On June 7 at 9:26 am, Councillor Pouget emailed Fire Chief Bruce Montone pertaining to concerns regarding closed streets, attached a photo and commentary by David Wharram and copied the CAO.

Please find attached a photo and comments made on the Amherstburg Residents Forum Website.  Since this article appeared, I have been bombarded with questions, regarding emergency access to our downtown streets, during the 43 days of closures.

Due to the fact, that you were tied up with an Ontario Land Tribunal Hearing for the last four (4) days, I delayed in sending my concerns to you.  It is ironic, that the OLT Hearing, involved a very contentious proposal for a boutique/hotel on this same street, dealing with fire safety concerns.

I understand you do not live in our community and the closed streets occur mostly after your working hours and on the weekends, so you might not be aware of these activities, that appear to be blocking the streets.  Due to the fact, that bollards are in place at the Dalhousie/Murray, Dalhousie/Richmond, Ramsay/Murray, Ramsay/Richmond Street intersections and tables, tents and games appear to be obstructing these roadways, I am asking for your advice, if you are aware of these issues and if you are concerned with this matter.

Perhaps, as a daughter of a volunteer Amherstburg Firefighter for 35 years and I as a member of Emergency Response Ontario for 23 years, I am very aware of the importance of emergency vehicles to have quick response times,

with unobstructed pathways.  The photo provided implies obstruction to a very busy street.  In the case of an emergency, how would our residents and tourists escape, when being blocked in with very large buildings on both sides of the street?  Would  they have to rush to the intersections of Dalhousie/Richmond or Dalhousie/Murray to escape?  What about our residents with accessibility issues? 

On another note, I am equally concerned about the Rib Fest to be held in the downtown core next weekend.  I copied you on an email on May 23rd, but I did not receive a response from you.  I am very worried about the placement of 4 large cookers on asphalt on Ramsay Street and the fact that tables will be set up in a confined space behind the Dalhousie, Ramsay, Richmond, Murray Street businesses and apartments.  What effect will this have on emergency vehicles access, when all these streets will be closed?  

Please note, that as a Councillor for the Town of Amherstburg, I am copying the Amherstburg Residents Forum to inform them, that I am asking these questions on their behalf as well as my concerns, regarding these important issues.

Photos and Commentary by David Wharram