Council Connect - June 9, 2026

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Council Connect: Highlights from June 9, 2026, meetings of Council

Public Meetings of Council

Tender Results for Desjardins Drain – Meeting to Consider Contract Price (S. 59): A request for tender for repair and improvements to the Desjardins Drain has been posted for procurement three times, the first two times garnering only one bid each time which were significantly above the Drainage Engineer’s estimate for the works. On the third tender, eight bids were received and while all bids were above the acceptable threshold of 133% above the $225,000.00 estimate provided by Dillon Consulting Ltd., the low bid by Jeff Shepley Excavating Ltd. was the lowest received in the amount of $344,420.50 (approximately 153% higher than the estimated cost). Once the 133% threshold is exceeded, the municipality is required to hold a public meeting to provide affected landowners an opportunity to express any concerns to Council. In the report, two options were presented to Council: award the tender to the lowest bidder or reject the tenders and re-tender the project. Administration recommended award of tender to the low bidder, subject to the outcome of the public meeting. Council received the report and directed Administration to proceed with awarding the tender to Jeff Shepley Excavating Ltd. in the amount of $344,420.50 (excluding HST).

1406 St. Anne Boulevard: A Zoning By-law amendment application has been filed to change the zoning pertaining to a 1330 square metre (14,316 square foot) parcel of land situated on the southeast corner of St. Anne Boulevard and Arbour Street. The application seeks to amend Zoning By-law 1746 by rezoning the subject land from “Residential Zone 2 (R2)” to a site-specific “Residential Zone 3 (R3-23)” to permit a three-storey, six-unit dwelling and a one-storey, single-unit dwelling to be constructed. The new zoning will also establish site-specific zone provisions related to minimum lot frontage, lot area, height, lot coverage, landscaped open space, yard depths/widths (front, side, rear) and encroachments for patios/balconies. The purpose of the meeting was to hear public comment on the Zoning By-Law Amendment application.

1413 Bedell Street: A Zoning By-law amendment application has been filed to change the zoning pertaining to a 701.1 square metre (7,546.8 square foot) parcel of land situated on the west side of Bedell Street, just south of its intersection with Arbour Street to facilitate the construction of a one-storey, semi-detached dwelling. The new zoning will also establish site-specific zone provisions related to minimum lot area, lot frontage, lot coverage and interior side yard where there is a common wall. The purpose of the meeting was to hear public comment on the Zoning By-Law Amendment application.

Regular Meeting of Council

Little River Pollution Control Environmental Assessment Study: A delegation from the City of Windsor, including representatives Ed Valdez, Executive Director Pollution Control/Deputy City Engineer and Chandana Walgama, Pollution Control Project Engineer, as well as Dr. Jian Li, Practice Leader, from Stantec Consulting Ltd. Attended Council to respond to questions regarding the completion of a Class Environmental Assessment Study for the future expansion of the Little River Pollution Control Plant. This plant provides wastewater treatment services to Windsor and Tecumseh.  The study identified capacity limitations at the facility during periods of heavy rainfall and increased demand, highlighting the need for upgrades to support future growth and improve system performance. A phased approach has been recommended to expand and enhance the facility over time to reduce the risk of combined sewer overflows and improving overall system reliability during extreme weather events. The Environmental Study Report has been placed on the public record for a 30-day review period, providing an opportunity for public input before the project advances to budgetary planning and design phases.

Alzheimer Society of Windsor Essex County Proposal: Council received a presentation from the Alzheimer Society of Windsor and Essex County (ASWE) and received a report regarding a proposal to build a new 20,000 sq. ft., two-storey headquarters on Town lands to the immediate north of the Tecumseh Arena. Sally Bennett Olczak (CEO), Jeff Ostrow (Board Chair) Rick Farrow (Board Member and Chair of Board Building Committee) and John Dominato (Director of Finance and Support Services) from ASWE were in attendance.  The proposal responds to a growing need for the services of ASWE in the Windsor-Essex community and would provide many benefits for the local community, including providing the Town with access to new space for recreational programming during evenings and weekends. Site development and construction costs would be funded by the Alzheimer Society, subject to a long-term lease agreement with the Town. The use aligns with current planning policies and zoning and existing site infrastructure can support the development. Council approved the proposal in principle and directed Administration to develop a Memorandum of Understanding, precedent to the lease agreement, for consideration at a future Council meeting.

2025 Asset Management Plan: Council received a presentation and report regarding the Town’s updated Asset Management Plan (AMP), which outlines how municipal infrastructure (roads, bridges, water, wastewater, stormwater facilities, fleet, technology and trees) will be maintained and funded over the next 10 years. The updated Plan (Version 5) ensures compliance with provincial requirements and provides a comprehensive overview of the condition, performance, and lifecycle needs of all municipal assets. Asset categories that had significant changes or additions as part of the update include buildings/facilities, park amenities and community trails.  The average annual funding requirement for all asset categories is approximately $47.0 million, with annual funding for the 10-year planning period currently covering about 70% of the need. After a review period, Administration will bring forward a follow-up report for Council's consideration and formal adoption of the AMP at the June 23rd meeting. The full report can be found here.

Appointment of Temporary By-Law Enforcement Officers: Council received a report regarding a pilot program to address the increased use of unauthorized motorized recreational vehicles in Town parks, pathways, and trails that has resulted in concerns about public safety and the enjoyment of shared spaces. The proposed pilot program would be in place from June to October 2026 and focused on education, awareness, and voluntary compliance. The pilot program involves the appointment of several Parks & Recreation staff as additional By-law Enforcement Officers to deliver education, awareness and compliance, both voluntary and by ticketing under the Parks By-law, if required. Additionally, signage to identify permitted uses and pathway speed limits will be installed and public education information published through the Town website and social media channels. Council approved the report and By-Law to appoint temporary By-Law Enforcement Officers.

Zoning By-Law Amendment, 2575 Manning Road, Hotel Plaza, Revisions to Proposal and Next Steps: Council received an update on a proposed commercial development at 2575 Manning Road, which includes a hotel and plaza-style commercial/retail uses. The report outlines feedback from the initial public meeting and revisions made to the proposal. Concerns were raised about the building's height and privacy, traffic and servicing impacts, public safety, drive-through uses, and overall site design.  In response, the applicant has made several changes, including reducing the hotel from five storeys to four and increasing setbacks from property lines. Some drive-through and standalone buildings adjacent to residential areas were removed and replaced with an L-shaped commercial building. Other changes include adding a landscaped buffer and enhanced screening along property edges, relocating garbage areas and improving pedestrian connections. Revisions align with provincial, county, and local planning policies. Council approved the scheduling of a second public meeting for July 28, 2026, to present the revised proposal and gather additional feedback.

Zoning By-Law Amendment, 13754 Tecumseh Rd, Results from Public Meeting and Final Recommendation: Council received a report regarding a proposed residential redevelopment at 13754 Tecumseh Road that seeks to rezone the property to allow for a three-storey, six-unit dwelling and a one-storey, four-unit townhouse dwelling. Comments from the public meeting included questions related to neighbourhood compatibility, privacy, traffic, stormwater management, and potential impacts on the adjacent school.  These questions have been reviewed by Administration and are addressed in the report, including commentary by the Administration of the adjacent school.  The Zoning By-law amendment to permit the proposed residential development, along with its site-specific provisions, is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, conforms to County and Tecumseh Official Plan policies, respectively, and will result in appropriate development that is based on sound land use planning principles. Council approved the Zoning By-law amendment.

Motion - Redaction of Personal Information Policy Collected at Public Meetings: Councillor Higgison brought forward a motion recommending that Council direct Administration to review its current administrative practices and legislative requirements concerning the collection of personal information at or during public meetings including receipt of petitions, attendee sign-in requirements, delegations and recording of minutes and that going forward Administration give consideration to the formation of a policy to manage the collection of such personal information at public meetings and the disclosure of such information as part of the Town’s official record. Council passed the motion.

Next Regular Meeting: The next regular meeting of Council is June 23, 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.