Council Connect - January 27

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Council Connect: Highlights from January 27, 2026, meetings of Council

Special Meeting of Council

Draft New Zoning By-law for Public Consultation: Council saw a presentation from WSP reviewing the draft new Zoning By-law and received a report recommending the scheduling of two public engagement opportunities for the draft new Zoning By-law: 

• An Open House, to be held February 26, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Centre Ice Room at the Tecumseh Arena; and
• A Public Meeting to be held on March 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Tecumseh Town Hall, in accordance with the provisions of the Planning Act.

After the public engagement, revisions to the draft new Zoning By-law will be completed where appropriate, and a follow-up report will be provided to Council for consideration of adoption of the new Zoning By-law, as revised. Council received the report and authorized Administration to schedule the Open House and Public Meeting.

Regular Meeting of Council

Pathway to Potential Recreation Assistance Program Agreement 2025: Council received a report requesting the Town of Tecumseh enter into an agreement with the City of Windsor for the Pathway to Potential (P2P) Recreation Assistance program for the budget year 2025 at no cost to the Town. The approved funding amount for the Town was $40,000 which was used to assist low-income families with access to recreation programs and help fund Town activities and events. Council received the report and passed By-Law 2026-006 to authorize Administration to enter into the agreement.

Request for Repair and Improvement to the Snake Lane Road Drain & Appointment of Drainage Engineer: Council received a report regarding an improvement request to install a new access culvert over the Snake Lane Road Drain to the adjacent farm field. The previous culvert was removed because of blockage and as well as design concerns and was not found in any historic drainage reports. The new access will provide documented and designed access to this property over the Drain. Administration found the request acceptable and recommended appointing Drainage Engineer Antonio (Tony) Peralta, P.Eng., of N.J. Peralta Engineering Ltd. and that a Drainage Report be prepared in accordance with Section 78 of the Drainage Act, including any necessary or requested provisions for future maintenance. Council received the report and authorized Administration to appoint the Drainage Engineer and to prepare the Drainage Report.

Community & Recreation Services 2026-2030 Five Year Capital Works Plan: Council received a report outlining capital works projects for 2026-2030 and their funding allocations. In 2026, there are 29 projects proposed (17 previously identified projects, 6 newly identified projects, and 6 projects that carry over from 2025) representing $6.8 million in budget allocation of which $3 million was previously allocated and $3.8 million is newly requested allocation for 2026. Projects are related to municipal buildings (9), parks/trails (9), arena (4), pool (1) and projects that are shared across multiple amenities (6). Notable projects for 2026 include:

• St. Clair Beach Community Centre/Optimist Park Improvement Project
• Southfield Park – Splashpad, Washroom, Multi-Use Court and Perimeter Trail
• Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update
• Fairplay Woods Restoration/Naturalization

In 2026 and 2027, an update to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan will further refine and inform necessary capital works to update subsequent forecasts. Council received the report and approved the Community & Recreation Services 2026-2030 Five Year Capital Works Plan in principle, pending adoption of the 2026 Mayor’s Proposed Business Plan and Budget.

Fire Equipment Five Year Capital Works Plan 2026-2030: Council received a report requesting new funding for purchases in 2026 as part of the Fire Equipment Five Year Capital Works Plan: Pagers ($3,000), Firefighter Helmets, Boots, & Bunker Gear ($28,000), Additional Bunker Gear (grant supported, $32,000). The total cost amounts to $63,000 and would be funded from the Lifecycle Fire Equipment Reserve and secured funding from the Ontario Fire Marshal Fire Protection Grant. Council received the report and approved the Fire Equipment 5-Year Capital Works Plan in principle, pending adoption of the 2026 Mayor’s Proposed Business Plan and Budget.

Zoning By-law Amendment 13231-13233 Riverside Drive Results of Public Meeting and Final Recommendation: Council received a report recommending Council pass a By-law amending Zoning By-law 1746 permitting the development of a parcel of land situated on the south side of Riverside Drive, west of the intersection with Grace Road (13231-13233 Riverside Drive). The Owner is proposing the construction of a two-storey, two-unit dwelling (semi-detached dwelling) which will also include two Additional Residential Units (ARUs) within each of the primary semi-detached dwelling units. A site-specific provision to permit the entrance of one ARU to be on the front façade is also proposed. Council received the report and passed the by-law to amend Zoning By-law 1746.

Official Plan Amendment Parkland Redistribution in Manning Road Secondary Plan Area Scheduling of a Public Meeting: Council received a report recommending the scheduling of a Public Meeting to be held on February 24, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Tecumseh Town Hall, in accordance with the provisions of the Planning Act. A Town-initiated Official Plan Amendment is being proposed to redesignate lands in the Manning Road Secondary Plan Area to facilitate the redistribution of parkland as a result of a new multi-pond stormwater management solution and an associated cost-sharing agreement between the Town, three of the major landowners in MRSPA, and the County of Essex. Council received the report and authorized Administration to schedule the public meeting.

Tecumseh Accessibility Advisory Committee Appointments: Council received a report recommending the acceptance and appointment of two applicants for the Tecumseh Accessibility Advisory Committee (TAAC) for the remainder of the term ending November 14, 2026. The online application to the TAAC has been open for past year to draw interest for submissions as part of legislative requirements. The two applicants do not identify as persons with a disability, however their work experience in social work and communications is considered supportive and complementary to the mandate of the TAAC. Council appointed the two applicants and will confirm their appointments at the next Regular Council meeting.

Notice of Motion: Deputy Mayor Bachetti put forward a notice of motion pertaining to refresher training for Council on the Town’s Code of Conduct and general decorum requirements before the municipal nomination period opens on May 1, 2026 for the upcoming municipal election. The Town Clerk will consider training options and conduct training prior to May 1st, 2026.  

Next Regular Meeting: The next regular meeting of Council is February 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.

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