As an Italian immigrant of the 1950s I have had the privilege of watching Amherstburg transform. Early 50s were post-war years. Immigrants with unheard of slaving work ethics filled Amherstburg and surrounding areas. They took on any job to feed and house their family.Allied Chemical, SKD, Marra’s Bread, Alymer Canning, were all immigrant heavy industry. Immigrant work ethnics assured these industries to thrive. Malden Township and vicinity became a major source of tomato pro

As a delegate denied speaking to the January meeting, I’m concerned about the application of the procedural bylaw. Kurt Reffle’s November delegation was deemed appropriate, while January delegates’ requests were in order but for a future date.  The committee was informed both must be true: there would have to be a report or bylaw before the body and there would have to be an action or recommendation. Yet administration approved Reffle’s delegation. Administration confirmed th

Amherstburg is not the best small town in Ontario, but it has come so far; and it’s pretty darn good!    Sure there are the small group of people who complain about its weaknesses and think it was far better years past; but how about we ignore them?  Instead let’s celebrate what we have - a great location by a world heritage river, over 160  heritage buildings, many new unique shops, award winning events and a growing arts scene.  Like I said, “pretty darn good.”  I spend a l

It’s been a total waste of time advocating fiscal responsibility and the importance of staying competitive. Raising property taxes without a balanced budget is not a success story. Having high water and wastewater rates in this area diminishes our ability to compete. We are losing 160 industrial jobs. The imminent closing of Diageo will create new challenges, affecting consumer spending, the driving engine of a local economy. The possible loss of rail line service after Diage

It was wonderful to see all the donations coming in to places like the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, Amherstburg Community Services (ACS), the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and other groups within Amherstburg and Windsor-Essex County during the Christmas season. I saw and photographed many of the donations, but I’m sure there are many others that were made quietly without my presence.  People need help around the holidays and most people want others to have a grea

We have an out of control habit in Amherstburg of making rash decisions without thinking about the future consequences.  Policing was one between 2016 to 2018. Relocating just the fire hall instead of the town hall complex, selling parkland for a school and building a recreational centre that will need to be replaced, before the town grows to meet the capacity of the design. We had a swimming pool, once upon a time.  For policing, the only saving grace is we still own the pol

It has come to my attention that there are a few business owners interested in closing Murray St. from Ramsay St. to Dalhousie St. Shutting it completely down to vehicles and with limited access. It is my understanding at the Amherstburg Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting on January 15 at 5 p.m., could see this closure could be an agenda item or be brought up under new business. The EDC makes recommendations to council, just as it did regarding a two year extension

As another year comes to a close, we want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the people of Amherstburg for the incredible support shown to the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission throughout the year. Your generosity, compassion, and willingness to help do not go unnoticed and are never taken for granted. We are deeply grateful for the many volunteers who continue to step forward to support the Mission. It truly takes many hands to do this work, and with some of o