Tecumseh Council Connect - May 27, 2025

For Immediate Release 
​Tuesday, May 27, 2025​ 

Council Connect: Highlights from May 27, 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 Additional ARU Options: Council received a report that overviews a comprehensive update on Initiative 1 of the HAF and sets out a range of implementation options for Council’s consideration. These options will accelerate housing, improve affordability, and create more choice for residents, which is in line with the Council approved Housing Action Plan and the Town’s Strategic Plan. The report proposes timing for public consultation on the options, including the scheduling of a statutory public meeting. You can read the full report here.  

An Open House is scheduled for Monday, June 9, 2025 from 1:00pm to 9:00pm, which will allow residents to gain information on the proposed options for permitting up to 4 units (one single detached dwelling and up to 3 ARUs) in all low-density residential districts. Further, a public council meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 23, 2025 at 6:30 p.m., in accordance with the Planning Act, that will afford the public and agencies/stakeholders the opportunity to provide comments to Council on the proposed options of achieving up to 4 units (one single detached dwelling and up to 3 ARUs) in all low density residential districts in accordance with the Housing Accelerator Fund Initiative. You can learn more about the meetings and register for the Open House on June 9 at www.tecumseh.ca/hafopenhouse.   

2025 Town Awards Nominations: Council received the report recommending recipients for the 2025 Town of Tecumseh Community Awards. Following a nomination period and review by the Awards Review Committee, four individuals were selected:  

·         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 

The awards, established to recognize significant community contributions, will be formally presented at the June 24, 2025 Regular Council Meeting. 

Essex Power Corporation – Appointment of Proxyholder for Shareholders’ 2024 Annual Meeting: Council received a report appointing Mayor Gary McNamara as the Town of Tecumseh’s proxyholder to cast shareholder votes at Essex Power Corporation’s 2024 Annual Meeting on June 19, 2025, with Tom Burton as the alternate proxyholder in case of the Mayor’s absence. ​ This appointment is necessary as proxies are valid for only one year, and the proxyholder represents the Town at shareholder meetings, which often involve routine business matters.  

LAS Sewer and Water Line Warranty Program Service Line Warranties of Canada Inc. Agreement Renewal Term: The report recommended renewing the agreement between the Town of Tecumseh and Service Line Warranties of Canada Inc. (SLWC) for one additional year starting September 27, 2025, under the LAS Sewer and Water Line Warranty Program. ​ This program provides residents with affordable warranty coverage for critical infrastructure repairs, with SLWC paying the Town 5% of revenue collected annually. ​ While the program has seen growth in resident enrollment and claims, Town administration suggests this be the final extension due to the availability of similar services from other providers. ​ The Town will continue supporting SLWC's marketing efforts during the renewal term but plans to end the partnership after the tenth year, and provide notice to Service Line Warranties of Canada Inc.  

Groundwater Site Condition Standards, Potable and Non-potable Policy 135: The report outlines the adoption of Policy 135 in the Town of Tecumseh to guide the management of groundwater site condition standards for both potable and non-potable uses, particularly concerning brownfield redevelopment. This policy aligns with Ontario Regulation 153/04 and ensures a clear, consistent process for evaluating environmental risks and responding to property owners’ requests to apply non-potable standards. It supports sustainable redevelopment while safeguarding public health and municipal drinking water sources. A $200 non-refundable processing fee will apply to cover administrative costs for reviewing and responding to these requests. 

Policy 25/02 Filling of Municipal Ditches in the Town of Tecumseh and Policy 39/2002 Culvert/Ditch Policy: Council received the report recommending repealing two existing policies—Policy 25/02 and Policy 39/2002—related to the filling and alteration of municipal ditches and culverts in Tecumseh. These outdated policies will be replaced by a new by-law that provides clear regulations, including permit requirements, inspection standards, and cost responsibilities for property owners. The proposed by-law ensures that drainage systems are properly managed while allowing the Town to enforce compliance and recover costs for non-conforming work. It excludes municipal drains, which remain under the authority of the Ontario Drainage Act. 

Next Regular Meeting: The next regular meeting of Council is June 10, 2025. 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.