The Corporation of the Town of Essex

Regular Council Meeting Minutes

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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
  • Janice Aloisio, Administrative Assistant, Community Services
  • Nelson Silveira, Manager, Economic Development
  • Cory Simard, Manager, Legal, Licensing and By-Law Enforcement
  • Norm Nussio, Manager, Operations and Drainage
  • David McBeth, Manager, Capital Works & Asset Management
  • Cole Foster, Youth Council Member
  • Lauryn Smith, Youth Council Member

​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 6:00 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 August 11, 2025 at 4:00 PM Council moved into Closed Session as permitted to do so pursuant to Section 239 2 (c), (f) & (j) 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 receive advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose; and to discuss a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial or financial information that belongs to the municipality or local board and has monetary value or potential monetary value.

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

  • R25-08-361
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Matyi

    That the published agenda for the August 11, 2025 Regular Council Meeting be adopted with the following amendment:

    1. That Agenda Item 17.2.3 be added to allow for a Notice of Motion for presentment only by Councillor Allard.

    Carried
  • R25-08-362
    Moved ByCouncillor Verbeek
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allard

    That the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held July 21, 2025 be adopted as circulated.

    Carried

RE: New CityWorks Service Request Portal

  • R25-08-363
    Moved ByCouncillor Matyi
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor Shepley

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

    Carried

RE: Zoning By-Law Amendment for 265 Maidstone Avenue East, Essex Centre

  • R25-08-364
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Garon

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

    Carried

RE: Town of Essex Telecommunications Tower Policy

  • R25-08-365
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allard

    That Planning Report 2025-13 entitled Town of Essex Telecommunications Tower Policy prepared by Rita Jabbour, RPP, Manager, Planning Services dated August 11, 2025, be received,

    That Policy Number 089, being a policy on protocol respecting the requirements and submission process for applications to establish radiocommunication and broadcasting antenna systems within the Town of Essex, be adopted; and

    That Schedule “A” to By-Law 2040, being a By-Law to Establish a Schedule of Miscellaneous Fees and Charges, be amended to include the following fees and charges:

    • $3,413.24 (plus deposit to be determined at time of application) for the processing of new applications for Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems.
    • $622.73 for the processing of renewals and extension of wireless cell tower agreements originally approved by Council.
    Carried

RE: Municipal Accommodation Tax

  • R25-08-366
    Moved ByCouncillor Garon
    Seconded ByCouncillor Matyi

    That Economic Development Report 2025-07 entitled Municipal Accommodation Tax prepared by Nelson Silveira, Manager, Economic Development dated August 11, 2025 be received; and

    That Council directs Administration to continue to explore the feasibility and impacts of implementing a Municipal Accommodation Tax including the preparation of a follow-up report specific to governance and administrative considerations as well as information gathered through the public consultation process outlined in this report.

    Carried

RE: Establishing and Regulating Fire Services - By-Law Update

  • R25-08-367
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Hammond

    That Fire and Rescue Services Report 2025-07 entitled Establishing and Regulating Fire Services – By-Law Update prepared by Jason Pillon, Fire Chief, dated August 11,2025 be received; and

    That By-Law No. 2461 being a By-Law to Establish and Regulate Fire Services be read a first, a second and a third time and finally passed on August 11, 2025.

    Carried

RE: License and Regulate Short-Term Rental Units

  • R25-08-368
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Matyi

    That Legal and Legislative Services Report 2025-12 entitled, STRU Licensing - Repeal and Replace By-Law 2025 prepared by Cory Simard, Manager, Legal, Licensing & Enforcement dated August 11, 2025, be received;

    That Council approve the new Short Term Rental Unit Application Review Process Policy (the “Policy”), attached to this report; and

    That By-Law 2468 being a by-law to license and regulate Short Term Rental Units in the Town of Essex be read for a first and second time and provisionally adopted on August 11, 2025.

    Carried

RE: Twin Gables Drive Project Tender Results

  • R25-08-369
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allard

    That Capital Works and Asset Management Report 2025-19 entitled Twin Gables Drive Project Tender Results by David McBeth, Manager, Capital Work & Asset Management dated August 11, 2025 be received;

    That Council award the Twin Gables Drive Construction Tender for 2025 (RFT-ID-25-014) to D’Amore Construction (2000) Ltd. in the amount of $1,571,816.51, including non-refundable Harmonized Sales Tax; and

    That Council approve the post budget approval expense for project number PW-25-0010 titled Hot Mix Asphalt Resurfacing Program (for the watermain portion) in the amount of $699,997.60 to be funded from the Town's Water Reserve for Ward 3.

    Carried

RE: LED Light Conversion Post Budget Approval

  • R25-08-370
    Moved ByCouncillor Garon
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allard

    That Operations Report 2025-10 entitled LED Light Conversion Post Budget Approval prepared David McBeth, Manager, Capital Works & Asset Management dated August 11, 2025, be received; and

    That Council approve the post budget approval expense request for project number “PW-19-0036 LED Conversion of Street Lights” in the amount $64,050.93 to be funded from the Asset Management Lifecycle Reserve.

    Carried

RE: Streetlight Banner Policy Updates

  • R25-08-371
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais

    That Operation-2025-09 entitled Streetlight Banner Policy Update prepared by David McBeth, Manager, Capital Works and Asset Management dated August 11, 2025, be received;

    That Council adopt the Infrastructure Services revisions to the Policy titled “Streetlight Banner Policy” appended; and

    That Council approve the $7,000 expense for the installation of new street banners from the Council contingency fund.

    Carried

RE: Traffic Movements in Essex Centre Core

Kevin Girard, Director, Infrastructure Services, discussed traffic movements in Essex core including the no-left turns into Schinkel's Meat Market and onto Laird Avenue. Director Girard further discussed the safety concerns of the intersections at Talbot Street South and Arthur Avenue and Talbot Street North and Victoria Avenue. Director Girard advised that he recommendations keeping the no-left turn at Schinkel's Meat Market to improve safety and traffic flow and that the no left turn onto Laird Avenue was implemented for safety purposes after near misses at the pedestrian crossing.

Director Girard discussed potential costs to install flashing pedestrian crossing indicators which would require engineering reviews of both intersections.

  • R25-08-372
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor Shepley

    That Operations Report 2025-07 entitled, Traffic Movements in Essex Centre Core prepared by Kevin Girard, Director, Infrastructure Services dated August 11, 2025 be received.

    Carried
  • R25-08-373
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allard

    That Council direct Administration to remove the no-left turn restriction at Laird Avenue in Essex Centre; and

    That Council direct Administration to include an Intersection Review project in the 2026 budget.

    Carried

RE: Special Events Resource Team (SERT) Update – August 2025

  • R25-08-374
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByCouncillor Hammond

    That Community Services Report 2025-24 entitled Special Event Resources Team (SERT) Update – August 2025 prepared by Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services, dated August 11, 2025, be received for information.

    Carried

RE: Special Event Notice – Essex Soap Box Derby

  • R25-08-375
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByCouncillor Garon

    That Community Services Report 2025-20 entitled Special Event Notice – Essex Soap Box Derby, prepared by Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services, dated August 4, 2025, be received;

    That Council approve a temporary noise exemption in accordance with Noise By-Law 2038 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday September 27, 2025, (Rain Date September 28, 2025) to accommodate the entertainment and announcing for the Soap Box Derby; and

    That Council approve closing Wilson Avenue between Talbot Street North and Scratch Street from 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM for the Essex Soap Box Derby.

    Carried

RE: Colchester Harbour Annual Maintenance Dredging Tender Results

  • R25-08-376
    Moved ByCouncillor Allard
    Seconded ByCouncillor Matyi

    That Parks and Facilities Report 2025-06 entitled Colchester Harbour Annual Maintenance Dredging Tender Results prepared by Rodney Klie, Manager, Parks and Facilities dated August 11, 2025, be received;

    That Council award the tender for the annual Colchester Harbour maintenance dredging to Cobby Marine (1985) Inc.;

    That Council approve issuing the yearly agreement with costs up to $95,654.40 including non-refundable taxes for 2025; and

    That Council approve the yearly agreement with costs up to $97,180.80 per year for 2026 to 2028 including non-refundable taxes subject to the evaluation of yearly depth soundings, availability of funding, and the annual budget approval.   

    Carried

RE: Crossing Guard Review 2025

  • R25-08-377
    Moved ByCouncillor Verbeek
    Seconded ByCouncillor Matyi

    That Legal and Legislative Services Report 2025-13 entitled 2025 Crossing Guard Review 2025 prepared by Shelley Brown, Deputy Clerk and Nacebean Binjamin, Legislative Intern dated August 11, 2025 be received for information.

    Carried

RE: Langlois-Arner Drainage Scheme and the Colchester Heights Drainage Scheme

  • R25-08-378
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Hammond

    That the following three (3) members of the Drainage Board: Daniel Bezaire-Arevalo, Janice Doughtery, and Danny Sauve be appointed to sit as members of the Court of Revision to be convened for the Langlois-Arner Drainage System and the Colchester Heights Drainage Scheme, Geographic Township of Colchester South in the Town of Essex, County of Essex, Project No. D22-147 pursuant to the Report prepared by Antonio B. Peralta, Professional Engineer, N.J. Peralta Engineering Ltd., and dated May 26, 2025 (hereinafter the “Report”), such Court of Revision to be scheduled for 5:00 pm on September 4, 2025; and

    That By-Law 2471 being a by-law to provide for the Langlois-Arner Drainage System and the Colchester Heights Drainage Scheme, Geographic Township of Colchester South in the Town of Essex, County of Essex, Project No. D22-147, be read a first and second time and provisionally adopted on August 11, 2025.

    Carried

RE: 4th Concession Road Drain South Side

  • R25-08-379
    Moved ByCouncillor Verbeek
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor Shepley

    That the following three (3) members of the Drainage Board: Daniel Bezaire-Arevalo, Janice Doughtery, and Danny Sauve be appointed to sit as members of the Court of Revision to be convened for the 4th Concession Road Drain South Side, with regards to making drainage improvements in Lots 13 & 14, Concession 3 in the Town of Essex pursuant to the Report prepared by Josh Warner, P. Eng., Professional Engineer, R. Dobbin Engineering Inc., and dated June 23, 2025 (hereinafter the “Report”), such Court of Revision to be scheduled for 5:00 pm on September 4, 2025; and

    That By-Law 2469 being a by-law to provide for the 4th Concession Road Drain South Side, with regards to making drainage improvements in Lots 13 & 14, Concession 3 in the Town of Essex, be read a first and second time and provisionally adopted on August 11, 2025.

    Carried

RE: Special Event Notice - Colchester Bar and Grill - Transition to Betterness Car Show

  • R25-08-380
    Moved ByCouncillor Allard
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor Shepley

    That Community Services Report 2025-25 entitled Special Event Notice – Colchester Bar and Grill – Transition to Betterness Car Show prepared by Jake Morassut, Director, Community Services, dated August 11, 2025, be received; and

    That Council approve closing Sydenham Street between Sullivan Street and County Road 50 in Colchester (route map below) on Sunday, August 17, 2025, from 11:00AM to 5:00PM for the Transition to Betterness Car Show.

    Carried

Cole Foster, Youth Council Member, advised that the registration for the fall programs and aquatics classes is now available and encourage everyone to register. 

Lauryn Smith, Youth Council Member, advised that the Rotary is having a food drive on August 16th, 2025 and that items can be dropped off at the Food Bank. She further advised that the Youth Centre will be having an open house and free BBQ during the food drive.

Youth Council Member Smith announced that the there is a Rotary Food Drive on August 16th at 10:00 AM.

Youth Council Member Smith advised that the Junior Optimist Club will be hosting the following events at the Youth Centre:

  • Free BBQ on August 26th during the Grade 9 open house; 
  • Movie Night on August 29th; and 
  • Wellness Night on September 5th.

Deputy Mayor Shepley provided an update on the green bin delivery noting that there are 120,000 expected to be delivered by October which is when the weekly food waste collection commences. 

He advised that the County of Essex' road expansion program includes $704M of improvements over the next 20 years and that the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Master Plan outlines $56.6M in projects including Hub Stations to improve response times. 

Deputy Mayor Shepley further advised that the development charges initiative will continue with a draft by-law coming forward for consideration this fall and that the County reviewed a municipal tax deferral program for tariffs affecting businesses.

  • R25-08-381
    Moved ByCouncillor Hammond
    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: Opposition to Mandatory Firefighter Certification Requirements

RE: Appeal to the Ministry of the Solicitor General for Reinstatement of Provincial Funding

RE: Appeal to the Ministry of the Solicitor General for Review and Reform of Provincial Offences System

RE: Opposition to the proposed installation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility

RE: Opposition to the Transportation and Disposal of Niobium Tailings at the Agnew Lake Tailings Management Area

  • R25-08-382
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByCouncillor Verbeek

    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
  • R25-08-383
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor Shepley

    That the 2025 Q2 Operating Variance Report be received.

    Carried
  • R25-08-384
    Moved ByCouncillor Hammond
    Seconded ByCouncillor Matyi

    That the 2025 Q2 Capital Variance Report be received.

    Carried
  • R25-08-385
    Moved ByCouncillor Matyi
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allard

    That Council direct Administration 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.
    Carried

17.1.2

 

Mayor Shepley passed the gavel to Deputy Mayor Shepley at 8:00 PM. 

Council discussed options for overnight parking. Director Morassut discussed formalizing a process to regulate overnight parking at arena parking lots including cameras and additional signage. The gavel was passed back to Mayor Sherry Bondy at approximately 8:05 PM.

  • R25-08-386
    Moved ByMayor Bondy
    Seconded ByCouncillor Verbeek

    That Council direct Administration to investigate options and locations for overnight vehicle parking to accommodate cycle tourism, for example when cyclists come to our municipality/region and need to park for multiple days.

    Carried
  • Moved ByCouncillor 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

 
  • Moved ByMayor 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.

  • Moved ByCouncillor 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.

Councillor Verbeek advised that the clothing swap was successful and they received more donations than ever before. She further advised that the MCGregor Mug Run is being held September 20th, 2025.

Councillor Allard announced that the Colchester Village Market is being held on August 16th, 2025.

Councillor McGuire-Blais advised that the Santa's Village Committee meetings are underway and that the committee is looking for new members. 

19.

 

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

  • R25-08-387
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Matyi

    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 third time and finally passed on August 11, 2025.

    Carried

RE: Being a by-law to establish a schedule of retention and disposition for all records maintained by the Town of Essex

  • R25-08-388
    Moved ByCouncillor Allard
    Seconded ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais

    That By-Law 2463 being a by-law to establish a schedule of retention and disposition for all records maintained by the Town of Essex be read a third time and finally passed on August 11, 2025.

    Carried

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

  • R25-08-389
    Moved ByCouncillor Verbeek
    Seconded ByCouncillor Garon

    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 third time and finally passed on August 11, 2025.

    Carried

RE: Being a by-law to amend and repeal the portion of By-Law No. 2083 appointing a By-Law Enforcement Officer for the Town of Essex

  • R25-08-390
    Moved ByCouncillor Verbeek
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor Shepley

    That By-Law 2472 being a by-law to amend and repeal the portion of By-Law No. 2083 appointing a By-Law Enforcement Officer for the Town of Essex be read a first, a second and a third time and finally passed on August 11, 2025.

    Carried

RE: Being a by-law to repeal certain By-Laws for the Town of Essex

  • R25-08-391
    Moved ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor Shepley

    That By-Law 2473 being a by-law to repeal certain by-laws for the Town of Essex be read a first, a second and a third time and finally passed on August 11, 2025.

    Carried

RE: Being a by-law to appoint a By-Law and Property Standards Enforcement Officer for the Town of Essex

  • R25-08-392
    Moved ByCouncillor Matyi
    Seconded ByCouncillor Garon

    That By-Law 2474 being a by-law to appoint a By-Law and Property Standards Enforcement Officer for the Town of Essex be read a first, a second and a third time and finally passed on August 11, 2025.

    Carried

RE: 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

  • R25-08-393
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Garon

    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 first and a second time and provisionally adopted on August 11, 2025.

    Carried
  • R25-08-394
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor Shepley
    Seconded ByCouncillor McGuire-Blais

    That the meeting be adjourned at 8:21 PM.

    Carried
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