'Essex County Counts' outlines six key focus points for provincial election candidates
The County of Essex has outlined six priorities “crucial to the quality of life” of residents it hopes are a focus for provincial candidates this election.
The County is calling on candidates to commit to addressing the priorities which it says are imperative to the economic development of the region.
“Essex County Counts was endorsed by council because we want parties and candidates to give residents a clear picture of where they stand on issues that matter to us,” said Essex County Warden Gary McNamara. “We want commitments from candidates on these issues and will be pushing those who are elected to act.”
Essex County Counts calls on candidates to focus on:
Provincial support to ensure the new Windsor-Essex hospital system is built
The County of Essex has set aside $31 million toward the project and is committed to providing a total of $100 million toward building the regional mega-hospital. The County says provincial support is needed to ensure the project is completed.
Increased and more stable funding for the rehabilitation and construction of roads, sewers, and water and wastewater services
The County says while municipalities are responsible for these types of infrastructure, local taxpayers cannot be expected to fit the bill for the “massive and growing infrastructure deficit.” The County says the need for enhanced infrastructure includes needed energy for the region to allow for continued economic development.
Increased funding for building and maintaining affordable housing, along with consistent and substantial funding for health and human services provided by municipalities
The County says the waitlist for affordable housing in the Windsor-Essex region is at more than 5,000 and growing. Addressing the housing and homelessness crisis requires an increase in operating fund to mental health and additions service programs.
Faster expansion of broadband service to rural areas
The County says there are still communities, homes and businesses without reliable internet access and more funding is needed to ensure rural residents and businesses have what they need to succeed in the digital world.
Financial support to address climate change
The County declared a climate emergency in 2019 and followed that up in May 2019 with a Regional Energy Plan in partnership with all seven local municipalities and the Essex Region Conservation Authority and says it will need financial support from the province to carry out the plan.
Reforming of laws and pooling of resources to reduce municipal liability and insurance costs
The cost of municipal insurance has continued to rise throughout the pandemic, with many municipalities reporting increases greater than 20 per cent, the County says. A potential solution to the rising insurance costs the County outlines includes a provincial fund that could limit municipal exposure and the pooling of insurance among municipalities to lower costs.
“These are tangible steps the next provincial government can take to move our region and Ontario forward,” said McNamara. “Show us Essex County Counts, and we will work with you to build a bright future.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.