Deputy Warden Thanks Staff, Town of Essex and First Responders
Deputy Warden Joe Bachetti in his opening remarks at Essex County Council’s regular meeting on Wednesday commended staff and the Town of Essex for cooperating to address the concerns of businesses on County Road 50.
The county is replacing the Tom Wright Drain culvert, which has required the closure of County Road 50 at County Road 13. Local businesses expressed concerns the posted detour might deter visitors, so the county worked with the town to promote a shorter route for traffic heading to local wineries, markets and businesses.
“I want to thank the Town of Essex administration, and Mayor Sherry Bondy and Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley, for working with us to address this issue,” Bachetti said. “I also want to commend Allan Botham, our director of Infrastructure and Planning Services, and his team for working collaboratively to find a solution.”
As well, the deputy warden congratulated Deputy Mayor Shepley and his staff at Ice Cool Treats, who were honoured Wednesday with a Cardiac Champion certificate from Essex-Windsor EMS. Shepley and his team heeded the call by the EMS to purchase an automatic external defibrillator that can be used by staff and the public to help save lives.
Bachetti noted that Wednesday’s council meeting was being held on First Responders Day in Ontario (May 1) and thanked “the professionals and volunteers who are there for us during emergencies,” with a special shout-out to Essex-Windsor EMS paramedics. He also thanked the nurses at Sun Parlor Home and all the nurses serving Windsor-Essex as Nursing Week (May 6-12) approaches.
Local Response Developed to Respond to Legacy Oil and Gas Well Risks
The County of Essex and local municipalities have established a regional plan to respond to risks from legacy oil and gas wells.
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is providing $7.5 million over three years to help municipalities reduce risks and enhance preparedness for emergencies within their communities related to legacy gas and oil wells, and subsurface gas migration hazards. The County of Essex – on behalf of local municipalities, the City of Windsor and Pelee Island – submitted a proposal and received approval to spend $280,000 prior to March 15 to develop a plan.
The regional plan sets out six steps that are being taken to mitigate risks:
1. The county, in collaboration with local municipalities, will be promote messaging being developed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
2. Approximately 430 first responders in the region will receive hydrogen sulfide awareness training. Some firefighters will also receive more in-depth training that will enable them to instruct others.
3. Gas detection equipment is being purchased to enhance monitoring capabilities in potential emergencies.
4. Handheld portable radios with advanced features and Starlink satellite systems for emergency operations centres are being purchased to improve communications during emergencies. As well, several municipalities have service agreements with Windsor Fire and Rescue Services’ hazardous material team.
5. Municipal emergency response plans have been updated to incorporate legacy gas well and petroleum incident response protocols.
6. Ongoing emergency management training for first responders and other municipal staff will continue.
Municipalities are awaiting word from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry about how to apply for funding for the remaining two years of the program, says a report to council.
More information is available on the County of Essex web page about Abandoned Wells and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S).
County Investments Did Well Overall in 2023
The County of Essex earned $12.7 million in investment income in 2023. The money was put into reserve funds, with the exception of $1.5 million that was put toward operations, according to a report on the county’s investments in 2023.
County Plays Significant Role in Regional Health Care
Essex County plays a significant role in the region’s health care system and should consider its legislative responsibility, expertise and funding capabilities before taking on additional tasks, says a report to council by CAO Sandra Zwiers.
The county’s health care responsibilities include operating Essex-Windsor EMS and Sun Parlor long-term care home in Leamington, as well as running a housing with supports program. The county is contributing to capital campaigns for the new regional hospital in Windsor and renovations at Erie Shores HealthCare, and improving roads to the new hospital site.
Other ways the county contributes to local health care include participating in regional health initiatives and agencies, and advocating for enhanced services in Windsor-Essex, says the report. It was written in response to a council question about how to address the health care needs of the region.
Study Requested to Determine if Two LaSalle Intersections Need Lights
Council supported LaSalle Mayor Crystal Meloche and Deputy Mayor Mike Akpata in their request for a traffic control study to determine if traffic signals are warranted for pedestrian safety and to improve the flow of traffic at the intersections of Martin Lane and Front Road, and Victory Street and Front Road.
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