County Council Highlights for Feb. 19, 2025

Warden urges support for local businesses in light of U.S. threats

Warden Hilda MacDonald in her remarks at the start of Wednesday’s Essex County Council meeting applauded and encouraged support for local businesses and all companies that have invested in the Essex-Windsor region.

“The County of Essex and the rest of Canada are in uncertain times as we face tariff threats and unmerited taunting by the U.S. president and his administration,” the warden said.

She thanked the federal and provincial governments for making Canada’s case to U.S. officials and making plans to respond.

“It is heartening to see Canadians showing national pride and wanting to buy products that are made here,” MacDonald said. “We need that kind of spirit to boost morale and boost our local economy as we go forward.”

She urged strong support for all entrepreneurs and businesses contributing to the regional economy.

“More than ever, we must be solid, stable partners who will work with local companies of all sizes, stand by them and purchase their products,” the warden said. “Let’s keep showing the world our doors are open and that businesses that come to Essex County and Windsor are supported so they can flourish and grow.”

Also, on behalf of all council members, MacDonald acknowledged the passing of former Essex County councillor James Edward MacPherson and extended condolences to his family. MacPherson was mayor of the Town of Essex from 1985 to 1991 and also served as reeve and deputy reeve.

The Bridge’s tiny home community evolving

Representatives of the Bridge Youth Resource Centre in Leamington gave council an update on the non-profit organization’s tiny home community project, which will see the construction of 38 housing units.

The project has received zoning and site plan approvals and recently secured a building permit. About $100,0000 in development charges were waived by the Municipality of Leamington and a private donor invested $2 million. Engineering services, site services and a construction company have been lined up and they are just awaiting final electrical costs.

The initiative is backed by a $2 million investment from the County of Essex, funded from the 2024 and 2025 Budgets. Krista Rempel, executive director of the Bridge Youth Resource Centre, told Essex County Council its investment was leveraged by the Bridge to secure additional capital funds.

“Your investment specifically was pivotal to us securing additional capital funds,” Rempel told council.

Report on councillors’ 2024 remuneration presented

Council received a summary of remuneration paid in 2024 to councillors, as well as members of boards and committees. They are paid under the authority of By-law 2024-27 and the Council and Committee Remuneration Policy.

Tax ratios for 2025 set

Council passed a by-law setting the tax policy and levy ratios for 2025 that contains no major changes from last year.

Council approved continuing with the Essex County Tax Assistance Program for Low-Income Seniors and Low-Income Persons with disabilities and the Essex County Charity tax Rebate Program. Councillors were also provided with a background report about the 2025 tax policy discussions held with representatives of the seven local municipalities.

Costs and benefits of annual credit rating evaluation reviewed

A report to council reviews the costs and benefits of the annual credit rating evaluation the County of Essex pays S&P Global to conduct.

The annual cost of the evaluation, which has been done for the past 24 years, has increased steadily to $28,000 in 2024. While the county’s good credit rating doesn’t generally affect borrowing rates for local municipalities, it helps the county get the best possible rates when it borrows. It also provides access to valuable resources and insights, says the report.

“The County’s debt levels, while currently low, are anticipated to increase in the near future,” adds the report. “Growth pressures combined with a lack of provincial grant funding will require a greater reliance on debt to meet capital related expansion needs.”

Auditing firm appointed for next five years

KPMG LLP has been appointed to audit County of Essex finances for the next five years, and the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority (EWSWA) board will be asked for its approval at an upcoming meeting.

The firm was hired to audit the county’s finances over the past five years, including those of the Essex County Library, Sun Parlor Home and the county’s share of the EWSWA. The price has increased significantly but is fair given inflationary pressures, says a report.

Council updated on building renovations

Council received a report summarizing renovations done to the almost 50-year-old County of Essex Administration Building.

Starting in 2011, the work has included: renovating council chambers; upgrading mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems; upgrading the exterior of the building; and renovating the majority of the office space on the main and second floors.

Second floor meeting rooms are currently being renovated. Still to be updated are lobbies on the main and second floors, as well as office spaces occupied by the Essex County Library and tenant agencies.

Council rescinds cut to Invest WindsorEssex

Council voted to rescind a resolution passed during 2025 Budget deliberations and restored its funding to Invest WindsorEssex to $1.12 million.

Deputy Warden Joe Bachetti, who initially voted to cut the development agency’s funding by 15 per cent, made the motions to rescind the decision and restore the county’s funding to the requested level.

Council stipulated that Invest WindsorEssex complete its strategic plan in 2025.

Council urges removal of interprovincial trade barriers

Council passed a resolution calling on the provincial and federal governments to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers to ensure that items produced in the County of Essex can be moved freely across the country.

County to assess viability of a ‘buy Canadian’ strategy

At council’s request, the County of Essex will examine the viability of a “buy Canadian” procurement strategy, which will include defining what is Canadian content and how to determine the percentage of Canadian content.