The Town of Essex plans to focus on four key areas to improve quality of life over the next four years.
Following extensive public engagement, councillors are introducing an ambitious 2023-2027 Strategic Action Plan focusing on infrastructure, creating jobs, building homes, and boosting tourism.
Under the heading of safe and reliable infrastructure, the town plans to move ahead with road projects already approved by the town council, including improvements to the Maidstone and Talbot intersection and the Hanlan extension. Councillors will also consider a capital levy dedicated to rebuilding roads.
Long besieged by flooding, a five-year study would forecast the town's future water, wastewater, and stormwater needs, while a feasibility study explores extending water and wastewater service to McGregor.
Efforts to boost job growth include a land review looking for investment opportunities. Councillors would review resources available to small businesses and develop a tourism strategy with a plan to host sports tournaments and events.
A citizen-based Essex Housing Task Force would provide councillors with recommendations to promote residential development.
The plan also commits Essex to exploring a possible Municipal Accommodation Tax and reviewing surplus lands for potential sale.
The Strategic Action Plan is available on the town's website.
