Mr. Maisonville provided Council with some information regarding the implications for making an application to host the AMO conference in Essex-Windsor. He noted that Administration's recommendation was to submit an application in each of the years between 2021-2024 in the hopes that the region would be selected for at least one of the years. He explained that there would be a financial commitment required for the host municipality as well as an 'in-kind' commitment from staff to assist coordinating events. He noted that the AMO conference draws many dignitaries and attendees from all over the province, thus there would be economic and social benefits from being a partner host municipality.
Mr. Paterson expressed that since the conference would likely be held at Caesars Windsor, and most of the off hours of delegates would be spent in the City of Windsor, with the scheduled tour groups only visiting the County, he felt it would be more appropriate if the City of Windsor contributed a greater portion of the costs of hosting. He further expressed his support for hosting the event at a different apportionment of the cost.
Mr. McNamara indicated that the event, in the past, has provided a regional benefit and provided an opportunity to showcase some of the best tourism and industries of Essex County even if the conference centre would be in the City of Windsor.
Warden Bain expressed the unique opportunities that present themselves to the host municipality with regard to meetings and exchanges with Ministers and other government officials while they are in the region for the conference. He indicated he felt it was a good opportunity to highlight the Essex County and Windsor area.