For Immediate Release
Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Council Connect: Highlights from July 9, 2024, meetings of Council

Public Council Meeting:

2024 Draft Development Charges Background Study and Development Charges By-law: In follow-up to a report received by Council on June 25, 2024, a public meeting was held to present background information on the new Development Charges Background Study being undertaken by the Town and its consultants, Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., including a breakdown of how the maximum allowable charge is calculated . Following the presentation, those in attendance were invited to ask questions and provide input on proposed policies and charges.   An Administrative Report summarizing the comments received at the public meeting will be brought back to Council at a later date.  The presentation from the meeting can be found here.

Special Meeting of Council:

Expanding Housing Choices and Improving Affordability Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Briefing Regarding Initiative 1: Council received a report outlining Initiative 1 of the Housing Accelerator Fund, which overviewed the initiative's purpose, the four-phase work plan including stakeholder consultation, key affordability challenges, housing type reviews, current zoning regulations, housing tenure forms, a best practice example for four-unit dwellings in low-density areas, and the next steps. An Open House is scheduled for August 15, 2024, to present and discuss the Discussion Paper with the community.

Regular Meeting of Council

2025 Business Plan and Budget Timetable: Council approved the 2025 Business Plan and Budget Timetable. The timetable includes information on public consultation, including chances for feedback and awareness through the Town’s Placespeak platform from December 11, 2024 through to January 7, 2025. Alternatively, residents can obtain a printed version upon request during that same timeframe. Council approved the timetable which can be found in the report and on the Town website.

Community Living Essex County - Corporate Membership: Council authorized the purchase of a Corporate Membership for Community Living Essex County, which includes invitations to the Annual General Meeting, a highlight on their website, and ongoing communication from the organization. The Town of Tecumseh has partnered with Community Living Essex County and is seeking their input as a member of the Wellness Hub planning committee. You can find out more here.

2022 Development Charge Reserve Fund Statement:  Council received a report on the 2022 Development Charge Reserve Fund Statement prepared in accordance with the Development Charges Act. The development charge reserve fund balance as of December 31, 2022, is $2,199,187 (2021 balance was $1,699,301). This represents the amount of funds in specific DC reserve fund categories that have been collected through development charges and are available to fund growth-related projects. You can find more information here. 

2023 Development Charge Reserve Fund Statement: Council received a report on the 2023 Development Charge Reserve Fund Statement prepared in accordance with the Development Charges Act.  The development charge reserve fund balance as of December 31, 2023 is $655,367 (2022 balance was $2,199,187). This represents the amount of funds in specific DC reserve fund categories that have been collected through development charges and are available to fund growth-related projects. You can find more information here. 

8th Concession Road Sanitary Sewer Outlet Area Main and Lateral Charges Part XII Cost Recovery By-Law Final Report and Recommendation: Council received the report outlining the comments and concerns received at the Public Information Centre (PIC) that detailed the proposed sanitary sewer extension project within the 8th Concession Road Sanitary Sewer Outlet Area. The comments and questions pertain to the specific charge applied to individual properties, the method for calculating the charge amount, and the timeline for connecting to the sanitary sewer system. Based on feedback, changes were made and are available for review in the report here. By-law 2024-060 was given first, second and final reading.

Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Tecumseh Housing Advisory Panel Appointment of Members: Council received the report outlining the persons appointed to the Housing Advisory Panel for the remaining term of Council ending November 14, 2026, or until such time as new members are appointed. The Housing Advisory Panel will advise Council and Staff on HAP initiatives, such as housing density, parking requirements, mixed use development, affordable housing, additional residential units and streamlining planning application processes.  You can view the list of appointed members here.

PWES-2024-36 Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund 2023 Intake, Cedarwood Sanitary Pump Station, Funding Agreement: In June of 2023, Council authorized Administration to submit an application for funding under the DMAF 2023 Intake for a future commitment for the Cedarwood Sanitary Pump Station Reconstruction project. The Cedarwood Sanitary Pump Station Reconstruction project was approved with a funding allocation reflecting a total budget requirement of $9,000,000 from the Wastewater Facilities Reserve Fund. The Town received a funding approval of $3.6M for the Town’s application for the DMAF 2023 Intake. The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund is a Government of Canada contribution program intended to support public infrastructure projects designed to mitigate current and future climate-related risks and disasters triggered by climate change, such as floods, wildland fires, droughts and seismic events. You can find more information here.

Next Regular Meeting: The next regular meeting of Council is July 23, 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.