ENWIN, Essex Centre BIA fully cover cost of future amphitheatre

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative 

ENWIN Essex Centre BIA fully cover cost of future amphitheatre

Through a series of public engagement sessions over a decade ago, residents and businesses of Essex Center decided how they wanted their downtown area to look. The feedback Stempski, Kelly Associates gathered became the foundation of what became the Essex Centre Streetscape and Silo District Plan, which Essex Council adopted in 2013.

The past few Terms of Council have used the Essex Centre Streetscape and Silo District Plan as a foundation to enhance the downtown business core through the completion of the Essex Center Streetscape in 2024.

In addition, the silo district has slowly evolved into the Heritage Gardens Park in Essex Centre. Over the past decade or so, new amenities have been implemented, thanks to community partners, such as the Veteran Memorial Honour Wall, Priscilla Spitfire Memorial Plane, the pavilion, and public washroom.

Soon, an amphitheatre will be added to the green space, thanks to ENWIN and the Essex Centre BIA. 

On the morning of Wednesday September 16, Essex Council and administration gathered under the pavilion inside the Heritage Gardens Park to announce a naming rights partnership for the amphitheatre.  

When ENWIN Utility purchased E.L.K. Energy, a local community commitment contribution was created. It is being guided by the joint advisory committee. A primary objective of the committee is to make annual funding recommendations regarding Windsor Canada Utility’s – ENWIN’s parent company – commitment to provide $350,000 in donations over around five-years to help fund local community initiatives within Lakeshore, Kingsville, and Essex.

Through this funding stream, ENWIN committed to becoming the main naming partner for this project, which will name the future outdoor facility the ENWIN Amphitheatre. 

In addition, the Essex Center BIA has committed to sponsoring the main stage, which will be named after the local organization that represents over 200 businesses locally. 

Because of the investment from these two organizations, the amphitheatre cost has been fully covered.

"This is a significant investment in our community, helping turn our vision into a reality. ENWIN has demonstrated tremendous leadership through its commitment to this project. We are incredibly grateful for that support," Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy said, calling this another exciting step to bring a new gathering place to the heart of Essex Center. 

Because of the partnerships, a more advantageous option for the facility will not only include the amphitheatre, but a green room to accommodate performers and an electrical room as well. The amphitheatre will have a roof, and performers will be able to hang speakers.

The amphitheatre will be located behind the public washrooms. The stage will face towards the historic Essex Railway Station on a slight angle, with attendees looking slightly towards Wilson Avenue.

Director of Community Services/Deputy CAO, Jake Morassut, said the amphitheatre will be tilted somewhat to work around the sun to ensure it's not in people's eyes.

Now that all of the agreements are in place, Morassut said the Town is working with the consultants to get the tender drawings completed. It is hopeful the project will be tendered within the next few months, with shovels in the ground in the spring. Ideally, the amphitheatre will be ready to accommodate groups wishing to use it in the summer of 2027, including the Town of Essex's Arts, Culture, and Tourism (ACT) Committee’s weekly summer concert series, Tune up the Parks. 

The amphitheatre will accommodate Town events, and the Town will look into drawing other performances for rental opportunities.

Bondy was joined by Councillors Katie McGuire-Blais, Kim Verbeek, and Joe Garon at the event, in addition to Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley. 

The future amphitheatre is much more than a physical structure, Bondy said. 

"We are talking about creating a place where our community can come together. A place for live music and entertainment. A place for community celebrations and special events. A place where families spend an evening together, where local businesses can showcase what they have to offer, and where residents can simply enjoy time together in our community."

She explained this Term of Council has explored new and innovative ways to generate revenue and reduce reliance on property taxes. As part of this initiative, Council introduced a naming rights policy to create opportunities for local organizations and businesses to invest directly into community projects. 

The announcement recognizes the very first partnerships through the naming rights policy. 

Bondy thanked ENWIN and it's CEO Garry Rossi for believing in the project and partnering to ensure it came to fruition. The Town is truly grateful for this partnership.

Rossi relayed that this amphitheatre is a commitment to community, culture, and connection. 

"Projects like this don't just add to a community, they strengthen it," Rossi said, adding ENWIN's vision is about connecting communities. 

"Investing in E.L.K. means investing in the people and places that make this community strong. This amphitheatre is a visible example of that commitment, supporting not only the infrastructure people rely on, but the shared spaces where community life happens."

When municipalities, local organizations, and utilities work in sync, it creates spaces that support quality of life and long-term growth, he added.

The BIA's contribution is a continuation of its long-standing commitment to making Essex Center a vibrant destination for residents, businesses, and visitors.

This is not the first contribution the BIA has made towards the Heritage Gardens Park. A previous term of the board partnered with the Town to install the pavilion, and just a few years ago this term of the BIA sponsored the public washroom with the Essex Rotary Club. 

BIA Chairperson, Stephanie Winger, said the park has really been evolving, and that has been wonderful to witness. 

She urged everyone to think of each of the 200-plus local businesses that make up the Essex Center BIA when they think of the main stage named after the organization. 

When individuals come to the Heritage Gardens Park and use the amphitheatre to watch a play or perform, they will likely be visiting one of the local restaurants or stepping into a local store to see what's available. 

"We want people to come and experience our town,” Winger said. "I can't wait to get shovels in the ground to see this really come to life.”

In addition to sponsoring the amphitheatre, Rossi noted that ENWIN has really tried to become a part of the community since it acquired E.L.K. He noted the utility has sponsored the Harrow Fair, the Essex Fun Fest, the Comber Fair, and the Highland Games.

"It's not just about sending a bill and providing reliable electricity and investing in the infrastructure, it's about becoming part of the communities we serve," Rossi added.