Tag Archives: amherstburg

What are the candidates’ position on Open Air? Saurabh Katara

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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?

Saurabh Katara:

Thank you for reaching out and for asking this important question.

Yes—I will work to remove barriers that deny people with disabilities equal access to the community when streets are closed for Open Air. Open Air is valuable to our community, and accessibility should be part of it—not something residents have to give up for the event to work.

I’m not going to pretend I already know the exact operational solution without first understanding the barriers people are experiencing. During the campaign, I intend to speak directly with residents affected by these closures so I understand what changes would make the biggest difference.

Candidates that have not answered yet are listed below. I emphasize yet since Lena Lazanja incorrectly stated, “I would appreciate you removing my/other candidates names from a “did not respond” section.

As I informed Lazanja, I listed “candidates that haven’t answered to date.”

Candidates that haven’t answered yet:

Molly Allaire
Frank Cerasa
Stephanie Pouget-Papak

RECAP Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting July 23, 2026

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The committee didn’t accomplish much. The only agenda item, the 2026 Municipal Elections Accessibility Plan was just to receive for information – 51 one minutes and 39 seconds until adjournment.

Chair Shirley Curson Prue rarely reads the land acknowledgement but this time she did; she usually just hands everything over to staff.

Tony Pietrangelo, current committee member and councillor candidate provided two memorable moments:

1.Pietrangelo asked if they were having internet voting.

    Council voted to continue with the costliest, most labour intensive and least accessible in person voting on September 8, 2025. 

    Had it not been for my December 2022 delegation, council would have voted back then for in person voting.

    Pietrangelo was present at the October 23, 2025 accessibility committee meeting when admin advised it of council’s in person voting decision.

    Of course, the committee moved to endorse the 2026 Municipal Elections Accessibility Plan.

    Members still seem unsure of whether to make motions. Typically, the committee limits motions to receive minutes and adjourn but not to receive updates, direct admin to report back, or to take action.

    I did delegate to the committee in 2022 and offered suggestions for the committee to be strong advocates and follow procedural rules, but they disregarded my input as usual.

    2. The second memorable moment was when Pietrangelo enthusiastically praised the National AccessAbility Week flag raising. 

      It was a performative gesture. 

      If I were to describe this event to anyone not in attendance, I’d say a small crowd gathered, Prue read a speech, and a staff member raised a flag – that’s it. 

      small crowd gathered for National AccessAbility Week flag raising at Amherstburg park in 2026.


      This minimal effort is typical of communities that lack a strong commitment to inclusion and accessibility.

      “It’s now part of our standard practices,” advised admin.

      It’s a low standard.

      The town wants to know about voting barriers – at least that’s what the committee was advised. But my input on voting barriers has been disregarded for a few elections by both council and the accessibility committee.

      Councillor Pouget’s motion on December 12, 2024 was that my submission regarding voting barriers be sent to the committee. Of course, the committee didn’t discuss my submission any more than it discussed my previous submissions or my delegations about barriers.

      The town wants more people to vote – at least that’s also what the committee was advised. But staff recommended, and council approved, the most inaccessible traditional in person voting which may limit voter turnout. 

      No one should be surprised that barriers can repress voter turnout and influence feelings of efficacy for voters with disabilities (Schur et al., Reference Schur, Ameri and Adya2017).

      Admin should have recommended a greater variety of voting methods to meet the needs of a variety of voters to increase voter turnout. It’s counterproductive to limit choices and then complain of limited results.

      Of course, council should have directed admin to report on the costs of each voting method in December 2022. 

      Very briefly, the committee mentioned a library audit.

      The library was to have been audited in January 2024. 

      An inoperable push button at the hub, future sidewalk repairs, and pickleball parking were noted.

      Almost an hour for business that could have been addressed probably within 15 minutes.

      Meeting adjourned.

      Opinion – Amherstburg’s vicious politics

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      Town blogger Sarah Gibb is calling for more blood on the floor.

      “It’s a toxic environment,” said Miceli. “This town is divided. It really is.”

      This issue has cost Amherstburg not only two investigations and more than $16,400. It has torn the town apart for 10 months. The election was ugly. The meetings on the issue were hostile. And social media has been vicious.

      The above three paragraphs were just some of what Anne Jarvis, Windsor Star, wrote in a June 2019 article, Amherstburg’s charm, history and vicious politics, amid a scandal involving allegations of leaked confidential information.

      Have things changed?

      Sarah Gibb is spouse to current Deputy Mayor/mayoral candidate Chris Gibb. Will she still want more blood on the floor?

      Is it still a toxic environment? Is there still a high turnover of staff? Absent staff? Are staff involved in council debates/discussions? Are staff introducing new business items during meetings? Are administration civil to residents? Responsive to inquiries?

      Is the town still divided?

      Judging by social media comments, it is.

      When I pointed out Linden Crain’s lack of responsiveness to me, his supporters countered with how responsive he is.

      That’s my point. There’s a noticeable divisiveness. Otherwise the consensus would be that he’s responsive.

      Similarly, if the concessions felt more focus was on the downtown core, the core couldn’t relate and wouldn’t have any complaints.

      For as long as favouritism, preferential treatment and indifference or combativeness to opposing views prevail anywhere, there will be division.

      That’s a reality that people don’t always want to acknowledge but it’s a reality nevertheless.

      Jarvis also wrote, people in Amherstburg are engaged, to say the least. Council meetings are often packed. People comment aloud and applaud. There are several local bloggers. But the vicious politics — “it does seem to be endless,” admitted DiCarlo.

      That was seven years ago. Has social media made things worse? Probably. Online algorithms love conflict.

      And it’s too easy to emotionally respond to and personally attack commenters who express opposing views.

      It gets visceral and vicious. I know. I’ve experienced it by some candidates because of my blog, by strangers for my strong disability advocacy, and by some for what appears to be my unwillingness to accept the status quo or engage in toxic positivity.

      Could things get any worse? Maybe.

      Another election could get ugly.

      If there’s a continued division on the new council that fuel the divide but claim it doesn’t exist, things will get worse.

      Free Speech As Delegates Update

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      following the post, Free Speech As Delegates, I emailed members of council:

      on a few occasions i’ve requested that you update the 2014 procedural by-law posted on the town’s website. the by-law that most directly affects democracy should reflect current accessibility and human rights legislation and it is within your authority as representatives of the public you serve to address the issue and implement a best practice.

      to assist you, i reached out to the centre for free expression and have included the response below. i urge you to do the same. it should suffice that residents who want to voice their concerns to those elected to listen state the topic/concern/subject matter and be given their 5 minutes of your attention and your consideration and decision. 

      there should be no administrative burdens or barriers to democracy. 

      amherstburg’s first local blogger

      ‘Thank you for reaching out to the Centre for Free Expression.

      It is not unusual for municipal councils to ask delegations wishing to speak to council to register in advance, as your CAO indicates. It is also normal that the requester be asked to specify the agenda item to which you want to speak. All this is helpful in ensuring an orderly meeting in which all those wanting to be heard can be heard.

      That said, I have never heard of a municipality requiring the delegation speaker’s notes, much less the text of the speech, to be submitted ahead of the event. And, I have never heard of a requirement for a copy of the notes or speech text to be submitted with the application to appear. Sometimes when I appear before parliamentary bodies they request a copy of my submission ahead of time so they can distribute it to the committee members and, where there is simultaneous translation, to give a copy to the translators so as to help them. But, this is only after I have been accepted as a speaker and it is not a requirement.

      While I feel it is both wrong and bad practice for your municipal council to do as yours is doing, it is not illegal to the best of my knowledge. It is something that should be fought in the court of public opinion.

      I hope this is helpful.’

      Copyright – this information is protected by Canada’s Copyright Act. Request written permission from the burg watch at gmail dot com.

      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.”