A few thoughts on some recent decisions that have taken place in Amherstburg

I just had a few random thoughts with some of the things that have been decided upon lately in Amherstburg. Some of these thoughts have been bouncing around my skull for a few weeks now, others have recently popped up there. 

Since Page 4 is not being used entirely for stories this week, I have taken a few moments to put them down. These are just my thoughts, for what they’re worth, and I am speaking for nobody but myself – not that there is anything overly thought provoking here.

While viewing the agenda for the upcoming town council meeting that is scheduled for Oct. 14, I am glad to see the previously agreed-to work at Meloche Road and Simcoe St. is progressing. 

A tender for the improvements, which includes a four-way stop, is up for consideration and I am for any sort of traffic control at that intersection. It should cut down on accidents there and make things safer for pedestrians walking to the Libro Centre, or just out for a stroll in that neighbourhood.

I know a roundabout was considered at one point at that intersection and maybe one could be put there at some point in the future. I would not be opposed to that nor would I be opposed with a traffic light eventually going up at Simcoe and Meloche.

Thinking about that intersection also made me also think of another intersection, particularly the one at Lowes Side Road and Sandwich St. S. that has recently been in the news.

I agree a crosswalk should go there as I spoke with several residents of the Blue Haven a few months ago who pointed out safety concerns walking to where they have to go. I know roundabouts are more expensive, but what about one there at some point in the future? 

Just food for thought, but it would slow traffic down at what has been described as a “unique intersection.” 

Another issue I’ve been giving some thought to was voting methods. I was a bit disappointed online voting wasn’t given more consideration a few weeks ago as I would have liked to have seen that added as a voting option for 2026. 

I am in favour of the existing in-person method with electronic tabulators, but adding online voting would modernize elections and possibly boost voter turnout.

Oh well, maybe in 2030.

Speaking of elections, I wouldn’t lose sleep if a ward system was eventually brought in but I prefer the current at large system if given a choice. 

My thinking is that if there is a candidate I either want to vote for or against and they live in another part of town from where I live, I wouldn’t get the opportunity. 

I get that people want to be represented, but I feel town council should always think of the whole town rather than just their ward so I’m fine with the at large system. 

I don’t have any issues with towns that do have a ward system and wouldn’t be irate if there ever was a switch, but again,  my preference is to keep things as they are. For 2026 at least, that is going to be what will be happening.

These are just my thoughts, and now I’ve had a chance to sit down and publish them. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and these are mine, for whatever they are worth.

A few thoughts on some recent decisions that have taken place in Amherstburg