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

At the April 22 meeting, Essex Council postponed further discussion on possibly increasing the speed limit on the 4th Concession, from County Road 11 to County Road 23, and the 3rd Concession, from County Road 11 (Queen Street) to 100-meters west of Drummond Road, from 60km/h to 80km/hr.

This will give Town of Essex administration an opportunity to report back with more information to address concerns Council outlined during the meeting, and Council the opportunity to conduct public consultation.

The matter was first discussed back in December, when Council was presented with the 2024 Annual Speed Monitoring Program summary.

The summary outlined that data was collected between May 1 and October 31 at various locations throughout the municipality, collected by three different devices, including the discrete black cat unit, a digital radar sign, and speed trailer.

At the time, Council voted to receive the report and directed administration to report back with recommendations for appropriate speeds on Concession Road 4 and Concession Road 3.

The report outlined the observed 85th percentile speed – the speed at which 85% of drivers are observed to travel at under free flowing conditions – was above the current posted speed limit of 60km/h on each road on these two sections of road.

Data showed the average 85th percentile speed at these two locations was 82km/h.

Erica Tilley, Assistant Manager of Capital Works & Asset Management, explained the speed on Concession Road 4 was previously posted at 80km/h, but the Council of the day reduced the speed limit to 60km/h to address concerns with wildlife crossings and sightings.

Essex Free Press files notes discussion on the speed of the 4th began at the July 13, 2015 Council meeting, when a petition containing the signatures of 23 residents on the 4thconcession was presented. An overwhelming majority of those residents wanted the speed limit on their road reduced to 60 km/h from the McCormick Sideroad to the Arner Townline.

A motion to reduce the speed limit there was passed at that time, with the by-law passed later on.

Through the 2024 Speed Monitoring Program, Administration has obtained objective data that would indicate that motorists observe a safe driving speed of 80km/h based on the conditions of the road,” Tilley noted in her report.

Though history on the 3rd Concession speed limit reduction was not found, records indicate the speed was set to 60km/h prior to the 1999 amalgamation. The same justification for an increased speed limit can be used for this road segment, the report adds.

Based on the data collected, Town administration recommended the speed be increased in the two locations to 80km/h, Tilley noted.

Councillor Rodney Hammond wanted more studies to be conducted around the McCormick Road intersection to determine what cars are moving north and south, and are not getting counted going east and west in the area studied.

He was not in favour of increasing or decreasing speeds, until more in-depth study, particularly on the 3rd and 4th and around McCormick. He made that a motion.

The 85th percentile, Councillor Jason Matyi said, is one way to judge speed. Town staff members have pointed out people drive at a speed they feel comfortable. He believes the report missed the point in that there is a discrepancy between the 4th and 3rd Concession, as there are more cars going down one faster than the other.

At first, Matyi was in favour of bringing the speed back up to 80km/h.

He spoke of how when getting closer to Harrow, it does not make sense to raise it.

The speeds on the roads have to have aligned.Matyi would be more supportive to have the entirety of the 3rd and 4th concession be posted at 70km/h, with perhaps McCormick to Drummond reduced to 60km/h as Harrow is approached.

Councillor Joe Garon noted the data presented on the roads did not take accidents, fatalities, and number of speeding tickets on an annual basis into consideration.

If the speed is raised to 80km/h, Garon supposes some will drive 90-100km/h.

With the report issued, Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley said he was called by many on the 4th, who reminded him there are a lot of deer and wildlife in the area. He assumed the 3rd would be similar. That did change his perspective.

He wanted to see a plan that works for the design of the road, wildlife, and pedestrians, and would like a more wholesome look at the matter.

Councillor Brad Allard also had concerns with raising the speed, based on just using the 85th percentile.

Councillor Katie McGuire-Blais wanted to support Hammond in creating a more in-depth study. She did not want to put the matter on hold. In the end, she believed the speed will be changed to 80, but wanted to have all questions answered residents are reaching out to Council with.

Director of Infrastructure, Kevin Girard, noted when administration screened roads it was based on Town policy, which incorporates the 85th percentile, density of driveways, intersections, stop controls, pedestrians.

Administration concluded it never would have recommended the change from 80km-60km on the 4th.

He warned that if Council wanted a more in-depth report, it likely would not look much different than what was presented. If a more in-depth look was desired, he recommended looking to a traffic consultant, which would require funds.

Mayor Sherry Bondy noted that if Council believes a traffic consultant is needed, that would have to be discussed at budget time. This has been an ongoing issue for years, and she wants it done properly. The two roads need to be the same in speed.

Residents who have concerns with speeding and would like data collected can report them by contacting the OPP non-emergency number or by emailing psb@essex.ca which goes to the Police Services Board, and it can be considered.

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

Back in December, Council directed Administration to present a report detailing a review of the Richmond Drain to identify blockages that would hinder the flow of stormwater, identify any trouble spots that impede the flow of stormwater, and outline potential consequences attributed to intensification in and around the Harrow Centre.

The report was also meant to identify and report on potential actions the Town could take to improve the Richmond Drain and the costs associated with them.

Members of Essex Council were presented the completed report at the April 22 meeting, where it received the report and put in motion a plan to host a drainage open house.

Councillor Jason Matyi made the motion after Council discussion, where many voiced concerns that any request for improvements need to come from the residents, who will foot the bill on any work completed.

In a recorded vote, Councillor Rodney Hammond was opposed.

This drain runs from County Road 20 to its eventual outlet into the Cedar Creek, south of the 4th Concession Road.

The Richmond Drain is predominantly located on private property, Lindsay Dean, Drainage Superintendent, explained. It is around 11kms in length. It has a large watershed, and outlets into Cedar Creek that does eventually carry into Kingsville.

It is estimated Richmond Drain was designed for a one-in-two-year storm event.

A modeling exercise of the storm system was completed in 2021-2022. Any future developments will be subject to stormwater management and restricted release rates so as to not cause further strain.

The flood event in 2023 was recognized as one that was over a one-in-one-hundred-year storm. Dean said the Richmond Drain system did surcharge. It did handle the water, but took a few days.

In terms of condition, the Richmond Drain is heavily vegetated, Dean said.

Three options Dean noted Council could consider to make improvements included appointing an engineering firm to complete a Master Drainage Study, appointing an engineer under Section 76 of the Drainage Act to provide an updated maintenance schedule on the Richmond Drain, or appointing an engineer under Section 78 of the Drainage Act to review and make improvements to the Richmond Drain.

The third option to review and make improvements to the Richmond Drain had advantages in that the Drainage Engineer would conduct all consultations, the Town would get an updated maintenance schedule, and residents would have the opportunity to debenture the cost over five or ten- year terms, Dean explained. There will be a significant dollar value for the engineer cost. This is likely the most feasible.

If Council wanted to proceed, the Drainage Department recommended the third option, however, Dean noted Council does not have to proceed with anything at this time. Typically, these projects are initiated by someone in the watershed.

Mayor Sherry Bondy sees this as a file the next Term of Council should pick-up in the first year. She admitted that was a political decision.

“No amount of drainage infrastructure we would have had could have prevented the storm from 2023,” Bondy said. She suggested hosting drainage open houses in catchment areas.

Councillor Kim Verbeek agreed that the third option was likely the best, but did not believe Council should inflict that upon the residents. It should be up to them to bring it forward, noting it will come with a large cost. Council needs to be clear on how the cost would impact those residents.

Councillor Jason Matyi agreed. He also noted Council does not have to worry about saying “no,” as residents can bring it forward at any time if they believe it is needed.

Councillor Katie McGuire-Blais cautioned the action of postponing movement on the matter. If another large storm were to happen, residents may complain of flooding and point out Council did not act when it had the opportunity.

Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley believed Council should push the information out to the community and have them bring it forward.

By Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice

Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff says the municipality will do everything in its power to fight the expansion of the Dresden dump.

“We need to come together as a community to fight this,” a disgruntled Canniff told The Voice. “Myself, council and municipal staff are going to do everything we can.”

Canniff comments come on the heels of the Ford government’s announcement it has tabled legislation to remove the environmental assessment (EA) requirement put on the project by the Ministry of the Environment last year.

“We’re in shock and anger right now,” Canniff said. “What rights do we have as a municipality?”

As part of a proposal by York1 Environmental Solutions, Dresden’s dormant landfill will be expanded to accept construction waste from the GTA. The operation, located only a kilometre away from the community, is slated to run 24/7, with an estimated 700 trucks travelling to the site each day.

According to the province, the EA needs to be removed because of the tariff threats posed by U.S. President Donald Trump. About 40 per cent of Ontario’s garbage goes to the U.S., so the province said it has to protect Ontario by increasing landfill capacity.

News of the project, which surfaced by chance early in 2024, sparked vigorous opposition. Led by grassroots advocacy group Dresden Citizens Against Reckless Environmental Disposal (C.A.R.E.D.) the community pushed back, helping bring about the EA requirement.

North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville also voiced her displeasure, calling the move “environmentally irresponsible” and “shady.”

“I think it is horrendous,” she said, adding the Ford government is using Trump’s tariff threats as a “guise” to push the project through.

“To me it’s picking on small-town, rural Ontario,” Jubenville said.

Leaders in nearby communities also expressed their dismay.

Alan Broad, mayor of neighbouring Dawn-Euphemia Township, said in an email he’s “very frustrated.

“They promise one thing, then change it up,” Broad stated. “Seems like the tariff excuse for the government decision is replacing the COVID excuses.”

Lambton County warden Kevin Marriott echoed Broad, calling the province’s decision “extremely disappointing.

“We will be discussing it and I’ll see if we can get it on the agenda for the May 7 (Lambton) council meeting,” he said.

Canniff said next steps for the municipality include holding a public meeting in Dresden so residents can find out what they can do to help.

The municipality has also engaged law firm Garrod Pickfield, specialists in environment, municipal and planning law.

Those who want to officially oppose the government’s action are invited to submit their concerns to the Environmental Registry of Ontario at ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-0389.

Submissions will be accepted until May 17.

 

 

By Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice

In a show of solidarity with Dresden, Environmental Defence Canada denounced the Ontario government’s decision to fast track the York1 landfill project on Irish School Road.

The advocacy group released a statement April 22, condemning the Ford government for attempting to remove the environmental assessment it put on the property last year, saying that passing Bill 5 will cause “devastating impacts” to the Sydenham River’s species-rich waterway.

“Moving forward with this bill would pollute sensitive waterways and make it easier than ever to destroy and displace Ontario’s species – which is short-sighted and ultimately bad policy,” the statement read.

The proposed dump site is adjacent to Molly’s Creek, which flows directly into the Sydenham River. Well-documented as a biological hotspot, the river is home to at least 33 species at risk and if the dump is built, toxins could leach into the water.

“By removing the environmental assessment requirements, Premier Ford is revealing his government’s ‘pave-it-over’ approach that prioritizes harmful infrastructure projects over environmental protection,” the statement read. “Premier Ford is giving Ontarians the false impression that we must choose between the economy and the environment – but in reality, Ontario’s economy, health and sovereignty is directly linked to a thriving, healthy environment.”

In response to questions about the legislation, newly re-elected Lambton-Kent-Middlesex Conservative MPP Steve Pinsonneault said the decision does not sit well with him.

“I understand that our community is upset and am myself disappointed in this decision,” he said.

But in a statement also released April 22, Pinsonneault said in order to “stand up for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex and our province, we must ensure we have the tools and resources to respond to any unpredictable decisions from the Trump administration.”

He added he will work with the Minister of the Environment to “make sure every concern is being acknowledged, and discussions are underway.”

Before he was elected MPP, Pinsonneault spoke against the York1 project when he was a Chatham-Kent councillor representing East Kent.

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

Council for the Town of Kingsville will reach out to ENWIN Group of Companies in hopes of being able to form a relationship, after the Town of Essex announced it sold its shares of E.L.K. Energy – and its subsidy company E.L.K. Solutions – to the City of Windsor-owned utility in March.

The letter to be sent to ENWIN will detail members of Kingsville Council and Administration are committed to building and maintaining a positive working relationship with ENWIN, premised on the Town’s advocacy position for Kingsville and Cottam customers.

The letter would also request a meeting with ENWIN at its earliest convenience.

Kingsville Deputy Mayor Kim DeYong brought this forward as a Notice of Motion at the March 17 Kingsville Council meeting, which was presented for Council consideration – and passed unanimously – at the April 14 meeting.

E.L.K. serves over 12,600 customers in the Essex, Kingsville (and Cottam), and Lakeshore areas.

Through its correspondence to ENWIN, Kingsville will also share it hopes E.L.K.’s current mission statement – to provide the highest quality of service to its customers by ensuring the electrical system is designed, constructed, and maintained to ensure its reliability, safety, and affordability, while increasing shareholder value – continues, despite the purchase.

In addition, Kingsville will ask for regular tree maintenance for Cottam and Kingsville customers, and the expedited construction and installation of a second feeder line to increase the reliability of electricity service for Kingsville and Cottam residents.

When she presented this as a Notice of Motion last month, DeYong explained that Kingsville lost its ability to control the future of E.L.K. when it sold its share to the Town of Essex previously.

Due to the recent sale to ENWIN, Kingsville will lose its seat on the board that governs the utility. That will require Kingsville to establish a relationship with ENWIN, DeYong explained.

After the Town of Essex announced the sale, Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy noted the current E.L.K Board will be transitioned out in the next year. It was negotiated that the E.L.K. territory will have one seat on ENWIN’s Board for ten-years.

“I did speak with ENWIN at the announcement, and I think they are going to be really receptive to working with Kingsville,” DeYong said, believing the utility will accept the letter Kingsville intends to pen.

“I look forward to hearing an update on the conversation with them,” she added.

In the past, Kingsville Council has advocated on behalf of Kingsville and Cottam customers for quality customer service, regular tree maintenance, and increased investment on its distribution infrastructure.

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

When the monthly calls for service report for the months of January and February were presented at the April 14 meeting of the Essex County OPP Detachment Police Services Board-North, it had a new format.

That raised questions with Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey.

In the past, the monthly reports presented would detail the top calls for service, and further outline calls in a variety of categories – such as motor vehicle collisions, mental health calls, drug offences, traffics stops, impaired driving, and criminal code matters – by municipality in the County that are policed by the OPP.

The monthly reports submitted last week combined the stats of the three municipalities the Essex County OPP Detachment Board-North oversees, which is Essex, Lakeshore, and Tecumseh. And, the format did not present the stats of the Essex County OPP Detachment Board-South, which oversees Kingsville, Leamington, Caldwell First Nations, and Pelee Township.

On April 1, 2024, the Province’s Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 (CSPA) came into effect. As part of this, municipal Police Services Boards merged with regional partners. That created the two separate boards in the area, instead of individual boards per municipality.

“Is this the style of report we can expect to see moving forward,” Mayor Bailey asked. “I note we don’t have the individual data per municipality, and I don’t believe that it dovetails either to show us what is happening kind of on the south shore.”

Essex County OPP Superintendent Mark Loucas said he is happy to work with the OPP’s Strategic Management Unit to address the issues with the report.

“This report is in a state of transition as feedback is being garnered from Detachment Commanders from across the province to input data that is relevant to the local communities,” Loucas said.

What the organization is trying to do, he explained, is the desire to have one report that is streamlined and consistent across Ontario, as opposed to each municipality getting what they did previously.

He said he has reported back to the Strategic Management Unit as to things the Essex County OPP Detachment wants to see in those reports. “We are working with them to continue developing it and making changes to it.”

The important piece is the feedback he gets, that he can then report back to the Strategic Management Unit to make amendments to the report.

“From what we are trying to do locally is to ensure that each municipality is getting [its] own report, respecting specifics to your area. But the report that is the actual public report is the one we are using…because to provide a 17-page report for each municipality would just be too time consuming and wouldn’t really show those metrics to show the graphs and trends that we are really looking at,” Loucas said.

With Lakeshore to receive data specific to its municipality, Bailey asked if that data could be presented in a public forum, or if it would be a non-public document.

Loucas replied he wants to share as much wholesome and transparent information as he can. From that report, they can raise questions or ask for clarification in an open forum or though consolation with the OPP staff.

Being able to understand what is happening in the region, Bailey believes, is important. She said there has seen value in looking at the full report and being able to see what is happening in her own municipality and others.

“We’ve enjoyed – I guess – the privilege of keeping our finger on what is happening, and if policing [has] decreased in one area, but increasing in another; and rightfully so, because it is following the data,” Bailey said. “But we are going to lose sight – I think – of what is happening regionally.”

Loucas said he can provide data for the OPP policed communities in Essex County.

Bailey made a motion, with the Essex County OPP Police Services Board-North supported, that the OPP be directed to provide the data of OPP policed communities in Essex County to the North Board.

Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy thanked Bailey for raising the issue. She noted there is a lot of discussion going on in Essex County as it relates to policing services.

Recently, Essex Council hosted a special meeting on policing that outlined billing models and the process the Town would need to take if it was to look into obtaining a different police service than its current contract with the OPP.

Two motions were presented and carried during that Essex Council meeting. The first was to send a letter to the Essex County OPP Detachment-North requesting officers be more present in community activities, in addition to more bike, foot, and ATV patrols. The other motion directed Town administration to work with the OPP to evaluate the facility needs within the municipality, with a focus on synergies and improved service delivery to local residents.

In addition, at a recent County of Essex Council meeting, a majority Council vote decided not to direct Administration to provide a report on the cost estimate for engaging a consultant to perform a feasibility study for Regional Policing.

“I think more information is probably better at this time, because I feel like we are actually making a lot of gains with OPP and their presence, and the work they are doing. And, we always want to be aware of what is going on in other member municipalities,” Bondy said.

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

While on the campaign trail and knocking on doors to connect with area residents, the number one concern incumbent Essex Riding Conservative candidate Chris Lewis has heard is the cost of living.

He has heard that “time-and-time again from all age groups.”

While campaigning, Lewis has visited a lot of senior homes and has heard that concern there. He also heard the same concern from middle-aged folks with young children who voiced they were not sure if they were going to be able to afford getting their kids involved in sports. Or, that there may not be too many extra presents at birthday or Christmas, because there is just no disposable income.

There is quite a bit in the Conservative platform, aimed at being able to reduce the cost of living, Lewis said.

One of those items is the removal of the Carbon Tax.

“The Liberals have tried to take ownership for this. We’ve been calling on it for about three-years,” Lewis said, believing it is not good enough to only take the Carbon Tax off of the consumer-side. It has to be taken off of industry, also.

“We don’t trust Mr. Carney in that he will not bring back this Carbon Tax,” Lewis said.

Another item in the platform is to make housing more affordable, Lewis said. Conservatives plan to take the GST off of new homes under $1.3M, saving homebuyers up to $65,000 on the purchase of an average home in big cities, it notes on the Conservative website.

Another is to reduce the lowest income tax bracket by 15%, which is estimated to save Canadians up to $2000 per year, Lewis said. Conservatives would also take the GST off of new vehicles built in Canada.

Conservatives, he added, would also retract all of the Capital Gains announcements the Liberals wanted to put in place.

One item in the Conservative platform in which Lewis is particularly proud is that it includes his Private Member’s Bill, C-241 a tax deduction for travel for tradespersons.

It passed its third reading in the House of Commons in March of 2023, and was sent to the Senate-level for further evaluation.

The Bill was drafted to apply to those who were required to pay for expenses in the amounts expended travelling to and from the site, at least 120-kilometers away, if the taxpayer does three things: was required under contract of employment to pay those expenses, did not receive an allowance in respect of those expenses, and did not claim those expenses as an income deduction or a tax credit for the year.

Lewis said it is really humbling to know he has Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s ear in that C-241 is part of the Conservative national platform.

“That is the passion I have always had for labour [when I was] Shadow Minister of Labour,” Lewis said, noting the next question is, if re-elected, what will his next Private Member’s Bill be and how he can help out the labour industry.

In speaking about Poilievre’s visit to Windsor on April 11, Lewis said the event – which attracted thousands – was “absolutely electrifying. It was remarkable. And for me, personally, it was humbling, because the outpouring of support from people [who] came out to support the very common sense, strong Conservative message and the energy in that building was second to none; something I have never been part of before.”

Lewis was impressed with the event outcome. He said it was an honour to introduce Karl Lovett, Business Manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), which Local 773 endorsed Poilievre.

“It was a win-win night,” Lewis said, noting he believed Poilievre delivered a very positive message for Canadians.

While campaigning, Lewis also has heard a lot about US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, with the Essex Riding being close to the American Border.

In terms of tariff issues, Lewis said “we have to give backstops to labour first.” That goes back to making housing and making travel for work more affordable, and removing the Carbon Tax, so families can actually continue to survive and the labour force is not lost.

“I want to be part of the solution,” he said, noting another part of the Conservative Platform is to train 350,000 new skilled workers across the country.

He said his father taught him people come first a long time ago.

Lewis thanked all of his campaign volunteers and those who have had very respectful conservations, bringing fresh ideas for him to bring to Ottawa if elected.

The Conservative platform can be viewed at conservative.ca/news

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

Essex County Council did not direct Administration to provide a report on the cost estimate for engaging a consultant to perform a feasibility study for Regional Policing at its April 16 meeting.

The motion to get the cost-estimate for the June 4 meeting failed in a vote of 10-3, with Amherstburg’s Mayor Michael Prue and Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb, and Leamington Mayor/County Warden, Hilda MacDonald, in favour.

At the April 2, 2025 meeting of Essex County Council, Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy brought forward the Notice of Motion as a topic of discussion, when County Council was discussing the matter.

Last week, Bondy did not support her own motion.

“I would like to just say that I think we have had a healthy conversation here,” Bondy said, noting Essex Council had a similar discussion recently.

She did not want to ask Administration to spend any time on the matter.

That doesn’t mean there will not be desire to have this discussion in the future.

“I don’t want to slam the door,” she said.

“I want to say how disappointed I am that the mover is not supporting her own motion,” Mayor Prue said. He wanted to support the motion, because he believes it is not going to cost very much money to look at that report and see whether or not there are cost-savings going forward.

It could be ready for the next Term of Council.

“I think we should start the ball rolling tonight,” Prue said.

Prue originally got the topic discussed at the March 5 meeting, when he put forward two Notices of Motion in forms of options for County Council to consider.

Option 1 asked County Council to direct Administration of the County of Essex to work with local municipalities to explore options for traditional regional policing models for the County of Essex and that it be in place for January 1, 2029.

Option 2 asked County Council to direct Administration of the County of Essex work with local municipalities to explore possible options for a collaborative approach to policing in the long-term, where the Police Board, Command, and Corporate structures are held at the County-level and local communities are provided with options for flexible service delivery models to meet local needs and pricing.

Through his motions, Prue noted that the Town of Amherstburg Policing Contract with the

City of Windsor ends on December 31, 2028 and the City of Windsor has decided not to renew this contract with the Town of Amherstburg.

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

Since throwing his cowboy hat into the ring as the Essex Riding Liberal candidate for the Federal Election, Chris Sutton has had a lot of conversations with the auto sector and farming communities. Through those conversations, it’s not the tariffs that people are finding concerning, it is the uncertainty.

New Liberal Leader Mark Carney has already put strategies in place for the manufacturing auto sector to protect workers and ensure they feel minimal negative impact, and to minimize loss revenue in production or farming, he said.

“We can put together a plan or a strategy that will get us through this dark time, but at the end of the day, it changes tomorrow,” Sutton commented on the uncertainty.

A lot of the produce grown here goes south of the border, Sutton noted. If that is tariffed, it dips into the farmer’s means of living and their profits.

While connecting with voters, from a campaigning standpoint, Sutton said there has been a lot of positive discussions about “Carney being the guy with the resume that is going to get us through this.”

When he speaks to others about the Liberal Leader, he hears Carney has a calming effect on people in what many call a chaotic time, giving a sense that all will be okay.

“With a labour background…when I tell you, I know what you are going through, I lived it,” Sutton said, noting he came out of the Military and went right into a millwright apprenticeship. He worked in the industry for 35-years. “I’ve gone through recessions.

“We want to bring an everyday family, working family voice to Ottawa,” he said.

Windsor-Essex is the hub of the auto sector in Canada, and has a large farming community, Sutton noted. He wants to be able to take that voice of everyday working-class families – as someone who went to work, rolling up his sleeves to turn wrenches – and go to Ottawa to look at potential impact tariffs will have on the community and families.

Another key issue is affordable housing, and Sutton noted his Party Leader has noted that is one of the hot items on their platform. “We are going to take a very aggressive approach at building homes.”

There is a need to look at how to build massive amounts of homes per year, and that WW2 strategy needs to be used, where homes are built quickly and affordably. In 2025, technology innovation can create the opportunity to do that, Sutton said. Maybe modular designs are the way to go.

In his role as Director of Public Affairs and Strategic Initiatives with the Millwright Regional Council (MRC), Sutton said his role was to represent 10,000 millwrights across Canada. He sees similarities with the MP role, with only the number of people represented changing between the two.

With the MRC, his job is to engage the government on issues directly affecting members and working members. With the NextStar EV plant locally, he noted at one time there was a plan to have 900 immigrant workers doing the work that skilled trade workers living in the area do.

They engaged MPs, Ministers, and government to note that couldn’t happen.

Sutton also spoke of the expense of childcare. Through the MRC, they put together an initiative to create more childcare facilities across Canada, close to working sites. They were to provide childcare during the construction phases of big projects and then continue after the project to serve the community.

“We really have to look at the dynamics of this election,” Sutton said, noting this election is looking like a two-horse race, Liberals against Conservatives. What he would say to voters is when they fill out their ballot, “does the party you are voting for have your best interest at heart?”

To Sutton, once that question is answered, the choice is clear.

He said Liberals are focused on strengthening the economy, reducing the cost of living, middle class tax cuts to alleviate strain and stress, creating affordable housing, keeping the social programs the previous government – working with other parties – have created, such as the dentalcare program and pharmacare, and legislation that supports union workers.

At the end of the day, it is about doing the right thing for everybody, he said, noting people need to see that there is hope.

“This is going to be okay. We are going to get through it. We will survive, and we will come out on the other side stronger, more stable, and better off in the end,” Sutton said.

To learn more, log onto www.liberal.ca

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

Council for the County of Essex provided pre-approval of the 2026 Draft Budget for two additional ambulances to add to the Essex-Windsor EMS (EWEMS) fleet complement, at a cost of $586,870.

This adds to the 2026 order of seven ambulances approved back in November, bringing the total to nine units. The additional units are necessary to meet projected growth and ensure services levels remain consistent.

The funds for the two additional ambulances will be covered by the EMS Equipment and Vehicle Reserve, funded by the County and City based on weighted assessment at the time of contribution.

“This request is a direct response to enhancements identified in the 2025 ORH Master Plan refresh, which called for additional ambulance resources to address increased service demands and operational efficiencies,” Ziad Fatallah, EWEMS Deputy Chief, said.

Initially, a $173,961 deposit will come from EMS Equipment Reserve this year for the additional units, with the remaining balance due upon delivery in 2026.

Approval of this purchase will result in an increase in the 2026 EWEMS budget request to

partially restore the reserve, the Report to County Council notes.

Staffing and operational costs for the new vehicles will be addressed as part of 2026 Budge deliberations, along with other Master Plan recommendations, Fatallah added.

EWEMS currently has a fleet of 41 ambulances and 19 other emergency and logistics vehicles.

In answering LaSalle Deputy Mayor Mike Akpata’s question on if potential tariffs will impact cost of the EMS fleet, Fatallah noted EWEMS has not received any formal notification tariffs have been applied. The Paramedic Chiefs of Canada, he added, is actively lobbying the federal government to exempt ambulances and essential life-saving equipment from proposed counter-tariffs.