For Immediate Release
Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Council Connect: Highlights from April 25, 2023, meetings of Council

Tecumseh Town Council met this evening, and here are the highlights:

Special Council Meetings

Request to Consider Engineer’s Report – 11th Concession Drain Branch: The Drainage Report covers the construction work for the proposed new branch drain along the west side of County Road 43 (11th Concession Road), immediately south of County Road 42. The report was received, and the Drainage report was adopted.

Zoning By-law Amendment Condition of Consent B-05-23 1650 Shawnee Road Scheduling of a Public Meeting: Council held a public meeting to provide for public comment on a zoning by-law amendment application. The zoning by-law amendment application has been filed in order to change the zoning pertaining to a 0.19 hectare (0.46 acre) parcel of land situated on the east side of Shawnee Road, approximately 80 metres (262 feet) north of its intersection with Westlake Drive (1650 Shawnee Road), in order to facilitate the redevelopment of the subject land for residential uses.

Proposed New Building By-law and Permit Fees: Council approved a report that outlines provisions of the proposed new Building By-law and proposed new permit fees. The new Building By-law and Permit Fees incorporate findings from the recent department Operational Review in addition to incorporating some housekeeping changes to reflect current operations and best practices.

Turkey Creek Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modelling Study Phases 1 and 2 Final Reports: Council received the report summarizing the Turkey Creek Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modelling Study. The Study provides updated hydrologic and hydraulic models for the main channels within the Turkey Creek watershed which better represent the current watershed and stream characteristics. The updated models can be used to identify residential, commercial and industrial areas that are at risk of flooding and can also estimate the impacts of climate change and/or future land-use changes on future water levels. 

Regular Meeting of Council

E Scooter Pilot Program: Council received a report for an E Scooter Pilot Program from May – September 2023 with services to be provided by Bird Canada, Inc. A limited number (30) of E Scooters will be provided by Bird Canada from May 19- September 2023, with the opportunity to extend when the pilot program ends. Bird Canada would be responsible for supplying, operating, maintaining, managing, marketing, financing, and reporting. There is no cost or revenue to the Town of Tecumseh. Council approved the report.

Golden Age Club Relocation: Council received and approved the accommodation plan for Golden Age Club activities, existing user groups and rental clients to be temporarily relocated to the St. Clair Beach Community Centre for the period of time required to support the Cada Library use of 12420 Lanoue Street during renovations to the Cada Library building. As part of the accommodation, Council waived the fees for the Golden Age Club (GAC) for use of the St. Clair Beach Community Centre and the Town of Tecumseh honours the GAC fees for existing user groups and rental clients through the temporary relocation period. Further, Council will engage in a year-long consultation period with the Golden Age Club to determine long-term plans for programs and activities of the Club and a future facility location.

Federal Housing Accelerator Fund Program Funding for a Planning Consultant to Assist in Preparation of a Housing Action Plan and Grant Application: The Federal government recently launched the $4 billion Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), which will provide funding to local governments to fast-track the creation of new homes in Canada. It was recommended that a planning consultant be hired at a cost of $30,000 to prepare the HAF funding application and the required Housing Action Plan to support the application. Council approved and authorized the funding from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve.

Revisions to By-Laws 2023-046 and 2023-047: Council approved the report that outlines the major revisions to By-law 2023-046 Temporary Outdoor Patios and Extensions and By-Law 2023-047 Mobile Food Vendors. Proposed By-law 2023-046 no longer requires permanent patios on private lands that are licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)to be subject to the annual application and fee.  Further, the by-law clarifies that temporary patios with AGCO licensees can be authorized for a period of up to eight months total in a calendar year. Proposed By-law 2023-047 now provides that the licensing fee is not applicable when the owner /operator of a Refreshment Vehicle is parking the vehicle on a private property location owned/operated by the same person. The applicant will otherwise continue to be subject to the terms and conditions of this By-law as applicable for Mobile Food Vendors.

Larviciding for the 2023 West Nile Virus (WNV) Program: The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) Medical Officer of Health has issued a formal Notice of Action dated April 4, 2023, to decrease the risk of WNV to persons in the Windsor-Essex County area by Larviciding for the 2023 West Nile Virus Program. The program costs in the amount of $6,000 will be funded from the approved 2023 Public Works operating budget. Council approved the report.

Tecumseh Hamlet Secondary Plan Area Northwest Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project Tender Award for Consulting Services: Council approved the recommendations regarding the results of the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the services of qualified professionals to complete the preliminary and detailed design for the Tecumseh Hamlet Northwest Water and Wastewater Infrastructure project. Council awarded the RFP for the Tecumseh Hamlet Secondary Plan Area – Northwest Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project in the amount of $1,155,465 excluding HST to Stantec Consulting Ltd.

Next Regular Meeting: The next regular meeting of Council is May 9, 2023. The agenda and livestream will be available on the Town’s website. Follow the Town of Tecumseh on Facebook and Twitter for news and the latest information.