer Together” theme.

    During the event, individuals and families were able to visit various stations set up throughout the site, each providing a different tip or piece of information on how to be safe around the water. Each station was manned by different organizations, such as the Town of Essex and the Swim and Lifesaving Club, Essex Fire & Rescue Services, the OPP, and the Guardian Marine Rescue.

    Dan Metcalfe is part of the Windsor-Essex County Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Coalition, and is also the Emergency Measures Coordinator for the County of Essex. He hosted one of the booths onsite, noting he tries to attend several events to promote water safety throughout the season.

    The County of Essex works closely with a number of partners to promote water safety and prevent injuries in the water, including local police, fire, EMS, Canadian Navy, Coast Guard and Auxiliary, Windsor Port Authority, and others.

    The County of Essex is also a member of the Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium, and leads the Windsor-Essex County Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Coalition.

    He reiterated the importance of being smart around the water and to recognize potential risks or hazards. One way to do so is to sign youths up for swimming lessons. In addition, swimmers should stay within an arm’s reach of children swimming, always have someone on duty to supervise water activities, wear a properly fitted and approved lifejacket when in a boat, use the buddy system, be on the lookout for potential hazards, and respect currents in lakes and open water, as they can change.

    Having respect for the water is paramount.

    Currents in lakes, and in piers, can change, which can put swimmers at risk, he said.

    Metcalfe also noted there are two currents that meet at Sand Point Beach in Windsor, which form a whirlpool and can be dangerous to swimmers. He also spoke of there being two currents at Point Pelee that can also put swimmers at risk.

    It is important to pay attention to signage when visiting water areas, to be aware of any dangers, he added.

    He also spoke of how storms can move sandbars from where swimmers may have become used to them being located.

    For Mayor Sherry Bondy, promoting this day of recognition was important, knowing all of the local municipalities are surrounded by water. It is important to take the time every year to provide important education to the public about water safety around pools and beaches.

    Having a municipality with shoreline, residents take part in water and beach activities, Bondy added, reaffirming the need to reiterate safety procedures and things that can be overlooked but can be crucial to being smart around the water.

    Bondy spoke of drownings that have taken place at Sand Point Beach in Windsor and the need to ensure that does not happen again.

    “It was great to see people out at the Water Safety Day, and the different groups coming together to participate, such as the OPP Rescue Boat [team] and hear how they respond,” Bondy added. She was also glad to see members of the Guardian Marine Rescue team, which operates rescue boats in Colchester Harbour and Belle River. Bondy noted they are always looking for donations and members. To learn more, log onto https://www.guardianmarinerescue.ca/

    Recently, Bondy brought the matter of water safety up at Essex County Council, wondering if it would be possible to raise a flag to recognize the upcoming National Drowning Prevention Week. It was noted the County did not have a flag to raise, but would double down on the messaging this year.

  • Essex’s By-Law Department investigated 382 potential violations during first half of 2025

    By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press

    Between January and June 2025, the Town of Essex investigated 382 potential by-law violations, of which 161 were based on complaints received from members of the public and/or Council members. The other 221 issues were investigated proactively.

    That was up from the 291 potential issues investigated over the last six-months of 2024.

    Essex Council learned of the information at the July 21 meeting, when Mike Diemer, By-Law/Property Standards Officer, presented the biannual report on the matter that highlights enforcement conducted among various municipal by-laws. This report focused on the first half of 2025.

    He added that of the 382 potential issues, 359 have been resolved and 23 remain actively investigated.

    Of the cases, 170 fell under the Property Standards By-Law, with the main offences consisting of tall grass and weeds, and exterior property debris.

    The Town received the majority of the complaints through phone with 75, while 52 were received through the online Report a Problem tool, 32 by email, and two in-person.

    The By-Law Department conducted investigations on residential, agricultural, and commercial properties throughout the municipality.

    “The By-Law Team remains uniform in its enforcement process from the beginning stage of voluntary compliance, to issuing notices of violation, and, in cases of continued non-compliance, serving owners with municipal work orders or POA [Provincial Offences Act] charges.

    In terms of potential Short Term Rental (STR) violations, Diemer noted over the first six-months of 2025, five investigations have been launched, none of which have resulted in administrative penalties being issued.

    Diemer noted residents are encouraged to use the Report a Problem portal, found at www.essex.ca, to submit concerns to the Town.

    Councillor Katie McGuire-Blais said she believes there should be double the investigations since the Town has a new By-Law Officer. She wondered if By-Law Officers are sent out together to investigations.

    Chief Building Officer, Kevin Carter, noted the Town now has one fulltime By-Law Officer and two part-time. If it is known an investigation will require it, such as those that may be hostile, two By-Law Officers will be sent out together.

    McGuire-Blais said that during the Essex Fun Fest she saw two By-Law Officers walking together every day throughout the fairgrounds.

    “I didn’t think that was a good use [of] time,” she said, wondering if they were called there.

    When she questioned them, she claimed they responded to ensure it was in compliance. “I’m not sure why they would be at a Town event to make sure the Town is in compliance,” she said.

    Carter noted that parking is an issue at the Essex Fun Fest. He said he purposely has them go to larger events to get exposure to the public for engagement and answer questions.

    Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley asked if parking tickets handed out in Colchester by security were included in the report or if that was separate. Diemer noted his report focused only on tickets issued through the By-Law Department and that the OPP and security down at the harbour also issue parking tickets.

    According to the report, there were 161 parking violations.

    Shepley said Council has received complaints from those who have received tickets. That is something Council and the community have been asking for, and he appreciated By-Law was out there writing them.

    The Clerks Department tracks tickets issued by OPP and security at the Colchester Harbour, Director of Legal and Legislative Services, Joe Malandruccolo, explained.

    In answering Councillor Rodney Hammond on what the majority of  the proactive investigations consist, Diemer noted parking and tall grass and weeds.

    Bondy added she is getting complaints about the Town’s recently upgraded Report a Problem tool when it comes to users not having an exact address for an issue. In those cases, they have to drop a pin and it seems to be difficult to do on phones, she has heard.

    Later in the meeting, Bondy received Council support for her Notice of Motion presented originally July 7, which directed Administration to review the Town’s property standards By-Law. Admin will return with a report proposing any changes they determine is required to improve the By-Law’s relevancy, effectiveness, and alignment with the community’s needs. The review will incorporate public consultation and education.

    “It seems like it is one of those by-laws, either where we are enforcing it too much or enforcing it too little,” Bondy said. “I think it is time to do a check-in with the community…”

    The timing is good, because the By-Law Department is moving into the Legal and Legislative Services Department from the Development Services Department, Bondy added. It will also be a good educational tool to help Council understand the Property Standards By-Law, as well.