County of Essex continues to connect with the province

Essex County Civic Centre

It seems as though the provincial government is listening to the County of Essex when it comes to funding of major projects.

CAO Sandra Zwiers reported on the success in advocating for financial support when it comes to the grade separation for County Roads 19 and 22 during the May 6 session of Essex County council.

“We believe we are at a critical point in that advocacy campaign in getting funding from the province and hope to have some good news on the horizon,” said Zwiers.

Earlier in the week, Zwiers, along with Warden Hilda MacDonald and county solicitor David Sundin travelled to Toronto to take part in Queen’s Park Day for the Western Ontario Wardens Caucus (WOWC) of which Essex County is part.

“It was a valuable and interesting opportunity to ensure our voices are heard on the issues that matter most to our residents and advocacy will continue to those upper levels,” said MacDonald.

The Queen’s Park event allowed the county representatives to meet with MPP’s and according to Zwiers the WOWC picked up the tab and the county paid just $1,600 for the opportunity.

“It provided access and opportunity with a very affordable price tag,” she noted.

Last Wednesday’s county council session was a short one which lasted less than 30 minutes. The previous meeting had been cancelled. Four of the seven mayors, including Amherstburg’s Michael Prue were absent. Councillor Diane Pouget filled in for Prue.

Although the meeting was short, Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy brought up an item in the outstanding reports. She was looking to see when Essex County will be getting an update on the new mega hospital.

“I know it’s probably challenging but I was hoping it’s something we can find out this term,” said Bondy.

Municipal elections are Oct. 26 and several county councillors may or may not be sitting around the upper-tier table.

Essex County has committed $100 million to the new hospital and Zwiers said she was waiting for Windsor Regional  Hospital’s President and CEO Kristen Kennedy to settle into her new role before reaching out.

County of Essex continues to connect with the province

By Fred Groves