Council Connect - September 29, 2026

Council Connect: Highlights from September 29, 2026, meetings of Council

Regular Council Meeting

Apparatus Replacement – Rescue 2: Council received a report recommending the purchase of a new tanker pumper to replace Rescue 2 as part of the Town’s fire apparatus replacement program and to maintain reliable emergency response capabilities. Through a cooperative procurement process, Dependable Emergency Vehicles submitted a quote of $834,403 for the new apparatus.  To help manage increasing apparatus costs and delivery times, the replacement vehicle will be based on a commercially manufactured chassis rather than a custom-built apparatus. The new apparatus will be funded through the Town’s Lifecycle Fire Apparatus Reserve. Delivery is expected within 12 months of being ordered. Council approved the report.

Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Funding Application – Commercial District Branding Murals: Council received a report regarding the Town’s application to the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program for funding to support murals and/or large-scale installations in Tecumseh’s four identified commercial district areas: Main Street, Lesperance South, Manning Road & Amy Croft, and Lesperance North. The project builds on commercial district branding developed through the Tecumseh-Lakeshore Commercial Economic Development Strategy and will incorporate the “Where Everything Comes Together” branding as well as local artwork and recognition of the BIA’s 50th anniversary in 2027. The proposed project has an estimated total cost of $41,000 with the Town’s share of $24,650 to be considered through the 2027 Budget process. The Tecumseh BIA will contribute $2,000 in funding and $2,000 in in-kind support. Council approved Administration to submit the application.

Request for Repair and Improvement to the Battersby Drain – Appointment of Drainage Engineer: Council considered a request from a landowner for improvements to the Battersby Drain, located along the east side of the County Road 43 between Baseline Road and Highway 401. Due to the age and condition of the existing culvert, the landowner submitted a Notice of Request for Major Improvement under the Drainage Act. Council approved Tony Peralta, P.Eng., of N.J. Peralta Engineering Ltd. as the Drainage Engineer to examine the Battersby Drain and prepare a report in accordance with the Drainage Act. The report will include drawings, construction details and provisions for future maintenance. The Town has completed the required 30-day notice period with the Essex Region Conservation Authority and will complete the necessary environmental assessments as well as other regulatory requirements as the project moves forward.

East Townline Drain and MRSPA and Cost Sharing Agreement Amendment: Council received a report regarding an amendment to the East Townline Drain and MRSPA Cost Sharing Agreement. The amendment reflects updates to how project costs are shared among the Town of Tecumseh, the County of Essex, and participating development partners based on refined design work and updated project components. Changes include revised pond sizes and locations, the addition of Westlake Road to the stormwater management plan, and new flow allocations for existing properties along Sylvestre/Desro Drive. The revised agreement increases the Town’s overall assessment from $9.587 million to $9.727 million, which was previously identified in approved project budgets. Council approved the report and adopted the cost sharing amendment.

Motion - Policy Study on Redevelopment of Surplus Institutional Sites Within Established Neighbourhoods: Council received correspondence from a property owner adjacent to the former D.M. Eagle school property requesting Administration complete a study that reviews the policy framework for the redevelopment of surplus institutional sites within established neighbourhoods. Council passed a motion directing Administration to bring a report outlining the current Town Official Plan policy framework relating to this matter to the first Policies & Priorities Committee meeting for the next term of Council, anticipated to be in Spring 2027.

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