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By John Humphrey, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter

The season-ending Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) play-off series loss to the arch-rival Essex 73s in no way overshadows what was another successful regular season and post-season run for the Lakeshore Canadiens.

“We had very good regular season and a very good play-off and we had no bad issues at all,” claimed long-time Canadiens general manager Mark Seguin. “I’ve been with the Canadiens for about twenty years and 90 per cent of the time it comes down to us and Essex in the finals. Sometimes you come out on top and sometimes you don’t, and you have to tip your hat to whoever beats you.

“The competitive side of yourself might get mad if you don’t perform as well as you were planning for but at the end of the day you have to put everything into perspective,” he continued. “For us, we had a great season overall.”

The Canadiens had a stellar 35-7-record in the PJHL’s Stobbs Division in the regular season, finishing in second place only to the 73s and the two powerhouse clubs split the four-game regular season series. A play-off run saw the defending Schmalz Cup champions from Lakeshore sweep their first two post-season series (going 8-0 in the process) before losing to the 73s in six games in the Stobbs Division final.

The Canadiens opened the PJHL playoffs this spring against the Dresden Junior Kings.

“Against Dresden everything went according to plan and we were able to get everyone into the games and we ended it in four straight,” said Seguin. “Dresden gave us a battle, but they were overmatched.”

The Canadiens then took on the Amherstburg Admirals, a team they had not faced in the PJHL playoffs for many years, in the second round of the post season this spring.

“Amherstburg improved a lot over the course of the regular season and they carried that momentum into the playoffs,” said Seguin. “But our talent, depth and experience were huge for us and we were able to sweep them in four games too.”

After eight straight wins, the stage was set for the inevitable showdown with the 73s.

“It was an up and down series for us and we certainly did not play our best at times,” admitted Seguin. “And other times we turned it on and we were very difficult to play against.

“If we reflect on the entire series, it all came down to came four,” he continued. “We were up 2-1 in games and we were coming home and we dominated the first period of game four when we had three breakaways and a four-minute powerplay and we were not able to score.”

The 73s then promptly opened the scoring in the second period enroute to a 2-0 win on March 28 before also taking the next two games to claim the Stobbs playoff crown in six contests.

In the big picture, while the Canadiens did fall short of their usual lofty play-offs goals in the spring of 2025, expect the team to reload quickly for the 2025-2026 PJHL season.

“While we do have 15-16 players who are eligible to return next season, we do lose our top five scorers,” Seguin admitted. “While we will have to add some players who will have to help us out scoring next season, our defence will be strong and and we do have both goalies (Boe Piroski and Hunter Welk) coming back.”

Four of the Canadiens top scorers who are graduating include overage players Trevor Larue, Eric Bisson, Marco Sladoje and Bryce Scarlett while the other high-scoring forward who will not be returning to Lakeshore in the fall is rookie Nicolas Rosati, a Windsor Spitfire draft pick (11th round in 2024) who will likely be playing with the junior b LaSalle Vipers this fall. Defenceman Josh Cyrenne, who also played as an over ager in 2024-2025, has also graduated.

“That core of overage players has been one of the most successful in Canadiens franchise history,” claimed Seguin. “As a group, they won three Stobbs Division titles and two Schmalz Cups.”

Rosati, who scored 25 goals s and added 47 assists in 42 regular season games before notching 20 points in the Canadiens’ 14 post-season contests, also won the first-ever Doug Kennedy Memorial Rookie of the Year Award as the top first-year player in the entire PJHL.

“Nicholas had one of the best seasons for a 16-year-old that I’ve seen in this league for a long, long time,” Seguin claimed. “He is a great player and a great kid.

“He will play at the junior b level as a minimum next season, and I would not be surprised to see him playing for the Spitfires not long after that.”

Next up on the agenda for the Lakeshore Canadiens is the team’s mini-camp.

“We are all set for May 20 and 22 at the Atlas Tube Centre,” said Seguin. “And then we will have another camp at the beginning of August.

“It’s going to be recruit, recruit, recruit this off-season,”

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

Essex Council will send a letter to the Crime Prevention and Community Support Bureau of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), noting it has heard issues from individuals trying to receive a criminal record check regarding the length of time it takes.

“We are noticing there are a lot of complaints that criminal record checks are taking a while,” Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy told Essex Council during the April 22 meeting. That is holding up summer students and volunteers.

She said this process is making it challenging to become a volunteer and to provide employment.

“These are two hurdles we cannot have.”

The Essex County OPP Detachment Board-North – which oversees Essex, Lakeshore, and Tecumseh – sent a letter about this concern to Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Commissioner Thomas Carrique, regarding criminal record check processing times, back in February.

It asked the OPP to review the prioritization and response times of the criminal record check application process and take steps to resolve processing delays, in response to citizen and Council concerns regarding long wait times that have resulted in lost employment, postsecondary education, and volunteer opportunities.

“We can advise that there are mounting frustrations with the long wait times which have become apparent since the service was elevated from the detachment level to a more centralized bureau. Accordingly, members of the Councils for the municipalities that make up our Board are routinely contacted by members of the public seeking assistance with or expressing concerns regarding the processing time associated with police record checks,” the letter from the Essex County OPP Detachment Board-North notes.

Crime Prevention and Community Support Bureau Commander Chief, Superintendent Jon Dumond, responded to that letter, which was presented to Essex Council at the April 22 meeting.

The letter explains that in June 2022, the OPP launched the centralized Online Police Record Check System. The aim was to make this system more convenient and accessible for those applying for a Police Record Check Certificate.

The system is built upon an online application program provided by a third-party vendor. The information gathered is securely transmitted to the OPP Online Police Record Check Unit (OPRCU), the letter continues.

He adds that once a check is initiated, various factors can affect the turnaround time.

“On average, the OPRCU receives 500 applications a day. We strive to achieve an average turnaround of four to five days; however, when we receive an influx at peak times throughout the year, these numbers can increase to 1,700 applications a day, which causes an increase in turnaround times.”

Bondy suggested Essex Council also pen a letter to the OPP’s Crime Prevention Community and Community Support Bureau, noting it too has also noticed similar issues.

Councillor Kim Verbeek has also heard this from individuals. It is something she personally has experienced, and so are a number of church volunteers she knows.

“It is really holding a lot of things up,” Verbeek said, thanking Bondy for presenting the idea.

Councillor Rodney Hammond also experienced issues applying for his criminal record check online, which he said timed out before he received the document.

At its April 14 meeting, the Essex County OPP Detachment Board-North also received the letter from the Crime Prevention and Community Support Bureau.

In response to the letter the Crime Prevention and Community Support Bureau sent, Lakeshore Mayor Tacey Bailey said it fell short.

“Organizations are struggling; 60-90 days. The last time we saw something like this was when they implemented the finger printing, which was 120-days,” she said.

“We have organizations that are failing to thrive now, because we don’t have volunteers that can get screened fast enough,” Bailey said.

The previous system of walking into a station to get a criminal record check received a return within days, she said.

In addition, Bailey spoke of the senior community, which makes up for a good chunk of volunteers, they cannot access or manage the digital technology necessary.

Further, the Essex County OPP Detachment Board-North responded with a follow-up letter, expressing its dissatisfaction with its response and requested appropriate resourcing to expedite criminal record check processing.

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

After hearing a presentation from Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) – the region’s tourism collaborative committed to enhancing the region’s economy and quality of life – at the May 5 meeting, Essex Council directed Administration to bring a report to Council considering adopting the proposed Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT).

This report will be presented to Essex Council prior to August 31, 2025.

Scott Wilkins, TWEPI Board Member, approached Council, noting TWEPI hoped Essex would implement a MAT.

The proposed structure would be a County-wide initiative, with each municipality passing its own MAT by-law. The City of Windsor would be the collection agency. Funds collected in each municipality would stay in that municipality, minus administrative costs and TWEPI’s share.

TWEPI is currently making rounds to visit each of the seven municipal councils in Essex County.

A MAT “is a new revenue stream that does not come at a cost to your residents,” Gordon Orr, CEO of TWEPI, told Essex Council. He explained that back in 2017 the province enacted legislation granting municipalities the ability to implement a MAT.

The purpose of implementing a MAT is to directly benefit the municipality and to support local tourism growth and development, while providing municipalities with another revenue source to do so, Orr noted.

Benefits he pointed out include sustaining local tourism, economics, and revenue/seed funding for municipalities.

There are spending restrictions for the designated tourism entity and the municipal portion, Orr explained. Both parties must spend the collected funds to support tourism.

Orr said he introduced a County-wide initiative last May at a regional CAOs meeting.

He noted there are 73 municipalities across the province collecting a MAT currently. A year ago, there were 50.

He explained that at year end of 2024, the Town of Essex had 189 accommodation listings, including Short-Term Rentals (STRs) and hotels/motels. The average occupancy rate for those listings was 48%. The total estimated revenue for those was $4.9M.

When a MAT is applied to the total estimated revenue for the Town of Essex, it could generate $196,000 at 4% or $294,000 at 6%, Orr noted. That would be shared 50/50 between the Town and TWEPI.

In looking at all of Essex County with the total estimated revenue of $42M, a MAT at 4% would have generated $1.7M or $2.5M at 6%.

When TWEPI hosted meetings with local stakeholders last year, its reps heard some concerns, such as who would collect the funds and how to develop a MAT by-law.

TWEPI staff, Orr said, determined the City of Windsor would be the collection agency as a regional shared service, with the cost of the fulltime staff member taken off the top of the funds collected, shared 50/50. Once Windsor finds out how many municipalities in Essex County buy-in to the initiative, a meeting will be held to digest how much that will cost.

Windsor would also share its MAT by-law to assist County municipalities, which would have to pass their own by-law, deciding to apply the tax to hotels and short-term rentals, or just hotels.

Half of the funds collected through the MAT will remain in the individual municipality and not go to the County.

Orr explained the City of Windsor has collected a MAT since October 1, 2018. Funding for TWEPI has grown by 27% since 2019. The City increased its MAT rate from 4% to 6% on April 1. Orr was clear. The MAT program will not impact the funding TWEPI receives through the County of Essex. “It would be an additional revenue stream to both your municipality and for us at Tourism Windsor-Essex.”

Essex Free Press files noted that during 2025 Budget deliberations, TWEPI received $782,000 from the County of Essex as its annual contribution. It also receives funds from the City of Windsor.

Since 2018, Windsor has kept TWEPI’s base budget the same. This year, since the MAT is collecting more than the base budget, the base was eliminated, elevating that from the taxpayer. That would be the goal for the County, Orr said.

He asked Council to respond prior August 31, so it can plan a path forward.

In answering Councillor Rodney Hammond’s question on if the municipal share of the MAT could be used on by-law enforcement regarding tourism, Orr noted the funding is to support tourism and is up to the municipality to define that.

Councillor Joe Garon liked the idea of the MAT. Garon clarified with Orr that a municipality can do this on its own or partner with a tourism agency.

Councillor Kim Verbeek asked about municipalities choosing their own rate at either 4% or 6%, and how that could be a “logistical nightmare” across the County. Orr noted municipalities choose the rate, with the majority across the province having a 4% tax currently. If local municipalities choose different rates, it would be okay as the hotels or short-term rentals would apply them.

In answering Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley’s question on if there has been pushback from STR or hotel owners, Orr said there has not as the hotels in Windsor see the benefit.

Councillor Jason Matyi asked about opting-in and the possibility of opting-out if the Town decides it does not like participation in the program. Orr said it would be up to Council, but does not believe that it would come about.

Councillor Katie McGuire-Blais asked how the program could be monitored to ensure hotels and short-term rentals are implementing the tax. Toner explained there is software that gathers the number of listings, for instance. By-law enforcement could then look into what STRs should be bringing in.

McGuire-Blais would like the future report to look into that and how much effort or additional cost it will take to look into any issues that may arise.

Councillor Brad Allard also liked the idea. He suggested Essex look at a 5% MAT to be in a better position, as he said there are a lot of municipalities at four wanting to increase it.

In answering Hammond on possible retributions for hotels of STRs that do not charge the MAT, Orr noted that enforcement will be discussed. A MAT by-law could outline penalties.

In speaking of tourism statistics as part of the presentation, Jason Toner, VP Marketing & Communications, noted the organization hires firms annually to conduct a visitor economic impact report.

He said visitor volume in Windsor-Essex has increased since 2021. There were 5.6M visitors in 2023, compared to 4.4M in 2022 and 3.1M in 2021. Stats show visitors spending up 28% over $856M.

Of the visitors, 30% were international, with the majority coming from the US. Those visitors helped the local workforce by employing over 11,000 people, Toner noted.

In addition, the occupancy rate was just shy of 70%, with the average daily room rate $149.62.

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

Essex Council gave two readings to the revised edition of the Town’s Delegation of Authority By-Law at the May 5 meeting.

The updated By-Law was drafted by senior directors and the CAO.

The third and final reading will be presented for consideration at a future Council meeting.

The By-Law was updated to align with the Town’s new organizational review and legislative requirements that have come into play since the previous version was adopted.

It also addresses additional requests from administration, where administration believes they are doing things on a daily basis for which they need delegated authority, Joe Malandruccolo, Director of Legislative and Legal Services, explained to Council.

The Municipal Act requires Council to have a Delegation of Authority By-Law, Malandruccolo said, adding this piece of legislation allows Council to delegate its authority to other bodies to make decisions on Council’s behalf.

This process allows for the efficient use of resources, so work can happen when Council cannot come in to sit to make a decision.

Those additions include giving authority:

• to the Deputy CAO or designate to approve capital budget overages, so long as they are $10,000 or less;

• to the CAO or Treasurer to execute and submit grant applications for grants under $130,000 without Council approval where the project will be fully funded by the grant and aligns with Council’s strategic priorities;

• Development Services to release securities related to Site Plan Control Agreements, to approve Consent to Conservation Easement Agreements made by private owners only when required by the Committee of Adjustment, approve an application under Section 36 of the Planning Act to remove a holding provision when permitted under the Zoning By-Law, to approve applications to amend the Town’s Zoning By-Law site-specifically to prohibit the construction of a dwelling on a retained farm parcel resulting from a surplus severance only as a condition of the Committee of Adjustment, Consent Approval, and to approve renewals or extensions of wireless cell towers agreements that were already originally approved by Council;

• The CAO in consultation with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to approve sponsorships or naming rights agreements with an aggregate amount of $130,000 or less, so long as it is in accordance with the Town’s Sponsorship and Naming Rights Policy, which Council would have to pass;

• Administration to deal with special occasion and event permits, as well as approvals and exemptions relating to them. That includes the Director of Community Services approving special event permits and requests, such as road closures, noise permit exemptions, authority and restrictions regarding the use of municipal properties without seeking Council specific approval for recurring events. Initial events would be brought to Council;

• Primary authority of sanitary and stormwater works to the Director of Infrastructure Services, so long as they are in accordance with the Town’s Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environment Approvals;

• Primary authority to the Drainage Superintendent to appoint an individual engineer at a Council pre-appointed engineering corporation, and to approve assessment of apportionment agreements;

• Allowing the Clerk’s Department to issue Short Term Rental Licences, as long as the licence application complies with the Town’s Short Term Rental By-Law.

On May 1, the Strong Mayors Act was passed by the Province of Ontario, Malandruccolo noted. That means some of Council’s decision-making authority is passed to the mayor. Provided that the delegations and decisions made by the mayor through those powers are in compliance with the Municipal Act, they will override the Delegation of Authority By-Law and Council’s Authority, Malandruccolo explained.

Councillor Jason Matyi was not sure how much more delegation Essex Council wanted to do. In speaking to instances where staff can approve Short-Term Rental licenses, how will Council know how many have been added, though there is a moratorium in residential areas currently.

Council has to be accountable to constituents and be able to be in the know of such figures, Matyi pointed out. He had similar concerns with storm sewer works and budget overages.

“I have a lot of real concerns about the transparency of this and delegating all of this out, especially at a time right now when we are already being forced to delegate some of our powers,” Matyi said.

Malandruccolo noted that in some of the areas mentioned, an annual report will be required, so Council is updated on how administration is using those delegated authorities. He further suggested talking to the director responsible for the area for any other areas of concerns Matyi may have, and to come back with any recommendations prior to the next meeting.

In addressing Councillor Katie McGuire-Blais’s concern on budget overages, Director of Corporate Services, Kate Giurissevich, said the intent is to ensure administration is not wasting resources on preparing a report on something the Town may have to pay, anyway. It is meant for nominal amounts, but staff is happy to take feedback or look at a lower dollar amount threshold.

Malandruccolo explained that the Municipal Act requires municipalities to have a Delegation of Authority By-Law as it is understood there have to be some things that have to be done efficiently and can’t wait for a Council meeting.

He added some of the additions are legislated in order to assist with things like legislative authority.

Mayor Sherry Bondy said she is not one to delegate, but if Council delegates and has communication, it is a win-win. She was happy it was not being approved fully that evening, so Council could continue to ask questions.

With hearing concerns around the table, McGuire-Blais preferred to get the document to a point where Council was comfortable before giving a first and second reading. Malandruccolo intends to gather Council input after the meeting and not present the By-Law back to Council for third and final reading until he is sure at least the majority of Council would be happy with it.

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

Essex CAO Doug Sweet grew-up in Essex, raised his family in Essex, and has been proud to work for the Town for 16 of the 36-years he has committed to his career in municipal governance.

He is set to retire Friday, May 16, and while he is excited to spend more time with his four grandkids and family, he will miss the friendships he has formed over the years with colleagues, council members, and members of the community.

Sweet started his municipal career with the City of Windsor, right after graduating university through a co-op program. He started in its Parks and Rec and special events department. He said he loved the work.

He was able to transfer the wealth of knowledge he obtained working for the City to his hometown of Essex in 2004. He spent four-years here, before returning back to Windsor. 11-years ago, he returned to Essex to take on the Director of Community Services position. His role was eventually expanded to include Deputy CAO, before he was promoted to CAO in 2021.

The list of accomplishments of which Sweet is most proud is long. Being in the Community Services Department is unique in that “I can drive through the entire municipality and kind of see where I have had an impact.”

A few of the standouts was the development of the Colchester Park, which started with a gravel parking lot with no accessibility. It is now a great regional park, Sweet said.

Heritage Garden Park in Essex Centre is also a top project in which Sweet has helped to develop. It used to have the train tracks, and has become a hub with the pavilion, washroom, memorial Spitfire, with plans for an amphitheatre to come.

He was part of developing the twin pad arena in Essex Centre, and is proud to have had a hand in establishing the Maedel Community Centre, the developing Essex Sports Fields, and the Essex Municipal Building expansion taking place currently.

Sweet also points to simple things, like playground replacements. There used to be outdated equipment, and a plan was put in place to modernize.

He also reflects on some of the special events that have taken place over the years, such as the Canada 225 in Colchester, and hosting the Provincial Paralympic Games several years ago.

Before Sweet earned the CAO position, he noted there were four CAOs in five-years. His goal was to create some stability, which he believes has taken place. That has been great for Town staff, the community, and allowed the Town to work on a lot of roads and complete the Harrow and Essex Centre Streetscapes in the last few years.

“No matter what job you do, you have an impact; be it good or bad. And, hopefully, I have had a positive impact. I think I have in terms of even the CAO role,” Sweet said. He hopes he created a foundation upon which the next CAO can continue to build.

One of the most challenging aspects is the financial-side of running a municipality, Sweet said. People expect services, and the Town wants to provide those services. “But it is a challenge with the money you have.”

The term “you have to do more with less,” no longer applies. He would tell his staff “We have to do more differently.”

The group will now always think outside the box to see what can be done with the funding available.

Social media has also been a challenge, Sweet acknowledged. The expectations, and speed and response, in which residents want an answer is a challenge.

Sweet sees growth with the Town continuing, but it has to be controlled and reasonable. As people start moving out to the county more, he believes quality of life amenities will become more important to residents.

In terms of officially moving towards retirement, Sweet said he has known for a couple years what he wanted to plan.

“I love my job, I love the people I work with; that will be the one thing I miss, is definitely the people.”

During COVID, he said he wasn’t going to ask staff to come in to work, if he wasn’t willing himself, for instance. So, he did.

He loves talking with people.

Most of his career has been 24/7 on call, Sweet explained. He just wants to be able to enjoy his life and his family, especially his four grandkids.

He hasn’t ruled out possibly doing some consulting in the future, but definitely wants to spend at least the first year enjoying his retirement.

In addition to enjoying family time, Sweet said he plans to continue being active in sports and travel.

As someone who grew-up and raised a family in Essex, Sweet said it has been great to work in his own community and have a positive impact. “I’m pretty proud of that.”

One piece of advice Sweet would give to the incoming CAO, would be to ensure they maintain a healthy work-life balance.

“This role is incredibly demanding—truly a24/7 commitment—and it’s easy to get pulled in many directions with the expectations of Council, residents, and staff. It can be hard to disconnect, and over time, that takes a toll on both mental and physical health. While the job is very fulfilling, the constant pressure to respond quickly can sometimes overshadow the importance of personal well-being. That’s why I believe work-life balance is a critical piece of advice for anyone stepping into this role.”

He added his leadership style was to be collaborative and listen to people. Any decisions made were always in the best interest of the Town.

Several Essex Councillors expressed their gratitude to Sweet during his last Essex Council meeting on Monday evening.

“Doug’s leadership has been instrumental in preparing the Town for a successful future. His efforts have laid a strong foundation for continued growth and wellbeing for the community. I am truly grateful for all the hard work and commitment you did. Thank you, Doug, for everything you have done for Essex,” Councillor Jason Matyi said.

Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley added that Sweet’s steady guidance, dedication, and leadership have been invaluable to Council, the community, and to himself.

“Throughout my term, you have been a constant source of support, insight, and integrity,” Shepley added. “You helped navigate challenges, celebrated successes, and always kept the interest of Essex at the forefront.”

Sweet’s professionalism and genuine care for the municipality will leave a lasting legacy, Shepley commented.

Councillor Kim Verbeek spoke of how Sweet’s calm, kind mannerism helped her out on many issues.

Councillor Brad Allard called Sweet a mentor.

An emotional Mayor Sherry Bondy said she is not ready to let Sweet go, because she has been on Council for over a decade, and believes he is the best CAO the Town has ever had.

“Each time we had a CAO retire, I knocked on his door and asked him to consider applying,” Bondy said. “Doug, you have done an amazing job, not just in leading this Town, but in showing leadership in all your roles.

”The bar is set extremely high, Bondy added, noting Council and the community have come to expect a lot from the next CAO.

Sweet noted it was humbling to hear all of the kind words.

At his last Council meeting, Sweet said that moment brought reflection and immense gratitude.

“Essex has always been more than just my place to work, it is my home town. It is where I grew up, raised my family, and built a lifetime of memories. To be able to give back to this Town in such a meaningful way has been one of the greatest honours of my life.”

He thanked Essex’s residents for the privilege of allowing him to serve for them. “It has truly been an honour to help support and grow this vibrant, welcoming community we all call home.”

To past and present Councils, he extended his deepest gratitude. “Together, we faced challenges, we celebrated achievements, and always remained focused on the best interest of our community.”

To his staff members, Sweet noted they are the backbone of the municipality. “Your hard work, professionalism, and unwavering commitment day-in-and-day-out make a real difference in the lives of our residences.”

To the Corporate Leadership Team, Sweet noted what they have achieved together is a testament to what can happen when collaboration and a shared purpose lead the way. “I have learned so much from each of you, and I know you will continue to raise the bar.”

While accomplishments are significant, it will be the people he will remember and miss the most. “The friendships, the connections, the laughter, and a shared sense of purpose; these are the moments that made this journey truly special. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with such amazing people.”

He also acknowledged his family for their support and patience over the years, especially during those more demanding times.

“It has truly been an incredible journey,” an emotional Sweet said. “The Town of Essex has a bright future ahead and I can’t wait to watch it unfold.”

Sweet’s replacement has not yet been selected.