Regular Council Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, September 02, 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

• September 2, 2025, 5:00 PM

5.

Declarations of Conflict of Interest

6.

Adoption of Published Agenda

6.1

Regular Council Meeting Agenda for September 2, 2025

• That the published agenda for the September 2, 2025 Regular Council Meeting be adopted as presented / amended.

7.

Adoption of Minutes

7.1

Regular Council Meeting Minutes for August 11, 2025

• That the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held August 11, 2025 be adopted as circulated.

8.

Public Presentations

9.

Unfinished Business

10.

Reports from Administration

10.1

Economic Development 2025-09

RE: Corporate-Wide Grant Funding Update

Recommended Action:

• That Economic Development Report 2025-09 entitled Corporate-Wide Grant Funding Update prepared by RaeAnn Schroeder, Analyst, Economic Development and Business Relations, dated September 2, 2025, be received.

10.2

Economic Development 2025-11

RE: Business Case – Analyst, Economic Development and Business Relations

Recommended Action:

• That Economic Development Report 2025-11 entitled Business Case – Analyst, Economic Development and Business Relations prepared by Nelson Silveira, Manager, Economic Development dated September 2, 2025 be received;

  That Council support the grant application to the Rural Ontario Development Program seeking funding to support the hiring of a full time Analyst, Economic Development and Business Relations position; and

  That Council approves the post budget operating expense in the amount of $110,000 for a contract extension to the Analyst, Economic Development and Business Relation position to be funded from the Town’s Salary Stabilization Reserve.

10.3

Fire and Rescue Services - 2025-08

RE: Grant Funding - Hydro One Energizing Life Community Fund

Recommended Action:

• That Fire and Rescue Services Report 2025-08 entitled Grant Funding – Hydro One Energizing Life Community Fund prepared by Jason Pillon, Fire Chief dated September 2, 2025, be received; and

  That Council approve the 2025 post budget approval expense for a new capital project entitled Hydro One Grant – Positive Pressure Ventilation Equipment in the amount of $25,000, to be fully funded from grant funding received from the Hydro One Energizing Life Community Fund.

10.4

Development Services-2025-06

RE: Climate Change Adaptation Plan 5-year Update Grant Application

Recommended Action:

• That Development Services Report 2025-06 entitled Climate Change Adaptation Plan 5-year Update Grant Application prepared by Lori Chadwick, Director, Development Services dated September 2, 2025 be received;

  That Council direct Administration to apply for the Climate Ready Plans and Processes Grant Program from the Federation of Canadian Municipality’s Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation Initiative; and

  That Council approve the post-budget capital expenditure in the amount of $100,000 for the 2026: Climate Change Adaption Plan Update to be contingent and funded with $70,000 from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities grant monies and $30,000 from the Town’s Green Fund Reserve.

10.5

Parks and Facilities-2025-07

RE: Essex Town Centre Park Design – Feedback Results

Recommended Action:

• That Parks and Facilities Report 2025-07 entitled Essex Town Centre Park Design – Feedback Results, prepared by Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services dated September 2, 2025, be received, and

  That Council approve the design plan to prepare cost estimates for presentment at the 2026 budget deliberations.

10.6

Legal and Legislative Services-2025-15

RE: Amendment to the Agreement to provide Consulting Services for a Nurse Practitioner

Recommended Action:

• That Legal and Legislative Services Report 2025-15 entitled Amendment to the Agreement to provide Consulting Services for a Nurse Practitioner prepared by Joe Malandruccolo, Director, Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk dated September 2, 2025 be received, and

  That By-Law 2479 being a by-law to authorize the execution of an Agreement to amend a Consulting Services Agreement between the Corporation of the Town of Essex and Doctor Jessica Laba-Kaczmarek be read a first, a second and a third time and finally passed on September 2, 2025.

10.6.1

By-Law 2479

11.

Reports from Youth Members

12.

County Council Update

• That the County of Essex, Regular Meeting minutes listed in Agenda Item 12, be received.

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

The Corporation of the Municipality of Tweed

RE: Collaborative Action on Sustainable Waste Management in Ontario

13.1.2

The Corporation of the Municipality of West Nipissing

RE: Moratorium on Aerial Spraying of Glyphosate in the Nipissing Forest

13.1.3

The Corporation of the Township of North Glengarry

RE: Request to Amend O. Reg. 391/21: Blue Box - Inclusion of Currently Ineligible Sources

13.1.4

The Town of Goderich

RE: Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry

13.1.5

West Lincoln

RE: Endorse the Development of a Code of Conduct for Human Trafficking Prevention in Niagara Region

13.1.6

West Lincoln

RE: Support of H.E.R. Elect Respect Campaign

13.2

Correspondence to be considered for receipt and support

13.2.1

Santa's Village Committee

RE: Resignation of Derek Knapp from the Santa's Village Committee

• That the resignation of Derek Knapp from Santa's Village Committee be received; and

  That Council direct Administration to write a letter of appreciation and thanks for his commitment to the Santa's Village Committee.

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 Accessibility Advisory Committee - May 2, 2025

14.2

Appeals Committee - May 6, 2025

14.3

Affordable Housing Task Force - May 27, 2025

14.4

Essex Municipal Heritage Committee - June 26, 2025

14.5

Essex Centre Business Improvement Area - July 9, 2025

14.6

Striking Committee - August 25, 2025

Recommendations to Council:

SC25-08-002
Moved By Kim Verbeek, Councillor Ward 2
Seconded By Rob Shepley, Deputy Mayor

That the Recommendation to Council is for Cameron J. Hatfield, Jordyn Mills and Jaime Woods to be appointed as members of the Santa's Village committee for the term ending November 15, 2026.

Carried

SC25-08-003
Moved By Rob Shepley, Deputy Mayor
Seconded By Kim Verbeek, Councillor Ward 2

That the Recommendation to Council is for Bernard Meloche, Lorrie Stephenson and Marnie Aldridge to be appointed as members of the Essex Municipal Heritage Committee for the term ending November 15, 2026.

Carried

15.

Financial

16.

New Business

17.

Notices of Motion

17.1

The following Notice of Motion was presented at the July 7, 2025 Regular Council Meeting and is being brought forth this evening for Council's consideration:

17.1.1

Councillor Verbeek

• 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 Notices of Motion were presented at the August 11, 2025 Regular Council Meeting and are being brought forth this evening for Council's consideration:

17.2.1

Councillor McGuire-Blais

• Moved by Councillor McGuire-Blais

  Whereas, a temporary accessway was constructed between Fairview Ave. W and Morton Ave. in Essex Centre to facilitate access for construction vehicles during the development of the subdivision located behind Holy Name Elementary School; and

  Whereas, in the future, a road will be built in the approximate location of the temporary accessway as a permanent main artery for the subdivision, improving access and connectivity for residents; and

  Whereas, the Town has recently blocked access to the temporary accessway, as it is no longer required for construction purposes; and

  Whereas, until the permanent road is built, the residents located in the subdivision are left without an efficient way to walk or bike to school; and

  Whereas, it is understood that the high school children residing in the subdivision are not provided with school bus service in their subdivision because it is assumed that they can walk to bus stops using the temporary accessway; and

  Whereas, the current closure of the accessway creates accessibility issues for the school children living in the area; and

  Whereas, the grassed areas on either side of the temporary accessway are not being adequately maintained, detracting from the overall condition, safety and appearance of the area.

  Now Therefore Be It Resolved That Council direct Administration to provide a report detailing the reasons for the temporary accessway closure, a timeline for the installation of the permanent road and potential solutions (with timelines and costs) for access and connectivity until the permanent road has been constructed, as well as how Administration plans to maintain the state and appearance of the temporary accessway until it is removed.

17.2.2

Mayor Bondy

• Moved by Mayor Bondy

  Whereas, social media is an effective way to quickly disseminate information;

  Whereas, social media is a low cost option for the municipality to share information if staff resources are available;

  Whereas, consistent media increases transparency and engages the community;

  Whereas, Council members and members of the public can then share the Special Council meetings posts reaching more individuals thereby increasing transparency;

  Now Therefore Be It Resolved That Council direct Administration to prepare a report to Council on the resources required and policy considerations to provide notices on the Town of Essex social media channels for all Special Council meetings.

17.2.3

Councillor Allard

• Moved by Councillor Allard

  Whereas, residents on Nottingham Drive have expressed concerns about growing safety concerns, especially with the increased traffic from events held in this area; and

  Whereas, Nottingham Drive is a short road with a blind curve, a stop sign halfway down, and lots of families with kids walking or biking; and

  Whereas, on busy weekends, cars are often parked on both sides of the road, making it even harder to see or navigate safely.

  Now Therefore Be It Resolved That Council direct Administration to hire a traffic engineering consultant to conduct a traffic and safety review of Nottingham Drive and report back with recommendations for traffic-calming or safety improvements that they deem appropriate, which is to be add to the draft 2026 budget for Council's consideration;

  And further that the Town is to request that the OPP increase their monitoring and enforcement of traffic laws in the area, particularly during peak weekends and special events.

17.3

The following Notice of Motion is for presentment only and will be brought forward for Council's consideration at the September 15, 2025 Regular Council Meeting:

17.3.1

Councillor Allard

• Moved by Councillor Allard

  Whereas Council and Employees of the Town of Essex have experienced harassment and other reprehensible conduct by members of the public and other third parties.

  Now Therefore Be It Resolved That the Town of Essex Council direct Administration to develop a policy to regulate and provide guidelines for addressing the conduct of members of the public and other third parties when dealing with Council and Employees of the Corporation of the Town of Essex.

17.3.2

Councillor McGuire-Blais

• Moved by Councillor McGuire-Blais

  Whereas the Town will be installing a sidewalk on Irwin Avenue between Fairview Avenue East and County Road 23;

  And Whereas there is currently no designated pedestrian crossing along County Road 23 connecting Irwin Avenue;

  And Whereas the nearest controlled intersections at Talbot Street and County Road 23, and at Fairview Avenue East and County Road 23, lack continuous sidewalks along the east side of County Road 23 to connect to Irwin Avenue;

  And Whereas the absence of a crossing at this location poses a potential safety risk for pedestrians, including students, residents, and visitors;

  Now Therefore Be It Resolved That Council direct Administration to work with the County of Essex to complete an assessment for the installation of a pedestrian crosswalk at Irwin Avenue across County Road 23 and include the installation cost in the 2026 Capital Budget for Council's consideration, as this would be the most cost-effective and efficient way to ensure pedestrian safety and connectivity in this area.

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 2470

RE: Being a by-law to confirm the August 11, 2025, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex

• That By-Law 2470 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the August 11, 2025, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex be read a third time and finally passed on September 2, 2025.

19.1.2

By-Law 2468

RE: Being a by-law to license and regulate Short Term Rental Units in the Town of Essex

• That By-Law 2468 being a by-law to license and regulate Short Term Rental Units in the Town of Essex be read a third time and finally passed on September 2, 2025.

19.2

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

19.3

By-Laws that require a first and second reading

19.3.1

By-Law 2478

RE: Being a by-law for the declaration and disposition of surplus lands (36 Queen Street and a Portion of 25 Queen Street) by the Corporation of the Town of Essex

• That By-Law 2478 being a by-law for the declaration and disposition of surplus lands (36 Queen Street and a Portion of 25 Queen Street) by the Corporation of the Town of Essex be read a first, and a second time and provisionally adopted on September 2, 2025

19.3.2

By-Law 2477

RE: Being a by-law to confirm the September 2, 2025, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex

• That By-Law 2477 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the September 2, 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 September 2, 2025.

20.

Adjournment

• That the meeting be adjourned at [TIME].

21.

Future Meetings

21.1

Monday, September 15, 2025 6:00 - 9:00 PM, Regular Council Meeting

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

21.2

Monday, September 22, 2025, 4:00 - 6:00 PM, Special Council Meeting

RE: Committee of the Whole

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