Council Connect - February 24, 2026

For Immediate Release 
​Tuesday, February 24, 2026​ 

Council Connect: Highlights from February 24, 2026, meetings of Council 

Public Meeting of Council 

Official Plan Amendment Parkland Redistribution in Manning Road Secondary Plan Area (MRSPA) Scheduling of a Public Meeting: The purpose of this meeting is to hear public comments on the Official Plan Amendment for the Tecumseh Official Plan proposing to redesignate lands in the Manning Road Secondary Plan Area. A Town-initiated Official Plan Amendment (OPA) proposes redistributing parkland areas in the Manning Road Secondary Plan Area (MRSPA) from one large central park to four smaller parks evenly distributed throughout the area. 

Regular Meeting of Council 

OPP Crimestoppers: Council saw a presentation from OPP Coordinator, Rick Surette, about the Windsor and Essex County Crime Stoppers program. Council received the presentation. 

Annual and Summary Report for the Year 2025 Town of Tecumseh Water Distribution System: Council received a report detailing the findings of the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks Annual Report and the Summary Report for the Town of Tecumseh Water Distribution System for the year 2025. During 2025, there was one reportable issue of “Lead Exceedance” in the Tecumseh Water Distribution System. Additional samples taken after the exceedance were within acceptable parameters. Council received the report, adopted the Annual and Summary Reports, and directed Administration to publish the reports to the Town’s website for public viewing. 

Drinking Water Quality Management System Operational Plan 2026: Council received the 2026 update to the Drinking Water Quality Management System (DWQMS) Operational Plan and formally endorsed it. The plan aligns with provincial regulations established after the 2000 Walkerton water crisis, which led to stricter drinking water protections under the Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act. As required by law, Tecumseh must review and update its DWQMS annually to ensure long-term sustainability, proper infrastructure maintenance, and risk mitigation strategies, including system security and climate change impacts. Updates are informed by staff recommendations, audits, inspections, and regulatory changes, with final approval by the Management Review Committee, which includes senior municipal officials. This process supports continuous improvement and ensures compliance with provincial drinking water safety standards. 

Emergency Designation for the Desjardins Drain Project: Council received a report summarizing the background of the Desjardins Drain Project. In late 2024, the County of Essex completed a new road culvert in the Desjardins Drain as part of their County Road 43 road improvements project, but it has been impacted by the downstream condition of the drain, including high sediment levels and existing culvert conditions, requiring pumping work due to elevated water levels. To provide relief for the County infrastructure, an Emergency Designation has been authorized by the Town and Minister Trevor Jones of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agri-Business (OMAFA), which allows for the immediate procurement of goods, services, or construction under the Town’s Purchasing Policy. Council received the report. The cost of the work will be recovered in accordance with the schedule of assessment that will be approved through the ongoing Drainage Act process (Section 78) for the Desjardins Drain. 

Next Regular Meeting: The next regular meeting of Council is March 10, 2026. The agenda and livestream will be available on the Town’s website. Follow the Town of Tecumseh on Facebook for news and the latest information. 

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Media Contact:
Aaron Carder
acarder@tecumseh.ca
519.735.2184 ext 136