Now therefore it be resolved that, the Council of the County of Essex authorize the hiring of a qualified, independent consultant to conduct a comprehensive road rationalization study that will assess the current county road system, define appropriate classification criteria, provide funding recommendations, and propose a future road network plan for the County;
And be it further resolved that, the study include a full evaluation of current road classifications, funding mechanisms, and future transportation needs, with the goal of ensuring that the County’s road system is efficient, sustainable, and aligned with the needs of residents, businesses, and anticipated growth;
And be it further resolved that, the consultant be required to undertake the study with a focus on impartiality, transparency, and evidence-based analysis to ensure that recommendations are realistic, balanced, and in the best interest of the County of Essex;
And be it further resolved that, the consultant be required to actively engage with all lower-tier municipalities throughout the study to understand and incorporate local transportation needs and priorities;
And be it further resolved that, should the study recommend the addition or removal of transportation corridors from the county road network—transferring responsibility between the upper-tier County and lower-tier municipalities—an appropriate transfer mechanism be developed and recommended by the consultant;
And be it finally resolved that, the consultant be required to review the current Connecting Link Agreement and, through consultation with relevant stakeholders, provide recommendations on updating and improving the agreement to better reflect current and future transportation planning objectives.
(no vote taken – see *procedure matter)
Discussion took place with regard to the progress made on the Transportation Master Plan which is the basis and data collection mechanism which will inform the Road Rationalization Study. In the recent past several collaborative meetings have taken place between County and lower tier municipalities Chief Administrative Officers, Treasurers and Infrastructure teams to ensure the County has incorporated the perspectives of our locals into the analysis, and to ensure a transparent process.
It was estimated that the information would be available for consideration prior to the 2026 budget meeting.
Members of Council expressed the need to stay the course on the current progress, as it has been moving toward completion since the County CAO has made this a priority during her tenure.
*Councillor Meloche asked to withdraw the motion, however a Member objected, therefore pursuant to 13.4.18 of the Procedure By-law 2024-26, the question of whether to permit the motion to be withdrawn was called by the Warden.