A few thoughts on some recent news and some “growth” at home

Count me among those who want to see the Valente Development Corporation be able to transform the former General Amherst High School into a residential and commercial showpiece for our community sooner rather than later.

With town council making the decision via 4-3 vote to go forward with a notice to intent to designate the property, I am hopeful that the town and the Valente Development Corporation can come to an agreement as quickly as possible on the items relating to heritage, such as the façade and the murals. Until something is signed, sealed and delivered, I will be watching to see what the future holds for this building.

I understand the difference between “notice of intent” and actual designation and I also can understand the town’s concern about wanting some say over the “look and feel” of the development, but I also get why there are those frustrated with the whole process. 

I, along with many others, view this as a transformative project for this community. This is a project that needs to proceed so now that the decision is made by the town, they need to engage the Valente group to make this happen.

This is a project that must be prioritized and a solution needs to be found as quickly as the process will allow.

The former high school is a unique property in the centre of town, as we all know, so bringing it back to life is key.

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With Diageo back in the news lately thanks to a visit from Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles to the region, I just wanted to ensure the workers that were employed there are still not forgotten.

I was there on the final day of the plant’s operation and saw the tears in the eyes of many long-time employees. It was one of those stories that had to be reported on, but it definitely wasn’t one of the most enjoyable stories I’ve written. 

I’ve gone through job loss from a long-time employer before as well in 2012. Called in, told the place was closing, didn’t set the alarm the next morning. Not cool.

The folks at Diageo had a bit more time to process the news, but it’s still not a good experience. 

I thought about which way is better – sudden or with a bit of notice. The conclusion was no way is good as losing your job sucks no matter how it is approached.

I want to remain hopeful and believe things have to get better from here. In the $23 million deal between the provincial government and Diageo, there is the $500,000 for Invest Windsor-Essex “with a focus on Amherstburg and the surrounding area” and another $500,000 for “other community projects to support the residents of Amherstburg.” I remain intrigued with the latter as I would like to know how that money is going to flow.

I am also interested in the part of the agreement where it says there is “a commitment to explore options to establish a new Ontario canning facility.” I think we all know where a good industrial site and a skilled workforce can be found.

I want to see what is best for the people who worked for Diageo. This closure impacts the town and region. The powers that be need to keep working until new investment comes to Amherstburg.

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On a much lighter note, I am pleased to see some growth in my front yard. For years, I’ve never had a front yard as I lived in an apartment above a house. Now, I’m around the corner in an ADU where I have a bit of land to play with.

In my front yard, I planted some tulip bulbs last fall. Additional bulbs were planted earlier in the spring. Many are getting ready to blossom.

I consider this a triumph as I’ve never had the opportunity to garden and while dropping tulip bulbs in holes may not qualify as gardening, I feel good that I am making my yard more presentable.

I won’t be on this summer’s Garden Tour nor do I anticipate any sort of award for this but it is nice to see I was able to contribute to the beauty of the town in my own very small way.

A few thoughts on some recent news and some “growth” at home