Tecumseh Council Connect: June 10, 2025

For Immediate Release 
​Tuesday, June 10, 2025​ 

Council Connect: Highlights from June 10, 2025, meetings of Council 

Regular Meeting of Council 

Source Water Protection 2024 Annual Progress Report: Council received a report and presentation from the Essex Region Conservation Authority for the 2024 Annual Source Water Protection program. Source Protection Plans (SSP) protect municipal wells and surface intakes from specific activities that may pose a threat to drinking water quality. Source Water Protection Progress Reports are submitted to the Town on an annual basis. The 2024 Source Water Protection Progress Report highlights progress made towards the implementation of the Essex Region SPP up to December 31st, 2024, as well as actions taken from January 1 to December 31, 2024. The full report can be viewed here. 

Purchasing By-law and Policy Update: Council received a presentation and report regarding updates to the current Purchasing By-law and Policy, which were last reviewed in 2021.  Administration initiated the current review process in 2024 and engaged all Town departments. Seven updates to the By-law and/or policy were recommended to Council.  The updated By-law and Policy aim to provide more clarity, promote procurement best practices and ensure greater transparency, efficiency and consistency in the purchasing activities of the Town.  Details of the updates can be found here in the report.  

Tender Award for the J.C. Smith and McPherson Drains: Council approved the tender for the J.C. Smith and McPherson Drains, in the amount of $402,125.20 excluding HST to Shepley Excavating and Road Maintenance. The project consists of restoring the drain back to its original design capacity through open drain maintenance and the replacement, relaying, and removal of existing culverts. 

Amending Agreement Food Services Lakewood Park South: Due to the upcoming construction of new amenities at Lakewood Park South from April 2025 through summer 2026, Council approved amending the agreement with the current Concessionaire to ensure food services continue during the 2025 season. The agreement would end the existing contract on September 30, 2025, and allow the Concessionaire to oversee a mobile food vendor operation from June 19 to September 30, 2025, including entering third-party agreements. Food service fees will be waived for 2025 due to construction impacts, and the Concessionaire will also be allowed to operate during park events as a non-exclusive vendor.  

Windsor-Essex Provincial Offences Act Annual Report 2024: Council received a report on the Windsor-Essex Provincial Offences Program, which was created as a special purpose channel to accept the transfer of the Provincial Offences Act (POA) responsibilities from the province. The report outlines local court operations for ticketed offences, including traffic and bylaw violations. In 2024, charging volumes increased by nearly 5%, and the program ended the year with a net profit of $1.4 million. Tecumseh’s share of revenue has gradually declined over the years, with $80,000 budgeted for 2025. A shift in red light camera enforcement to a new penalty system may further reduce future revenues from the POA program. 

Bill 17, Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025 Summary Report: The Province of Ontario has introduced Bill 17, the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025, which proposes changes to key legislation to support housing, school, and long-term care development. Administration has reviewed the proposed changes and prepared comments to the Province. While some changes could improve efficiency, others such as limits on planning studies and delayed development charge payments may create challenges for local decision-making and municipal finances. The Town will adjust internal processes to help manage these changes and protect community interests. On Council’s recommendation, the Town’s comments will be submitted to the Province. Read the report here.  

Financial Services – Service Delivery Review: Council has approved a review of the Town’s Financial Services department to ensure services are being delivered as efficiently and effectively as possible. This review will assess current operations, explore potential improvements, and align services with community needs and the Town’s strategic goals. Similar reviews in other departments have already led to positive changes. The cost of hiring a consultant for this review will be covered by the Town’s Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve. 

Strategic Priorities 2024 Report Out: At the beginning of each term of Council, Members of Council and Administration meet to discuss and set corporate strategic priorities for the next term. Administration is happy to submit the annual 2024 report out to Council and residents. You can find the report out at tecumseh.ca/strategicpriorities.   

Community Support Centre of Essex County Operating Agreement:  The Town is considering a new five-year Operating Agreement with the Community Support Centre of Essex County to manage the Senior Active Living Centre at the St. Clair Beach Community Centre, following the success of the current agreement. ​Since its opening in May 2024, the Centre has grown rapidly, with 238 members and over 6,800 attendees participating in diverse programs such as yoga, arts, and book clubs. ​ The Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility has commended the Centre for its inclusivity and has provided $55,000 in annual funding for operations and additional grants for equipment. The Town has also expanded seniors' programming through partnerships with Windsor-Essex Community Health Centre and Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare, resulting in a 50% increase in recreation, health, and wellness services for seniors. 

2025 Supply of Various Vehicles: The Town of Tecumseh is planning to replace and add vehicles to its fleet in 2025, with a focus on sustainability and efficiency. ​A total of 13 vehicles and equipment, including electric transit buses and EV SUVs, will be purchased for various departments at a cost of $3,037,000, funded through the Lifecycle Fleet Reserve. Older vehicles will be declared surplus and sold at auction. ​ 

Next Regular Meeting: The next regular meeting of Council is June 24, 2025. The meeting is scheduled to be held electronically. The agenda and livestream will be available on the Town’s website. Follow the Town of Tecumseh on Facebook and X for news and the latest information.