Amherstburg does not offer an affordable bus pass program like neighbouring municipalities. However, on September 9, council will consider Administration’s recommendation to waive transit fares for the Uncommon Festival from 6pm on September 20, 2024, through the end of the service day on September 22, 2024.

If the taxpayers can absorb the cost for Festival attendees, who no doubt can afford costumes and restaurants, why not offer affordable bus passes for people in need?

The Affordable Pass Program (APP) allows eligible Windsor-Essex residents to purchase a discounted 30-day bus pass from Transit Windsor. The APP covers 49% of the cost for a full-price 30-day Smart Pass, and registrants pay the remaining 51% at the time of purchase. 

The APP is funded by Pathway to Potential. Full details and how to apply are found on Pathway to Potential’s web page.

Available Affordable Pass Program (APP) Subsidies

Tecumseh Transit offers free fares for children under 5, Veterans, blind persons and persons accompanying disabled riders.

Lakeshore was looking at a transit feasibility study.

Compared to Amherstburg council meetings, other local council meetings are a pleasure to watch and they are so much more efficient.

Not one mayor passed an imaginary gavel to speak or ask a question as per Robert’s Rules of Order.

No longwinded speeches.

No repeat questions or belabouring a point.

No staff member on either side of the mayor whispered in his/her ear.

When the mayors asked if there were any comments or questions, the discussion was limited to members of council.

The videos are clear.

Videos are available on YouTube.

Videos zoom in on the speaker or split the screen.

Some provide county council updates.

Some receive county council minutes.

Some, like county council, vote electronically.

Delegates are asked to push the microphone button which is less condescending than a councillor jumping up and down to do it.

Council members were mindful of their microphone positions.

Committee meetings can also exhibit similar behaviour.

A screenshot of Shirley Curson-Prue, chair of the Amherstburg Accessibility Advisory Committee who frequently speaks with the microphone off to the side making her inaudible at times.

As mentioned in Comparing Procedural By-law Public Input, Port Hope residents were invited to provide input; Amherstburg residents were not. Also, Port Hope staff worked ‘with all members of Council to gather their individual input on meeting processes and specific elements of the procedural by-law to ensure the recommended draft by-law is reflective of all points of view on Council.’

On October 19, and again on November 9 because no one answered, I questioned members of council, based on Port Hope’s procedural by-law review.

On November 10, Councillor Allaire answered the questions:

the burg watch: Did members of administration individually consult members of council on the Procedural By-law for input?

Councillor Allaire: No, we were not individually consulted from my knowledge.

the burg watch: Did you consider public consultation? 

Councillor Allaire: No, I did not at the time.

the burg watch: Do you feel that the revised by-law reflects your point of view on civic participation?

Councillor Allaire: No, I believe everyone should have a voice to speak. However, they still do it just seems to happen a lot more behind the scenes as in someone would have to approach council or administration to raise their concern for them, which I am willing to do for residents.

the burg watch: When do you intend to evaluate the policy and to update or amend it?

Councillor Allaire: I did not consider evaluating the policy, updating, or amending it. I will look into it.

The Town of Amherstburg’s August 2023 procedural bylaw seems more restrictive than it used to be and more so than our local comparator municipalities.