Warden gives “State of the County” address and announces future plans

The annual “State of the County” address was held last week with Warden Hilda MacDonald giving an update on county business.

MacDonald shed a light on her personal plans as well.

As part of the luncheon held April 16 at the Ciociaro Club in Tecumseh, MacDonald outlined some of what has been accomplished at the county level over the past year and over the four-year term, as well as what she believes is needed going forward. The luncheon was presented by the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Libro Credit Union.

Collaboration is key to success of the region, MacDonald stated, noting and thanking the numerous community partners in the room last Thursday afternoon.

The County of Essex may have its differences at times with the City of Windsor, but noted they work with each other often. She cited the COVID-19 pandemic, flooding, hydro and economic uncertainty as just some of the subjects that have been worked on regionally.

Warden Hilda MacDonald delivered her “State of the County” address to a packed house at the Ciociaro Club last Thursday afternoon.

“When it matters most, we come together,” said MacDonald.

Ongoing or recently completed projects such as the Fanscy Family Hospital, the Gordie Howe International Bridge and the NextStar Energy battery plant were highlighted by the warden, stating they are “historic investments” in the region.

“The impact of these projects will be felt for generations,” said MacDonald.

The region must continuously plan for growth, as she said there will be a rapid expansion of residents, jobs and homes for the region and area municipalities have to be ready to handle that expansion.

“Growth is no longer coming,” said MacDonald. “It’s here.”

Younger people are coming to the region, with MacDonald pointing out “people aren’t just retiring here.” She said they have to build on the fact that younger families are coming to the area and offer amenities so they continue to live here and are able to have a quality of life. 

“These young people are our future,” she said.

The warden noted county council has adopted its first-ever Official Plan, for which it won awards, and will implement development charges at the county level so that “growth pays for growth.” Roads have been expanded in Essex County, with work along County Road 42 from Lakeshore to Windsor being one example, with the county wanting more work done in the area of County Road 22 and Manning Road. 

Pertaining to roads, she also pointed out the recently adopted road rationalization study, something that was years in the making and will help guide the county going forward.

“For three decades, we’ve been trying to work this out,” she said. “For those of us around the horseshoe (in county council chambers), it’s a big deal. It’s quite an accomplishment.”

The county is also investing in more paramedics, ambulances, homelessness through investments in the homeless hub in Leamington, and the new hospital, the latter of which sees $65 million of the $100 million pledged by the county set aside. The county also has “healthy reserves,” MacDonald noted.

The county also has a new strategic plan, which she called “a roadmap” for this term of council and beyond.

There are significant challenges as well, she said, including economic pressures. Some of those pressures are as a result of U.S. tariffs, with this area being at the forefront of that. 

“We are a border region heavily dependent on international trade,” said MacDonald. “We face pressures the most, I believe, because of our location.”

MacDonald added the area is not “sitting still,” but rather working to strengthen regional partnerships and advocating for regional businesses.

Housing shortages are still being felt, with about 9,000 households spending at least 30 per cent of their monthly incomes on housing. About 3,000 households in the county are spending at least 50 per cent on housing costs, she added. 

Stating federal and provincial governments have to help, MacDonald said the property tax base can’t address the issue alone.

“We need the upper levels government at the table,” she said.

Essex County also supports the Essex Region Conservation Authority’s request for a reconsideration of the watershed boundary scale, MacDonald stated.

“From Amherstburg to Tecumseh, Lakeshore to Leamington, to Essex, Kingsville and LaSalle, every municipality contributes to our success,” she said. “We are all strong, but we are stronger when we work together.”

The first female warden in the history of the County of Essex will not return to the position after the 2026 municipal election, though she aims to come back as a member of county council. MacDonald said it is her intention to seek re-election as mayor of Leamington, but she will not seek the warden’s position again. 

“I feel every municipality should have a chance at it,” she said of the county’s top political job.

MacDonald expressed gratitude to her fellow council members in both Leamington and the County of Essex, but said being warden on top of being mayor was like having two full-time jobs. She said she still loves being a part of local governments, but wanted someone else to have a chance at being warden.

Warden gives “State of the County” address and announces future plans

By Ron Giofu