The Corporation of the Town of Essex

Regular Council Meeting Minutes

-
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:
  • Joseph Malandruccolo, Director, Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk
  • Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services
  • Kate Giurissevich, Chief Administrative Officer
  • Lori Chadwick, Director, Development Services
  • Kevin Girard, Director, Infrastructure Services
  • Lauryn Smith, Youth Council Member
  • Cassandra Roy, Legislative Clerk
  • Cole Foster, Youth Council Member
  • Ann Marie Unis, Manager, Finance & Business Services
  • Brandi Sieben, Manager, Human Resources

​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.


Mayor Bondy called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM.

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.

Joe Malandruccolo, Director, Legal & Legislative Services/Clerk reported that on June 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM Council moved into Closed Session as permitted to do so pursuant to Section 239 2(c), (e), and (f) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25. as amended to discuss a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board; to discuss litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; and to receive advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.

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

  • R25-06-278
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allard

    That the published agenda for the June 16, 2025 Regular Council Meeting be adopted with the following amendments:

    1. That Agenda Item 8.3 be added to allow for a delegation from Councillor Verbeek to provide an update on the Land Leased Community Properties Open House; and

    2. That the Notice of Motion for presentment only by Moved Bondy in Agenda Item 17.2.1 be moved to Agenda Item 16 as a matter of New Business.

    Carried
  • R25-06-279
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByCouncillor Matyi

    That the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held June 2, 2025 be adopted as circulated.

    Carried

RE: 2024 Asset Management Plan

  • R25-06-280
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Hammond

    That the minutes of the Special Council Meeting held April 22, 2025 be adopted as circulated.

    Carried

The Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility accordingly has awarded Eldora Davidson as 2025 Senior of the Year in the Town of Essex in recognition of her outstanding contributions to our community. The Mayor presented this award on behalf of the Town, making note of the many contributions that Ms. Davidson has made to the Town by volunteering at the Essex Legion for over 41 years and supporting residents in nursing homes by offering companionship, and kindness.

RE: Open Mic Night: Update from Mayor Bondy and Deputy Mayor Shepley

Mayor Bondy provided a verbal report on the public Open Mic Night sessions on May 28th at the Harrow Arena and on June 9th at the Essex Arena. She explained that residents discussed concerns surrounding the Harrow Highschool property, property standard issues, and future developments. She noted that Administration will determine if any concerns arising from those meetings need to be addressed.

  • R25-06-281
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allard

    That the verbal report by Mayor Bondy and Deputy Mayor Shepley regarding Open Mic Night be received. 

    Carried

RE: Land Leased Properties Open House: Update from Councillor Verbeek

Councillor Verbeek provided a verbal report on the Land Leased Properties Open Houses that were held due to the high increases in rent rates. She explained that Council needs to bring awareness, education and elevate the issue to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference with the help of Anthony Leardi, MPP, Essex Ridding.

  • R25-06-282
    Moved ByCouncillor Verbeek
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor Shepley

    That the verbal report by Councillor Verbeek regarding the Land Leased Properties Open House be received; and

    That Council direct Administration to arrange a meeting with Anthony Leardi, MPP, Essex Ridding to obtain advice on creating a petition to lower rent rates in Land Leased Communities.

    Carried

RE: Community Living Essex County Career Compass Program

Brandi Sieben, Manager, Human Resources, explained that at the Regular Council Meeting on May 20, 2025, Council expressed desire to participate in Community Living Essex County's Youth in Action program and noted that the minimum commitment required by the Town is 4 hours per week for six weeks throughout the summer. Administration recommended that the Town hire one individual for four hours per week for eight weeks which would include four weeks in the Community Services Department and four weeks in the Corporate Services Department.

By way of a friendly amendment Council passed the following motion:

  • R25-06-283
    Moved ByCouncillor Verbeek
    Seconded ByCouncillor Matyi

    That Human Resource’s Report-2025-02, entitled Community Living Essex County Career Compass Program, prepared by Brandi Sieben, Manager, Human Resources dated June 16, 2025, be received;

    That Council approve funding of up to $1,320 from the Wage Stabilization funds for the onboarding of up to two summer students from Community Living Essex County’s Youth in Action Program; and

    That if two summer students are hired the approach be phased in and Administration work with Career Compass Community Living along with the candidates to determine if it is best for two separate positions or for each student to switch departments after four weeks.

    Carried

RE: Community Safety Zone Grondin Avenue

Councillor Garon left the meeting at 6:37 PM and returned at 6:39 PM.

  • R25-06-284
    Moved ByCouncillor Verbeek
    Seconded ByCouncillor Garon

    That Operations Report-2025-08 entitled, Community Safety Zone Grondin Avenue prepared by Norman Nussio, Manager, Operations and Drainage, dated June 16, 2025, be received; and

    That Council direct Administration to implement a Community Safety Zone on Grondin Avenue from Scott Lane to Parnell Street and amend By-Law 915 to reflect such.

    Carried

RE: 2025 Road Surface Treatment Program Update

  • R25-06-285
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor Shepley

    That Capital Works and Asset Management Report-2025-17 entitled 2025 Road Surface Treatment Program Update by David McBeth, Manager, Capital Works and Asset Management dated June 16, 2025 be received for information.

    Carried

RE: Removal of Holding Zone (H) Provision for the Ducharme Lane Residential Subdivision (Ward 2)

  • R25-06-286
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByCouncillor Hammond

    That Planning Report-2025-09 entitled Removal of Holding Zone (H) Provisions for the Ducharme Lane Residential Subdivision (Ward 2) prepared by Rita Jabbour, RPP, Manager, Planning Services dated June 16, 2025, be received; and

    That By-Law Number 2456, being a By-Law to remove the Holding (H) Zone Provisions for Lots 1-18 and Block 19 on 12M-720 be read a first, a second, and a third time and finally passed on June 16, 2025.

    Carried

RE: Release of Securities for the Ducharme Lane Residential Subdivision (Ward 2)

  • R25-06-287
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Hammond

    That Planning Report-2025-10 entitled Release of Securities for the Ducharme Lane Residential Subdivision prepared by Rita Jabbour, RPP, Manager, Planning Services dated June 16, 2025 be received; and

    That the performance securities on file for the Ducharme Lane Residential Subdivision be reduced to $342,183.49.

    Carried

RE: Release of Securities for Phases 1 and 5 of the Essex Town Centre Residential Subdivision (Ward 1)

  • R25-06-288
    Moved ByCouncillor Matyi
    Seconded ByCouncillor Garon

    That Planning Report-2025-11 entitled Release of Securities for Phases 1 and 5 of the Essex Town Centre Residential Subdivision (Ward 1) prepared by Rita Jabbour, RPP, Manager, Planning Services dated June 16, 2025 be received; and

    That performance securities in the amount of $1,596,249.75 be returned to the Developer.

    Carried

RE: Special Event Notice – Do it For Dad 5K

  • R25-06-289
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Matyi

    That Community Services Report-2025-16 entitled Special Event Notice – Do it For Dad 5K, prepared by Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services, dated June 16, 2025, be received; and

    That Council approve closing Dunn Road commencing at County Road 50 north on Dunn Road for approximately 2.5km loop for a five-kilometre walk/run event on September 21, 2025.

    Carried

RE: Special Event Notice – Harrow Fair

  • R25-06-290
    Moved ByCouncillor Allard
    Seconded ByCouncillor Hammond

    That Community Services Report-2025-13 entitled Special Event Notice – Harrow Fair, prepared by Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services, dated June 16, 2025, be received;

    That Council approve the granting of a temporary noise exemption under Noise Control By-Law 2038 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM on Thursday August 28, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM on Friday August 29, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM on Saturday August 30, 2025, and from 9:00AM until 6:00PM on Sunday August 31, 2025, at the Harrow Fairgrounds to accommodate the entertainment for the Harrow Fair; and

    That Council approve closing County Road 20 from the Harrow Research and Development Centre to Victoria Street, Victoria Street South from County Road 20 to Maple Avenue, Maple Avenue from Victoria Street South to McAffee, and McAffee from County Road 20 to the Fairgrounds on Saturday August 30, 2025, between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM for the Harrow Fair Parade.

    Carried

RE: Special Event Notice – Essex Fun Fest

  • R25-06-291
    Moved ByCouncillor Verbeek
    Seconded ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais

    That Community Services Report-2025-21 entitled Special Event Notice – Essex Fun Fest, prepared by Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services, dated June 16, 2025, be received; 

    That Council approve a temporary noise exemption under Noise By-Law 2038 from 3:00 PM to 1:00 AM on Thursday July 3, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Friday July 4, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Saturday July 5, 2025, and from 11:00AM until 6:00PM on Sunday July 6, 2025, at the Essex Centre Sports Complex to accommodate the entertainment for the Essex Fun Fest; and

    That Council approve closing Talbot Street North between Cameron Avenue and Laird Avenue, Wilson Street from Talbot Street North to the entrance to the municipal parking lot, Centre Street from Talbot Street North to Alice Street North, and Gordon Street from Talbot Street North to Fox Street on Friday July 4, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 8:30 PM for the car show;

    That Council approve closing Harvey Street, Albert Street, Medora Avenue, and Talbot Street between Gosfield Townline and Maidstone Avenue in Essex Centre on Saturday July 5, 2025, between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM for the Essex Fun Fest Parade;

    That Council approve the Essex Fun Fest for Significant Event Status for the purposes of applying for their Special Occasion Permit (SOP) for their event on July 3 to 6, 2025; and

    That Council permit the Essex Fun Fest to provide alcohol sales with volumes up to 473ml rather than only 355ml with an allowance of up to 5.5% alcohol, which falls outside of the Municipal Alcohol Policy, and permit the sale of only four (4) drink tickets sold at one time.

    Carried

Lauryn Smith, Youth Councillor, provided an update on the Gestwood Camp Retreat and wished students good luck on their upcoming exams.

Cole Foster, Youth Councillor, encouraged residents to attend the 5K Walk, Run, Wheel on July 6, 2025 at 9:00 AM at Sadler's Nature Park to help raise proceeds for the Essex Foodbank.

Deputy Mayor Shepley provided an update on Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island and highlighted that in 2023 there were 5.6 million visitors to Essex-County which generated $856 million in economic activity. He announced that Council joined the Town of LaSalle in calling on the province to create a Health Travel Grant Program for residents in our region, similar to what exists in Northern Ontario. He further noted that County Council approved the Housing Needs Assessment, an updated boundary agreement with Chatham-Kent and formalized the transfer of a section of former County Road 42 within Windsor city limits back to the City of Windsor.

  • R25-06-292
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByCouncillor Hammond

    That the County of Essex, Regular Meeting minutes listed in Agenda Item 12, be received and the County Council update by Deputy Mayor Shepley be received

    Carried
  • R25-06-293
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor 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

RE: Raising Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

  • R25-06-294
    Moved ByCouncillor Allard
    Seconded ByCouncillor Verbeek

    That the correspondence from City of Pickering dated June 6, 2025 regarding Raising Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program be received and supported; and

    That a letter from the Town of Essex be sent to the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, Honourable Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, Honourable Raymond Sung Joon Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, Anthony Leardi, MPP, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).

    Carried

RE: Lyme Disease Prevention 

  • R25-06-295
    Moved ByCouncillor Hammond
    Seconded ByCouncillor Matyi

    That the correspondence from Windsor-Essex Health Unit Board of Health dated May 15, 2025 regarding Lyme Disease Prevention be received and supported; and

    That Council adopt the following resolution:

    Whereas, the incidence of Lyme disease has been steadily increasing in Windsor-Essex County and posing a significant health risk to residents; and

    Whereas, Lyme disease affects vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, pregnant women and people who work or spend time outdoors disproportionately; and

    Whereas, comprehensive tick bite and Lyme disease prevention strategies are crucial for minimizing the risk of infection and protecting the health of residents; and

    Whereas, municipal governments play a significant role in promoting and protecting health, and environmental risk management; and

    Therefore, Be It Resolved That, that the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health recommends that all Windsor-Essex County municipalities support pro-active education and prevention related to tick bite and Lyme disease management activities.

    And Further That, the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health encourages all local municipalities to review, strengthen and adopt municipal by-laws to regulate landscape and vegetation management on public and private properties to reduce tick habitats in the region.

    Carried

RE: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month-September 2025

  • R25-06-296
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allard

    That the correspondence from Childcan: The Childhood Cancer Research Association asking Council to consider proclaiming the month of September, as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the Town of Essex be received and supported; and

    That Council proclaim the month of September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the Town of Essex by adopting the following resolution:

    Whereas, September is officially recognized internationally as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month; and

    Whereas, the most recent data shows that cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related death in children; and

    Whereas, cancer in children affects aspects of their physical, emotional, and social development, as well as their family and school life, effects which research shows are long-lasting; and

    Whereas, Childcan strives to make childhood cancer a health priority, fund innovative research, and expand family supports until childhood cancer is eliminated; and

    Whereas, Childcan raises awareness and funds to provide personalized, responsive, and compassionate programs and services to families facing the childhood cancer journey from diagnosis, through treatment, post-treatment care, or bereavement; and

    Whereas, organizations which support families dealing with childhood cancer are working together to raise awareness of this disease and its devastating effects, as well as raising funds to support the affected families and children; and

    Whereas, raised awareness and funds will help these families and children deal with the emotional and financial toll.

    Therefore, I Sherry Bondy, Mayor of the Town of Essex do hereby proclaim September 2025 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

    Carried
  • R25-06-297
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByCouncillor Garon

    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.

    Carried

Ann Marie Unis, Manager, Finance and Business, presented the March Operating Variance Report as of March 31, 2025 and indicated that the numbers align with the Operating Budget.

  • R25-06-298
    Moved ByCouncillor Allard
    Seconded ByCouncillor Hammond

    That the March 2025 Operating Variance Report be received.

    Carried

Previously listed as Agenda Item 17.1.1 under Notice of Motion for presentment only and moved to a matter of New Business due to the minor and urgent nature of the matter.

Mayor Bondy passed the gavel to Deputy Mayor Shepley at 7:14 PM until 7:16 PM.

  • R25-06-299
    Moved ByMayor Bondy
    Seconded ByCouncillor Hammond

    Whereas, the residents of the Town of Essex rely on accurate notifications and timely warnings from Environment Canada to prepare for severe weather.

    Now therefore that the Council of the Town of Essex direct Administration to send a letter to Environment Canada requesting that Environment Canada respond with a summary of their severe weather notification and warning processes and procedures, including target deliverable times and channels used to deliver such notifications and warnings.

    Carried
  • R25-06-300
    Moved ByCouncillor Verbeek
    Seconded ByCouncillor Matyi

    That Council direct Administration to return with a report on the impact and opportunities to the Town of Essex resulting from the proposed County of Essex imposed Development Charges once a formal implementation plan for such proposed Development Charges has been presented by the County.

    Carried

Moved By: Councillor Verbeek


That Council direct Administration to provide Council with a written update on the Essex Sport Fields project during the 2026 Town of Essex budget deliberations.

Council members announced that the Greg Horoky Fishing Derby was a huge success.

Councillor Garon announced that the Essex Fun Fest would be taking place from July 4 until July 7, 2025 and reminded residents to apply to be a volunteer at essexfunfest.com.

Mayor Bondy announced that the Glow Ride was taking place on June 20, 2025, at Sadler's Park from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.

Councillor Allard announced that the Harrow Soap Box Derby is taking place on June 21, 2025.

19.

 

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

  • R25-06-301
    Moved ByCouncillor Hammond
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allard

    That By-Law 2453 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the June 2, 2025, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex be read a third time and finally passed on June 16, 2025.

    Carried

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

Council passed the Delegation of Authority By-Law 2439 and after the passing of By-Law 2439 Councillor Matyi requested a recorded vote that defeated the passing of By-Law 2439.

Joe Malandruccolo, Director, Legal and Legislative Services/Clerk, noted that a vote can be reconsidered if a member of Council who voted in support of the motion brings forth a motion to reconsider.

Deputy Mayor Shepley called a Point of Order and asked if Council's votes for the passing of By-Law 2439 were recorded.

Director Malandruccolo stated that all Council excluding Councillor Matyi's hand was raised during the motion and Council Matyi cannot bring the motion to reconsider.

After the passing of the motion to reconsider, Director Malandruccolo stated that the motion as originally presented is now defeated and the motion to reconsider is adopted. He noted that the motion before Council is to defer the motion until the July 21, 2025 Regular Council Meeting to allow for additional consultation.

  • R25-06-302
    Moved ByCouncillor Garon
    Seconded ByCouncillor Verbeek

    This motion was defeated after a motion to reconsider.

    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 June 16, 2025.

    Defeated
  • R25-06-303
    Moved ByCouncillor Verbeek
    Seconded ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais

    That Council reconsider the passing of the By-Law 2439 being a by-law to delegate the duties and powers of the Council of the Town of Essex.

    Mayor Bondy requested a recorded vote:

    VotersSupportOpposedConflictRegrets
    Mayor BondyX
    Councillor GaronX
    Councillor VerbeekX
    Councillor MatyiX
    Councillor McGuire-BlaisX
    Councillor HammondX
    Deputy Mayor ShepleyX
    Councillor AllardX
    Results6200
    Carried (6 to 2)
  • R25-06-304
    Moved ByCouncillor Verbeek
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor Shepley

    That Council direct Administration to defer the motion until the July 21, 2025 Regular Council Meeting to allow for additional consultation.

    Carried

RE: Being a by-law to authorize the execution of a Lease Amending Agreement between the Corporation of the Town of Essex and the Essex Area Food Bank for the Operation of a Food Bank located in the accessory building at 60 Fairview Avenue West, Essex, Ontario (formerly Fury Training Grounds)

  • R25-06-305
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByMayor Bondy

    That By-Law 2455 being a by-law to authorize the execution of a Lease Amending Agreement between the Corporation of the Town of Essex and the Essex Area Food Bank for the Operation of a Food Bank located in the accessory building at 60 Fairview Avenue West, Essex, Ontario (formerly Fury Training Grounds) be read a first, a second, and a third time and finally passed on June 16, 2025.

    Carried

RE: Being a by-law to impose water charges to recover capital cost of installing water services necessary to service new users to the Town of Amherstburg’s water system

  • R25-06-306
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByCouncillor Matyi

    That By-Law 2452 being a by-law to impose water charges to recover capital cost of installing water services necessary to service new users to the Town of Amherstburg’s water system be read a first, a second, and a third time and finally passed on June 16, 2025.

    Carried

RE: Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the June 16, 2025, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex

  • R25-06-307
    Moved ByCouncillor Verbeek
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allard

    That By-Law 2459 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the June 16, 2025, 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 June 16, 2025.

    Carried
  • R25-06-308
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais

    That the meeting be adjourned at 7:52 PM.

    Carried
No Item Selected