by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Though there were some concerns around the table, Council for the Town of Essex unanimously supported Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy in directing Administration to investigate options for an affordable housing subsidy program.  The idea is to have it available to help nonprofits that supply existing affordable residential units in the community leverage grant dollars from upper-levels of government.   The program will be included in the

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Firefighters with Essex Fire & Rescue and several volunteers manned posts throughout the Town of Essex last Friday and Saturday – including at local storefronts and at busy intersections – collecting donations as part of the Essex Region Goodfellows’ annual Newspaper Campaign. Members of the Essex Region Goodfellows will tally the donations collected and present the proceeds to support the Essex Area Food Bank, the Essex Salvation

- CAO Wing On Li hopes to keep part of the façade, offer rec space, environmentally friendly features - by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative In November of 2021 the Town of Essex announced it was to purchase the former Harrow High School from the Greater Essex County District School Board for $845,900, after it had sat vacant since 2016, when the school board closed its doors to students.   Since that time, the Town of Essex completed a building assessment that estim

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Essex residents, and those employed in the area, took the time to show their respects for “those who left never to return,” as part of the local Remembrance Day parade and service at the Essex Centre cenotaph on the morning of November 11.   They were able to think of loved ones who served, as well as strangers, who united to defend their country in the name of peace, during the quiet moment of reflection.   “We are here for those

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Hundreds of young trick-or-treaters lined Talbot Street with their guardians or parents on Friday morning, taking full advantage of the Essex Centre BIA’s Tiny Tots parade.   Every year, the local Business Improvement Area invites Essex Centre businesses to hand out treats during the local event, and youngsters to come collect them in costume as either a practice run for Halloween or as an early day alternative.   Not only does th

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative The Town of Essex presented the anticipated Master Plans for Harrow’s Fairground and Soccer Complex during a well-attended open house held last Thursday evening at the Harrow & Colchester South Community Centre.     Community members and facility users were able to talk to Town staff and members of Council during the open house to share their opinions, concerns, and learn about next steps. Feedback will be collected over the comin

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Halloween season is officially here, and members of the Essex Optimist Club and staff with the Essex Home Hardware provided two great events that took place side-by-side on Saturday to celebrate.   The opportunity provided local youths a chance to try on their costumes a little early and enjoy some fun and games.   Inside a portion of the Home Hardware facility, youths and their families were able to go station-to-station as part

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Tom Bonneau’s parents, and older siblings, instilled within him a sense of community service when he was young; a torch he would carry and help light the way for others during their time of need into his adulthood.   He was recognized for a lifetime of service to the community – through a variety of streams of volunteerism – during the 2025 Essex Citizen of the Year banquet hosted at the Essex Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion (

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative 10-minute parking on King Street to be become two-hour limits A majority of the Town of Essex Council voted to extend the ten-minute parking on King Street in Harrow, near the Post Office, to two-hours, after hearing concerns from Rob Duncan, Owner and Operator of Canadel.   “Parking is pretty deficient in Harrow,” he told members of Council at the October 20 meeting. When the stoplight was put in, he said around half a block of p

by Greg Layson Essex Town Council voted to keep municipal voting status quo Monday night.   After 45-minutes of debate and discussion surrounding online voting, including a hybrid method of internet voting, things will remain the same for the next municipal election, which takes place on October 26, 2026.   Essex Director of Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk, Joseph Malandruccolo, gave Councillors two voting options.   The first was a hybrid method using an online voting p

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Following the flash flood recently experienced in the Harrow and Colchester areas within the Town of Essex on Wednesday, September 24, Mayor Sherry Bondy introduced two Notices of Motion to help look into the matter and potentially find ways to prevent that from happening again in the future.   Both Notices of Motion were first introduced at the October 6 meeting, and after discussion at the October 20 meeting, were supported by C

by Garrett Fodor For more than 56-years, the Town of Kingsville has celebrated the beauty of migration season, while honoring the legacy of one of its most influential residents, pioneering conservationist Jack Miner. This annual tradition is rooted in wildlife preservation and community pride.   This past weekend, cooler temperatures and the unmistakable signs of fall set the stage for the 56th annual Kingsville Migration Festival. The celebration spanned three-days and mult

- OMWA has reps throughout the province, but its President, Tech Director, and Political Director are from Essex - by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative   Every time clean drinking water comes from the tap, the toilet is flushed, and excess stormwater is managed, there are teams of dedicated and knowledgeable Water, Stormwater, and Wastewater Operators behind the scenes who are managing the infrastructure, looking after the health and safety of their communities, and

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Mayor Sherry Bondy was waived all Strong Mayor Powers opportunities, since the Province extended this program to the Town of Essex in May.   Joe Malandruccolo, Director of Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk, updated Council on the Strong Mayor Powers provincial provisions at the October 6 regular meeting.   Previously, he noted the Strong Mayor Powers were first introduced in 2022. It was added to the Special Powers and Duties o

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative The best way to prevent fires is to pass along safety and prevention tips to youths, which they can take home to their families to help keep their homes safe. That’s why Firefighters with Essex Fire & Rescue look for ways to engage the public as often as they can.   One of the biggest public education nights of the year takes place during the annual Fire Prevention Week Open House.   Fire Prevention Week is recognized throughout C

by Garrett Fodor From spooky costumes to sweet treats and small business cheer, the Essex Centre StreetFest wrapped-up its second year of outdoor summer events in the downtown core with a festive fall finale that brought out the community in full force. Held this past Saturday, during Thanksgiving weekend, the fall edition of StreetFest embraced the changing season with a special Halloween-themed event titled “The Haunted.”    Despite a chill in the air, the mood was anything

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative The message Sherry Huff wanted to spread as a special guest speaker at the Rotary Club of...

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Essex may be a hockey town, but it is also known for the unwavering way residents recognize...

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative With the help of around 60 volunteers, the Windsor Essex Therapeutic Riding Association...

by Garrett Fodor  With the sun shining down, the streets of Harrow came alive with community spirit and camaraderie on Friday night, as...