Warden Hails County Road Reopenings, Praises Paramedics

Warden Hilda MacDonald in her opening remarks to Council on Wednesday night praised the County’s Infrastructure and Planning Services Department as well as dedicated Essex-Windsor EMS paramedics.

County residents received “some great news” just ahead of the long Victoria Day weekend, the Warden said, when two construction projects were completed and roads were opened. County Road 12 (at Batten Sideroad) reopened two weeks ahead of schedule, and within budget, and County Road 50 over the Lonsberry Drain – just east of Colchester – also reopened following a 12-week culvert replacement project.

“The County wanted to minimize traffic disruptions along the popular wine route ahead of tourism season and obtained special administrative and environmental approvals to complete the vital infrastructure work early in the year,” the Warden said.

The Warden said the compassion, dedication and commitment of Essex-Windsor EMS paramedics stand out every day of the year, but that their efforts deserved special mention during Paramedic Services Week.

“Paramedics work in some of the most challenging and unpredictable circumstances imaginable. They provide compassionate care and comfort to people on some of the most difficult days of their lives and continue to do so in a healthcare system experiencing pressures across Ontario,” said MacDonald. “This year’s theme for Paramedic Services Week is ‘Better Care Starts Here,’ and Essex-Windsor EMS continues to demonstrate that through innovative programs and community partnerships.”

ECAAC Touts AccessAbility Week, Red Shirt Day, Fest-for-All 2026

The Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee (ECAAC) made a presentation to Council, highlighting several upcoming events.

First, May 31 to June 6 is National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) in Canada. That’s a time to celebrate the contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities, highlight the work of people, organizations and communities that are removing barriers, and reflect on ongoing efforts to become a better, more accessible, more inclusive Canada.

To help kick off the week, the public is invited to join the ECAAC for the annual Accessibility Flag Raising event on Monday, June 1 outside the County of Essex Administration Building, West Entrance, at 10 a.m.

Also, that week, Red Shirt Day for Easter Seals takes place on Wednesday, June 3. Wear red that day! And make a pledge to support Canadians with disabilities.

The ECAAC also announced that its very popular Accessibility Fest-for-All is back for 2026! Save this date: Friday, Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year’s event will be held at the Gosfield Communications Community Centre and Ridgeview Park in Cottam.

“This collaboration with the Town of Kingsville is shaping up to be an exciting event to showcase their brand new facility,” said Dennis Sanson, ECAAC Chair. “This special event aims to showcase accessible activities through demonstrations, products, services and information by engaging with the local community of accessibility-minded businesses, stakeholders, municipalities and others who promote inclusion and activities in spaces for people with varying levels of ability. There’s no cost to participate in the Fest-for-All, as the event is fully supported by the committee, volunteers and exhibitors, County administration, host municipality collaboration and, of course, County Council.” 

Opportunities to participate in Fest-for-All 2026 include:

• Demonstration of an activity
• Information booth (bring your own)
• Product demonstration
• Or other fun ideas that showcase accessible activities.

If your company or organization would like to be considered to participate in this event, fill out this form. There is no charge to apply, or to participate.

Annual Debt Repayment Report

The County of Essex remains in a strong financial position with low debt levels, says a report calculating its Annual Debt Repayment limit at $40,283,514.

“The County has taken a fiscally responsible, long-term approach to capital planning, focusing on sound financial management and keeping debt levels low. This approach has provided financial stability and flexibility over time,” said the report. “However, with the region’s growth and increasing demands for capital expansion, there may be a need to consider debt financing in the near future to support critical infrastructure projects. While this could be a necessary tool, it’s important to note that our current debt levels remain low.”

Provincial Offences Act program Annual Report

County of Essex municipalities received $363,273 in 2025 from the Provincial Offences Act program.

The program saw a year over year 3.2 per cent increase in charges laid, up to 30,539, and fines collected totalled $7.1 million, up 10.5 per cent from the previous year, according to a Council report.

The program ended the year with a net operating surplus of $691,934, a decrease from the $1,426,322 surplus in 2024. The decrease was largely attributable to the inclusion of eligible corporate program support costs and lower net revenue from the Red Light Camera program.

“The Windsor/Essex POA Program continues to operate as a stable, self-funded program that generates positive net revenue for participating municipalities,” said a Council report. “However, Council should be aware of the decline in 2025 net operating results and the anticipated reduction in future revenues due to the transition of Red Light Camera offences out of the POA program.”

CWATS Annual Update

The County Wide Active Transportation System now stretches more than 605 km, including nearly 200 km of paved shoulders and nearly another 200 km of multi-use trails, County Council was told Wednesday night.

“The CWATS Master Plan, adopted in 20212, provides a 20-year framework to guide the County of Essex and Local Municipal Partners in creating a safe, connected, multi-modal transportation network,” said Sumer Yalda-Johnston, the County’s Transportation Planning Coordinator and Committee Chair in a report. “CWATS has evolved beyond a network of trails and bike lanes to become a cornerstone of the region’s approach to healthier, more sustainable, and connected communities.”

Check out a map of CWATS projects completed to date!

View the paved shoulder projects completed in 2025!

View the paved shoulder projects on tap for 2026!