Category Archives: Open Air Position 2026 Candidates

Candidates’ answers to the 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?

What are the candidates’ position on Open Air? Dhaval Prajapati

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Sometimes they play favourites and don’t answer my questions. But I’m continuing the 2014 tradition. For now, I’m only asking about Open Air and will set aside a page just for their Open Air answers – IF they answer.

the burg watch: 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?

Dhaval Prajapati: Open Air is clearly an issue that many residents care about. In speaking with people throughout the community, I’ve heard both sides. Some enjoy the atmosphere and activity it brings downtown, while others have concerns that they feel need to be addressed.

As someone running for council, I think it’s important to listen to the people affected, understand the different perspectives, and take the time to review the facts before forming a position.

One of the reasons I am running is because I believe residents want to feel heard and involved in decisions that affect their community. My approach would be to keep those conversations open, listen carefully, and make informed decisions based on what I hear and learn.

What are the candidates’ position on Open Air? Tony Pietrangelo

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Sometimes they play favourites and don’t answer my questions. But I’m continuing the tradition I started in 2014. For now, I’m only asking about Open Air and will set aside a page just for their Open Air answers – IF they answer.

the burg watch: 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?

Tony Pietrangelo: As you know I am on AAAC and want nothing more than to help people living with disabilities in Amherstburg.
I have registered to run for town council in our next election. That will be my way of getting things accomplished in a way that is beneficial to all. My insights into accessibility will help me help others. 

the burg watch: You didn’t answer the question. And what, specifically, will accomplish?

Tony Pietrangelo: If I get elected I will help you in any way I can.

the burg watch: You’re not answering the question: Will you remove barriers that deny people with disabilities equal access to the community when streets are closed during Open Air weekends? 

2 weeks later, June 10.

the burg watch: You haven’t answered my original question so maybe you can answer this one: did the Accessibility Committee identify any barriers at Open Air? It’s a simple yes or no question.

What are the candidates’ position on Open Air? Chris Gibb

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Sometimes they play favourites and don’t answer my questions. But I’m continuing the tradition I started in 2014. For now, I’m only asking about Open Air and will set aside a page just for their Open Air answers – IF they answer.

the burg watch: 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?

Chris Gibb: As the town’s Accessibility Committee has not identified any barriers, I would need you to be more specific and advise me as to which barriers you have identified. I would then be able to address your concerns.

note: I delegated to council on Open Air barriers; I’ve submitted over a dozen emails to council members and I’ve written several letters to the editor about the exclusion.

the burg watch: Would you direct me to the minutes of Accessibility committee meetings where the committee did not identify any barriers to open air?

Chris Gibb: Sorry but I do not recall the exact date of the particular meeting. Perhaps one of the committee members would be able to help.

the burg watch: I asked Tony Pietrangelo, candidate and accessibility committee member, did the Accessibility Committee identify any barriers at Open Air? It’s a simple yes or no question. 

Pietrangelo did not respond.

NOTE: Gibb answered his wife’s 2022 question about Open Air:

“Personally, I am a huge fan of the Open Air program and I hope to see it continue. I see Open Air as a unique way for the whole “Amherstburg Family” to get together and strengthen our connections with each other, and also develop new connections with new people. If we are going to maintain our small town sense of community as we grow, we have to find ways to gather together and celebrate our fantastic town. We will be seeing a tidal wave of new growth in the next 5 to 10 years with many residents who are new to Amherstburg, if we want to keep our small town charm, we need to have opportunities for those new people to be welcomed into the “Amherstburg Family”, Open Streets is one of those opportunities.”

Open Air barrier follow up with Botsford

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TJ Botsford’s answer to my question about removing Open Air barriers was, “The town of Amherstburg relies on an excellent Accessibility Advisory Committee to look into these matters. It is my understanding that the Accessibility Advisory Committee ensures all events including Open Air are accessible for residents in Amherstburg. If you have concerns, I would suggest that you contact the Accessibility Advisory Committee.”

I reached out on Facebook and followed up with an email:

I asked on your Facebook post about Open Air: what specifically led to your opinion that there is an excellent accessibility committee? Is it your understanding or a fact that the committee ensures all events are accessible?

Botsford: “Residents who wish to serve on the Accessibility Advisory Committee must meet specific eligibility criteria, as required by mandate. It is, therefore, my understanding that those selected possess the knowledge and experience necessary to effectively advise the Town on accessibility barriers and related concerns. I trust that the individuals currently serving on this committee carefully consider the needs of residents and take the time to regularly review and reassess accessibility issues as circumstances and community needs change over time.”

What are the candidates’ position on Open Air? Lena Lazanja

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Sometimes they play favourites and don’t answer my questions. But I’m continuing the tradition I started in 2014. For now, I’m only asking about Open Air and will set aside a page just for their Open Air answers – IF they answer.

the burg watch: 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?

Lena Lazanja: In the planning/application stages of public events in Amherstburg, accessibility concerns are addressed by the Accessibility Advisory Committee to ensure that all events (including Open Air) are made accessible for residents/public.

To be clear, to provide “accessibility” (for Open Air) the event organizers should focus on the proactive design and/or modification of products, devices, services, or environments to ensure they can be used equitably by everyone, including people with disabilities.

The purpose of providing an  equitable environment is to remove physical, technological, and systemic barriers, allowing all individuals independent and equal access.
Sometimes, such barriers are not immediately recognized by event planners. For example, socio-ecomomic barriers are often overlooked, due to it being “invisible”.

Many times, barriers are only fully recognized once an event is underway, through lived experience. 

For this reason, it is critical that organizers and committees frequently re-evaluate event plans. refer to the public’s feedback, to fully understand accessibility issues and address them properly, as they come to light.

As a Councillor, I would assume that the Accessibility Advisory Committee was adept at ensuring all events including Open Air are accessible in Amherstburg, because that is their job. However, should new concerns arise, based on evidence and public input, it would be negligent of me if I did not look into the matter further.

Creating and maintaining accessible environments is a team effort, so that everyone is able to enjoy what Amherstburg has to offer.

Linda, I hope this answers your question. 
Also, I would be willing to continue to participate in your blog postings by answering any questions you might have throughout the campaign months ahead. However, I would appreciate you removing my/other candidates names from a “did not respond” section. Campaign time is a very busy time, and sometimes candidates are so inundated with information and requests, that some things slip through the cracks. We are not required to answer blog requests for public posting. Since it is voluntary, I know that we would appreciate not being singled out…as in my case, it makes me appear as though I refuse to reply, rather than a simple oversight.
I appreciate your support on this.
Also, for future reference, my last name is Lazanja (you have misspelled my name on your blog)

the burg watch: I did not include you, as you state, in a “did not respond” section. 

I will not remove your name or other candidates’ names because I reported factually, the “candidates that haven’t answered to date.”

You may not be familiar with my blog but in a 2014 post I acknowledged, “While the candidates have never been obliged to answer, by doing so allows for scrutiny beyond the campaign marketing materials. Some candidates’ answers are thorough, well thought out and responsive; others have ignored requests for specificity and others are misinformed.” 

I will always continue the tradition of naming candidates that aren’t responsive. Readers have a right to know if their concerns will ‘slip through the cracks,’ regardless of the excuse.

I’m sure you can appreciate people not coming to your facebook page and telling you what content you should or should not be sharing with your readers.

I have corrected the misspelling of your name, but I left your misspelling in place – another tradition to record verbatim responses.Answers and questions back from other candidates will be posted in future posts.Candidates that haven’t answered to date:
Frank Cerasa

What are the candidates’ position on Open Air? Bill Petruniak

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Sometimes they play favourites and don’t answer my questions. But I’m continuing the tradition I started in 2014. For now, I’m only asking about Open Air and will set aside a page just for their Open Air answers – IF they answer.

the burg watch: 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?

Bill Petruniak: I sent a proposal to council last year as a compromise solution. They did not respond. The reason given is that they could not discuss Open Air until 2027.

I proposed to open up Dalhousie street for one way traffic from North to South and only block off the east vehicle lane. This would allow more parking, access to at least a couple of handicap parking spaces, and make it possible for people who are physically challenged to be dropped off right at Richmond and Dalhousie. I offered to pay for all signage and to even make the sign posts. No reply. This would not satisfy all AODA requirements but at least it would be a start. I asked that a dialogue be started regarding making Richmond more accessible during Open Air but no response either. None of them seem to care. May 25.

Answers and questions back from other candidates will be posted in future posts.

Candidates that haven’t answered to date:
Frank Cerasa

What are the candidates’ position on Open Air? Frank DiPasquale

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Sometimes they play favourites and don’t answer my questions. But I’m continuing the tradition I started in 2014. For now, I’m only asking about Open Air and will set aside a page just for their Open Air answers – IF they answer.

the burg watch: 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? May 25.

Frank DiPasquale: yes, will do. May 25.

the burg watch: How will you remove barriers? Haven’t you supported Open Air? May 26.

Frank DiPasquale: Yes I have supported open air . Open Air helped our community through covid, and help redefine Amherstburg. Our community is growing leaps and bounds. Traffic is heavy. It is not wise to shut down streets for entire weekends. If the General Amherst development succeeds can you imagine the bottle necks that will occur. May 26.

Answers and questions back from other candidates will be posted in future posts.
Candidates that haven’t answered to date:

Frank Cerasa

What are the candidates’ position on Open Air? Michael Prue

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Sometimes they play favourites and don’t answer my questions. But I’m continuing the tradition I started in 2014. For now, I’m only asking about Open Air and will set aside a page just for their Open Air answers – IF they answer.

the burg watch: According to the Windsor Star article about Malden Centre Park playground, you said accessible outdoor spaces are important for supporting local families and building community connections. Why did you support Open Air which creates barriers to outdoor spaces? As a mayoral candidate, what is your position on Open Air? May 20. Follow up May 23.

Prue: Open Air is a fully accessible venue, and every effort is made to make it barrier free. As a mayoral candidate I will review the current guidelines for Open Air and vote for appropriate modifications. The new Council – when constituted has this responsibility. May 25.

Answers and questions back from other candidates will be posted in future posts.
Candidates that haven’t answered to date:

Frank Cerasa
Lena Lazanja

What are the candidates’ position on Open Air? TJ Botsford

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As I’ve done since 2014, I’ve emailed questions to the candidates. For now, I’m only asking about Open Air and will set aside a page just for their Open Air answers – IF they answer. Sometimes they play favourites and don’t answer my questions.

May 19 question to TJ Botsford: Will you remove barriers during Open Air weekends that block people with disabilities from driving to the bank, local stores, bars, and generally driving through town?

May 22 followed up.

May 23 answer: The town of Amherstburg relies on an excellent Accessibility Advisory Committee to look into these matters. It is my understanding that the Accessibility Advisory Committee ensures all events including Open Air are accessible for residents in Amherstburg. If you have concerns, I would suggest that you contact the Accessibility Advisory Committee.

Answers and questions back from other candidates will be posted in future posts.

Candidates that haven’t answered to date:

  • Frank Cerasa
  • Lena Lazanja