The Burg Watch: Why I Stand Up for Our Community

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As Amherstburg’s first local blogger since 2011 and creator of the burg watch, my goal has always been to keep our community informed. 

Through the burg watch I challenge the status quo because our community deserves better than the minimal efforts and performative gestures like promoting proclamations and raising flags.

A truly inclusive community removes barriers that prevent people from equally participating in their own community.

I’ve written about the barriers that need to be removed to end the exclusion. For example, the lack of accessible amenities like infrastructure, recreation, and civic engagement.

My disability rights advocacy isn’t a political hobby; it’s a commitment to a human right to belong.

Standing up for what I believe in and trying to hold our administration and council accountable has resulted in pushback and isolation. But I’d rather face criticism for defending our community’s right to equity than be liked for staying silent while residents are excluded from their own town.

I am proud of the conversations the burg watch has generated. I’ll continue to watch, write, and advocate—because a stronger, fully accessible Amherstburg benefits the entire community.

I appreciate the friends and allies that have joined me along this journey.

graphic image of brown wooden sign with white text that reads welcome to Amherstburg - a community for everyone with greenery at the base of the posts.
graphic image of wooden sign with text: welcome to Amherstburg – a community for everyone.

What are the candidates’ position on Open Air? Stephanie Pouget-Papak

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Question: As you know, Open Air remains a contentious issue, especially because of Councillor Crain’s motion to not revisit it until the end of this term. 

Will you remove barriers that deny people with disabilities equal access to the community when streets are closed during Open Air weekends?

Stephanie POuget-Papak answer: Thank you for your patience as I work through my emails.

Open Air is a contentious issue that has left our community divided. The answer to your question is not as simple as “yes” or “no.” I have had the opportunity to experience Open Air from several different perspectives:

– As a family member: I have visited the downtown with my family and enjoyed the activities.

– As someone enjoying an evening out: I have experienced the restaurant scene with my spouse and had positive experiences.

– As a historian: I designed the Sunday Heritage Tours and led several Coffee and Culture discussions that received positive feedback from both tourists and local residents.

– As a business owner (speaking only from my own experience): I witnessed a decline in daytime visitation, difficulties for some seniors in accessing the building, and the financial impact that accompanied those challenges.

– Through an accessibility lens: Having had to learn how to walk again at age 15 following bilateral knee surgery, I understand that accessibility needs are not always visible. There are still days when I experience mobility challenges, and the lack of nearby parking had at times made it difficult for me to reach my former workplace, forcing me to work from home or take the day off. I think people sometimes forget that not everyone with accessibility needs qualifies for, or has, an accessible parking permit.

– As a citizen: I have also experienced the frustration of being unable to access side streets and becoming stuck in traffic on the main road when trying to run unexpected errands.

I have seen the benefits that Open Air brings in the evenings, particularly for our restaurants. These businesses employ many local youth and contribute to job creation in our community. In the tourism and hospitality sector, the revenue generated during peak season often helps businesses survive the slower off-season months. When businesses remain strong, they contribute to the tax base, which helps reduce pressure on residential property taxes.

This weekend I spoke with a family whose grandparent uses a wheelchair. They told me that they look forward to visiting downtown during Open Air because it helps their loved one “get out of the house” and enjoy being around people. At the same time, I recognize that not everyone has the support of a caregiver or the same ability to navigate the event comfortably.

I believe our lived experiences shape our opinions, needs, and emotions. Because of that, Open Air is unlikely ever to be an issue on which everyone agrees completely.

Would I advocate for eliminating Open Air? No. However, I also do not believe the current model fully reflects the diverse needs of our community. I think it can be improved in ways that better support accessibility while continuing to benefit businesses, tourists, and residents who enjoy the program.

Realistically, any new or long-term decision should be informed by a review of the 2026 season’s data, including attendance, economic impact, accessibility concerns, and associated costs. With that in mind, here are a few ideas worth exploring (not promises):

– Keep the same number of weekends, but limit closures to Friday and Saturday evenings, when foot traffic is highest.

– Convert Dalhousie Street to one-way traffic during Open Air, allowing one lane for restaurant patios and the other for accessible drop-off and pick-up areas, subject to safety and cost assessments.

– Reduce the overall number of Open Air weekends to create a stronger concentration of activity and demand, although this option may not adequately address the accessibility concerns being raised.

With more than 23,000 residents, we have more than 23,000 different needs and perspectives. My challenge is not to choose one group over another, but to find a balanced approach that supports accessibility, local businesses, (in this case) tourism, families, youth, elderly, and the overall well-being of the community.

I would be interested in hearing your personal experience and what specifically makes Open Air difficult for you to navigate (for example, the parking, walking, distance etc…) this could help form a better argument should the opportunity arise.

Thank you again for reaching out and sharing your concerns.

Candidates that haven’t answered yet:

Molly Allaire
Frank Cerasa

Mickle Park Playground – How Useable?

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As posted in June 2023. Amherstburg’s accessibility committee ENDORSED this playground, despite the barriers.

Below is an email to Councillor Pouget and Councillor McArthur on June 12 in advance of the council meeting.

After watching the June 5 Amherstburg Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting, and reading some of the documents, I have some concerns regarding the recommendation to ENDORSE the playground design proposed for Warren Mickle Park’s playground redevelopment.

I’m writing to both of you because Councillor McArthur is council’s rep on the AAAC and Councillor Pouget consistently represents the interests of people with disabilities.

Ms. Heidi Baillargeon advised the AAAC an RFP resulted in three proposals that went through a Review and Scoring committee, and this was the design that was selected for installation at Warren Mickle Park. Ms. Baillargeon also advised the AAAC that it is partly a ramp structure, there are a number of accessible components, and that ‘a wheelchair can only go up to the first deck.’

It is preferable to use person first or identity first language and not refer to the assistive device alone.

How did a Review and Scoring committee approve this proposal?

What Makes a Playground Inaccessible? (aoda.ca)

  • Multilevel platforms
  • Stairs
  • Narrow walkways
  • Monkey bars
  • Bucket swings
  • Swings
  • Slides (plastic or metal)

Would someone please explain how the proposed Warren Mickle Park will be AODA compliant and inclusive if children with disabilities can’t access or use all the equipment? 

From the Parks Master Plan 2018, “It is essential that parks are inclusive and barrier-free, as guided by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). To ensure that the parks system is able to serve people from all segments of the community, accessible seating, washrooms, shade (structures and trees), parking, connections to key destinations and safety must be prominent considerations.”

While Ms. Baillargeon mentioned the CSA Z614:20, a safety standard, there was very little discussion regarding the AODA, Regulations, inclusive playground guidelines and mandatory public consultation.

The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation of the AODA mandates public consultation as follows:

“When constructing new or redeveloping existing outdoor play spaces, obligated organizations shall consult on the needs of children and caregivers with various disabilities” and shall do so in the following manner: 

1. designated public sector organizations and large organizations must consult with the public and persons with disabilities. (emphasis added).

2. Municipalities must also consult with their municipal accessibility advisory committees, where one has been established in accordance with subsection 29 (1) or (2) of the Act. 

Outdoor play spaces, accessibility in design 

80.20 When constructing new or redeveloping existing play spaces that they intend to maintain,obligated organizations shall,

(a) incorporate accessibility features, such as sensory and active play components, for children and caregivers with various disabilities into the design of outdoor play spaces; and

(b) ensure that outdoor play spaces have a ground surface that is firm, stable and has impact attenuating properties for injury prevention and sufficient clearance to provide children and caregivers with various disabilities the ability to move through, in and around the outdoor play space. O. Reg. 413/12, s. 6.

There was also no discussion regarding the 2021 survey that no children under the age of 18 participated in. 

Will the four benches be accessible? Will the bike racks be accessible? Will there be any braille elements? Will accessible washrooms be installed? Will accessible parking spaces be available? Will accessible signage and wayfinding be installed? The concept plan 2021 included a picnic area and in answer to the question, What park amenities would you like to see at Warren Mickle Park, 50 (74.6%) said picnic table: will accessible picnic tables be installed?

Also of concern is an AAAC member’s comments regarding the slide: he could only see one problem with it – that is you put it in this park and people find out about it, they’re gonna want it in all the other parks and that means retrofitting. Then the member asked about the cost for that.

In is my understanding that AAAC members identify barriers and ‘provide advice and recommendations to Council on accessibility issues within our community’ and council makes budgetary decisions for what accessible projects it prioritizes.

What are the candidates’ position on Open Air? Saurabh Katara

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Question: As you know, Open Air remains a contentious issue, especially because of Councillor Crain’s motion to not revisit it until the end of this term. Will you remove barriers that deny people with disabilities equal access to the community when streets are closed during Open Air weekends?

Saurabh Katara:

Thank you for reaching out and for asking this important question.

Yes—I will work to remove barriers that deny people with disabilities equal access to the community when streets are closed for Open Air. Open Air is valuable to our community, and accessibility should be part of it—not something residents have to give up for the event to work.

I’m not going to pretend I already know the exact operational solution without first understanding the barriers people are experiencing. During the campaign, I intend to speak directly with residents affected by these closures so I understand what changes would make the biggest difference.

Candidates that have not answered yet are listed below. I emphasize yet since Lena Lazanja incorrectly stated, “I would appreciate you removing my/other candidates names from a “did not respond” section.

As I informed Lazanja, I listed “candidates that haven’t answered to date.”

Candidates that haven’t answered yet:

Molly Allaire
Frank Cerasa
Stephanie Pouget-Papak

RECAP Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting July 23, 2026

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The committee didn’t accomplish much. The only agenda item, the 2026 Municipal Elections Accessibility Plan was just to receive for information – 51 one minutes and 39 seconds until adjournment.

Chair Shirley Curson Prue rarely reads the land acknowledgement but this time she did; she usually just hands everything over to staff.

Tony Pietrangelo, current committee member and councillor candidate provided two memorable moments:

1.Pietrangelo asked if they were having internet voting.

    Council voted to continue with the costliest, most labour intensive and least accessible in person voting on September 8, 2025. 

    Had it not been for my December 2022 delegation, council would have voted back then for in person voting.

    Pietrangelo was present at the October 23, 2025 accessibility committee meeting when admin advised it of council’s in person voting decision.

    Of course, the committee moved to endorse the 2026 Municipal Elections Accessibility Plan.

    Members still seem unsure of whether to make motions. Typically, the committee limits motions to receive minutes and adjourn but not to receive updates, direct admin to report back, or to take action.

    I did delegate to the committee in 2022 and offered suggestions for the committee to be strong advocates and follow procedural rules, but they disregarded my input as usual.

    2. The second memorable moment was when Pietrangelo enthusiastically praised the National AccessAbility Week flag raising. 

      It was a performative gesture. 

      If I were to describe this event to anyone not in attendance, I’d say a small crowd gathered, Prue read a speech, and a staff member raised a flag – that’s it. 

      small crowd gathered for National AccessAbility Week flag raising at Amherstburg park in 2026.


      This minimal effort is typical of communities that lack a strong commitment to inclusion and accessibility.

      “It’s now part of our standard practices,” advised admin.

      It’s a low standard.

      The town wants to know about voting barriers – at least that’s what the committee was advised. But my input on voting barriers has been disregarded for a few elections by both council and the accessibility committee.

      Councillor Pouget’s motion on December 12, 2024 was that my submission regarding voting barriers be sent to the committee. Of course, the committee didn’t discuss my submission any more than it discussed my previous submissions or my delegations about barriers.

      The town wants more people to vote – at least that’s also what the committee was advised. But staff recommended, and council approved, the most inaccessible traditional in person voting which may limit voter turnout. 

      No one should be surprised that barriers can repress voter turnout and influence feelings of efficacy for voters with disabilities (Schur et al., Reference Schur, Ameri and Adya2017).

      Admin should have recommended a greater variety of voting methods to meet the needs of a variety of voters to increase voter turnout. It’s counterproductive to limit choices and then complain of limited results.

      Of course, council should have directed admin to report on the costs of each voting method in December 2022. 

      Very briefly, the committee mentioned a library audit.

      The library was to have been audited in January 2024. 

      An inoperable push button at the hub, future sidewalk repairs, and pickleball parking were noted.

      Almost an hour for business that could have been addressed probably within 15 minutes.

      Meeting adjourned.

      Opinion – Amherstburg’s vicious politics

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      Town blogger Sarah Gibb is calling for more blood on the floor.

      “It’s a toxic environment,” said Miceli. “This town is divided. It really is.”

      This issue has cost Amherstburg not only two investigations and more than $16,400. It has torn the town apart for 10 months. The election was ugly. The meetings on the issue were hostile. And social media has been vicious.

      The above three paragraphs were just some of what Anne Jarvis, Windsor Star, wrote in a June 2019 article, Amherstburg’s charm, history and vicious politics, amid a scandal involving allegations of leaked confidential information.

      Have things changed?

      Sarah Gibb is spouse to current Deputy Mayor/mayoral candidate Chris Gibb. Will she still want more blood on the floor?

      Is it still a toxic environment? Is there still a high turnover of staff? Absent staff? Are staff involved in council debates/discussions? Are staff introducing new business items during meetings? Are administration civil to residents? Responsive to inquiries?

      Is the town still divided?

      Judging by social media comments, it is.

      When I pointed out Linden Crain’s lack of responsiveness to me, his supporters countered with how responsive he is.

      That’s my point. There’s a noticeable divisiveness. Otherwise the consensus would be that he’s responsive.

      Similarly, if the concessions felt more focus was on the downtown core, the core couldn’t relate and wouldn’t have any complaints.

      For as long as favouritism, preferential treatment and indifference or combativeness to opposing views prevail anywhere, there will be division.

      That’s a reality that people don’t always want to acknowledge but it’s a reality nevertheless.

      Jarvis also wrote, people in Amherstburg are engaged, to say the least. Council meetings are often packed. People comment aloud and applaud. There are several local bloggers. But the vicious politics — “it does seem to be endless,” admitted DiCarlo.

      That was seven years ago. Has social media made things worse? Probably. Online algorithms love conflict.

      And it’s too easy to emotionally respond to and personally attack commenters who express opposing views.

      It gets visceral and vicious. I know. I’ve experienced it by some candidates because of my blog, by strangers for my strong disability advocacy, and by some for what appears to be my unwillingness to accept the status quo or engage in toxic positivity.

      Could things get any worse? Maybe.

      Another election could get ugly.

      If there’s a continued division on the new council that fuel the divide but claim it doesn’t exist, things will get worse.

      Free Speech As Delegates Update

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      following the post, Free Speech As Delegates, I emailed members of council:

      on a few occasions i’ve requested that you update the 2014 procedural by-law posted on the town’s website. the by-law that most directly affects democracy should reflect current accessibility and human rights legislation and it is within your authority as representatives of the public you serve to address the issue and implement a best practice.

      to assist you, i reached out to the centre for free expression and have included the response below. i urge you to do the same. it should suffice that residents who want to voice their concerns to those elected to listen state the topic/concern/subject matter and be given their 5 minutes of your attention and your consideration and decision. 

      there should be no administrative burdens or barriers to democracy. 

      amherstburg’s first local blogger

      ‘Thank you for reaching out to the Centre for Free Expression.

      It is not unusual for municipal councils to ask delegations wishing to speak to council to register in advance, as your CAO indicates. It is also normal that the requester be asked to specify the agenda item to which you want to speak. All this is helpful in ensuring an orderly meeting in which all those wanting to be heard can be heard.

      That said, I have never heard of a municipality requiring the delegation speaker’s notes, much less the text of the speech, to be submitted ahead of the event. And, I have never heard of a requirement for a copy of the notes or speech text to be submitted with the application to appear. Sometimes when I appear before parliamentary bodies they request a copy of my submission ahead of time so they can distribute it to the committee members and, where there is simultaneous translation, to give a copy to the translators so as to help them. But, this is only after I have been accepted as a speaker and it is not a requirement.

      While I feel it is both wrong and bad practice for your municipal council to do as yours is doing, it is not illegal to the best of my knowledge. It is something that should be fought in the court of public opinion.

      I hope this is helpful.’

      Copyright – this information is protected by Canada’s Copyright Act. Request written permission from the burg watch at gmail dot com.

      Opinion – Denials of delegation requests increasing

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      Residents’ requests to speak to council have increasingly been denied. 

      This council seems ok with that.

      “The content of the procedure by-law is generally up to the council,” said an Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers Ontario (AMCTO) spokesperson in an email.

      This council had no input on it. The public had no input. 

      But this council did rubber stamp administration’s revised procedural by-law in August 2023.

      Residents pushed back but council wouldn’t reconsider.          

      The by-law states, “The Town of Amherstburg actively encourages public engagement by inviting members of the community to participate in Council and Committee meetings, fostering a sense of inclusivity and transparency in local governance.”

      But does it?

      Deputy Mayoral candidate Bill Petruniak wanted to speak to council Monday night about proposed changes to the town’s Official Plan.

      The clerk’s denial included a reference to previous public consultations – accordingly, no further public deputations are possible at this time. 

      Petruniak’s response back to the clerk was:

      “Thank you for your explanation, sir. The premise of my delegation was to highlight the reality we live in. We are in the 21st century and still attempting to do business like we did 30 years ago. Technology is accelerating exponentially and if Amherstburg does not embrace it and process decisions more quickly we will be left behind. No longer can we rely on higher levels of government to bail us out. Both our federal and provincial bodies are in worse financial shape than Amherstburg. Amherstburg must start governing in a proactive manner or perish. Lead, follow or get out of the way; only the fittest will survive. Taking 17 years to revise the official plan was ridiculous. Hopefully the next council can make some positive changes to Amherstburg’s operational procedures.”    

      Paradoxically, one of the six goals of the town’s Official Plan is, ‘Establish a framework for community engagement.’

      One of the goals of the town’s Strategic Plan, also approved by this council, is, ‘Increase effective communication and engagement with residents.’          

      A few residents were denied an opportunity to speak to the Economic Development Committee in January of this year.

      The committee was advised that both must be true: there would have to be a report or by-law before the body and there would have to be an action or recommendation.

      Deputy CAO Melissa Osborne mentioned delegates could speak at a future meeting, but they wouldn’t be allowed to address town council on the same issue.

      No such rule exists in the procedural by-law. I asked. 

      CAO Critchley only sent me the section that states, “Delegations appearing before Council, who have previously appeared before Council on the same subject matter, shall be limited to providing only new information in any subsequent delegation request.” (emphasis added).

      My January 2024 delegation request was denied.

      I had been advocating for a Routine disclose policy for four years and wanted to speak to the AMCTO’s submission regarding the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

      Deputy clerk Sarah Sabihuddin advised, “it does not directly relate to a report or by-law, and therefore, it does not qualify as a delegation under the procedural framework.”

      Alternatively, Sabihuddin said I could send my concerns to council. “Should a member of Council wish to bring this up during New Business and make a request for an Administrative Report on this item then once this report comes back onto the public agenda then you would be able to delegate at that time as per the procedural by-law,” emailed Sabihuddin.

      Ironically, my April 2026 request to speak about civic engagement and the multi-year accessibility plan was also denied. 

      Also not found in the procedural by-law was a section pertaining to administration’s most recent precedent – “demonstrate how the requested action is connected to the matter under consideration.” 

      Council will be discussing some contentious issues Monday night including their in-camera decisions about Windsor Police, BYOB legislation, a day care centre near 320 Richmond Street. 

      The July 13 council meeting will take place at 6 pm in town hall council chambers and is also live steamed at islive.ca.