Q & A - Councillor candidate - TJ Botsford
(1) How would you advocate for affordable taxes while maintaining an adequate level of service for residents?
In order to maintain affordable taxes with a good level of service the town needs to prioritize expanding the tax base of Amherstburg.
Expanding the tax base would mean promoting commercial development. Included in that would be leaning on the 700 acre Howard Industrial Park District and ensuring that space is shovel ready. Bringing in more development would increase the tax base, along with the current increase of real estate projects in Amherstburg.
Those businesses will employ people who may want to make Amherstburg home as well as bringing more jobs, a bigger industrial base. Employees that want to live in Amherstburg will keep the money here. This is the best way of moving forward for the town because the cost of living has increased.
Amherstburg will be looking at a possible new police force in a little over two years and it’s important that service level satisfies residents.
Along with garbage, recycling, snow removal and parks and recreation which are also important to provide a satisfactory level of service.
(2) What does “responsible growth” mean to you and how does growth in the commercial/industrial sectors factor into that?
With the economy that we live in today it is imperative that we balance our needs vs wants but also at the same time not being blind to the growth that has to happen for this town to evolve.
Fortunately the town of Amherstburg has found a buyer for Diageo and this should definitely be included with the growth this town needs.
As briefly mentioned in an earlier response, I am a firm believer the best way to move forward is to market the mass area of Howard Industrial Park District. Not only is it 700 acres, it can enable Amherstburg to bring a wide range of industry whether it is manufacturing, agriculture, or clean technology.
Amherstburg is a border town to Detroit with a water way, along with the new Gordie Howe bridge. Businesses should really be looking at Amherstburg to house their industry and continue to make this town flourish in the short term as well as long term.
(3) How would you balance protecting heritage attributes of Amherstburg against the growth of the town?
Amherstburg has a very rich history and as this town grows it’s imperative that we strike a balance between heritage preservation and development. I am a big believer in adaptive reuse.
We have seen what adaptive reuse achieved in Amherstburg with the former Two Way Automotive now becoming Hotel Stry. Council will also most likely be looking at what to do with Belle Vue and the possibility of selling it to a developer who has experience with buildings like that would be ideal. I would also continue to look at the Heritage Conservation District Study and our The Heritage Conservation District Plan.
This will be used for guiding developers with the framework on how Amherstburg can continue to grow responsibly and still respect the deep history the town of Amherstburg has.
We cannot forget that growth can come in many phases and this is why it’s important to preserve the character of these historical buildings while being able to also develop in other areas that can make this town better.
(4) What police service is best for Amherstburg at this time and how would you advocate for it?
The best policing service for Amherstburg is the one that provides the best service, the best safety along with a price that Amherstburg can afford. At this time it’s quite clear going back to Amherstburg Police isn’t feasible due to high start up costs. Talking to residents, many believe the town is doing a disservice to itself if we don’t get a price from Windsor Police. If elected, I am in favor of Council making a motion to ask Windsor Police for a price. The OPP pricing still hasn’t been provided and we are all waiting on that information. It’s important to keep in mind the price of the OPP now isn’t the same price it will continue to be in the future. Having multiple choices means you can compare service levels and costs. I believe OPP will provide a different level of service for Amherstburg than Windsor Police has provided. I would love to see a pricing for Windsor Police as is, as well as with a change in service level.
(5) What is the best way to present Open Air Weekends (if at all)?
Open Air has existed for seven years now. Finishing this seventh year, Open Air had the most themed weekends it has ever had. In an Open Air report prepared back in November of 2024, administration stated that they were working with the Multi-Cultural Centre about hosting a Carousel of Nations. That came to fruition this year with Brazilian Village. It took well over a year to get that event to come to Amherstburg. It’s clear Open Air appeals to a wide range of residents and out of town visitors. Open Air has been an economic driver for Amherstburg, providing jobs, investments by businesses and dollars spent by tourists and residents alike. As a town, moving forward we need to look at how to improve off the past success of Open Air. We have the extension of the King’s Navy Yard Park which is another area to utilize. The best way to present Open Air is by striving to make it better. I don’t believe that can be achieved by changing the consistency of the event.
(6) What goals do you have to move the town forward over the next four years?
Over the next four years, my primary commitment is to serve as a dedicated, collaborative, and responsive voice for the residents of Amherstburg. My vision for moving our town forward is built on three core pillars: Fiscal responsibility, strategic infrastructure and a resident driven governance. After knocking on thousands of doors I have committed to engage with the residents, listen to their concerns and that would continue if I am elected to council. Making sound financial decisions that can benefit the town in the present as well as the future is crucial. I will also dive in and look at the Road Needs Study to see which roads will be priorities over the next 4 years. I will be accountable to the residents ensuring decisions are being made that can benefit the town in the short term and long term. In four years we won’t be able to get everything accomplished but it’s important to make strides so the town can continue to progress.
Q & A - Councillor candidate - TJ Botsford
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