County Council Highlights for July 16, 2025

Warden Highlights County’s Birthday, New Homelessness Initiative

Members of Council sported pins with the County of Essex tartan as Warden Hilda MacDonald wished the County of Essex a Happy 233rd Birthday at the start of the council meeting Wednesday night.

It was back on July 16, 1792 that Lieutenant John Graves Simcoe issued the proclamation that divided Upper Canada into 19 counties, including Essex County. 

The County’s tartan was designed by Edyth Bakes and is registered with the Canadian government and the Museum of Tartans in Scotland.

The colours of the tartan represent sunshine and the golden harvest, fertile fields, tomatoes and other crops like apples, our wide open skies and spectacular waterways, the automotive industry, salt mines and fish.

MacDonald praised the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority for officially launching its Green Bin program and lauded Essex County Library employees,  who collected funds to purchase personal items for those facing disadvantaged circumstances in our community.

The Warden also highlighted a new homelessness initiative in the County of Essex. Beginning Monday, the Homelessness Hub in Leamington, operated by Family Services Windsor-Essex, will begin running an overnight program, offering a safe place for people every night from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. through to March 2026.

“This facility was well used as a warming centre over the winter months. It recorded 918 visits from December to March, offering warmth to 37 vulnerable individuals during one frigid week in February alone,” said MacDonald. “Thanks to the ongoing support of this Council, it will continue to provide comfort to those in our community who need it most.”

MacDonald also welcomed to the County of Essex Natasha Sheeler, the new Administrator of Sun Parlor Home and Director of Health and Community Services.

Council Hears Delegation, Receives Letter about Land Lease Communities

A delegate addressed Council about issues facing Land Lease communities and Council voted to receive correspondence of the issue from the Town of Essex and approve any noted action.

Council Supports Construction of Windsor to Lakeshore Transmission Line

Council received a report from CAO Sandra Zwiers about the Windsor to Lakeshore Transmission Project and directed administration to prepare a letter of support and submit it to the Environmental Registry of Ontario on behalf of the County of Essex.

The Minister of Energy and Mines is seeking public feedback on a proposal to bring forward an Order in Council to facilitate the construction of a double circuit 230-kilovolt transmission from Windsor to Lakeshore that would be in service by 2032.

“The Windsor to Lakeshore Transmission Project, once complete, will unlock development and sustainability potential for Essex County,” said Zwiers in a report to Council. “It is anticipated that the increase in hydro capability will positively impact the region’s economic viability and provide a necessary catalyst for growth.”

The following benefits will be highlighted in the letter of support:

·        Reliable power for residents and businesses

·        Support for economic growth and agri-business

·        Sustainability and climate leadership

·        Improved quality of life

·        Infrastructure readiness for the future

·        Stronger rural and agricultural resilience

Council Approves Updates to Financial Policies

Council approved updates to the following financial policies:

·        Capital Financing and Debt Policy

·        Investment Policy

·        Commodity Price Hedging Policy

“The updated policies included in this report are intended to improve consistency and clarity in how the County manages key financial areas,” said a Council report. “While each policy already existed, some updates were made to reflect current legislation, align with the County’s standardized policy format, and reinforce long-term financial planning principles. Together, these updates help ensure that our financial practices remain transparent and responsible.”

Canada Community-Building Funds to be Distributed to Local Municipalities

The County is allocating additional Canada Community-Building Funding to local municipalities, opting to distribute the money on an 80/20 percentage basis (local/County) as opposed to the 50-50 split prescribed by the province.

The County will will keep 20 per cent or $2,527,917 and distribute 80 per cent or $10,111,667 to local municipalities as follows based on 2021 Census data:

·        Amherstburg: $1,232,62

·        Essex: $1,111,723

·        Kingsville: $1,159,040

·        Lakeshore: $2,117,492

·        LaSalle: $1,714,587

·        Leamington: $1,555,238

·        Tecumseh: $1,220,925

Council Receives Planning Update

Rebecca Belanger, Manager, Planning Services, provided Council with a planning update for the year ending June 1, 2025.

The number of Planning Act applications under review was more than 150 as of the beginning of June and it is anticipated that the number of subdivision and condominium applications would continue well above the previous five-year average.

“There has been a noted increase in requests for subdivision application approvals from lower density forms of housing to medium and high-density development and this shift continues to grow,” said Belanger’s report. “This residential intensification provides the benefit of compact urban form creating walkable communities and affordability. Further, this form of housing provides an alternative choice of housing for the aging population to remain within their community.”