Author Archives: theburgwatch

About theburgwatch

Amherstburg's first local blogger since 2011, writing about town council and issues.

20 Year AODA Anniversary – Barriers In The Burg

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Then-MPP Michael Prue stood in the Ontario Legislature twenty years ago today, on May 10, 2005, where the historic Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) unanimously passed. Watch the moment at about 4:26 into the video.

As Mayor, during a May 23, 2023 Amherstburg Council Meeting, Prue declared we have not brought it into force. Listen to the audio.

Unofficial transcript: 2025 we’re going to have to make everything accessible in this town, that’s the law. I was in the legislature 20 something years ago, and I spoke to this issue when the bill was presented in the legislature, and I scoffed at them. I scoffed at the liberals who were standing up waving this piece of paper around, saying we’re going to be accessible, because it could take 25 years to bring it into force. Well, in this town, we have not brought it into force. 

When the first dog park opened in Amherstburg, Prue was quoted as saying, it ‘reflects our commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive community for all residents, including our beloved canine companions.’

During a January 27, 2025 council meeting, Prue referenced the AODA and said, ‘this town has not been compliant. And I have promised, as mayor, and the council has promised, that we will hence for, hence forward, going forward, always be AOD compliant. And I want people to know that the those who have disabilities have every right to use every one of the services in this town, the same as everyone else.’

For as long as barriers exist, and they do, no one should claim we are an inclusive community. It takes strong leadership and a strong commitment to remove the barriers and keep promises.

Another ‘Want’ With An Over-expenditure Approved – Jack Purdie Park Trail

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To ensure that anyone interested would like to read an accurate blog post about my April 14 delegation to Amherstburg council I’m sharing this document, which is what I actually stated. I reminded council that consultation with persons with disabilities was mandatory and I requested council to create a process to ensure compliance with the AODA Regulation, embrace the spirit of the AODA and to create an engagement policy, a topic that wasn’t discussed much and one which was not granted.

Jack Purdie Park Trail

In response to Councillor Pouget’s questions, the clerk outlined a four step consultation process that included consulting the accessibility committee and the public, which is what I pointed out. The AODA Regulation clearly states that, aside from the public and accessibility committee, it is mandatory to consult people with disabilities. Council’s lengthy discussion about the Jack Purdie Park trail then focused on the approximate $100,000. over-expenditure and procurement processes.

McArthur spoke about the condition of the trail and said they need to fix the trails in that park. It’ll benefit the people in the monopoly subdivision, will benefit the entire community, it will benefit the 6300 people with accessibility issues in town (people don’t have accessibility issues, they have disabilities and I bet he didn’t know about the 6300 people until I mentioned it that night) because it is going to make a wider path from a narrow one. It’s going to fix a patchwork of alligator cracks, and it’s going to be AODA compliant. (He actually mentioned AODA complaint).

Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb thought it was time to deliver for the people who live in that area. He believed it was the parks master plan, one of the top amenities that people wanted were walking trails so it checks that box for him. It’s unfortunate that it’s over budget, but costs are rising faster than anybody can account for them, which is certainly no fun. But we got to do what we got to do. I like the idea of having this in the park so that kids learning to ride bikes or roller blade or whatever can do it in the park rather than on the streets or on the sidewalks.

Councillor Crain parroted the master plan and he likes how they’re incorporating a number of trees and they’re now going to be making this pathway accessible; it went to the accessibility committee as well. (I don’t think he watched the accessibility committee meeting because the committee just sat there without any comments or questions, other than one member who asked how much over budget they were, $100,000. and the clerk interjected to say financials really are not in the realm of the advisory committees). About the high cost, well it’s very difficult for staff to catch up to that point when it is put out to tender.

Councillor Pouget said she would be voting against this; she cannot in good conscience vote for this. In a perfect world, maybe back in 2022 things were so different. Now in 2025 our residents fear for their livelihood. They’ve heard over and over again the food bank cannot keep up; they have over 27% increase with the needs of our municipality, and the mission is the same way. People are fearing for their jobs and their livelihood; they don’t know how they’re going to put food on the table and provide the necessities of life for their family. She believed it was unreasonable and unfair to approve a large, $100,000 over-expenditure for an eighth trail and the third large sliding hill in these tough economic times. This council cannot justify spending this large amount of money on a want instead of a need when Council must approve $191,303 for a boiler replacement tonight, and take $91,000 from reserves at the Libro, pay $3 million for a fire truck and another $91,000 taken from reserves. These are necessary needs. The track and hill are not a need; they are a want. This money for this expenditure, for this already beautiful park, would be better used to pay for the unforeseen costs of the expansion of our water treatment plant, the new policing replacement and contract, the town hall, the former Duffy’s property, and the upgrades and necessary repairs to all municipal buildings, crumbling infrastructure and replacement of dwindling reserves. It’s unfair to pour additional money to one park while other parks have been neglected, and it’s unreasonable to approve this over expenditure on a $30,000 grant from Enbridge that is currently unknown. It is ridiculous to approve this expenditure on these wants instead of these needs, when washrooms and shade cover are more important for this park. Just this past week, we were told that they couldn’t afford to repair the window sills at the library unless it went to the heritage committee and to the 2026 budget. Today, they were told they can’t fix six concession north, even though it’s in deplorable condition to the 2031 budget. For these reasons, I think that what we should be doing is taking a pause on this park and until our economy improves. 

Mayor Prue passed the gavel to reminisce and praise Councillor Allaire. Prue mentioned sitting there in 2021 and talking about this park and an administration motion to sell a portion of the park off in order to get enough money to build what we’re building today. Well, ‘God bless Councillor Allaire, because she wasn’t a councillor then, but she went around that whole area putting up signs and organized the community. The community wanted no part of that park being sold off.’ (Generalized statements about survey results are often made, including claims that everyone wants it. As someone in the Jack Purdie Park survey commented, “Only approx. 369 people out of a town of 22,000 completed the survey. Why was some affordable housing options dismissed completely based on a survey completed by 369 persons out of 22,000 persons population?? A lot of power given to 369 opinions.”

Prue continued with his speech. What they wanted, and what they’re getting, is that park to be developed and we have fought for this for the last four and a half years for this to be a jewel, and I’m disappointed that it cost me more money than we thought it was going to cost but I will tell you that the council has to think long term. We have to listen to the residents. The community organized itself and said exactly what they wanted in this park. They’ve gone to all the meetings. They’ve told the staff what they want. They’ve gone to the meetings with the Parks and Recreation Committee. They’ve gone to the meetings with the accessibility committee. They’ve gone and explained every single aspect that’s necessary. I wish it was less money. Yes, I do. But remember, there are 12 people, 12 separate companies bid on this, 12 of them, and this was the lowest. So I don’t think we’re getting bamboozled here. I think that’s just the cost. So you either believe in those things that we said four and a half years ago or five years ago, and you believe in what the community wants and it’s the right thing to do, or you don’t, yes, can we save the money? Yes. Can we do something else? Yes, but I will tell you, there will be a lot of disappointed people in the monopoly area, all those kids (there’s about 2600 children ages 0-14 in town), all those parents, all those people have spent four and a half years fighting for this to see it go down the tubes. And I won’t let that happen.

In the end, the project was approved with only Councillor Pouget opposing the project.

Municipal Campaign 2022 Platforms Revisited

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Council enacted a more restrictive procedure by-law that limits delegates to speak only when an item is on the agenda AND it is accompanied by an admin report or a by-law. More recently, council failed to enact a civic engagement policy.

With just over eighteen months until the next municipal election, I wanted to review what the then-candidates campaigned for in terms of democracy and civic engagement.

FROM THE BURG WATCH QUESTIONS TO THE CANDIDATES:

Q. What civic engagement methods should the town implement? 

Allaire: Group meetings in an approachable setting. Town Council meetings are long and boring for most when they only want to talk about one topic of many. Utilize places such as our ACS building to gain the feedback of residents. Go to schools. We say that the children are our future let’s start utilizing them! 

Pouget: Meetings should be held before budget deliberations and any changes that could affect the operation of the Town.

Crain, Gibb, McArthur, Prue: no answer.

Q. What three things would you do to prove the town is committed to Open Government?  

Allaire: Transparency – I pride myself in being honest. I would try and make discussions more accessible for residents and try and keep our council meeting minutes easily readable and displayed. I think some form of social media would be a great way to inform the residents what we are doing week to week so they do not feel like they are left in the dark.

Listen and Act – I would like to provide more outlets for residents to get the chance to speak on matters that are important to them. Afterwards I would like to  act! Take action on those matters. Weather it is addressing it immediately or trying to incorporate it into future meetings. I feel that the outlets we currently use are not working for the entire town engagement. I would like to implement some other opportunities.

Pouget: I would stop the secret dinners with staff and council.

I would lobby for a decrease regarding in-camera meetings. A council may go in-camera for certain things, but they don’t have to.  They are only obligated to go in-camera for personnel matters, litigation or possible litigation, sale or purchase of land and security.

I would waive the rules of order, if someone wished to address Council.

Crain, Gibb, McArthur, Prue: no answer.

FROM CBC AND PRUE’S BROCHURE:

Prue: Municipal government affects us all. I am committed to ensuring all citizens to have a say on the issues affecting their lives in Amherstburg. To be fully informed. To participate in review processes. To provide and share their opinions. I believe in local democracy.” Promote citizen participation in municipal affairs and allow full deputation rights at town meetings. (brochure).

Gibb: focused on his business and volunteer experience.

Allaire: Financial problems are obvious for Amherstburg. I also feel lack of communication and community engagement. If elected I want to make our meetings more transparent and encourage more ideas from residents. (CBC).

Courtney: Communication and expectations must be in sync between council, staff and the residents. (CBC).

Crain: I am forward-thinking, a great communicator, open-minded, and ready to listen. My involvement across Amherstburg has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of community issues and areas where we can improve. (CBC).

McArthur: I am a hard-working, responsive councillor. I was a fixture at community events, where I supported volunteers and was available to answer residents’ questions. I am active on social media, where I promote the town as an attractive place to invest and reside, with an unrivalled quality of life. I inform and engage residents with my website and digital newsletter. (CBC).

Pouget: Our taxpayers know that I am hard working and that I listen to their concerns and act on them. (CBC).

Crickets From Council Members Allaire, McArthur and Gibb

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Not one of the three council members that I’ve contacted has answered any of my questions regarding their comments about accessibility issues at the library. I’ve contacted Allaire and McArthur three times and Gibb once.

I’m wondering if accessibility matters when it suits. For example, McArthur, who volunteered to be council’s rep on the Accessibility Committee, spoke about accessibility of the Jack Purdie Park trail at the April 14 council meeting but he won’t comment about the library. Mind you, he is an avid supporter of trails – both walking and biking.

Motion Lost on Cost of Consultant To Study Regional Policing

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Councillor Prue expressed his disappointment over the motion to hire a regional policing consultant. I hope he has a better understanding of how disappointed people with disabilities in Amherstburg are; twice he has publicly declared that in this town we have not brought it (AODA) into force.

During the April 16 Essex County Council meeting, Warden Hilda MacDonald introduced the regional policing study cost of engaging a consultant as a result of Councillor Sherry Bondy’s April 2 Notice of Motion regarding the cost of engaging a consultant to perform a regional policing study. 

Bondy brought it forward for a topic of discussion; THAT Essex County Council direct administration to provide a report on the cost estimate for engaging a consultant to perform a feasibility study on regional policing at the June 4 meeting. Councillor Shepley seconded.

Bondy then stated that she would not be supporting this motion, but she wanted to say that she thinks they’ve had a healthy conversation here and she went back and Essex Council also had a healthy conversation about the timing of investigating regional policing, and although it’s something they didn’t want to investigate right now, she personally spoke: she didn’t want to ask administration to spend any time on this. It doesn’t mean that in the future, this may not be a discussion that they want to have, perhaps in the next term of council. So, she did not support her motion, but just wanted to say that she would not be supporting her motion, but she didn’t want to slam the door.

After seeking clarification from the county clerk, Councillor Akpata declared a conflict of interest due to his responsibilities bound by the Windsor Police Services Board.

Listen to the audio of Councillor Prue. Text transcript below.

I want to say how disappointed I am that the mover is not supporting her own motion. The staff very kindly sent us all a study from, I think it was 1997 signed by Bob Runciman. Now I knew Bob Runciman; he was in the legislature through most of the time that I was there. He was quite the law and order guy, and very, very good on police issues, and his report very clearly says, and I know it’s dated, it’s 30 years old, but the best way for Essex County going forward was to have the OPP run the various municipalities and have an overarching body which would be efficient and save money. And so I’m disappointed it’s being withdrawn, because I don’t think that’s really changed in the or not been withdrawn, sorry, that she’s not supporting her own motion. I will support her motion, because I do think going forward, it’s not going to cost very much money to look at that report and see whether or not there are cost savings to go forward, if it isn’t in this term of Council, it can be ready for the next term of Council, but I think we should start the ball rolling tonight. (There are well documented savings; the cost of policing is readily available to all municipalities to compare so it would be a waste of taxpayer money to hire a consultant).

Warden MacDonald read the motion: THAT Essex County Council direct administration to provide a report on the cost estimate for engaging a consultant to perform a feasibility study for regional policing at the June 4 meeting.

Without further discussion, the electronic vote indicated that Prue, Gibb and MacDonald were the only ones to vote in favour; therefore motion failed.

County Road 20 Speed Limit Reduction Approved

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Shocking. Councillor Prue actually praised Councillor Pouget during the April 16, 2025 Essex County Council meeting when council received a report on County Road 20 and Lowes Sideroad. Based on my observations, it’s easy for people to perceive some unfair treatment at the town council meetings where some behaviours are tolerated when they shouldn’t be and others are not tolerated when they should be.

The County Traffic Engineer explained that the intersection of County Road 20 and Lowes Sideroad is actually a county connecting link; therefore, the town of Amherstburg has jurisdiction, and any decision regarding the addition of a pedestrian facility would be theirs to make, and this was discussed with our local municipal partners, the engineering department. So therefore, the recommendation of this report is to reduce the speed limit on County Road 20 from 70 kilometers an hour to 50 kilometers an hour from just south of low side road to 50 meters south of Dalhousie Street. There is limited financial implications, as the signage changes would cost less than $2,000 and could be done by our maintenance staff in our roads crews, and the money would be taken from our 2025, road safety budget. Thank you.

Warden: Thank you, Jerry. Are there any questions? We’ll start with you. Councillor Prue. Listen to the audio; text transcript below.

Prue: first of all to thank you, because this is quite an issue. And Councillor Pouget, who occasionally comes when one of us is not here, this was one of her champion things. She has pushed this and pushed it, and I’m sure she’ll want to say thank you as well, just in terms, I just want to correct for the record, you said a hotel at one time, it was a motel, but it’s now the Blue Haven, and what it is, it’s it’s populated almost entirely by people in wheelchairs and people with some severe disabilities. So I just want that to be clear for the record, this is part of the reason we did this, not because people are driving in and out in a hotel, because they’re not. These are people who have very limited access, and their access is to go out onto the road and somehow get across to the pharmacy and everything that’s on the other side. So just for the record, that’s what it is. But we thank you for what you’ve done, and I guess the ball is now in our court.

The warden then read the recommendation, noting it’s quite lengthy, and it is that:

Essex County Council receive report 20250416, Intersection of County Road 20 and Lowes Sideroad as information, and that Essex County Council direct administration to reduce the speed limit on County Road 20, from 70 kilometers per hour to 50 kilometers per hour, between Lowes Sideroad and 50 meters south of Dalhousie Street. And that by law 202517, be adopted amending by law 262002, to regulate traffic and parking on highways within the Essex County road system, schedule H, to reduce the speed on County Road 20 between Lowes Sideroad and 50 meters south of Dalhousie Street. Moved by Councillor Gibb, seconded by Councillor Prue. Carried.

RECAP Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting April 2, 2025

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Three members were absent: Chris Drew, Councillor McArthur and Christine Easterbrook and Chair Shirley Prue was on zoom. (She was loud, unlike when she’s in person and the mic is sometimes off to the side so it’s difficult to hear her). Vice Chair Pietrangelo chaired the meeting. For whatever reason he, like Prue usually does, called on the clerk to read the land acknowledgement.

Co-An Park Inclusive Playground Design

Heidi Baillargeon, Director, Parks, Facilities and Recreation via zoom, asked if anyone had any questions about the design. Shirley Prue said she thought there was one and offered to read it just because ‘she’ was not going to be there. (‘She’ wasn’t referred to by name but I assume ‘she’ was absent member Christine Easterbrook and ‘she’ actually had three questions).

Question 1: where does the ramp go? It looks the same as the playground apparatus at Ranta, where the ramp goes nowhere; at the end they encounter steps. 

Baillargeon: the ramp does only go up so far within the design; she knows that the design does meet all of the compliance, it is considered fully inclusive; it was the only design that was fully inclusive so when it says fully inclusive, it takes into consideration there’s music panels on there, other play panels, the elements in it and around the playground itself as well as the surfacing and access and egress in and around the playground and to it is what makes it a fully inclusive playground design.  

Prue: What ‘she’ said was that if you let the child get on the ramp and then they just watch everybody play. 

Baillargeon: I guess I would say the intent of the design is they’re allowed to access so far within the structure itself, and then when they’re there, it’s encouraging interactive play in and among the elements so they can get up to all the other areas. So they can go to the top on this one, in terms of coming down that extra wide slide and that’s extra wide if they had somebody assisting to be able to go down there; it accommodates a number of kids at one time, so they can play inclusively alongside those kids.

Question 2: Then ‘she’ asked as well about the swing – is it possible to get a child in a wheelchair on it? 

Baillargeon: the Libro Centre has one. The ones where the wheelchair can fit on don’t meet the public standard, because they need to be fully enclosed, and there has to be a key for them because if the weight of that struck another child on the playground it has the potential to kill them. So those types of swings are in a very controlled environment where there is staffing and personnel. We couldn’t put that out in the general public.

Question 3: ‘She’ did also ask if there was any sort of financial requirement here, but it looks like everything’s covered in the presentation.

Pietrangelo asked if a child in a wheelchair that reaches that area can they go any further right around the curve and go down the slide if they’re in a wheelchair? Baillargeon: in a wheelchair they have to be transferred and then kind of work their way up to the other platform. 

Pietrangelo: so as far as a wheelchair goes, they go up to where it says 305, and there is equipment around there that they can play and even though they’re sitting in their wheelchair, that there’s things. Baillargeon: all the way around that deck. And if they were assisted with somebody else, they could be guided up to the other deck, as well as to the end where the slide is that they could go down with somebody else or another child.

Pietrangelo:  so you’re saying that by themselves, going from that area where it says 305, to the area where is 1.22 they would have to be assisted to go up there, they wouldn’t be able to go up there on their own in a wheelchair. Baillargeon: in a wheelchair, no, depending on their mobility issues they’d have to leave the wheelchair at that point to progress to that stage.

Pietrangelo: and there’s no way, I see figure 1.53 there’s no way that a wheelchair could go over that; there’s barriers around it. Baillargeon: they wouldn’t be able to cross that threshold where it says 305, up to the other one without some kind of assistance to get up. 

Pietrangelo asked what to do and the clerk advised, at this point, the committee could endorse it, receive it, whatever it chose to do. Generally, at this point, the committee does endorse the RFP at this stage. Marc Renaud moved to endorse the proposal as laid out and it carried.

Malden Park RFP for a New Accessible Playground

Baillargeon mentioned this was the first process patterned off of Essex, where there’s a public vote component. The public can visit talk the burg to vote for the playground of your choice of eight designs. Voting closed on April 4 and it’s on Council’s April 14 agenda for approval. Other than Pietrangelo’s question about the survey results, there was no discussion and Renaud’s motion to accept the proposal as presented carried.

Jack Purdie Park RFP for Multi-Use Trail

Baillargeon mentioned the trail is 10 feet wide, fully paved, and inclusive, connecting all elements within the park; ‘little signs’ (hopefully accessible signs) will indicate distances. Baillargeon also noted that every element that they currently have in the park is connected, and every element they develop in the future will also be connected.  (I disagree, given that the accessible swing is segregated). A sledding hill will be installed. Prue asked if they have washrooms in this one. Baillargeon said they’d love to have a washroom; they don’t have funding yet, but they are in the design as well as a future splash pad and a sports court but they’re doing it in phases and this was phase two.

Baillargeon said it would go before council April 14 and let the committee know that all of the bids were over the approved budget for the park in terms of what was allocated just for the trails. Enbridge contributed $30,000 to help fund this project.

Pietrangelo asked how much over budget they were and Baillargeon said all in all, $100,000. The clerk interjected with, just with regards to the role of the committee financials really are not in the realm of the advisory committees. The advisory committee’s purpose and focus is meant to be on the respective subject matters that they deal with, with regards to matters of the financing that really is more of a council matter. Motion to accept as presented carried.

Update on Accessibility Fest for All

Amherstburg offered to host the Essex County Accessibility ‘Fest for All’ to be held at the Libro on September 12. The clerk mentioned how the town has a number of amenities that it can focus on at this location:

  1. the wheelchair swing, one of three in the county
  2. the miracle league diamond itself
  3. sledge hockey 
  4. they’re also working with their aphasia friendly friends for the commitment the town has made to push for that proposal for the town to be aphasia friendly. 

Unfinished Business: 

  1. The clerk mentioned the progress of the aphasia-friendly Amherstburg initiative, aiming to train businesses and organizations in non-verbal communication strategies with a goal to having the town certified as aphasia-friendly by October 2025. (Individuals or businesses could be certified by taking the basic training, but I fail to see how an entire town could be certified). The clerk said if they’re welcoming people to come to our community, they want them to be able to walk into any business and receive that level of support. (Not everyone can just walk into any business if there are stairs and steps though).
  2. The Miracle League is looking for volunteers.
  3. The Seymour Street reconstruction.
  4. Renaud wanted someone to explain the process of accessible parking, how it works, and the requirements for a home based business for example.
  5. Accessible Parking and Enforcement Blitz.
  6. Promote the email address for accessibility concerns: accessibility@amherstburg.ca

Adjournment since there was no new business.

RECAP Council Meeting March 24, 2025

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My opinion on two noticeable behaviours during this meeting is: 1. it’s a bad habit for members of council to ask admin, ‘is this true?’ because there are more appropriate ways to inquire about a topic or seek clarification without potentially raising doubt about the authenticity of a delegate’s statements; and 2. even if she was exasperated, it’s unprofessional to gesture, as Councillor Allaire did, when she shook her head side to side and twice, within a few minutes, lowered her head on the table for several seconds.

To summarize, there was confusion about motions, clarifications, revisiting revisions of the on again off again business licencing by-law, which lasted almost two hours, and complaints about the lack of consultations, which was a theme among the three delegates.

Following the in-camera meeting, Mayor Prue read aloud a prepared public statement regarding the Boblo Island ferry service, highlighting the town’s concerns about the developer’s legal obligations and the need for reliable ferry service.

Prue welcomed guests Essex County Warden MacDonald, the CAO and clerk. I reached out to Warden MacDonald who said that she, County CAO Sandra Zwiers and their clerk Katherine Hebert are touring all of the county municipalities to see how they run their meetings, to see what they can learn to improve or change their own processes at the county. MacDonald explained that part of the intent was also to meet local councillors who may not cross paths with them and it was a nice opportunity to meet staff as well.

Just before they left Prue’s comment was, wow. I’ll bet you probably saw us at our worst here tonight, Madam Clerk down there. (it was bad, but I’ve seen worse).

Prue thanked Fire Chief Mio and the fire department staff for their efforts during a recent nuclear incident exercise.

Delegate 1. Drew Coulson, addressing infrastructure policy changes, expressed concerns about the impact on current developments and the lack of communication with developers. Councillor Pouget questioned Coulson about his awareness of the manual changes and the lack of communication with developers. Councillor Courtney questioned the urgency of the manual updates and the impact on current developments. Clarification was sought from staff and Councillor Crain stated, based on the numerous emails they’ve been receiving from builders, developers, he thought it would be best if they have that consultation piece in place so he was happy to defer this item to a future meeting so they can have consultation with local developers or the Home Builders Association. Councillor McArthur stated he just wanted to make sure that they can have the consultation required and the date by which they could do it. Following more discussion on the date of a report back to council and the content, motion carried to defer.

Delegate 2. Jen DeLuca, Waterfront Ice Cream owner, spoke against the proposed business licensing bylaw, citing redundant inspections and additional costs for businesses. She stated, as all of you know, all food service and hospitality businesses are regularly inspected by the health unit. Contrary to what was stated at the Economic Development meeting this past January, it is not up to an existing business owner to contact the health unit for routine inspection. Once you obtain your initial business license, you are on the business directory, and the health unit comes religiously, on their own schedule, unannounced, and they do a thorough inspection. She concluded by stating, the way the by-law is written really does highlight that business owners were not consulted in the decision making process. We became tasked to have to send emails in and delegate after the fact. I know at least 17 businesses who have written in to express their disapproval of this by law: LA Hairstyles, Specks, Naples Pizza, Amherstburg Community Services, Gumballs and Overalls. Lavender Hair Lounge, Country Bliss, Plumbing Now, Ambience Hair, Caffeine and Co, Wolf Head, The Barber Shop, Just Cork It, the Sportsman’s Club, Knights of the Columbus and the Legion. DeLuca asked council to not approve this proposed business licensing by law.

Delegate 3. Prue called on “Sarah Bush” from Specks Restaurant but then correctly called on Sarah Brush who also opposed the bylaw, highlighting the redundancy of inspections and the financial burden on businesses. Brush stated that she’s struggling to understand the necessity of this licensing by law, especially since her business is already regulated by the Windsor Essex County health unit and the provincial government to operate; she’s already subject to several inspections by the Windsor Essex County Health Unit, the Amherstburg Fire Department, the town of Amherstburg for back flow inspection the fire extinguisher and fire suppression system inspections by Georgia Bay fire and all which come it with significant cost. $170 to the town of Amherstburg for back flow, $60 for the provincial business licensing. $225 for fire safety inspections by Georgian Bay and $565 for cleaning and maintaining kitchen air systems by a company called Hoods. Brush concluded by stating that It seems that only businesses which are already inspected thoroughly are being targeted and this feels completely redundant. As business owners, they are committed to serving you, providing jobs to the community and strengthening our community, but we need stability to continue to do so. She urged council to listen to the concerns of businesses like hers, and suspend this by-law. I want council to reject this bylaw and to respectfully and carefully consider the potential consequences this by-law will have on our community.

A report to council provided a background of the business licencing by-law, including council motions to repeal the 2009 by-law in December 2023, suspend it in March 2024 to conduct public consultations, and get a report back on the consultations, which was on the agenda for this meeting.

Councillor Allaire commented that one delegate stated that staff has the right to regulate and restrict hours and asked is this true? Bill Tetler’s answer was that section comes from the Municipal Act and grants authority to a municipality to enact a by-law which part of those could be part of a schedule so they would have a right to potentially look at their records based on a complaint or a crime that may have been committed. Pouget questioned the necessity of the bylaw and the impact on businesses, particularly those already inspected by the health unit. Deputy Fire Chief Monk explained the need for a registry to track businesses and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. Councillor Courtney suggested a registry system to maintain a list of businesses and ensure ongoing compliance and Prue emphasized the importance of having some form of business licensing to address potential issues and maintain public safety; he also stated that the absence of a bylaw could pose risks to the town, including the inability to regulate businesses like food trucks. Finally, the merry-go-round stopped and the motion that carried was to reinstate the 2009 business licensing by-law, establish a business registry and direction to bring back an amendment of the by-law for consideration, and any business which was previously enrolled would not be required to pay the fees.

Other Motions:

Council voted in favour of motions to:

  • approve the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning Bylaw Amendment for 300 Victoria Street
  • receive the Short-Term Rental By-law report
  • receive the Windsor Police activities report
  • receive the building activity report
  • proclaim April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day 2025 and raise a flag
  • resubmit the application for the golf cart pilot project
  • not have a presentation during budget from the Audit and Finance Committee and just receive the committee’s minutes. (the reasoning seemed to be that they haven’t had a presentation during this term of council, despite being advised that there was a history of the committee making a presentation in previous years)
  • receive minutes of meetings

New Business

  1. Allaire raised concerns about the removal of trees and the panic it causes among residents and a motion carries to motion to direct staff to notify residents before tree removals.
  2. McArthur mentioned the WEBC’s fundraising success for Phase Three Trails, the need for vegetative maintenance and they seek council’s approval to proceed with maintenance. His motion carried, and the group is allowed to proceed with maintenance pending a formal report.
  3. Prue announced the federal election date of April 28 and suggested rescheduling the council meeting to April 29. Motion carried.

Notice of Motion to Relocate Library Branch

Allaire presented a Notice of Motion to explore relocating the Amherstburg branch of the Essex County Library and direct administration to request funding for fit-up costs for a new Amherstburg library branch. That motion will be debated on April 14, 2025.

Housekeeping Bylaw on Encroachments

Crain moved a housekeeping by-law to address encroachments on public lands which was carried unanimously; the old bylaw is replaced with the new one, which addresses encroachments on Seymour and George Street.

The meeting adjourned.

Moving Beyond ‘Crazy’: Language and Disability Awareness

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It’s 2025 and people are still using offensive language, including a resurgence of the ‘r word’. Councillor Allaire has used ‘crazy’ several times, including during a radio interview:

“like a crazy person”

“just a wild and crazy question“

“not trying to say anything crazy”

“yes I’m crazy and I did look at every single line”

“I had a few crazy questions“

“that route is crazy”

“it was crazy”

“it seems crazy”

“I feel it’s crazy”

“this is gonna sound crazy“

“it’s not so crazy“

“it’s crazy“

Back in 2019, the Amherstburg Accessibility Advisory Committee discussed an agenda item, Talking Accessibly, and carried a motion, “That Person First Language (PFL) BE ADOPTED as a pilot project at the Accessibility Committee level with further consideration of use in the organization at a later date.” 

Unfortunately, accessibility committee members have used outdated terms like handicapped.

In June 2023 I let council and CAO Critchley know that i was appalled to hear one Accessibility Advisory Committee member use “wheelchair bound” and another use “bound;” this language is outdated and offensive. i was equally shocked to see the term “crazy” used in three images on the town’s facebook page in reference to woofaroo. I provided a resource, Are You Still Using The Word Crazy in 2022,

i suggested there was a need for more training given the language used by a member of a committee that should be more aware of preferred terminology and the number of times i’ve encountered ableist attitudes.

The United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy, launched in 2019, included Guidelines; the section below is from the original Guidelines, which have been updated (refer to pages 17 and 18).

5. USE PROPER LANGUAGE IN ORAL AND INFORMAL SPEECH

Most persons with disabilities are comfortable with the words used in daily life. You can say “let’s go for a walk” to a person who uses a wheelchair or write “have you heard the news?” to a person who is deaf. However, phrases such as “blind as a bat” or “deaf as a post” are unacceptable and should never be used, even in informal contexts. You should also be careful with metaphors like “blind to criticism” and “to fall on deaf ears”.

Misused terminology can also be inappropriate and hurtful, so avoid saying “I must have Alzheimer’s” when you forget something or “they’re paranoid” when people seem to be acting with excessive mistrust. Never use disability-related terms as an insult or to express criticism. For example, do not use the word “lame” to mean “boring” or “uncool”.

Another Resource: A way with words and images: guide for communicating with and about persons with disabilities.

Library Space Concerns Do Not Equal Accessibility Concerns

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Comments from Councillor McArthur and Councillor Allaire following Monday night’s council meeting presentation by Library Board Chair Bachetti and Library CEO Adam Craig prompted me to write this post and email to those involved.

Please do not misinterpret space preferences or needs for accessibility. Following my ten year campaign to make the Amherstburg library accessible, which culminated in a human rights complaint, the Ontario Human Rights Commission hired a renowned accessibility expert, and the town eventually implemented his recommendations. The town also installed a plaque at the library crediting others with my accomplishment.

Other than concerns about the elevator, which is the town’s responsibility to ensure its maintenance and operability, there are no documented accessibility concerns. Instead, the often repeated plea is for a modern one floor library.

During an Amherstburg residents’ meeting I asked Deputy Mayor Gibb if the library board noted any deficiencies, and he answered none whatsoever.

I then emailed Adam Craig in September 2023: has the essex county library board noted any deficiencies with the amherstburg branch?

Mr. Craig asked me to be more specific and he stated, “In the time that I’ve been here we’ve noted a handful of issues that have popped up, and in every case the Town of Amherstburg has done a fantastic job of addressing them. I’m thinking specifically of some problems with the elevator that have been addressed, some heating and cooling issues, and so on.”

One year later, a September 9, 2024 letter from Mr. Craig and Library Board Chair Joe Bachetti states, in part, “As you’ll see, one of the most striking deficiencies across the County is at the Amherstburg Branch” which was in reference to space/square footage. The letter further stated, “the attached review doesn’t speak to other ongoing concerns with the current facility, not least of which are its accessibility and aging structural features.”

During the September 2024 Amherstburg council meeting, Deputy Mayor Gibb said the building is beautiful but no longer serves the purpose of what a modern library is. He didn’t put a timetable on addressing it but said it is an issue and a lack of square footage would become a bigger problem in future years.

I emailed Mr. Craig to advise that I read the report regarding square footage and accessibility concerns and noted that the majority of the report was about the square footage, comparisons with other municipalities and there was a vague reference to accessibility concerns. I asked if he would elaborate on the accessibility concerns: who determined there were accessibility concerns at the Amherstburg branch? what criteria was used? What specifically are the accessibility concerns?

Mr. Craig acknowledged that he thought what I was referencing was included in the covering letter and not the report:

‘…the space review doesn’t speak to other ongoing concerns with the current facility, not least of which are it’s accessibility and aging structural features.’

Mr. Craig further stated that he should have qualified that by noting that the library does meet the appropriate standards BUT contemporary library design shies away from multi-floor facilities because of the inherent difficulties with access. Even in the case of a branch like Amherstburg where we have an elevator in place, given the choice between an elevator and having everything on one floor, the best option is always a single floor (emphasis added). The concern is always with the reliability of the elevator.

Following the February 24, 2025 presentation to Amherstburg council by Mr. Bachetti and Mr. Craig, Councillor McArthur commented about the design of physical spaces to promote flexible, welcoming branches that are accessible and modern. He also mentioned having a beautiful building and shared his thoughts about how it’s not as modern or as accessible as it otherwise might be ideal. Finally, he asked Mr. Craig for his thoughts on that. Mr. Craig’s response pertained to a more modern space, modern library design and outdated architecture, outdated hardware and equipment.

Councillor Allaire stated, “so we’re trying to improve accessibility for our town, but our elevator seems to be out quite often at our library” and asked Mr. Craig if he knew how often it was down. Mr. Craig stated that he did not have the numbers in front of him, but he thought it was more regular than they would like; he added that he thought that was kind of inherent with any elevator. Councillor Allaire acknowledged that he was saying what they were lacking was space and the needs of a modern one level and Mr. Craig agreed that it was the size of the space.