2025 Priority: Roads to Prosperity

The County of Essex focused its advocacy efforts in 2025 on the construction of a grade-separated interchange at the intersection of County Road 22 and County Road 19.

“The Windsor-Essex region is on the cusp of historic economic growth, driven by transformative projects that promise to generate tens of thousands of jobs, inject hundreds of millions of dollars into government coffers, and ignite an unprecedented surge in residential, commercial and industrial development,” said the submission to the province. “However, the full economic potential of these historic projects may not be realized without substantial provincial support for necessary infrastructure enhancements.”

Learn more about the presentation made to Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario's Minister of Transportation. 

Read the County's submission to the province.

Watch the video, below, that highlights the issue of growing congestion and the need to prepare for historic growth.

2026 Advocacy Priorities

Improving Mobility and Roadway Capacity

Rationale: Historic growth in Essex County is resulting in traffic congestion and safety issues. Generational investments in our region are only adding to the limitations of our road network. The County’s long-standing commitment to prudent financial management in support of its assets will not be sufficient to address the reality of the increased costs associated with grade separated intersections. A municipal and provincial partnership approach is needed to fully unlock the economic and housing potential of our region.  

Desired Outcome: Provincial commitment to partner in funding the design and construction of certain interchange and corridor improvements that are of regional and provincial significance. 

Ensuring Safe, Affordable Homes as a Foundation for Sustainable Community Growth 

Rationale: Housing affordability remains a critical issue across Essex County. Municipalities require provincial and federal investment to expand housing stock and related infrastructure. A large, urban, one-size fits all model will not address the unique housing and accessibility challenges in rural communities. Adding to the housing challenge are the environmental impacts of severe storms and flooding that are characteristic along our expansive shoreline. With the recent completion of our Regional Affordable Housing Strategy, the County of Essex is set to take the next step towards implementation. The property tax base alone will be insufficient to support the revitalization and much needed expansion of social housing and critical social service supports – keys to addressing the affordable housing gap. 

Desired Outcome: Provincial and federal commitments to increased funding for affordable and supportive housing developments. 

Improving Access to Health Care and Paramedic Services Modernization 

Rationale: Essex County’s extreme southwestern geography presents real barriers to attracting and retaining healthcare professionals. As a result, residents experience constraints accessing primary and urgent care services. Additionally, emergency paramedicine, a key service delivery function for the County, is equally challenged by a limited talent pool and increasing demand. Optimizing the deployment of EMS resources is a key component of an effective and efficient service. Operational changes to the Central Ambulance Communications Centre and funding for expanded team-based clinics will improve health outcomes.

Desired Outcome: Provincial support for team-based care models and modernization of EMS dispatch systems. 

Advancing Environmental Stewardship  

Rationale: Essex County sits within the Great Lakes Basin, where groundwater and surface water systems are highly interconnected. Contaminants entering the water table can impact tributaries and nearshore ecosystems. The known and unknown existence of legacy oil and gas wells threatens the safety of our environment and our residents. Shoreline erosion and water quality are also threats facing Essex County. Continued funding is needed for remediation and emergency preparedness as well as shoreline stabilization and clean water initiatives.

Desired Outcome: Extension of provincial grant programs and technical support for municipalities to support emergency preparedness and shoreline protection. 

Economic Development and Trade Stability 

Rationale: Essex County’s manufacturing and agri-food sectors face competitive challenges and tariff threats. Strategic investments in advanced manufacturing, agri-food innovation and green technologies will drive growth and innovation and mitigate the impacts of cross-border trade challenges.

Desired Outcome: Federal and provincial programs to support advanced manufacturing, green technologies, and trade advocacy.