Town of Tecumseh Business Improvement Area (BIA) Board of Management

Information on the BIA

What is a BIA?

A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a “made-in-Ontario” innovation that allows local business people and commercial property owners and tenants to join together and, with the support of the municipality, to organize, finance, and carry out physical improvements and promote economic development in their district. Traditionally, a BIA is a body established by a municipality using the specific business improvement area provisions in the Municipal Act, 2001. It is governed by a board of management. BIAs are local entities, and the legislation states they are local boards. The TOTBIA represents all of the property and business owners within a designated geographical boundary which encompasses Wards 1 (Old Tecumseh) and 2 (St. Clair Beach), the area south of County Road 22 including businesses on Lesperance Road north of West Lake Road, with the exception of industrial properties and privately owned clubs.

Map of the TOTBIA boundary.

Functions of a BIA

• To oversee the improvement, beautification and maintenance of municipally-owned land, buildings and structures in the area beyond that provided at the expense of the municipality generally;
• To promote the area as a business or shopping area;
• To undertake strategic planning necessary to address business improvement area issues;
• To advocate on behalf of the Members of the business improvement area;

Basic responsibilities of the TOTBIA Board of Management

• Plan and administer activities for the promotion of TOTBIA as an attractive business and shopping area and for the maintenance of the appearance of the business core;
• Engage in strategic planning necessary to address TOTBIA issues;
• Advocate on behalf of the interests of TOTBIA;
• Manage the money that is collected by the Corporation from the required BIA levy for these activities;
• Attempt to ensure that each Member receives fair representation from the Board.

Board of Management – Overview

Administration and strategic management of a Business Improvement Area is generally the responsibility of the board of management. In particular, the board of management is typically responsible for overseeing the planning, budgeting, implementing and evaluating of BIA projects. The term of the directors of a board of management is the same as the term of the council that appointed them, but continues until their successors are appointed. Directors are eligible for re-appointment.

TOTBIA Board of Management:

• The Board consists of seven (7) Directors; selected by a vote of the Members at an Annual General Meeting, following an election year, and then are appointed as Directors by Town Council;
• In addition, Town Council shall appoint two (2) Directors and one (1) Council Liaison. The Council liaison is required to attend meetings and take part in sub-committee meetings but does not have a vote;
• Directors shall each have one vote. A quorum for conducting any meeting of the Board shall consist of a majority plus one;
• The Board shall assume office the first day following the appointment by Town Council;
• The Board shall have the following Officers: Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer. At the first meeting of the Board, the Board shall, amongst themselves, elect the Officers;
• The Board meets once a month.

To learn more about the Tecumseh BIA and access their minutes and agendas, visit their website.

Meeting details

The BIA meets monthly, on the third Wednesday, at 6:00 pm, in the BIA office located at 12122 Tecumseh Rd. E. Unit 2, Tecumseh, ON, N8N 1L9.  The following are the scheduled meeting dates for 2021: 

• January 20, 2021
• February 17, 2021
• March 17, 2021
• April 21, 2021
• May 19, 2021
• June 16, 2021
• July 21, 2021
• August 18, 2011
• September 15, 2021
• October 20, 2021- Annual General Meeting 
• November 17, 2021
• December 15, 2021.

Committee members

The BIA Board of Management is composed of nine (9) members, with two (2) directors appointed by Council and seven (7) directors selected by a vote of the membership of the improvement area. A selected Council member acts as a liaison between the Board and Council.

The following are the Council representatives on the BIA for the term of Council ending November 14, 2022:

• Councillor Andrew Dowie (liaison)
• Councillor Brian Houston (liaison)
• Paul Bistany
• Jules Champoux
• Leo Demarce
• Candice Dennis
• James Dowie
• Jessica Fowler
• Joseph Fratangeli
• Scott Harris
• Linda Proctor

Contact the BIA Coordinator for more information.

Committee of Adjustment

Information on Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment is responsible for holding hearings under the Planning Act for:

• Minor variances to the Town's Zoning Bylaw, and
• Applications for consents to severances that result in the creation of a new lot(s) or lot additions.

Meeting details

The Committee of Adjustment meets once a month on the 4th Monday, at 5:00 pm, in the Council Chambers of Tecumseh Town Hall. Agendas and minutes can be accessed on the Meeting Calendar.

The following are the scheduled meeting dates for 2021:

• Monday, January 25, 2021
• Monday, February 22, 2021
• Monday, March 22, 2021
• Monday, April 26, 2021
• Monday, May 31, 2021
• Monday, June 28, 2021
• Monday, July 26, 2021
• Monday, August 23, 2021
• Monday, September 27, 2021
• Monday, October 25, 2021
• Monday, November 22, 2021
• Monday, December 13, 2021 

Committee members

The Committee is comprised of seven (7) members from the public.

The Committee members for the term ending November 14, 2022 are:

• Chris Carpenter
• Lori Chadwick
• Tom Fuerth
• Daniel Hofgartner
• Paul Jobin
• Tom Marentette
• Tony Muscedere
• Contact the Secretary-Treasurer for more information on the Committee of Adjustment.

Court of Revision

Information on Court of Revision

The Court of Revision is an appeal body established under the Drainage Act and administered by the Town. The Court of Revision allows landowners to challenge their drainage assessments quickly and informally. Unlike the Drainage Tribunal at the Drainage Referee, the Court of Revision has one power - to re-allocate funds in a drainage assessment schedule.

Meeting details

The Court of Revision only meets when the Town has approved proceeding with a drainage project. The meetings take place at Town Hall. View our Meeting Calendar to access agendas and minutes.

Committee members

The Committee members for the term ending November 14, 2022 are:

• Mayor Gary McNamara
• Deputy Mayor Joe Bachetti
• Councillor Andrew Dowie
• Councillor Brian Houston
• Councillor Tania Jobin

Contact the Director Corporate Services & Clerk for more information on the Court of Revision.

Cultural and Arts Advisory Committee

Information on Cultural and Arts Advisory Committee

Tecumseh Council established a Cultural and Arts Advisory Committee under the following Terms of Reference:

• identify cultural activities and engagements encouraging community participation;
• obtain artwork depicting local diverse talents and landmarks in addition to the unique features of the Town, preserving the Town's various histories in the former municipalities of the Town of Tecumseh, Village of St. Clair Beach and Township of Sandwich South, and capturing the essence and spirit of the amalgamated Town;
• identify prominent locations within the Town for public display of artwork; and
• research grants and acquire donations for achieving such goals.

Meeting details

The Cultural and Arts Advisory Committee meets once a month on the third Monday, at 7:00 pm, at Town Hall. View our Meeting Calendar to access agendas and minutes.

Committee members

The Committee members for the term ending November 14, 2022 are:

• Councillor Bill Altenhof
• Marian Drouillard
• Dwayne Ellis
• Charlie Gray
• Betty Lee-Daigle
• Manmander Matharu
• Christopher McNamara
• Rita Ossington
• Jelena Ristic

Contact the Manager Committee & Community Services for more information on the Cultural and Arts Advisory Committee.

Dog Pound Committee

Information on Dog Pound Committee

The Town of Tecumseh entered into an Agreement with the Towns of Lakeshore, Essex, and LaSalle for the joint operation of a dog pound. Each of the municipalities provides representation on the Joint Dog Pound Committee to assist in overseeing the dog pound operations.

Meeting details

The Town of Lakeshore schedules the meetings of the Dog Pound Committee.

Committee member

The Committee member for the term ending November 14, 2022 is Councillor Brian Houston.

Contact the Director Corporate Services & Clerk for more information on the Dog Pound Committee.

Essex County Library Board

Information on the Essex County Library Board

The Library Board consists of seven (7) members. After a municipal election, each local municipality in Essex County forwards to the County Clerk, the name of a nominee from their municipality to serve as a representative on the Essex County Library Board. The Essex County Striking Committee shall review the names of the nominees received and makes final recommendations for the Essex County Library Board appointees to County Council for approval. The number of County Councillors appointed to the Library Board shall not exceed four (4), in accordance with the Public Libraries Act.

Library Board members receive payment and mileage compensation for attending meetings.

Meeting details

The Library Board meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday, usually at 7:00 pm, (except for July and August) at the Essex County Civic Centre, located at 360 Fairview Avenue, Essex.

For further information regarding the Essex County Library, including accessing their meeting dates, agendas, and minutes, visit their website.

Committee member

The Town's representative on the Essex County Library Board for the term ending November 14, 2022 is Councillor Andrew Dowie.

Contact the Director Corporate Services & Clerk regarding more information on the Essex County Library Board.

Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA)

Information on ERCA

In 1973, the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) was established. Its purpose is to manage the natural resources of the Essex region with help from the municipalities and the Province of Ontario.

Local municipalities and the City of Windsor appoint members to ERCA.

Meeting details

The ERCA Board members meet monthly on a Thursday, at 6 pm, in the Essex County Civic Centre. ERCA's website has more information on Board meetings, agendas, and minutes.

Committee members

The Board is made up of:

• 2 members of Council appointed from each local municipality
• 1 member of Council from the Township of Pelee
• 4 members from Windsor City Council.

The Town of Tecumseh's representatives on ERCA until November 14, 2022 are:

• Councillor Joe Bachetti
• Councillor Tania Jobin

Contact the Director Corporate Services & Clerk regarding more information on the Essex Region Conservation Authority Board.

Essex Power Corporation Board of Directors

Information on Essex Power Corporation Board of Directors

The Town of Tecumseh, together with the Towns of Amherstburg, LaSalle, and the Municipality of Leamington are the holders and beneficial owners of common shares in Essex Power Corporation (Essex Power). Essex Power provides power to over 28,000 residents and businesses in Amherstburg, LaSalle, Leamington, and Tecumseh. Its mission statement is to provide safe, reliable, and economical energy supply and services to its customers.

Under an Agreement between the shareholders, each municipality is required to appoint an elected municipal representative and a non-elected representative for their respective community to the Essex Power Corporation Board of Directors. The Directors may also be appointed to the Board of an Essex Power subsidiary; namely: Essex Powerlines Corporation, Essex Power Services, and Essex Energy Corporation. Visit the Essex Power Corporation website for more information

Meeting details

The Essex Power Corporation Board of Directors meets quarterly in the months of March, June, September, and December usually on a Wednesday, at 4:00 pm, at 200-2199 Blackacre Drive, Oldcastle.

Committee members

The Town of Tecumseh representatives appointed to the Essex Power Corporation Board of Directors are:

• Mayor Gary McNamara (until November 14, 2022)
• Tom Burton (until December 31, 2022).

Contact the Director Corporate Services & Clerk regarding more information on the Essex Power Corporation Board of Directors.

Heritage Committee

The Heritage Committee is appointed under the Ontario Heritage Act (Act). The Committee may advise on matters related to the Act and to properties in the Town that have cultural heritage value and that the Town may wish to protect from destruction or harmful change by passing of a Designation By-law as provided for in the Act.

Tecumseh Council is required, under the Act, to consult with its Heritage Committee during the designation/repeal-of-designation process for individual properties or districts and on applications to demolish/remove structures from, or otherwise alter designated properties.

The statutory role of the Municipal Heritage Committee is as follows:

• Designation - advise Council prior to the designation of a property;
• Repeal of Designation - advise Council prior to the repeal of a by-law or part thereof designating property;
• Amendment of Designation - advise Council prior to the amendment of a by-law or part thereof designating a property;
• Alteration of a Designated Property - advise Council on applications to alter a designated property where such proposed alteration may affect the reasons for designation as set out in the by-law designating the property;
• Demolition - advise Council on applications to demolish or remove any building or structure on designated property;
• Easements / Covenants - advise Council before the passing of by-laws providing for the entering into of easements or covenants with the owners of real property, or interests therein, for the conservation of buildings of historical or architectural value or interest; and
• Districts - advise Council before passing a by-law to define one or more areas to be examined for designation as a heritage conservation district.

Meeting details

The Heritage Committee meets monthly, on the third Monday, at 6:00 pm., in the Sandwich South Room at Tecumseh Town Hall. View our Meeting Calendar to access agendas and minutes.

Committee members

The Committee members for the term ending November 14, 2022 are:

• Councillor Bill Altenhof
• Chris Carpenter
• Amanda Deshaies
• Marian Drouillard
• Dwayne Ellis
• Charlie Gray
• John Levesque
• Rita Ossington
• Scott Robinson

Contact the Manager Committee & Community Services regarding more information on the Heritage Committee.

Police Services Board

Information on Police Services Board

The Town currently contracts the services of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) for police protection within the community. The Tecumseh Police Services Board administers the contract. The Police Services Act requires a municipality to appoint a Police Services Board. Tecumseh Council established that a Board be appointed for the Town comprised of:

• the Head of Council (Mayor) or, if the Mayor chooses not to be a member of the Board, another member of Council appointed by resolution;
• one member of the Council appointed by resolution;
• one person appointed by resolution of the Council, who is neither a member of the Council nor an employee of the Town; and
• two (2) persons appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

The responsibilities of the Police Services Board are set out in the Police Services Act. The Board is responsible for the provision of adequate and effective police services in the Town. View our Police Services page for more information.

Meeting details

The Tecumseh Police Services Board meets six (6) times per year in the Tecumseh Room of Tecumseh Town Hall on the second Thursday of the month, usually at 4:30 pm. For further information on the Police Services Board, contact the Recording Secretary at 519-735-2184, ext. 114.

The following are the scheduled meeting dates for 2021:

• Thursday, February 11, 2021
• Thursday, April 8, 2021
• Thursday, June 10, 2021
• Thursday, September 9, 2021
• Thursday, October 14, 2021
• Thursday, December 9, 2021.

Committee members

The Committee members for the term ending November 14, 2022, unless otherwise noted, are:

• Mayor Gary McNamara (Municipal Appointment)
• Deputy Mayor Joe Bachetti (Municipal Appointment)
• Christopher Hales (Municipal Appointment and Board Chair)
• Mark Gomes (Provincial Appointment) (April 11, 2019 to April 10, 2022)
• Paul Sweet (Provincial Appointment and Board Vice-Chair) (April 11, 2019 to April 10, 2022)
• CAO Margaret Misek-Evans (Secretary)
• Ellen Preuschat (Recording Secretary)

Property Standards Committee

Information on the Property Standards Committee

A Property Standards By-law was passed by Tecumseh Town Council. The by-law provides for a Property Standards Committee comprised of three (3) members. Council selects the members of the Committee from the Committee of Adjustment. The Property Standards Committee considers appeals from orders issued by the Property Standards Officer.

Meeting details

Meetings of this Committee are only required when someone appeals such an order.

Committee members

The Committee members for the term ending November 14, 2022 are:

• Paul Jobin
• Tom Marentette
• Tony Muscedere

Tecumseh Accessibility Advisory Committee (TAAC)

Information on TAAC

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, (AODA) provides that municipalities must establish an Accessibility Advisory Committee. The responsibilities of TAAC are:

• Provides advice to Council, each year, about the preparation, implementation, and effectiveness of the municipality's Accessibility Plan;
• Reviews blueprints and designs;
• Tours existing facilities and suggests improvements;
• Carries out all obligations of an Accessibility Advisory Committee as established by the AODA.

In accordance with the AODA, a majority of the members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee shall be persons with disabilities. The Committee includes:

• 1 member of County Council
• 6 representatives from the disability community.

Meeting details

The TAAC meets quarterly. The meetings are at 12:00 pm, in the Council Chambers of Tecumseh Town Hall. View our Meeting Calendar to access agendas and minutes.

Committee members

The following are the members on the Tecumseh Accessibility Advisory Committee until November 14, 2022:

• Councillor Tania Jobin
• Ron Doherty
• David Golden
• Ron Matysek (Chair)
• Catherine Rutherford
• Linda Stanczak

Contact the Director Corporate Services & Clerk regarding more information on the Tecumseh Accessibility Advisory Committee.

Senior Advisory Committee

Information on Senior Advisory Committee

The purpose of the Senior Advisory Committee is to:

• provide advice to Council and Administration of the Town on issues that affect area seniors;
• work with Town departments, agencies and organizations for the purpose of improving the quality of life for senior residents in Tecumseh;
• solicit input and act as a public forum for issues that affect local seniors; and
• identify barriers of access to seniors to Town services and programs.

Visit our Seniors page for more information on activities for seniors in Tecumseh.

Meeting details

The Senior Advisory Committee meets in the Council Chambers of Tecumseh Town Hall, on the last Thursday of each month, at 5:00 pm. View our Meeting Calendar to access agendas and minutes.

Committee members

The Senior Advisory Committee is comprised of members over the age of 60. The following are the members on the Senior Advisory Committee until November 14, 2022:

• Councillor Rick Tonial
• Suzanne Beneteau
• Gabrielle McMillan
• Paul Morand
• Dara Pfeifer O'Connor
• Loretta Stoyka Henderson
• Nancy Tenant

Contact the Manager Committee & Community Services regarding more information on the Senior Advisory Committee.

Youth Advisory Committee

Information on Youth Advisory Committee

The purpose of the Youth Advisory Committee is to:

• provide advice to Council and Administration of the Town on issues that affect area youth; and
• work with Town departments, agencies and organizations that are involved in youth initiatives.

Meeting details

The Youth Advisory Committee meets in Tecumseh Town Hall on the third Monday of each month at 4:30 pm. View our Meeting Calendar to access agendas and minutes.

Committee members

The Youth Advisory Committee is comprised of residents between the ages of 13-23. Council appointed the following members to the Youth Advisory Committee until November 14, 2022:

• Councillor Rick Tonial
• Jocelyn Adams
• Jacob Altenhof
• Michael Altenhof
• Kurtis Hengl Lachance
• Tamsyn King
• Tia-Lynne McCann
• Ava Ruuth
• Suzie Sawicki
• Cameron Skinner
• Peyton Tillie

Contact the Manager Committee & Community Services regarding more information on the Youth Advisory Committee.

Rural Broadband Advisory Committee

Information on Rural Broadband Advisory Committee

The need for broadband connectivity has been increasing in the last 20 years and became more important than ever in 2020. This need has been magnified during the COVID-19 pandemic with Council and Administration receiving many inquiries from ratepayers. Whether students, teleworkers or businesses, the need for reliable internet connectivity is now considered an essential service that should be made available to all. In recent years, there have been some improvements to this service but there are still many areas of the Town that are underserved. 

Council recommended the establishment of an advisory committee that will provide recommendations, advice and information to Council on matters related to broadband connectivity issues.

The objectives of the Committee include, but are not limited to:

• Develop a program to help solve the connectivity challenges of the Town’s residents and businesses.
• Facilitate and enable stakeholder engagement and consultation sessions. Ensure the engagement and creation of opportunities for involvement of residents, stakeholders and businesses across the Town;
• Work in collaboration with members of Town Council and Administration in developing possible solutions and programs to support enhanced connectivity in the Town;
• Subject to Council approval, the development of a plan for implementing the goals and directions as recommended by the Committee, including metrics and deliverables.

View the Terms of Reference for the Rural Broadband Advisory Committee.

Meeting Details

The Committee will meet quarterly.

Committee Members

The following are the members on the Rural Broadband Advisory Committee until November 14, 2022:

• Mayor Gary McNamara
• Councillor Brian Houston
• Councillor Tania Jobin
• Nicole Colenutt
• Aldo DiNardo
• Darrin Drouillard
• Dan Grosu

Contact the Manager Committee & Community Services for more information on the Rural Broadband Advisory Committee.