Council Connect - January 13, 2026

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Council Connect: Highlights from January 13, 2026, meetings of Council

Public Meeting of Council

Zoning By-Law Amendment Agricultural Zone Additional Residential Unit (Stand Alone) 10440 County Road 34 Public Meeting: The purpose of the meeting was to hear public comments on the Zoning By-Law Amendment application for 10440 County Road seeking to amend the Zoning Bylaw 85-18 by rezoning a 1.64 hectare (4.05 acre) parcel of land situated on the northwest corner of the County Road 34/Ruston Road intersection, approximately 130 metres (426.5 feet) north of Highway 3.  The amendment application seeks to permit a stand-alone Additional Residential Unit on the property, in accordance with subsection 4.1.2 xii) of the Tecumseh Official Plan.

Regular Meeting of Council

Essex County OPP Detachment Board North 2026 Operating Budget: Council saw a presentation on the 2026 Proposed Detachment Board Budget, which included a breakdown and description of estimated expenses totalling $118,371, an increase from $114,870 in 2025. The presentation detailed the Detachment Board’s activities for 2025 and noted that the Board is on track to finish the fiscal year with a surplus of $4,536 which will be credited back to each member municipality.

The Mayor’s 2026 Proposed Business Plan and Budget Presentation: Council received a presentation from the Mayor, CAO, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Treasurer regarding the 2026 Proposed Business Plan and Budget.  Strong Mayor powers now influence the budget process, giving the Mayor more direct involvement in budget review, presentation and amendments. The proposed budget aligns with Strategic Priority actions and projects confirmed by Council on December 9th, 2025.  For 2026, the budget aims to balance growth, quality of life, and fiscal responsibility while advancing council and community priorities. Key highlights:

• A proposed operating budget that includes a 2.85% municipal tax increase, with a consolidated increase of about 2.36% when including county and education levies.
• A proposed capital budget allocation of $58 million for major infrastructure and recreation projects, including upgrades to parks, stormwater systems, and community facilities. 
• Laying the foundation for growth and sustainability by constructing and maintaining infrastructure to support housing (new and existing stock).
• Investment in Transit, roads, flood protection, utilities, servicing and amenities to sustain and support service delivery.

Council will meet on February 12th to consider any proposed amendments.  The full budget document will be available on the Town’s website and Engage Tecumseh site on Friday January 16th.

Animal Control Services: Council received a report requesting the Town of Tecumseh to renew agreements with the Windsor Essex County Humane Society (WECHS) for cat intake and spay/neuter services starting January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027 at an annual cost of $8,500, and with Essex County K9 Services for Animal Control Services starting January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028 at an annual cost of $34,384 plus HST.  Council passed By-law 2026-002 and 2026-003 to authorize the Mayor and Administration to renew the two agreements.

Sidewalk Gap Analysis Study Integration into the 2026-2030 PWES Capital Works Plan: At the Regular Council Meeting on August 12, 2025, Council put forward a notice of motion directing Administration to report on the feasibility of conducting a sidewalk gap analysis with a focus on safe school routes, including guidance for how to implement project findings, and to prepare a report for the 2026 Budget process.  A Sidewalk Gap Analysis helps guide and prioritize improvements to the existing pedestrian network and has many benefits including: enhancements to pedestrian safety, improvements to mobility and accessibility, promotes active lifestyles and is key for creating complete livable communities. It is estimated to cost approximately $120,000 and would be funded from the Town’s Infrastructure Reserve. Council received the report and directed Administration to include a Sidewalk Gap Analysis Study as part of the 2026-2030 Public Works and Engineering Services Capital Works Plan to be brought to Council in the first quarter of 2026.

Next Regular Meeting: The next regular meeting of Council is January 27, 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