Q & A - Councillor candidate - Wes Ewer
(1) How would you advocate for affordable taxes while maintaining an adequate level of service for residents?
Affordable taxes start with responsible spending. Before asking residents to pay more, we need to ensure every tax dollar is being used as effectively and efficiently as possible. That means conducting a thorough review of each department, identifying opportunities to improve processes, reduce waste, and embrace technology where it can deliver better value. Taxes will inevitably rise over time as costs increase and infrastructure ages, but those increases should never be the first option. Council and administration should first look for savings, efficiencies, and ways to do more with existing resources.
When tax increases are necessary, residents deserve clear, transparent communication that explains exactly why they are needed, what services or investments they will support, and what alternatives were considered. My approach is simple: find money to save first, go to the tax base second. By spending thoughtfully, demanding accountability, and focusing on efficiency, we can maintain the high level of service residents expect while keeping taxes as affordable as possible.
(2) What does “responsible growth” mean to you and how does growth in the commercial/industrial sectors factor into that?
Responsible growth means planning for the future while protecting the quality of life that makes Amherstburg a great place to live. Growth is inevitable, especially with provincial housing targets and continued development pressures, but it is Council’s responsibility to ensure that growth happens in a way that benefits current and future residents. A key part of responsible growth is expanding our commercial and industrial sectors.
When done thoughtfully, commercial and industrial development helps reduce the overall tax burden on residential taxpayers by generating additional revenue to support municipal services, infrastructure, and community priorities. A stronger business community also creates local jobs and helps keep investment in Amherstburg. Growth should not simply be about adding more homes. It should be balanced, sustainable, and supported by the infrastructure and services residents rely on. We need to use the tools available to Council to guide development in the right locations and in a way that reflects our community’s values.
Residents are counting on Council to ensure growth is done properly and that the benefits are shared by everyone.
(3) How would you balance protecting heritage attributes of Amherstburg against the growth of the town?
Protecting Amherstburg’s heritage and supporting growth are not mutually exclusive. I believe Council has already established important tools to help strike that balance, including the Properties of Interest List, designated heritage properties, and the Heritage Conservation District.
These measures help identify and preserve places that have genuine historical and cultural significance to our community. At the same time, I do not believe heritage should become unnecessary red tape that prevents reasonable progress. When considering heritage protections, we need to clearly define why a property, building, or feature is important and what value it adds to Amherstburg’s identity. Preserving history is most effective when there is a clear purpose and community benefit behind those decisions.
As Amherstburg continues to grow, Council must carefully balance preservation with development opportunities. We should protect the places that help tell our story and maintain the town’s unique character, while also allowing thoughtful investment and renewal where appropriate. The goal is to ensure Amherstburg retains its charm and heritage while remaining a vibrant, forward-looking community.
(4) What police service is best for Amherstburg at this time and how would you advocate for it?
I have publicly stated that I cautiously lean toward the OPP. I say “cautiously” because I don’t like making major decisions without having all the available information and data. The ship may have sailed, but I still believe it is important to hear Windsor Police Service’s final position and costing. If nothing else, it provides valuable context for residents and Council and serves as a direct comparison to the OPP. I do not believe starting our own police force again is a responsible option and feel it would be short-sighted. Based on the information available, the OPP appears likely to be the lower-cost option. However, I do not believe this decision should be based solely on dollars. The real question is: what do residents value more, service levels or savings? If one option costs more, what level of additional service justifies that cost? Conversely, how much savings would justify choosing the lower-cost option? The Province has also provided financial relief to OPP-policed municipalities, something Amherstburg has not benefited from while remaining outside the OPP system.
(5) What is the best way to present Open Air Weekends (if at all)?
I am a fan of Open Air Weekends. It has grown beyond simply supporting downtown restaurants and has become a place where families can enjoy the downtown core without the worry of vehicular traffic. That said, I do think it should be reviewed and discussed. When we stop talking about issues, we lose the opportunity to highlight both the positives and areas for improvement. We need to understand the impacts and benefits and take a hard look at the frequency, operating hours, and footprint to ensure the program continues to meet the community’s needs. No program is perfect, and Open Air should be reviewed regularly to ensure it continues delivering value. However, I believe an initiative with a relatively small impact on the overall municipal budget has consumed a disproportionate amount of Council and community attention. Amherstburg faces larger financial challenges and assets that require significant taxpayer support. While Open Air deserves thoughtful review, Council should focus primarily on the issues that have the greatest impact on taxpayers and the Town’s long-term financial sustainability.
(6) What goals do you have to move the town forward over the next four years?
My goal over the next four years is to close Amherstburg’s infrastructure gap. My platform was built around the idea that we need to catch up on the basics. Frankly, I would love to see a “boring” four years filled with road repairs, infrastructure improvements, and delivering projects residents have been waiting for. I would like Council to review all project timelines across every department and prioritize the work that has the greatest impact on residents. That may mean focusing on roads and core infrastructure first and pushing some second- and third-phase projects further into the future. While a Council term is four years, I believe it is irresponsible to only think four years ahead. We cannot dictate the priorities of future councils, but we can develop a thoughtful plan with clear goals over the next 4, 8, and 12 years. My commitment is to be accessible, listen to residents, spend tax dollars thoughtfully, and be transparent about what we are doing, why we are doing it, and how we plan to pay for it.
Q & A - Councillor candidate - Wes Ewer
Q & A - Councillor candidate - Wes Ewer
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