For Immediate Release
Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Council Connect: Highlights from November 26, 2024, meetings of Council

Regular Meeting of Council

Health and Safety Policy No. 7 Annual Review: The Town of Tecumseh’s Health and Safety Policy emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of employees. Its primary goal is to create a safe work environment by reducing the risk of workplace injuries and illnesses. The Health and Safety Policy has been reviewed by the Joint Health and Safety Committee, which recommended no changes for 2024. A copy of the policy can be found here. Council approved the updated policy.

Pathway to Potential Funding Agreement 2024: Since 2013, the Tecumseh Community & Recreation Services Department has managed funding programs to help low-income families access recreation opportunities. Through an annual Service Agreement for the Pathway to Potential (P2P) program, the City of Windsor provides monthly funding to the Town. In 2024, Tecumseh will receive $40,000 in P2P funding, which supports various community activities and events, including 26 programs attended by over 13,000 individuals. This funding allows children, youth, adults, and seniors with low incomes to participate in recreation programs offered by the department at just 10% of the program cost. Council approved the agreement for 2024.

Tecumseh Transit Service (TTS) One-Year Extension of Transit Delivery and Maintenance Services Agreement with First Canada ULC: The Town manages the Tecumseh Transit Service (TTS) but contracts bus operation and maintenance to First Canada ULC, which has served as the service provider since 2009. A proposed 2025 contract extension includes operating three new electric buses expected in early 2025. While these buses will lower fuel costs, First Canada ULC will face training expenses for drivers and mechanics, justifying a 2% rate increase for 2025. A one-year extension agreement with First Canada ULC was approved by Council.

Tecumseh Transit Service (TTS) Purchase of Three Accessible Electric Transit Buses and Associated Charging Infrastructure – Awarding of Tender: In 2024, the Town was awarded $1,080,000 through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (“RTSF”) to purchase three accessible electric transit buses. Earlier this year, the tender went out.  Council awarded the purchase of three Karsan e-Jest electric transit buses and two Express 250 Smart DC Charging stations in the approximate amount of $1,282,583 plus non-rebated HST to Damera Bus Sales Canada Corp. subject to the successful negotiation of a purchasing agreement.

Deferred Town Contribution to ERCA Land Acquisition Program Clean Water~Green Spaces Program:  Council has deferred the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) Land Acquisition Program for 2024. During a meeting between senior Town Administration and Tim Byrne, ERCA's CAO/Secretary Treasurer, it was noted that detailed records for the program had not been maintained historically. The Conservation Authority intends to introduce a new land acquisition program that provides for  improved transparency and reporting to contributing member municipalities. The new program will be subject to consultation with municipalities prior to final approval in 2025. Additionally, Town Administration will explore whether an alternative ecological land stewardship program or a similar initiative might better suit the Town's needs. This review will take place in 2025, with a report to Council anticipated before the 2026 budget discussions. Accordingly, the Town’s 2025 land acquisition program contribution will also be deferred with the 2024 and 2025 allocations placed in a special purpose reserve until the matter is determined.

Urban Forestry and Naturalization Management Plan Award of Consulting Services: The proposal submitted by Dillon Consulting Ltd. for the Urban Forestry and Naturalization Management Plan has been evaluated and deemed acceptable, meeting all requirements outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP). As a result, Council approved awarding the RFP to Dillon Consulting Ltd. for a contract amount of $197,696.50 (excluding HST). This decision reflects a total budget requirement of $272,408, necessitating a $72,408 increase from the original allocation. The additional funding will be used for agency consultations on the plan and will be sourced from the Infrastructure Reserve, with the allocation increasing from $200,000 to $272,408.

Intact Municipal Climate Resiliency Grants Program Tecumseh Tree Planting Program: The Municipal Climate Resiliency Grants (MCRG) Program supports climate adaptation efforts to build resilient communities, particularly municipalities, by funding projects that address flood and wildfire risks. If the Town's application is approved, the funding would expand the current street tree enhancement program, enabling the planting of approximately 400 additional trees in boulevards, parks, and other suitable locations identified by the Manager of Horticulture. Council has authorized Administration to apply for funding under the MCRG Program to support Tecumseh's Tree Planting Program.

Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, Direct Delivery Stream – Tecumseh Hamlet Gouin Stormwater Management Facility:  Council received a report regarding the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF), a merit-based contribution program for water, wastewater, stormwater and solid-waste infrastructure projects that facilitate increased housing supply and improved densification. Administration recommended the Gouin Stormwater Management Facility, located in the northwesterly quadrant of the Tecumseh Hamlet Secondary Plan Area be submitted for the CHIF.  The Gouin Stormwater Management Facility will facilitate future low, medium and high-density housing development in the Tecumseh Hamlet while also servicing the existing urban neighbourhood located to the east. The report was approved, authorizing Administration to submit a CHIF funding application to the federal government for future commitment to the Tecumseh Hamlet Gouin Stormwater Management Facility. 

Backflow Prevention By-Law: Council received a report recommending that an updated By-law for Backflow Prevention be considered and to repeal By-law 2001-68. Backflow into a public water system can pollute or contaminate the water in that system.  The updated Backflow Prevention By-Law (2024-99) provides reference to updated regulations, stricter rules for prevention, and increased clarity. Key principles include: requiring building permits for backflow preventer installation, modification or replacement, and ensuring only authorized parties as set out in the By-Law, shall be considered qualified to install, modify, inspect, test, etc., backflow prevention devices. The updated By-Law targets the elimination of the backflow of contaminated water from private water distribution systems into the Town’s water supply system and seeks to regulate cross connections in the Town’s water supply system.  The By-law was adopted through first, second and third reading.  

Water and Waste Water Rates for 2025: Council received a report outlining the proposed 2025 rate increases for water and wastewater services.  The Town purchases bulk water from the City of Windsor (City) and wastewater treatment rates are calculated by the City based on prior year actual operating and capital costs of each plant on a per volume basis. The recommended water and wastewater rates for 2025 are 3 percent and 5 percent respectively, to ensure full cost recovery for services, as well as lifecycle replacement of capital infrastructure. The impact of the rate increases to a homeowner using 240 cubic meters would be an increase of $44.81 or 4% annually.  Increases were also recommended for the Oasis Water Filling Station (0.12/cubic meter) well as flat rates for unmetered services. By-law 2024-100 was given a first, second and third reading to adopt the water and waste water rates for 2025. 

Next Regular Meeting: The next regular meeting of Council is December 10, 2024. 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.