Council Connect: Highlights from the April 7, 2022, meeting of Council

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

Regular Meeting of Council

Artist Hired to Create Centennial Mural: Derkz Murals and Fine Art Inc. is being hired to create a large mural on the west-facing wall of the Royal Canadian Legion, Colonel Paul Poisson, Branch 261 building as part of Tecumseh’s 100^th anniversary celebration in July. The mural will honour Poisson, a World War I veteran who was the Town’s first mayor. The mural will pay tribute to those who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces and acknowledge the 100th anniversary of the poppy. Council authorized the mayor and clerk to finalize an agreement with Derkz, which is charging $30,000 plus HST. The cost of the mural is being covered by a Veterans Affairs Canada grant, another grant obtained through a partnership with the Tecumseh BIA and a corporate sponsorship from the University of Windsor.

Anniversary Murals also Planned for BIA: The cost of two murals celebrating Tecumseh’s 100^th anniversary in the BIA district will be supported by a Community Activator grant. The Town and the Tecumseh BIA jointly applied for the grant from My Main Street, a partnership between the Economic Development Council of Ontario and the Canadian Institute. They have been approved to receive $20,195.

WSO Concerts a Highlight of Centennial Celebration: Two performances by the Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO) will be among the highlights of Tecumseh’s 100^th anniversary celebration July 2-4 this year. The performances, which will provide a journey through the past 100 years through music, will be held July 2 at Lakewood Park and July 4 at L’Essor High School theatre. The performances are free to the public, but online ticket reservations are required for the one at the school. The cost to the Town is $9,400 and is part of the approved budget for the anniversary celebration.

Lacasse Ball Diamond Upgrades to Commence in 2022: Work to upgrade the Bert Lacasse Ball Diamond will begin later this year after Council approved adding the $3.4 million cost to the 2022 capital budget. SFERA Architectural Associates Inc., which prepared the concept designs, will develop construction drawings, and a call for construction tenders is expected in the late summer. The first work on the site will be the removal of the existing grandstands and backstop. Then the footings for the new grandstand will be poured in late fall. The goal is to complete the project (weather permitting) by May 31, 2023.

Agreement with Infrastructure Warranty Provider Renewed: The Town is extending its agreement with Service Line Warranties of Canada Inc. until Sept. 27, 2023. The agreement allows Service Line Warranties to use the Town’s logo and name when marketing its products to residents. The company provides a low-cost warranty program that helps cover the cost of repairing, replacing or restoring sewer and water lines from the home to the property line. It also offers in-home plumbing coverage. Service Line Warranties has had a licensing agreement with the Town since 2016 and currently has 450 policies held by Tecumseh property owners.

Larviciding for West Nile Continuing: The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has selected GDG Canada to provide the 2022 larviciding program aimed at reducing the transmission of West Nile virus in the region. The larvicide will be added to water bodies found to contain mosquito species known to transmit the virus. Based on previous years, the Town has budgeted $6,000 to cover its share of the cost.

Town Providing Feedback about New Broadband Legislation: The Town is raising questions and concerns about the cost to municipalities of implementing proposed legislation intended to speed up the expansion of high-speed internet service across Ontario. Council agreed to forward an administrative report outlining the Town’s comments on the Getting Ontario Connected Act, 2022, to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. The act, if passed, would amend existing legislation with the intention of removing barriers, duplication and delays to expanding high-speed internet service to all communities in Ontario.

Next Regular Meeting: The next regular meeting of Council is April 26, 2022. The meeting is scheduled to be held electronically. 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.