Local youngsters race for the ball during the 3-on-3 Road Hockey Challenge outside the Essex Centre Sports Complex on Saturday. The event celebrated Tim Hortons Hockey Day in Canada.

By Andy Comber - February 3, 2010

There was a lot of "they shoot – they score" in Essex on Saturday, but not all of it was inside the arenas.

Hockey enthusiasts of all ages took part in the 3-on-3 Road Hockey Challenge, held on the parking lot at the Essex Centre Sports Complex to celebrate Tim Hortons Hockey Day in Canada.

Hockey Day in Canada profiles the significance of hockey in communities across the country. It has become a tradition among Canadian hockey fans, taking on the role of an unofficial holiday.

Swim group wants pool in Harrow

By Andy Comber - February 3, 2010

Some residents are hoping for a bigger splash out of the Town of Essex, calling for construction of an outdoor competitive swimming facility in Harrow.

"We want a pool!" exclaimed Kathy Nicholson, president of the Harrow Electric Eels Aquatic Team.

Nicholson was among a steady stream of people who filed through the community room at Harrow Arena, Jan. 26. It was the first of a series of open houses being held by the town to gain public input on a parks and recreation master plan.

Surveys were made available at the meeting. For Nicholson and other members of HEEAT, it was another opportunity to urge support for a 25-metre, 6-lane competition-size pool.

"We've been to council a number of times, now we're hoping to get the community's support," said Nicholson.

In the summer, HEEAT competes in outdoor pool facilities across the province, but has no home-based facilities, she said.

A delegation of parents addresses county council at a special meeting last Wednesday, asking for their support of municipal daycare centres.

By Andy Comber - February 3, 2010

Loud applause greeted county councillors last Wednesday, after they unanimously called on the City of Windsor to defer closure of any municipal daycare centres.

Councillors questioned the recommendations of the city’s social services department to close all seven daycare centres including centres in Amherstburg and Tecumseh. They said the decision would be "premature" without broad consultations with the county, parents and staff.

"I have a whole list of things I'd like to ask the city," said Essex Mayor Ron McDermott.

"We have to make sure the city meets with us," McDermott said. "We shouldn't just ask. We should demand they meet with us."

Tecumseh Deputy Mayor Tom Burton said he was surprised the city would close the centres when the region is still reeling from the recession. He said about 125 jobs could be lost.

"I can't believe they are eliminating jobs," Burton said. "It's just ridiculous in my mind."

The report by Ronna Warsh, the city's community development and health commissioner, noted a decline in enrolment at most centres since 2007, and 24 per cent in the past year across the whole system. She said there are enough non-profit and private operations to absorb the 425 children impacted by the closures.

Town set to set standardize zoning rules

6.6 million for local business

Community Living gets funds to improve accessibility

Shaping the future of Point Pelee

Grain producers address challenges

Humane Society gets cash to expand

Students discover the arts

Icy dip benefits youth and family charities

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