Tecumseh Council Connect - April 8, 2025

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Council Connect: Highlights from April 8, 2025, meetings of Council

Regular Meeting of Council

Municipal Restructuring of Monroe Island – Proposal and Ministry Application: The Town of Tecumseh has proposed a municipal restructuring to formally incorporate Monroe Island, currently within the Municipality of Lakeshore, into its jurisdiction. Although physically located in Lakeshore, Monroe Island is more efficiently serviced by Tecumseh due to direct access via 440 Brighton Road. A servicing agreement has been in place since 2021, but the proposed restructuring would officially transfer the property for taxation and governance purposes. The plan includes transferring municipal records, updating emergency services mapping, and applying to the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) for a new assessment roll. Both Tecumseh and Lakeshore councils are considering the restructuring agreement concurrently, with County of Essex approval and a Minister’s Order from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing required to finalize the transition. Council authorized submitting the application.

Appointments to the Awards Review Committee: Council received the report to consider submitted applications and to provide direction on appointments to the Awards Review Committee. The Committee plays a key role in reviewing nominations and recommending recipients for the Town’s four community awards: the Dr. Henri Breault Community Excellence Award, the Donald “Donny” Massender Memorial Volunteer Award, the Senior of the Year Award, and the Youth of the Year Award. These awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and contributions to the Town’s civic, cultural, and social life. Following policy revisions in 2024, an ad-hoc committee of five members was established to support the adjudication process. A public call for applications was conducted from February 28 to April 4, 2025, resulting in six applications—representing all of Tecumseh’s wards. The list of applicants has been shared with Council for consideration. Council chose to appoint all applicants and they will be formally appointed through by-law at the next Regular Council meeting. Nominations for the awards are now open and citizens are encouraged to nominate potential candidates.

Expanding Housing Choices and Improving Affordability Housing Accelerator Fund: Completion Date Extension for Initiative 1 Regarding Four Units As-of-Right: The Town of Tecumseh has requested an extension to July 25, 2025, for completion of the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Initiative 1 under its agreement with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). This initiative seeks to permit up to four residential units on low-density lots, building upon the provincial legislation that currently allows for three. In addition to the main unit, this would permit up to three Additional Residential Units, subject to satisfying requirements of the Building Code, the Fire Code and the Zoning By-law. It does not permit purpose built four-plexes. The initiative is part of Tecumseh’s broader Housing Action Plan aimed at expanding housing choices and improving affordability. Following public consultation and Council feedback, CMHC identified that the Town’s initial approach did not align with their required process, prompting a need for additional consultation, providing a greater range of options, and a formal selection by Council. In addition to clarifying the process, CMHC newly advised of acceptable limitations for the options, where permitting up to four units is not appropriate. These limitations include: rural areas without municipal sanitary sewers and water, flood prone areas, and historic buildings and districts. Financially, this initiative is key to securing the remaining $3.2 million of the $4.38 million HAF funding, which supports both policy changes and infrastructure development. Council supported the recommendation to move forward with the revised planning and public consultation process.

Motion: Housing Accelerator Fund- Initiative 1: The notice of motion served at the March 25^th meeting of Council was debated and determined this evening. The motion called for Council to NOT support Housing Accelerator Fund Initiative No. 1 that contains any provisions to allow 4 units as-a-right in established low density residential neighbourhoods. The motion was defeated on a recorded vote.

Tecumseh Water Distribution System Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 Inspection Report: The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) completed its inspection of the Town of Tecumseh’s Water Distribution System for the period of January 1 to December 31, 2024, with an onsite visit conducted on February 26, 2025. The resulting inspection report, dated March 25, 2025, confirms full compliance with Ontario’s stringent drinking water regulations, which are based on Health Canada guidelines. The inspection assessed the Town’s adherence to legislative requirements and best practices for microbiological, chemical, and radiological standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002. Tecumseh’s system achieved an exceptional Inspection Summary Rating Record of 100%, with zero non-compliance issues and a risk rating of 0.00%. One management best practice recommendation was made: to install a #4 mesh noncorrodible screen on the water tower overflow, in accordance with The Ten States Standards. The report commends Water Services staff for their commitment to maintaining high standards in protecting the Town’s drinking water system.  Council received the MECP inspection report for information.

Lesperance Road and Little River Boulevard Multi-Use Trails Tender Award: The Town of Tecumseh’s Public Works & Engineering Services Department has recommended awarding the tender for the Lesperance Road and Little River Boulevard Multi-Use Trails project to Piera Con Enterprises Inc. at a value of $5,691,143.23 (excluding HST). This project includes the construction of approximately 3.3 kilometers of 3.0-meter-wide multi-use pathways, along with accessible intersections, enhanced street lighting, improved crossings, landscaping, and connectivity with existing infrastructure. Originally budgeted at $5,050,000, the total project cost has increased to $6,521,900 due to expanded scope and market conditions. Funding adjustments include reducing the Road Lifecycle Reserve contribution and increasing the Infrastructure Reserve contribution. Financial support includes up to $2,616,000 from the federal Active Transportation Fund and $240,000 from the provincial Rural Economic Development program. Construction is expected to be completed by November 2025.

Next Regular Meeting: The next regular meeting of Council is April 22, 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.