The Corporation of the Town of Essex

Regular Council Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 6:00 P.m. - 9:00 P.m.

Location: Essex Municipal Building, 33 Talbot Street South

Present:

• Mayor Sherry Bondy
• Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley
• Ward 1 Councillor Joe Garon
• Ward 1 Councillor Katie McGuire-Blais
• Ward 2 Councillor Kim Verbeek
• Ward 3 Councillor Brad Allard
• Ward 3 Councillor Jason Matyi
• Ward 4 Councillor Rodney Hammond

Also Present:

• Kate Giurissevich, Chief Administrative Officer
• Joseph Malandruccolo, Director, Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk
• Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services
• Kate Rowe, Director, Corporate Services
• Lori Chadwick, Director, Development Services
• Kevin Girard, Director, Infrastructure Services
• Lauryn Smith, Youth Council Member
• Lyndsay Phoenix, Legislative Clerk
• Rita Jabbour, Manager, Planning Services
• Norm Nussio, Manager, Operations and Drainage
• Rob Mackie, Manager, Environmental Services

​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

Mayor Bondy called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM

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

Joseph Maladruccolo, Director, Legal & Legislative Services/Clerk reported that on February 17, 2026 at 4:00 PM Council moved into Closed Session as permitted to do so pursuant to Section 239 (2) (b), (d), (e), and (f) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25, as amended to discuss a potential amendment to a Town contract and matters related to an administrative tribunal proceeding.

5.

Declarations of Conflict of Interest

There were no declarations of conflict of interest noted at this time.

6.

Adoption of Published Agenda

6.1

Regular Council Meeting Agenda for February 17, 2026

• R26-02-50
  Moved By Councillor Allard
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That the published agenda for the February 17, 2026 Regular Council Meeting be adopted as amended to remove Item 14.1.

  Carried

7.

Adoption of Minutes

7.1

Regular Council Meeting Minutes for February 2, 2026

• R26-02-051
  Moved By Councillor Matyi
  Seconded By Councillor Garon

  That the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held February 2, 2026 be adopted as circulated.

  Carried

8.

Public Presentations

8.1

Garry Rossi, ENWIN Utilities Ltd. (10 minutes)

Garry Rossi, President and CEO, ENWIN Utilities Ltd. attended with Jim Brown Chief Operating Officer-Hydro, Rob Spagnuolo, Chief Operating Officer- Water Division, Michelle Bonnici, Chief People Officer, Matt Carlini, Chief Financial Officer, Paul Gleason, Chief Risk Officer, and Kris Taylor, Chief Business Development Officer.  Mr. Rossi presented on ENWIN's mission and vision, service area and their commitment to Essex. He discussed Enwin's short-term plan of stability for customers and employees, enhanced customer communications, planned integrated transition, 24/7 control room operations and monitoring and evidence-based capital planning as well as their long-term plan to strengthen grid reliability, prioritize preventative maintenance, enhance outage monitoring and support growth.

• R26-02-052
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That the delegation by Garry Rossi on behalf of ENWIN Utilities Ltd. be received and that the presentation by ENWIN Utilities Ltd. be posted the Town's website.

  Carried

8.2

Rita Jabbour, Manager, Planning Services on behalf of the Essex Municipal Heritage Committee

At 6:17 PM Mayor Bondy passed to gavel to Deputy Mayor Shepley. Gavel was returned at 6:25 PM

Rita Jabbour, Manager, Planning Services on behalf of the Essex Municipal Heritage Committee presented the 2026 Youth and Community Heritage Preservation Award Winners:

• Cylias Chevalier (Youth Award) for his dedication to the Essex County Steam and Gas Engine Museum
• The Essex County Black Historical Research Society for their dedication to the preservation and promotion of the African-Canadian History of the Windsor-Essex County Area
• The Late Edith Woodbridge for her dedication to the promotion, preservation, and education of our local history

• R26-02-053
  Moved By Councillor Verbeek
  Seconded By Councillor McGuire-Blais

  That the presentation made by Rita Jabbour, Manager, Planning Services on behalf of the Essex Municipal Heritage Committee be received; and

  That Council extends their congratulations to Cylias Chevalier, The Essex County Black Historical Research Society, and the Late Edith Woodbridge, 2026 Youth and Community Preservation Award recipients.

  Carried

9.

Unfinished Business

10.

Reports from Administration

10.1

Environmental Services-2026-01

RE: Lakeshore Fringe Area Sanitary Study Report

Rob Mackie, Manager, Environmental Services, presented a feasibility study to service the Essex Fringe area of the Municipality of Lakeshore with wastewater servicing.

• R26-02-054
  Moved By Councillor McGuire-Blais
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Shepley

  That Environmental Services Report 2026-01 entitled Lakeshore Fringe Area Sanitary Study Report prepared by Rob Mackie, Manager, Environmental Services dated March 3, 2026 be received.

  Carried

10.2

Operations-2026-01

RE: Christmas Streetlight Decorations in Downtown Cores

Norman Nussio, Manager, Operations & Drainage, Infrastructure Services presented on the current state of the Essex Centre and Harrow Christmas lights. Katie Dennis, owner of Shine Mobile Bar Co., proposed a fundraising initiative specifically dedication to replacing and enhancing the holiday decorations in the Harrow Centre.

• R26-02-055
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That Ms. Katie Dennis be allowed to approach council to speak with regard to the Christmas Streetlight Decorations in Downtown Cores.

  Carried
• R26-02-056
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Verbeek

  That Operations Report 2026-01 entitled Christmas Streetlight Decorations in Downtown Cores prepared by Norm Nussio Manager of Operations & Drainage dated February 17, 2026 be received; 

  That the delegation by Katie Dennis be received; and

  That Council direct administration to remove the old-style Christmas decorations from Essex Centre until the replacement of streetlight infrastructure is completed in future phases of the Essex Centre Streetscape.

  Carried

10.3

Drainage-2026-04

RE: Appointment of an Engineer under Section 78 of the Drainage Act for the North Rear Road Drain

• R26-02-057
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor McGuire-Blais

  That Drainage Report 2026-04 entitled Appointment of an Engineer under Section 78 of the Drainage Act for the North Rear Road Drain prepared by Lindsay Dean, Drainage Superintendent dated February 17, 2026 be received; and

  That Council appoint Dillon Consulting Limited under Section 78 of the Drainage Act to install a crossing in the North Rear Road Drain.

  Carried

10.4

Office of the CAO-2026-02

RE: 2026 ROMA Delegation Summary

Kate Giurissevich, Chief Administration Officer, provided Council with an update and summary on the advocacy efforts undertaken by Town representatives at the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) held in Toronto, Ontario from January 19th to January 21st, 2026.

• R26-02-058
  Moved By Councillor McGuire-Blais
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That Office of the CAO Report 2026-02 entitled 2026 ROMA Delegation Summary prepared by Kate Giurissevich, CPA, CA, Chief Administrative Officer dated February 17, 2025 be received.

  Carried

10.5

Community Services-2026-01

RE: Green Leaf Park Design

Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services provided Council with an update on the design process for the Green Leaf Park and the initiation of a public consultation period for public comments.

• R26-02-059
  Moved By Councillor Matyi
  Seconded By Councillor McGuire-Blais

  That Community Services Report 2026-01 entitled Green Leaf Park Design prepared by Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services dated February 16, 2026 be received.

  Carried

11.

Reports from Youth Members

Lauryn Smith advised that the EDHS competed in the SWOSSAA championship in Windsor. She also advised there were many playoff games this week including the girls hockey team, and senior boys basketball.

12.

County Council Update

Deputy Mayor Shepley advised that County Council has approved the establishment of Development Charges for the County of Essex which will apply to new residential construction starting January 1, 2028. Charges will phase in at 25% annually, reaching full rates in 2031.  County Council supported a motion directing staff to request detailed written information from the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority on the Green Bin Program. County Council also approved additional funding of $457,500 for the County’s IT department to replace the virtualized computing environment.  These funds will come from the County’s Rate Stabilization Reserve. Mayor Sherry Bondy brought forward a Notice of Motion requesting that boards and committees on which County Councillors serve, including the Essex County Library Board and the Essex Windsor Solid Waste Authority, consider recording their meetings and posting them online.

• R26-02-060
  Moved By Councillor Hammond
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That the County Council update by Deputy Mayor Shepley, be received.

  Carried

13.

Correspondence

13.1

Correspondence to be received

• R26-02-061
  Moved By Councillor McGuire-Blais
  Seconded By Councillor Garon

  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.

  Carried

13.1.1

City of Peterborough

RE: Sustainable Funding for Police Services Request

13.1.2

The Corporation of the County of Prince Edward

RE: Bill 21, Protect Our Food Act, 2025

13.1.3

Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority

RE: Green Bin Program Promotion and Education

13.2

Correspondence to be considered for receipt and support

13.2.1

Municipality of Markstay Warren

RE: Concerns Regarding the Closure of the LifeLabs Laboratory in Greater Sudbury

• R26-02-062
  Moved By Councillor Verbeek
  Seconded By Councillor Matyi

  That the correspondence from the Municipality of Markstay Warren regarding concerns regarding the closure of the LifeLabs laboratory in Greater Sudbury, be received and supported; and

  That a letter from the Town of Essex be sent to Anthony Leardi, MPP, The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, The Honourable Sylvia Jones, Minister of Health, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Northern Ontario Municipal Association, and Lifelabs Ontario.

  Carried

13.2.2

Windsor Essex Child/Youth Advocacy Centre (WECYAC)

RE: Victims and Survivors of Crime Week May 10 to 16, 2026

• R26-02-063
  Moved By Councillor McGuire-Blais
  Seconded By Councillor Allard

  That the correspondence from Windsor Essex Child/Youth Advocacy Centre (WECYAC) asking Council to consider proclaiming Victims and Survivors of Crime Week in the Town of Essex be received and supported; and

  That Council proclaim May 10 to 16, 2026 as Victims and Survivors of Crime Week in the Town of Essex by adopting the following resolution:

  Whereas, crime affects not only the immediate victims, witnesses, and survivors, but also deeply impacts their families and the broader community;

  Whereas, child and youth victims, witnesses, and survivors of crime and their families deserve empathy, meaningful support, and dedicated resources to assist in their recovery journey;

  Whereas, the Windsor Essex Child/Youth Advocacy Centre (WECYAC) provides essential services including navigation, referrals, ongoing support, monitoring, advocacy, and specialized intervention for children, youth, and families impacted by crime or violence, promoting justice and healing; and

  Whereas, Victims and Survivors of Crime Week offers an opportunity to recognize WECYAC's essential contributions, increase community awareness, and emphasize the importance of supporting victims, witnesses, and survivors.

  Therefore, I, Sherry Bondy, Mayor of the Town of Essex, on behalf of the Town Council and community at large do hereby proclaim May 10 to 16, 2026 as Victims and Survivors of Crime Week in the Town of Essex.

  Carried

14.

Committee Meeting Minutes

• R26-02-064
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor McGuire-Blais

  That the Committee Meeting minutes listed in Agenda Items 14.2, 14.3 and 14.4, together with any recommendations to Council noted therein, be received, approved, and adopted as circulated.

  Carried

14.1

Finance Committee – November 17, 2025

14.2

Committee of Adjustment - November 18, 2025

14.3

Essex Festival Committee - June 26, 2025

14.4

Arts, Culture and Tourism - December 10, 2025

15.

Financial

16.

New Business

17.

Notices of Motion

18.

Reports and Announcements from Council Members

Councillor Matyi announced that Maple Fest will be held at John R. Homestead in March.  Councillor Hammond recognized the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson.

19.

By-Laws

19.1

By-Laws that require a third and final reading

19.1.1

By-Law 2507

RE: Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the February 2, 2026, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex

• R26-02-065
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor McGuire-Blais

  That By-Law 2507 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the February 2, 2026, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex be read a third time and finally passed on February 17, 2026.

  Carried

19.2

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

19.2.1

By-Law 2511

RE: Being a by-law to authorize the execution of a lease agreement between the Town of Essex and Quinlan Inc. for leasing vacant land for the purposes of farming

• R26-02-066
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Councillor Garon

  That By-Law 2511 being a by-law to authorize the execution of a lease agreement between the Town of Essex and Quinlan Inc. for leasing vacant land for the purpose of farming be read a first time, a second time and a third time and finally passed on February 17, 2026.

  Carried

19.2.2

By-Law 2509

RE: Being a by-law to authorize the execution of a Lease Agreement Extension between the Corporation of the Town of Essex and Suncor Energy Products Partnership for the Operation of recreational activity located at 64 King Street West, Harrow, Ontario.

• R26-02-067
  Moved By Councillor Verbeek
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Shepley

  That By-Law 2509 being a by-law to authorize the execution of a Lease Agreement Extension between the Corporation of the Town of Essex and Suncor Energy Products Partnership for the Operation of recreational activity located at 64 King Street West, Harrow, Ontario be read a first time, a second time and a third time and finally passed on February 17, 2026.

  Carried

19.3

By-Laws that require a first and second reading

19.3.1

By-Law 2508

RE: Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the February 17, 2026, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex

• R26-02-068
  Moved By Councillor McGuire-Blais
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Shepley

  That By-Law 2508 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the February 17, 2026, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex be read a first time and a second time and provisionally adopted on February 17, 2026.

  Carried

20.

Adjournment

• R26-02-069
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Shepley
  Seconded By Mayor Bondy

  That the meeting be adjourned at 7:28 PM.

  Carried

21.

Future Meetings