Regular Council Meeting Agenda

Monday, July 21, 2025 at 6:00 P.m. - 9:00 P.m.

Location: Essex Municipal Building, 33 Talbot Street South

​Accessible formats or communication supports are available upon request. Please contact the Clerk’s Office at [email protected] or 519-776-7336 extension 1100 or 1101.

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1.

Call to Order

2.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that this land is the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations (comprised of the Ojibway, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi Peoples), and of the Huron-Wendat Peoples. We value the significant historical and contemporary contributions of local and regional First Nations and all of the Original Peoples of Turtle Island who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial.

3.

National Anthem

4.

Closed Meeting Report

5.

Declarations of Conflict of Interest

6.

Adoption of Published Agenda

6.1

Regular Council Meeting Agenda for July 21, 2025

• That the published agenda for the July 21, 2025 Regular Council Meeting be adopted as presented / amended.

7.

Adoption of Minutes

7.1

Regular Council Meeting Minutes for July 7, 2025

• That the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held July 7, 2025 be adopted as circulated.

8.

Public Presentations

8.1

Cynthia Swift, Lead Audit Engagement Partner from KPMG LLP

RE: 2024 Audited Financial Statements and Audit Findings Report for the Town of Essex

Recommended Action:

• That the presentation of the 2024 Audited Financial Statements and Audit Findings Report for the Town of Essex by Cynthia Swift, Lead Audit Engagement Partner, KPMG LLP, be received; and

  That the 2024 Audited Financial Statements and Audit Findings Report for the Town of Essex, be adopted as presented.

8.2

Laurie Brett on behalf of the Harrow Early Immigrant Research Society

RE: Historical By-Laws and Minutes Scanning Project

• That the delegation by Laurie Brett on behalf of the Harrow Early Immigrant Research Society regarding the historical by-laws and minute scanning project be received.

8.3

Denny Richard, AIM Harrow Wind Chief Executive Officer, Engie Canada Services LP

RE: AIM Harrow Wind Farm LP Turbine Cleaning Process Update

• That the presentation by Denny Richard, AIM Harrow Wind Chief Executive Officer, Engie Canada Services regarding AIM Harrow Wind Farm LP Turbine Cleaning Process be received.

8.4

Kathryn Hengl and Rob Dimenna on behalf of Lake Crest Beach Home Owners

RE: Pickleball Court

• That the delegation by Kathryn Hengl and Rob Dimenna on behalf of Lake Crest Beach Home Owners regarding the Pickleball Court be received.

8.4.1

Correspondence

RE: Pickleball Court on Lake Crest Beach

9.

Unfinished Business

10.

Reports from Administration

10.1

Building and By-Law Enforcement-2025-02

RE: Bi-Annual By-Law Report – January to end of June 2025

Recommended Action:

• That Building and By-Law Enforcement Report-2025-02 entitled Bi-Annual By-Law Report – January to end of June 2025 prepared by Mike Diemer, By-Law/Property Standards Officer dated July 21, 2025 be received.

10.2

Planning-2025-15

RE: Subdivision Development Agreement for the Colchester Heights Residential Subdivision (Ward 3)

Recommended Action:

• That Planning Report-2025-15 entitled Subdivision Development Agreement for the Colchester Heights Residential Subdivision (Ward 3) prepared by Rita Jabbour, RPP, Manager, Planning Services dated July 21, 2025 be received; and

  That By-Law Number 2462, being a By-Law to enter into a Subdivision Development Agreement between Colchester Bay Inc. and the Corporation of the Town of Essex, be read a first, a second, and a third time and finally passed on July 21, 2025.

10.2.1

By-Law 2462

10.3

Legal and Legislative Services-2025-11

RE: Retention and Disposition of Records

Recommended Action:

• That Legal and Legislative Services Report-2025-11 entitled Retention and Disposition of Records prepared by Shelley Brown, Deputy Clerk dated July 21, 2025 be received;

  That By-Law 2463 being a by-law to establish a schedule of retention and disposition of all records maintained by the Town of Essex be read a first and a second time and provisionally passed on July 21, 2025; and

  That Council delegate authority to the Clerk to establish and amend the Records Retention Schedule (Schedule A of By-Law 2463) for the records of the Corporation of the Town of Essex.

10.3.1

By-Law 2463

10.4

Drainage-2025-07

RE: Appointment of an Engineer under Section 4 for a new petition drain

Recommended Action:

• That Drainage Report-2025-07 entitled Appointment of an Engineer under Section 4 for a new petition drain prepared by Lindsay Dean, Drainage Superintendent dated July 7, 2025 be received; and

  That Spriet Associates London Limited be appointed to prepare a report under the Drainage Act through Section 4 to establish new drainage works.

10.5

Economic Development-2025-10

RE: Building Report and Development Overview – Q2 2025

Recommended Action:

• That Economic Development Report-2025-10 entitled Building Report and Development Overview – Q2 2025 prepared by Nelson Silveira, Manager, Economic Development dated July 21, 2025, be received for information.

10.6

Capital Works and Asset Management-2025-18

RE: Engineering Services for the South Talbot Road and Maidstone Avenue Reconstruction

Recommended Action:

• That Capital Works and Asset Management Report-2025-18 entitled Engineering Services for the South Talbot Road and Maidstone Avenue Reconstruction by David McBeth, Manager, Capital Works and Asset Management dated July 21, 2025 be received; and

  That Council award the Engineering Services for the South Talbot Road and Maidstone Avenue Reconstruction (RFP-ID-25-013) to RC Spencer Associates Inc., in the amount of $138,078.15, including non-refundable Harmonized Sales Tax.

10.7

Community Services-2025-23

RE: Special Event Notice – Open-Air at Daisy and Co - Live and Uncorked with Jody Raffoul

Recommended Action:

• That Community Services Report-2025-23 entitled Special Event Notice – Open-Air at Daisy and Co - Live and Uncorked with Jody Raffoul, prepared by Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services, dated July 21, 2025, be received;

  That Council approve a temporary noise exemption under Noise By-Law #2038 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Friday, August 22, 2025, on King Street between Queen Street and Victoria Street in the Town of Harrow to accommodate the entertainment for their Open-Air – Life and Uncorked;

  That Council approve closing King Street between Queen Street and Victoria Street in the Town of Harrow on Friday, August 22, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM for the Open-Air event; and

  That Council approve the Open-Air at Daisy & Co. – Live and Uncorked with Jody Raffoul for Significant Event Status for the purposes of applying for their Special Occasion Permit (SOP) for their event on August 22, 2025.

11.

Reports from Youth Members

12.

County Council Update

13.

Correspondence

13.1

Correspondence to be received

• That all of the correspondence listed in Agenda Item 13.1 be received and, where indicated, to further share such information with the community using suitable methods of communication.

13.1.1

Strong Mayor Powers

13.1.1.1

Municipality of West Nipissing

13.1.1.2

Municipality of Tent Hills

13.2

Correspondence to be considered for receipt and support

13.2.1

Coaches Association of Ontario

RE: National Coaches Week - September 15 to September 21, 2025

• That the correspondence from Coaches Association of Ontario asking Council to consider proclaiming the week of September 15 to September 21, 2025, as National Coaches Week in the Town of Essex be received or received and supported; and if supported

  That Council proclaim the week of September 15 to September 21, 2025 as National Coaches Week in the Town of Essex by adopting the following resolution:

  Whereas, the Town of Essex recognizes the tremendous positive impact coaches have on athletes and communities;

  Whereas, the purpose of National Coaches Week is to provide the 300,000 coaches who call Essex and Ontario home with the resources, representation, and recognition they deserve for the time they devote to ensuring Canadians live an active and healthy lifestyle; and 

  Whereas, we celebrate the many amazing coaches who live and volunteer in our communities for their selfless commitment to their athletes and participants by saying #ThanksCoach.

  Therefore, I, Sherry Bondy, Mayor of the Town of Essex, do hereby proclaim the week of September 15 to September 21, 2025, as National Coaches Week in the Town of Essex.

13.2.2

Town of Essex

RE: National Drowning Prevention Week - July 20 to July 26, 2025

• That the correspondence from the Town of Essex asking Council to consider proclaiming the week of July 20 to July 26, 2025, as National Drowning Prevention Week in the Town of Essex be received or received and supported; and if supported

  That Council proclaim the week of July 20 to July 26, 2025, as National Drowning Prevention Week in the Town of Essex by adopting the following resolution:

  Whereas, the mission of Lifesaving Society Canada is to prevent drowning throughout this great country, and even one drowning in Ontario is one too many;

  Whereas, most drownings are preventable in a Water Smart® community, and only through Water Smart ® education and a healthy respect for the potential danger that any body of water may present can we genuinely enjoy the beauty and recreation opportunities offered by these bodies of water;

  Whereas, the Lifesaving Society urges Canadians and residents of the Town of Essex to actively supervise children who are in, on, and around the water, to refrain from using substances like alcohol or drugs while participating in aquatic activities, and to always wear a lifejacket when boating;

  Whereas, the United Nations General Assembly passed the UN Resolution on Drowning Prevention (A/75/L.76) and named July 25th of each year as World Drowning Prevention Day; and

  Whereas, Lifesaving Society Canada has declared July 20 to 26, 2025 National Drowning Prevention Week to focus on the drowning problem and the hundreds of lives that could be saved this year.

  Therefore, Be It Resolved That, I, Sherry Bondy, do hereby proclaim July 20 to 25, 2025 National Drowning Prevention Week in Essex, Ontario.

13.2.3

Amherstburg Freedom Museum

RE: Emancipation Day - August 1, 2025

• That the correspondence from Amherstburg Freedom Museum asking Council to consider proclaiming August 1, 2025, as Emancipation Day in the Town of Essex be received or received and supported; and if supported

  That Council proclaim August 1, 2025 as Emancipation Day in the Town of Essex by adopting the following resolution:

  Whereas, August 1, 1834 was the date that slavery was abolished throughout the British Colonies by King William IV pursuant to the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833; and

  Whereas, within fifteen years of the abolition of slavery, between 35,000 and 40,000 Black settlers made their way to Ontario in large part by the Underground Railroad into Southwestern Ontario.

  Therefore, Be It Resolved That, as a demonstration of our respect for human liberty and freedom and in recognition of the richness of the culture and history brought to Ontario by African Canadians, do hereby proclaim August 1, 2025 as Emancipation Day in the Town of Essex.

14.

Committee Meeting Minutes

• That the Committee Meeting minutes listed in Agenda Item 14, together with any recommendations to Council noted therein, be received, approved and adopted as circulated.

14.1

Essex Centre Business Improvement Area (BIA) - May 21, 2025

14.2

Arts, Culture and Tourism - June 11, 2025

14.3

Co-An Park - June 11, 2025

14.4

Essex Festival Committee - June 12, 2025

14.5

Court of Revision - June 18, 2025

RE: Shepley Drain

14.6

Court of Revision - June 19, 2025

RE: Snyder Branch Drain and Rush Drain Relocation Amendments

15.

Financial

16.

New Business

17.

Notices of Motion

17.1

The following Notices of Motion were presented at the July 7, 2025 Regular Council Meeting and are being brought forward this evening for Council's consideration:

17.1.1

Mayor Bondy

• Moved by Mayor Bondy

  That Council direct Administration to review the Town’s property standards By-Law and return with a report proposing any changes that Administration determines is required to improve the By-Law’s relevancy, effectiveness, and alignment with the community’s needs, and that such review incorporates public consultation and education.

17.1.2

Councillor Verbeek

As per the request of Councillor Verbeek, this Notice of Motion was deferred until the Regular Council Meeting of August 11, 2025

• Moved by Councillor Verbeek

  That Council direct Town of Essex Administration to seek information from the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) regarding accidents at the corner of County Road 11 and Concession Road 11 and provide Council with a verbal report on Administration’s findings.

17.2

The following Notice of Motion is for presentment only and will be brought forward for Council's consideration at the August 11, 2025 Regular Council Meeting:

17.2.1

Councillor Matyi

Moved By: Councillor Matyi

That Administration be directed to prepare a report outlining the current process and policy for upgrading municipally owned but unassumed roads, with a focus on roads located in the Colchester area. The report should include:

• A list of roads currently under this classification;
• Clarification on options available to residents under the Municipal Act's Local Improvement provisions, including petition requirements and cost-sharing expectations;
• An option for one municipally owned but unassumed road to be brought forward annually for consideration during the Town’s budget deliberations; and
• Criteria to prioritize upgrades for roads located in partially developed subdivisions — including, but not limited to, those in the Colchester area — where future growth is expected or encouraged in the Town’s Official Plan.

18.

Reports and Announcements from Council Members

19.

By-Laws

19.1

By-Laws that require a third and final reading

19.1.1

By-Law 2460

RE: Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the July 7, 2025, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex

• That By-Law 2460 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the July 7, 2025, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex be read a third time and finally passed on July 21, 2025.

19.1.2

By-Law 2439

RE: Being a By-Law to Delegate the Duties and Powers of the Council of the Town of Essex

• That By-Law 2439 being a By-Law to Delegate the Duties and Powers of the Council of the Town of Essex be read a third time and finally passed on July 21, 2025.

19.1.3

By-Law 2447

RE: Being a by-law to provide for the Shepley Drain Bank Repairs and Improvements in the Town of Essex

• That By-Law 2447 being a by-law to provide for the Shepley Drain Bank Repairs and Improvements in the Town of Essex be read a third time and finally passed on July 21, 2025

19.1.4

By-Law 2448

RE: Being a by-law to provide for the Snyder Branch Drain: Replacement Bridge for MN 10901 10th Concession Road in the Town of Essex

• That By-Law 2448 being a by-law to provide for the Snyder Branch Drain: Replacement Bridge for MN 10901 10th Concession Road in the Town of Essex be read a third time and finally passed on July 21, 2025.

19.1.5

By-Law 2457

RE: Being a by-law to amend By-Law 1037, the Comprehensive Zoning By-Law for the Town of Essex, to amend the zoning designation for the lands municipally known as 265 Maidstone Avenue East from Development Reserve District 1.1 (DR1.1) to Residential District 1.1 (R1.1) and to request relief from Subsection 14.1 b) x. and Subsection 10.3 e) v. of the Zoning By-Law

• That By-Law 2457, being a by-law to amend By-Law 1037, the Comprehensive Zoning By-Law for the Town of Essex, to amend the zoning designation for the lands municipally known as 265 Maidstone Avenue East from Development Reserve District 1.1 (DR1.1) to Residential District 1.1 (R1.1) and to request relief from Subsection 14.1 b) x. and Subsection 10.3 e) v. of the Zoning By-Law be read a third time and finally passed on July 21, 2025.

19.2

By-Laws that require a first, second, third and final reading

19.2.1

By-Law 2466

RE: Being a by-law to authorize the execution of a lease agreement between The Corporation of the Town of Essex and Joe Cammalleri operating as 1st Defense Martial Arts for the operation of a martial arts service and storage space in the lower level at the Essex Recreation Complex located at 242 Talbot Street North, Essex

• That By-Law 2466 being a by-law to authorize the execution of a lease agreement between The Corporation of the Town of Essex and Joe Cammalleri operating as 1st Defense Martial Arts for the operation of a martial arts service and storage space in the lower level at the Essex Recreation Complex located at 242 Talbot Street North, Essex be read a first, a second, and third time and finally passed on July 21, 2025.

19.3

By-Laws that require a first and second reading

19.3.1

By-Law 2465

RE: Being a by-law to amend By-Law 2322 to designate Community Safety Zones within The Corporation of the Town of Essex

• That By-Law 2465 being a by-law to amend By-Law 2322 to designate Community Safety Zones within The Corporation of the Town of Essex be read a first time and a second time and provisionally adopted on July 21, 2025.

19.3.2

By-Law 2467

RE: Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the July 21, 2025, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex

• That By-Law 2467 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the July 21, 2025, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex be read a first and a second time and provisionally adopted on July 21, 2025.

20.

Adjournment

• That the meeting be adjourned at [TIME].

21.

Future Meetings

21.1

Monday, August 11, 2025, 6:00 - 9:00 PM, Regular Council Meeting

Location: 33 Talbot Street South, Essex, ON N8M 1A8
Livestream available at https://www.youtube.come/EssexOntario