Mayor Prue’s November 28, 2022 Inauguration speech: listen to the audio or read the text below.

I’ve spoken to the CAO, and we’re going to make some changes or hopefully Council will agree to some changes how council meetings are held. In the past you all got a council agenda on Thursday you had until Friday to put your name down if you wanted to speak or make a deputation. We’re now going to give one week’s notice. You’ll get it on Monday for the following Monday. So that will give an opportunity to everyone to know what’s happening and to be part of the process. I hope Council will agree to allow more public deputations without having to all put our hands up and waive the rules every single time. I think people should have the right to make a deputation before Council when the item is on the agenda.

Monday July 11 council meeting agenda was not posted on Monday.

Council needs to update its procedural by-law to make the process more citizen oriented and inclusive of people with disabilities. Many other municipalities provide for a variety of ways for residents to submit their concerns. I’ve asked a few times.

Related: Hear Delegate Request Discussion June 12, 2023 Council Meeting

Not everyone is celebrating nor does everyone feel welcome to participate in the celebration and activities.

Unlike countless other municipalities, the Amherstburg Canada Day Run/Walk did not include the word ‘roll’ in its title; if it had, people using mobility devices might have felt welcome to participate, but it was a timed race for those who are ‘able’ to run and/or walk.

So many advertisements of events state everyone is welcome, but are they? They’re not welcome if they can’t get there due to barriers and they can’t participate in anything that is not inclusive.

There is a long history of persons with disabilities being marginalized and discriminated against and it is unacceptable, given all the legislation, polices, practices, guidelines, etc. to encounter ‘it’s just a painfully slow process’ or ‘baby steps.’ Such comments indicate the attitude that it’s just not a priority; it’s especially evident when other projects like a dog park are built and celebrated or when politicians volunteer and/or advocate for certain projects that appeal to their interests.

Ableism is the belief that it is “normal” to not have a disability and that “normal” is preferred. It’s discrimination on the basis of disability. Visit Inclusion Canada’s This Is Ableism to learn more.

Atrocity an extremely wicked or cruel act, typically one involving physical violence or injury. “war atrocities”

Two years ago thousands of unmarked graves of Indigenous children were found in residential schools throughout Canada. CTV reported last year, Organizers from coast to coast say they are trying to balance celebrations of Canadian pride with reflections on the country’s difficult history with Indigenous people.

Visit Why you Shouldn’t be Celebrating Canada Day- and what to do Instead to learn more.

When ALL marginalized communities are welcome to attend and participate in events that are inclusive of EVERYONE, I’ll be the first to celebrate.

June 27 email to council members regarding a June 26 council meeting new business discussion.

Once again, thank you Councillor Pouget for taking an interest in and representing constituents’ concerns and the disability community regarding signs obstructing sidewalks.

You may recall that on May 5 I requested a sign by-law review be undertaken, along with a report on the enforcement of it. I mentioned signs, furniture and retail displays impede pedestrian rights of way and the removal of barriers needs to be more of a priority.

I followed up in a June 23 email.

I understand from the June 26 council meeting that a review may be underway. Councillor Pouget said she would prefer that we not wait until fall for a report and wondered why they just can’t go into a business and ask them to remove the obstructions on the sidewalks.

I wonder how accessibility and inclusivity can be a priority if we must wait until fall and be concerned with negative impacts on businesses?

After having read the Sign By-law, I would like an explanation for the wait when sections of the by-law already allow for the Chief Building Official to remove a sign without notice if it obstructs a sidewalk.

As for enforcement, the Sign By-law stipulates that Police Officers of the Town of Amherstburg Police Services and By-law Enforcement Officers of the Corporation shall have the duty of enforcing the provisions of this by-law. The Windsor Police Agreement continued with this practice of by-law enforcement.

This is almost funny. In another report to council for the June 26 council meeting, titled New Policy – Electronic Monitoring of Employees, under Discussion: The Town of Amherstburg values trust, discretion and transparency and believes employees deserve to know when, how and for what purposes their work is being monitored.

Financial Matters states, ‘Failure to approve the Electronic Monitoring of Employees Policy may expose the Town to fines and other legal penalties under the Employment Standards Act, (2000).’ Shouldn’t that have been listed as a risk?

In a report to council by Bill Tetler for the June 26 council meeting, the recommendation is that two events be approved:

1. Super Santa Walk/Run – November 18th, 2023
2. The Server Shuffle – August 12th, 2023.

The RISK ANALYSIS section includes:

It should be noted, that should these events not be approved, it might have the following detrimental effects on the community:

• Less awareness and exposure for the Town to attract visitors which could result in economic loss for the Town and its businesses;
• A lack of support from Council may discourage long standing volunteer associations from providing social and economic opportunities. This would result in a perception of non-worth for their volunteer efforts;
• Less exposure for the Town reducing its tourism market share;
• Less exposure for the Town reducing its ability to attract new residents;
• Less exposure for the Town reducing its value to potential investors;
• Tourism is a primary industry for the Town of Amherstburg, reducing events will directly impact employment opportunities;
• Event experiences are learning opportunities for our guests, which promote repeat visits, the deep history Amherstburg has to offer and showcases our local museums, attractions, and historical sites;
• Events financially support not-for-profit organizations, to ensure sustainability within our community.

In addition to media articles, the Town of Amherstburg website advertised the LIBRO Celebration Day: “Join us in celebration of 3 NEW AMENITIES!’

screenshot of town’s advertising:

Clicking the ‘LEARN MORE’ links to the itinerary for two amenities:

Also read: Libro Walking Trail Not Celebrated On June 10