The Corporation of the Town of Essex

Essex Municipal Heritage Committee Meeting Minutes

Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 5:00 P.m. - 6:00 P.m.

Location: Essex Municipal Building, 33 Talbot Street South

Present:

• Connie Clarkson - Chair
• Richard Kokovai - Vice-Chair
• Jacqueline Baldwin - Committee Member
• Perry Basden - Committee Member
• Councillor - Hammond, Rodney, Ward 4 - Committee Member
• Laurie Kowtiuk - Committee Member
• Linda Matyi - Committee Member

Absent:

• Councillor Jason Matyi, Ward 3 - Committee Member
• Grant Peters - Committee Member

Also Present:

• Sherry Bondy, Mayor
• Rita Jabbour, Manager, Planning Services
• Marsha Buchta, Recording Secretary

Accessible formats or communication supports are available upon request. Please contact the Clerk’s Office at [email protected] or 519-776-7336 extension 1100 or 1101.

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1.

Call to Order

The Chair called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.  

2.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that this land is the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations (comprised of the Ojibway, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi Peoples), and of the Huron-Wendat Peoples. We value the significant historical and contemporary contributions of local and regional First Nations and all of the Original Peoples of Turtle Island who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial.

3.

Declarations of Conflict of Interest

There were no conflicts of interest noted at this time.

4.

Adoption of Published Agenda

4.1

Essex Municipal Heritage Committee Meeting Agenda for March 27, 2025

• EMHC25-03-14
  Moved By Councillor Rodney Hammond, Ward 4
  Seconded By Laurie Kowtiuk

  That the published agenda for the March 27, 2025 Essex Municipal Heritage Committee Meeting be adopted as presented.

  Carried

5.

Adoption of Minutes

5.1

Essex Municipal Heritage Committee Minutes for February 27, 2025

• EMHC25-03-15
  Moved By Richard Kokovai
  Seconded By Perry Basden

  That the minutes of the Essex Municipal Heritage Committee meeting held February 27, 2025 be adopted as circulated.

  Carried

6.

Unfinished Business

6.1

Greater Marketing and Public Education about Heritage - Ongoing

6.2

Official Plan Update - Ongoing

6.3

Heritage Grant Program

6.3.1

Update on Heritage Grant Program

Ms. Jabbour provided an update on the interest to increase the amount of the Heritage Grant as a result of feedback received from Heritage week meetings with the Heritage property owners and Stakeholders of Heritage organizations. They would like to see more money allocated towards the repair and restoration grant, currently $10,000.  They would also like to be able to apply more than once. There was a lot of interest in a tax incentive grant.  The Stakeholder Organizations would like to see more consideration given to Cultural and Character spaces as there are not too many grants available to them at the provincial or federal level.  Administration will be looking to revise the grant programs, utilizing the feedback received and submit to the Committee for consideration and comments.

6.4

Heritage Designation and Interpretive Plaque Program - Ongoing

6.4.1

Snider House Plaque

Ms. Jabbour advised the Snider House plaque was delivered to the Town last week.  We need to determine a date for unveiling after consultation with the owners to determine a suitable date and time.

6.5

Listing and Designating Properties and Heritage Districts - Ongoing

6.5.1

Rio Theatre

Mr. Richard Kokovai continues to search for information.  Ms. Laurie Kowtiuk with look up the lots and plans to try and determine ownership.

6.5.2

136 County Road 50 W

The Herring property was discussed and there was a lot of information provided.  Administration continues to research and compile the data.  The cultural and historic value will be examined with specific criteria, and we will report back at the next meeting on our recommendations.

6.5.3

146 Adelaide Street

The property was Paul Martin Senior's cottage, currently owned by Paul Martin junior.  At our last meeting a motion was put forward by the Committee that recommended Council to direct Administration to investigate the property for the possibility of Designation.  We are awaiting further direction.

6.6

Cemeteries

6.6.1

Right of Way Purchase Ferriss Cemetery

Administration recommended removing the Notice of Intention to Designate until a later date after considering concerns from the Owners regarding access and right of way.  We are consulting with the legal department to determine if a right of way access agreement to the cemetery would be possible. Once more information is provided it will be shared with the Heritage Committee.

6.7

Studies and Master Plans - Ongoing

6.8

Heritage Walking Tour and Digital Component - Ongoing

6.8.1

Janes Walk

Update on Event / Theme - Potential Route / Other Walks proposed in the Area

Ms. Jabbour shared the Jane's walk schedules are live. The list can be found at www.WindsorJanesWalk.ca   April 25-27, 2025 are the dates for walks within Essex County and May 2-4, 2025 are walks for the Windsor area.  Members interested in attending the events must register on the website.  The Theme of the Essex Town walk is Alice in Wonderland.  The walk will commence April 25, 2025 at 2:45 p.m. on the corner of Brien Ave and Alice Street. We will discuss the significance of Alice 
Street, architecture of the homes and it's consideration as a heritage conservation district within Essex Centre under the new draft official plan.  Heritage Colchester will host a walk on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 10:00 am featuring the School House, Christ Church and cemetery.  HEIRs will host on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in Harrow.  All the walks are listed on the website provided.  Committee members who have information on any homes on Alice, should send the information to be included in the walk.  Ms. Laurie Kowtiuk provided information on several properties on Alice Street for Administration to review.

6.9

Cultural Master Plan - Ongoing

6.10

Historically Significant Name Registry - Ongoing

Chair Connie Clarkson suggested a new street in Colchester be named either Colchester Street, Avenue or Boulevard to commemorate the area. 

6.11

Cultural Heritage, Indigenous History - Ongoing

6.12

Barn Quilts - Ongoing

6.12.1

Update on Trim Factory interest

Mr. Kokovai advised the company was in New Jersey.  Other companies in the area will be contacted to determine if there is an interest in sponsorship for a competition.

6.13

Heritage Week

6.13.1

Update on Heritage Week Metrics

Facebook Posts:

Former black settlement - Reached over 10,000 people, views over 5800 and 264 liked and shared.

Rebellion in Canada - 13,000 views

Essex Railway Station - 30,000 views

The Facebook posts were very successful. Feedback forms received indicated Essex does a very good job of communicating our history.

Heritage Property owners and Stakeholders meetings were very successful.  Feedback identified the need to set up a heritage planning network for the heritage organizations.  Administration will work to put this together. Most organizations are lacking volunteers, resources, and struggle to remain financially viable.  Councillor Hammond noted that HEIRS is struggling with adequate space.  Mayor Bondy advised that the Harrow Parks and Recreation Master Plan would be coming forward and they may add a community room which could be utilized as an option.

Chair Clarkson discussed a potential opportunity for Heritage Week 2026.  A very good friend does re-enactments at Fort Malden and if the Committee is interested, they could be approached to see if they would consider one in Essex, Harrow or Colchester. Chair Clarkson will discuss and report back.

7.

Adjournment

• EMHC25-03-16
  Moved By Laurie Kowtiuk
  Seconded By Councillor Rodney Hammond, Ward 4

  That the meeting be adjourned at 6:09 p.m.

  Carried

8.

Future Meetings

Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in the Harrow Arena Community Room, 243 McAffee Street, Harrow