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.
the burg watch 
If it is called Open Air, why does it have to be closed streets? Present council passed a motion that Open Air could not be discussed until 2027. They offered no reasons for their decision. The next council will be tasked with choosing if and how Open Air moves forward. Personally, I feel the concept is sound with regards to promoting tourism. Closing the streets every weekend in the summer is not a good idea. Perhaps once a month or possibly moving into the expanded Navy Yard Park would be a better solution. No matter how Open Air proceeds there must be public consultation before the summer of 2027. I strongly encourage the next council to appoint volunteers with real knowledge of AODA requirements to the new Accessibility Committee. Open Air must be positive and welcoming for everyone. All of our core downtown businesses, including banks must be part of the solution. It’s great that coffee shops, restaurants and ice cream shops get a profit bump during Open Air, but it must not be detrimental to the rest of the businesses. The next council has lots of tough decisions to make. I hope the people we elect have the experience, knowledge and wisdom to listen to the taxpayers of Amherstburg so that they can make the right decisions for everyone. These are my thoughts, I welcome yours.
Sincerely, Bill Petruniak running for Deputy Mayor of Amherstburg in 2026