This post is the twentieth in a series in which we reached out to municipal candidates to ask their heritage platform. Responses will be posted in the order received.
Sherry Bondy was the twentieth candidate to respond. She is seeking re‑election as the Mayor of Essex.
- How should Essex address demolition by neglect?
Demolition by neglect is absolutely a municipal responsibility, but it requires a proactive partnership, not just heavy-handed enforcement. We cannot simply sit back and watch historic structures decay until they become public safety hazards. My administration believes in tackling this through active property standards enforcement combined with real, accessible financial incentives. Under our current Council, we have championed programs like the Town of Essex Heritage Grant Program. This initiative ensures that when a building is designated—such as the Art Deco-style former Imperial Bank of Canada building at 18 Talbot Street North—the property owners have direct access to municipal funds to make necessary structural improvements. True municipal leadership means giving local property owners the tools and financial support they need to maintain our shared history before neglect ever takes root.
- What role should council play in strengthening heritage conservation overall?
Council must play a fearless, protective role, especially in the face of shifting provincial frameworks like Bill 23 and Bill 200. When the province imposed strict timelines on municipal heritage registers, our Council didn’t falter. Supported by our incredible heritage planning staff, we aggressively went to work clearing the register and locking in permanent protections. In a single historic session, we officially passed by-laws designating culturally significant properties across our municipality—including the former Harrow Municipal Building, local historic churches, and foundational pioneer sites.
Furthermore, I believe Mayor and Council must be visible champions out on our streets. History shouldn’t just live in a binder at Town Hall; it needs to be actively highlighted in the community. Just a few weeks ago on August 24th, I was incredibly proud to stand on Fox Street alongside our residents to unveil a new bronze heritage plaque at the historic “Essex House” (78 Fox Street North). Built in 1870 just steps from our old train station, this remarkable home served early railway travelers and miraculously survived the devastating 1907 town rail explosion. By actively bringing these physical markers to the forefront and launching innovative digital tools like the Alice Street Virtual Heritage Tour, Council ensures our history remains a live, visible, and celebrated anchor of our community’s identity.
- What is your favourite heritage landmark in Essex?
It is incredibly difficult to pick just one because each of our unique wards holds such distinct historical weight. However, the 1813 John Snider House in Colchester holds an incredibly special place in my heart. Built by a United Empire Loyalist following the American War of Independence, it is chronicled as the oldest continuous family-owned home in Essex County and stands as a rare architectural treasure.
When community members from the Windsor/Essex Architectural Conservancy of Ontario flagged that this home—reputed to have a cannonball from the Battle of Lake Erie embedded in its walls—lacked official protection, our Council took immediate action. We worked collaboratively alongside the family descendants to formally ensure this foundational piece of Colchester’s identity is legally safeguarded for generations to come. Protecting landmarks like the Snider House ensures that as our municipality grows, we never lose touch with the deep roots that built us.
Our council actively celebrates heritage week in Council chambers by annually, giving out heritage awards to individuals who demonstrate a commitment to heritage preservation. We also celebrate heritage properties during this week by showcasing them on our website and hosting Jane walks in our urban centers. We recently celebrated Heritage Colchester a group that has come together to preserve the rest preserve and restore the restoration of the Colchester schoolhouse. We also celebrated Heritage Essex for their dedication to the preservation and the promotion of the historic Essex railway station.
To follow Sherry Bondy, visit her website.
Featured image is from Mayor Sherry Bondy’s Facebook Page.
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