For Immediate Release
Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Council Connect: Highlights from March 14, 2023, meetings of Council

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

Regular Meeting of Council

MPP Andrew Dowie: MPP Andrew Dowie addressed Council to congratulate the Town of Tecumseh on the success of the 100^th Anniversary Celebration, on behalf of Premier Ford.

Taste of Tecumseh Festival 2023: Council received a recommendation that the Optimist Club of St. Clair Beach be authorized to sell and serve alcoholic beverages for consumption by patrons at Lakewood Park during the 2023 Taste of Tecumseh Festival taking place Friday, June 16 - Saturday, June 17, 2023. A recommendation was also received that relief be granted from Noise By-Law 2002 for purposes of musical entertainment during the event between 5:00pm-1:00am on June 16 & 17.  The Optimist Club has hosted the Taste of Tecumseh Festival at Lakewood Park since 2015 and funds raised at the event are used to support community initiatives.   Council approved the recommendations.

2022 Year End Building Permit Report: Council received the report that summarizes building permits issued in 2022 and compares the values in the same period of the previous year. The report outlines construction values, the number of permits, and permit types. You can read the full report here.

Zoning By-law Amendment 13931 Riverside Drive: A Zoning By-law amendment application was submitted by L.J.B. Family Holdings to facilitate the redevelopment of 13931 Riverside Drive. The owner is proposing the construction of a one-storey, two-unit semi-detached dwelling.  After reviewing the planning application and issues raised through public consultation, Administration recommended allowing the proposed residential development as it is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, conforms to the County Official Plan and Tecumseh Official Plan and will result in appropriate development.  Council approved this report.

Proposed New Building By-law and Permit Fees: The 2022 Building Services Operational Review identified service delivery challenges and recommendations, including a proposed new building by law and permit fees. The proposed new building by-law covers all provisions that are consistent with legislative requirements and can be viewed here. Current fees have not changed since the by-law was adopted in 2018. The proposed 2023 fees are based on inflationary trends since 2018 and will provide sufficient funds to support the staffing and technological changes required to provide the service to the public.  To notify the general public of the change in fees, a public meeting will  be held on April 25, 2023, at 5:30 pm. Notice has been issued accordingly. Council approved the report.

Manning Road Farm Lease – Option to Renew: The Town is the owner of approximately 18 acres of farmable lands located on the south side of Baseline Road, west of Manning Road. Olinda Farms Inc. has again requested a further extension of this lease of farmland. Council approved the report for a two-year extension period, subject to and as provided for in the current Farm Lease.

Appointment of an Integrity Commissioner: The Municipal Act, 2001, requires a municipality to establish a Code of Conduct for Members of Council and local boards, and to appoint an Integrity Commissioner. Administration recommends that Mr. Robert Swayze’s appointment as the Integrity Commissioner the Town be extended for a further one-year period commencing April 1, 2023 and ending March 31, 2024. Council approved the report.

Maidstone Recreation Centre Transfer and Facility Agreement: Council approved and accepted the transfer to the Town of the land and premises identified as the Maidstone Recreation Centre located at 10720 Talbot Road (County Road 34). The transfer is subject to an Agreement of Purchase and Sale and is expected to be finalized on or about April 3, 2023. This valued recreational facility is highly accessible to the residents of Wards 4 and 5 and will address growing recreational needs in this area.

Adoption of Municipal Drain By-Laws 10th Concession Drain and the Burke Drain: Council received Report PWES-2023-19 “Adoption of Municipal Drain By-Laws, 10th Concession Drain and the Burke Drain” and adopted Municipal Drain by-laws for the 10^th Concession Drain and the Burke Drain. Drainage projects initiated by a single municipality often have effects on neighbouring municipalities. Adopting Engineering Drainage Reports for municipal drainage projects undertaken by neighbouring municipalities ensures the Town will have the authority to assume future maintenance works and issue assessments on segments of drains located within the Town of Tecumseh. 

Food, Organics and Biosolids Waste Management Update & Regional Waste Management Proposal: Council received the report PWES-2023-23, and, in principle, endorsed a Regional Waste Management Proposal after hearing a presentation by the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority and the County of Essex.  The presentation included an overview of the proposal, which extends beyond the original requirement to participate in a regional organic waste program.   Administration recognizes the benefits of a regional waste management approach and working collectively with our municipal partners. Tecumseh Administration will report back at a future Council meeting with additional details and a recommendation.

Active Transportation Fund - Multi-Use Recreational Trails Lesperance Road and Little River Boulevard and the Rehabilitation of Lesperance Road: Council  authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign a Transfer Payment Agreement with the Government of Canada regarding the Active Transportation Fund .  Funds will be applied to a multi-use recreational trail located on the west side of Lesperance Road (from Riverside Drive to First Street) and on Little River Blvd. between Gauthier Dr. and Lesperance Road.  This work will coincide with road rehabilitation on Lesperance Road from McNorton Street to First Street.

Snake Lane Culvert Replacements (Culvert No. 42, 53 & 54) – Tender Award: Council approved a report outlining the bids and tenders for the Snake Lane Culvert replacement. Ten tender submissions were received and based on the low tender submission and subsequent discussions, Administration, in consultation with Dillon Consulting Inc., recommended that Council award the tender for the Snake Lane Culvert Replacements in the amount of $1,178,330 excluding HST to South Shore Contracting of Essex County Inc.

Next Regular Meeting: The next regular meeting of Council is March 28, 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.