For Immediate Release
Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Council Connect: Highlights from July 22, 2025, meetings of Council

Regular Meeting of Council

Expanding Housing Choices and Improving Affordability Housing Accelerator Fund: Initiative 1 – Pre-Zoning Lands to Allow up to Four Housing Units As-of-Right as Part of all Low-Density Residential Districts Using an ARU Option Results of Public Consultation: Council received a report that highlights recent public engagement and overviews multiple options for Initiative 1 of the Housing Action Plan, funded by the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. These options are the same four options presented to the public during a recent open house (June 9th) and public meeting (June 23rd). A fifth option (Option E) evolved from the public consultations that is a hybrid of Options B and C to better address concerns raised by the public.  A motion for Option E was put before Council and defeated. Council received the reports and directed Administration to inform CMHC of the decision of Council to remain at the Provincially-mandated 3 ARUs per low density residential lot.

East Townline Drain & Manning Road Secondary Plan Area Stormwater Management Facilities, Cost Sharing Agreement:  The Town of Tecumseh, along with the County of Essex and primary landowners in the Manning Road Secondary Plan Area (MRSPA), has reached a cost-sharing agreement to fund a regional stormwater management solution needed to support new housing development. The MRSPA is a 243-acre area planned for up to 3,300 homes, and the new stormwater management solution—estimated at $32.5 million—will also help reduce flood risks in adjacent neighbourhoods and support upcoming County Road expansions. Tecumseh’s share is roughly $9.6 million, partially offset by federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) infrastructure funding. The agreement outlines how each stakeholder will contribute to the construction of the regional stormwater management solution, including future cost recovery from other landowners in the MRSPA.

Rural Economic Development (RED) Agreement Extension Tecumseh-Lakeshore Commercial Area Branding Study Tecumseh Lakeshore Commercial Area Branding Study: Council received the report for the extension of the Rural Economic Development (RED) Contribution Agreement to support the Tecumseh-Lakeshore Commercial Area Branding Study. ​ Due to delays, the project end date has been extended to August 31, 2025, allowing the final phase of the study, which includes a marketing and communications strategy, to be completed. ​Council approved the extension. ​

Taxes Receivable – June 2025: Council received the report that provides an overview of property tax receivables in Tecumseh as of June 30, 2025. Taxes receivable increased to 39.1% of the annual levy due to changes in the billing schedule for Commercial and Industrial properties, while tax arrears remained stable at $1.8 million. ​ The Town has adopted proactive measures, such as tax arrears certificates and promoting pre-authorized payment plans, to manage arrears and improve financial stability. ​

Twinkling Lights Tecumseh Night Market – Municipal Significance: Council designated the Twinkling Lights Tecumseh Night Market, scheduled for September 5, 2025, as "municipally significant" to facilitate event organizers obtaining a Special Occasion Permit (SOP) from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). ​ The event, organized by the Tecumseh BIA, will feature vendors, food, games, live entertainment, and alcohol sales to support local businesses. The designation aligns with municipal policies and aims to enhance community engagement and economic benefits.

Amendments to the South Talbot Road Drain East & 12th Line Drain and Antaya Drain Amending By-Laws: Council received amendments to the South Talbot Road Drain East & 12th Line Drain Improvements, and Antaya Drain Improvements amending By-Laws authorizing the collection of drainage assessments. The initial By-laws were previously passed at a Council meeting on May 13, 2025. Through final billing procedures and checks, it was noted that Allowances, were not included within the project totals previously prepared. Total project costs were revised as follows: South Talbot Road Drain East & 12th Line Drain Improvements - $214,883.39 and Antaya Drain Improvements – $165,618.97. The revised By-laws were given a first, second, third and final reading.

Windsor to Lakeshore Transmission Project – ERO Submission: The Government of Ontario has posted a proposal to the Environmental Registry of Ontario requesting comments regarding supporting critical transmission infrastructure in Southwestern Ontario, specifically the Windsor to Lakeshore Transmission Project, a double circuit 230Kv transmission line from Lauzon TS to Lakeshore TS and associated station facilities. This project will support future electrical capacity and stability, enable economic growth in the manufacturing and agri-business sectors, and presents an opportunity for partnership and engagement with Indigenous communities through the Hydro One First Nation Equity Partnership Model. Council approved authorization for Administration to submit comments prior to the deadline of August 15, 2025 and to engage in consultations with Hydro One regarding the path of the Project and community impacts.

Zoning By-Law Amendment 2575 Manning Road Proposed Commercial Plaza and Hotel Scheduling of a Public Meeting: Council received a report regarding a Zoning By-law amendment application submitted by Dillon Consulting for 2575 Manning Road.  The property is designated “General Commercial” and the application proposes to rezone the site as “Holding General Commercial Zone (H)C1-11” to permit the proposed commercial development consisting of a five-story hotel and five separate commercial/retail buildings. In addition to the Zoning By-law amendment application, approval of a site plan control agreement will be required prior to the proposed development proceeding.  In accordance with the Planning Act, Council approved scheduling of a public meeting for the proposed amendment.

Council Chambers – Security & Safety Measures:  Council received a report regarding security and safety measures for Council Chambers in order to ensure and maintain a proper balance between the rights of the public to engage in the democratic process and the need for order, proper protocol and respectful behaviours when such engagement takes place. Measures that have been implemented include: sign-in requirements for members of the public who are attending Council Chambers for a meeting, reading and displaying decorum expectations for all Council meetings, installation of a panic button in Council Chambers for direct notification to OPP in case of emergency, and installation of stanchions to mitigate crowd congestion and delineate separation between the public Council Gallery (audience) area and the Council ‘horseshoe’ area.  Security personnel options were also provided, supporting the priority for safety of people and property while attending Council meetings.  Council approved the recommendation providing direction and authorization for Administration to schedule guard services  as required.

Request to Levy Municipal Drain Maintenance (S.74) Costs – 2nd Levy for 2025: Council authorized the levy of municipal drain maintenance costs for projects completed in 2024, as outlined in Attachment 1. The total drainage assessment to the Town is $12,346.51, which will be paid using the Municipal Drain Lifecycle Reserve.  By-Law 2025-095 was given first, second, third and final readings, and authorized the levying of the maintenance costs for the Municipal Drains listed in Attachment 1.

Emergency Culvert Replacement – Gzowski Drain: Council received a report addressing the emergency replacement of a culvert over the Gzowski Drain due to blockage and structural issues, which posed risks of flooding and damage to surrounding areas. Emergency measures were authorized under the Drainage Act and the Town’s Purchasing Policy, with costs estimated at $63,500 to be shared among upstream lands and funded through the Town’s Drain Lifecycle Reserve. The replacement work is pending pipe delivery and utility coordination, while pumping operations continue to mitigate flooding risks to the immediate area. ​

2025 Asphalt Paving Tender Award: Council approved the tender for the 2025 Asphalt Paving in the amount of $994,600 excluding HST to GIP Paving Inc. The following streets are included in the 2025 tender: Clovelly Road, Burlington Road, Warwick Road, Essex Road, Kensington Boulevard, Rutland Road and Edgewater Boulevard.  By-law 2025-094 was given first, second, third and final reading, to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute an agreement.

Banwell Road Corridor Improvements Tender Results for Tecumseh Watermain Works: Council approved an allocation of $984,000 from the Water Facilities Reserve Fund for the Tecumseh watermain works as part of the City’s Banwell Road Corridor Improvement project. The total tendered/projected cost is above the original $984,000 budget by $893,090, mainly due to the additional length of trunk watermain within the Tecumseh distribution system and the inclusion of SCADA electronics within the boundary metres, which were not factored in the original budget due to the detailed design not being finalized at that time. Further, Council delegated the authority to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director Financial Services & Chief Financial Officer, and the Director Public Works & Engineering Services to execute a Purchase Order in the amount of $1,826,210.28 with Enwin Utilities Ltd.

Next Regular Meeting: The next regular meeting of Council is August 12, 2025. The agenda and livestream will be available on the Town’s website. Follow the Town of Tecumseh on Facebook and Instagram for news and the latest information.