Tecumseh Council Connect- June 24, 2025

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Council Connect: Highlights from June 24, 2025, meetings of Council

Special Council Meeting

Tecumseh Hamlet Secondary Plan Area (THSPA) Infrastructure Improvements Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Schedule ‘C’ - Filing the Notice of Study Completion: Dillon Consulting Ltd. provided a presentation to Council summarizing the THSPA Environmental Study Report (ESR), which outlines a comprehensive plan to support future development through coordinated upgrades to transportation, water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. The ESR, completed as a Schedule C Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, identifies preferred infrastructure solutions and design concepts based on environmental, socio-cultural, technical, and financial evaluations. Key recommendations include new and upgraded collector roads, trunk watermains and sewers, and stormwater management facilities, with specific design choices tailored to local constraints. The study integrates findings from previous master plans and includes public and Indigenous consultation.  Council approved the recommendation to issue the Notice of Study Completion and initiate the 30-day public review period.

Regular Meeting of Council

2025 Town Awards Recipients: Council extended congratulations and appreciation to the following Town awards recipients:

·       Dan Redmond - Donald “Donny” Massender Memorial Volunteer Award

·       Shaun Fuerth - Dr. Henri Breault Community Excellence Award

·       Christine Trudell Ouellette - Senior of the Year

·       Logan Drouillard - Youth of the Year

Town of Tecumseh Tourism Marketing Strategy & Destination Development Plan: Council received a presentation from delegates representing TWG Communications regarding the Town’s Tourism Marketing Strategy & Destination Development Plan.  The plan highlights local opportunities for short- and long-term tourism growth in Tecumseh and recommends five (5) pillars for developing the strategy: Foundations Infrastructure & Governance, Tourism Experience Development, Sport & Event Tourism, Marketing & Communication and Regional & Local Collaborations. Council adopted the plan for consideration and provided direction for Administration to return to Council in fall of 2025 with an implementation plan, associated cost estimates, strategy priorities, and corresponding timelines.

IT Service Delivery Review and Organizational Review Report Out: Council received a report from the Technology & Client Services Department summarizing progress made to date for reviews and studies that have been conducted since 2021. Two significant reviews completed were the KPMG Consulting Organizational Review (Org. Review) and the Information Technology Service Delivery Review (ITSDR) conducted by Perry Group Consulting (PGC). Both reviews contained numerous recommendations related to Information Technology, Customer Service and Communications. Noted progress updates include: creation of an IT Governance Committee, development of a Business Continuity/ Disaster Recovery Plan, launch of Town Intranet, resource allocation to support Town priorities, and technology updates that support recommendations from the customer experience maturity model presented in the 2021 Org. Review.  Administration will continue to implement the recommendations through a phased approach.

Memorandum of Understanding – Ontario Conservation Accelerator: Council received the report outlining a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Town of Tecumseh and the Ontario Conservation Accelerator to develop a conservation and recreational use plan for Fairplay Woods. The MOU focuses on Phase 1: Planning, which includes stakeholder engagement, conservation and restoration planning, and the creation of a site and use plan, all funded by the Ontario Conservation Accelerator up to a maximum of $20,000. The planning phase will run from July 1 to December 31, 2025, with no financial cost to the Town. Upon completion, the results will be presented to Council for approval, and any future implementation will be addressed in a follow-up report and addendum to the MOU.

Tecumseh-Lakeshore Commercial Area Branding Study Status Update: The Tecumseh-Lakeshore Commercial Area Branding Study is a joint effort between the Town of Tecumseh, the Municipality of Lakeshore, and the Tecumseh BIA to create a strong brand identity for four local commercial areas. Funded in part by the Rural Economic Development Program, the project has completed research, stakeholder engagement, and branding design phases. The proposed brand highlights community pride and unity under the slogan “Where Everything Comes Together.” Council endorsed the branding package, and the next step is to develop a marketing and communications strategy to support the brand.

2026 Municipal Election Preparation and Method of Voting: The Town of Tecumseh is preparing for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Elections, scheduled for October 26, 2026. Council approved the continued use of Internet and Telephone voting, which has been used in past elections for improved accessibility and convenience. These voting methods allow people to vote securely and privately from anywhere and have proven effective in encouraging participation. A formal Request for Proposals will be issued in late 2025 to select a voting service provider.

Animal Care and Control By-Law: Council received a report recommending the adoption of a new Animal Care and Control By-Law to replace and consolidate three outdated by-laws from 1999, 2003, and 2017. The updated by-law modernizes language, aligns with current legislation, and introduces clearer enforcement processes with the Town’s Administrative Monetary Penalties System (AMPS). Key changes include refined definitions, updated dangerous dog designation and appeal procedures, a list of permitted domestic animals, and enhanced provisions for prohibited species and livestock. The by-law aims to streamline enforcement, ensure animal welfare, and enhance public safety and service efficiency. Council adopted the recommendations, and the By-Law received first, second, third and final readings.

2025 Asset Management Plan (AMP) Update Proposed Levels of Service: Council received a report outlining proposed levels of service for all municipal infrastructure assets, as required by Ontario Regulation 588/17. This update builds on the previous version (v4), incorporating new asset categories such as parks amenities and refining service levels for both core and non-core assets. The proposed levels of service are largely consistent with current levels, with a notable increase in the percentage of properties connected to the wastewater system. Some metrics, like stormwater system resilience and tree canopy coverage, will be finalized through upcoming studies. Council endorsed the proposed levels of service, which enables Financial Services to proceed with developing a lifecycle management and financial strategy to support the proposed service levels.

Next Regular Meeting: The next regular meeting of Council is November 12, 2024.  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.