Willy Fittler

I truly understand the reasoning behind some of the proposals being submitted for the development of our soon-to-be empty school buildings and attached properties. When similar types of opportunities presented themselves in the past, our thoughts automatically drifted towards comparable plans for more living and/or office space. Those ideas have been acted upon and if one looks around Kingsville, you will discover the numerous office and living spaces that have been, and continue to be, developed. But this time, what if we as a community-a family, refocused and broadened the scope of our views regarding community needs? What if we instead started to examine other equally significant needs of our citizens and extended areas? What if we could provide facilities for multiple services that not only address present needs, but also act as a legacy for our future community? Services that would not only provide assistance for our community's health needs, but also create numerous employment and career opportunities for the future of our young people as well. As I mentioned in the Kingsville Times, the county needs a non-profit Child & Family mental health facility. The center would provide numerous services (both short and extensive) depending on the specific needs of the family and individual. Trained teams of specialists encompassing the fields of Education (Teachers & Principals), Child & Youth Workers, Social Workers, Psychologists and Psychiatrists would formally assess and formulate techniques and strategies specific to those individual children and families experiencing more challenging issues. The teams would then interact with and assist our community schools in helping these children experience a more positive school connection-perhaps for the first time since beginning their education! Out-patient services would also be provided. The center could also accommodate much sought after placement opportunities for both university and college students, thus taking on an educational aspect in the fields of Teaching, CYW's, Social Work, Nursing, Psychology, Psychiatry, etc. These services would not only provide help and support for a growing need in our area, but numerous employment opportunities for those who are interested in office work, janitorial services, maintenance, grounds keepers, etc. Of equal importance to our community's happiness and well-being would be the establishment of a LARGE Community Center. A place we could come together as neighbors and family and have access to workshops, meeting areas, planned groups, town activities such as seasonal celebrations and perhaps even community dances, exercise classes, crafting activities for all ages, and various art activities and instruction (i.e., drama, creative writing, painting, pottery, music, stain glass, quilting, gardening, sewing, etc.). Classes in meal planning, workshops on the nutritional value of various types of food and cooking lessons for those on a budget - which, based on the price of food these days, would probably apply to the majority of us! Would these school buildings need renovations - there is little doubt of that. But they already have numerous, spacious, individual rooms, gyms for larger undertakings, kitchens, rest rooms, offices, etc. We have a strong foundation for what we deem essential to address the needs of our community and it would be a shame if we didn't work with, and take advantage of , our established assets. It has been my intent to initiate discussion in how we can use what we have to improve our community. Some will agree with my ideas, others will not. But that is the point. If the people of this community want change and a new more focused direction for the Kingsville area, they need to speak up, start discussions, provide input - both pro and con in regards to the town's future development plans! Now here's your opportunity. I want to hear your ideas!! And please remember. This is not a forum for discrediting the ideas of our neighbors. It is a brainstorming exercise which is the first step in developing some solid proposals for our council. We're an intelligent community and I know there are many exceptional ideas out just waiting to make themselves known!

Presently Kingsville has a by-law regulating greenhouses to use curtains to control lighting. Union water has introduced a moratorium on new greenhouse development water permits because of lack of capacity. I am of the understanding that greenhouses recycle their nutrients. Worker housing is a major issue since covid. There is a future plan being considered to regulate where and how many workers can live together. Some greenhouse farms are maxed out with their septic capacity and are not able to build more housing on site. The Province has classified greenhouses as agriculture. We as a council must use wise discretion with the future locations of new greenhouses in order to avoid more problems and concerns.