Council Connect- February 11, 2025

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Council Connect: Highlights from February 11, 2025, meetings of Council

Regular Meeting of Council

Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) - Annual Report and 2025 Draft Budget: Council received a delegate presentation from ERCA CAO/Secretary-Treasurer Tim Bryne regarding the annual report and draft 2025 budget. Proposed overall increase in the 2025 municipal apportionment costs for Tecumseh is 2.9%. This includes mandatory services at $249,451 and non-mandatory services at $26,735, totaling $276,186.  Municipal cost apportioning is required to fulfill ERCA’s mandated obligations in 2025, as well as maintain annual/recurrent core watershed programs under non-mandatory programs and services. ERCA delivers programs through five main service delivery areas: Watershed Management Services, Conservation Services, Water Quality/Research, Communications/Community Outreach and General/Administration.  ERCA’s full Draft Budget found here.

False Alarm – Police Services Bylaw: Council received recommended options for updates to the false security alarm fee structure at the December 10, 2024 meeting and approved the charge of $375 per occurrence for Police Services.  Registering an alarm with the Town will continue to cover two free false alarms per year, while unregistered premises are charged from the first occurrence. A new by-law (2025-019) has been drafted to formalize the registration system and fee collection process, with invoices issued by the Town based on O.P.P. reports. Fees will be subject to annual CPI adjustments, and enforcement measures include civil action or collection through municipal taxes. By-Law 2025-019 was given first, second, third and final readings.

Town of Tecumseh Energy Management Update: Council received a report providing an update on the Town's Energy Management Plan, specifically the 2024 Energy Conservation and Demand Management (ECDM) Plan. The Town's first ECDM Plan was developed in 2014, with updates required every five years. The updated plan highlights initiatives to reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions, including HVAC replacements, LED lighting conversions, EV charging stations, and an urban forest project. The Town aims to reduce electricity and natural gas usage by 5% from 2018 levels by 2024. Future actions include partnering with Essex Energy Corporation for rooftop solar PV systems and a Waste to Energy study, as well as installing Level 3 EV charging stations through the MTO ChargeON program and a Climate Risk Assessment and Climate Adaptation Plan will be conducted in 2025 to address climate vulnerabilities and risks.

Exemption from Draft Plan of Condominium Approval County of Essex File No. 37-CD-24007 Carsten Manor – 215 Lesperance Road: Council received the report for the exemption from the draft plan of condominium approval for Carsten Manor at 215 Lesperance Road. The report recommended supporting the application by Suburban Construction & Management Ltd. to create 24 condominium units within four apartment buildings. It also supported the request to the County of Essex for an exemption from the draft approval process under Section 9 of the Condominium Act. Council approved the report. ​

Expanding Housing Choices and Improving Affordability: Housing Accelerator Fund Initiative 4 – Revised Residential Parking Requirements Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment Scheduling of a Public Meeting: Council received a report providing an update on the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Initiative 4 and an accompanying recommendation that a public meeting be scheduled in accordance with the Planning Act, to consider proposed By-law housekeeping amendments.  The proposed amendments, seek to reduce the minimum required number of parking spaces to 1.25 spaces per dwelling unit for all apartment type dwellings and multi-unit dwellings (duplex, triplex, townhouse), in accordance with Initiative 4 of the HAF. Council scheduled a public meeting for March 11, 2025 at 4:30pm.

Expanding Housing Choices and Improving Affordability: Housing Accelerator Fund Initiative 2 – Pre-zoning for Medium and High Density Residential on Lands Designated Main Street Mixed-Use Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment Scheduling of a Public Meeting: The Town of Tecumseh is advancing Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Initiative 2, which focuses on pre-zoning lands in the Main Street Mixed-Use area to allow for medium and high-density residential development. The proposed Zoning By-law Amendment will facilitate Missing Middle housing (duplexes, triplexes, townhouses) and mid-rise apartments (up to six storeys) along Tecumseh Road between Banwell Road and Lesperance Road. This initiative aims to promote a compact, walkable, and transit-friendly community while maintaining commercial vibrancy. A public meeting is scheduled for March 11, 2025, to gather input on the proposed changes. 

Expanding Housing Choices and Improving Affordability: Housing Accelerator Fund Initiative 3 – Residential Intensification in the Manning/Tecumseh District Proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments Scheduling of a Public Meeting: Council received a report on advancing Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Initiative 3, focusing on residential intensification in the Manning/Tecumseh District through Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments. The proposal aims to add up to 800 new housing units, including townhouses and apartments (4-6 stories), while preserving and expanding commercial spaces to create a mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly community with improved connectivity. A public meeting is scheduled for March 11, 2025, following an open house on February 20th, to gather input on the proposed changes. 

Amendment to By-Law 2001-36 Traffic By-Law: Council received the report on amendments to By-Law 2001-36 to improve traffic and parking regulations in Tecumseh, including clearer enforcement for parking violations in Town-owned lots and restrictions on recreational vehicle parking. The proposed changes introduce definitions for enforcement, prohibit recreational vehicle parking on streets except for limited periods, and incorporate the Administrative Monetary Penalties System (AMPS) for ticketing violations. A penalties schedule will be presented at the next Council meeting on February 25^th to finalize enforcement measures. By-Law 2025-018 was given first, second, third and final reading.

Active Transportation Fund, 2025 Capital Stream Riverside Drive Multi-Use Trail Extension and Safety Enhancements:  Council received the report considering an application for federal funding under the Active Transportation Fund to support the Riverside Drive Multi-Use Trail Extension and Safety Enhancements project. The project includes a new 3.0-meter-wide multi-use trail between Arlington Boulevard and Kensington Boulevard, improved pedestrian crossings, streetlighting enhancements, and accessibility upgrades. If approved, the $2.1 million project will be 60% federally funded, with the Town covering the remaining 40%, and construction is planned for 2026. Council authorized submitting an application. 

2025-2029 TCS Capital Works Plan: Council received a report outlining the 2025-2029 Technology and Client Services (TCS) Five-year Capital Works Plan. Key expenditures include: PC replacements, network security improvements and upgrades, expansion of video surveillance, upgrades to audio-visual systems, cloud-based updates and HRIS Software. The 2025 allocation of $316,500 will be funded through the TCS Lifecycle Reserve ($181,000) and the Infrastructure Reserve ($135,500). The Plan and associated allocations assist in keeping systems and infrastructure current, improving efficiency and network security, and minimizing disruption in service.  Council approved the report.

Next Regular Meeting: The next regular meeting of Council is February 25, 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.