Council Meeting Summary: August 10, 2026
The following is a brief summary of the matters that Council covered at the Regular Council Meeting held on August 10, 2026.
These highlights are not official minutes of the meeting and are meant solely for the purpose of general communications. The approved minutes provide the only official record of Council Proceedings and decisions.
Highlights
Public Presentations
Pelee Coastal Resilience Project Update
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Representatives from the Pelee Coastal Committee and the County of Essex provided a brief update on the efforts in coastal resilience in the area such as reducing sedimentation in drain outlets and mapping watershed flood risks along the coastline to inform planning. The resilience action plan is intended to ensure communities can bounce back after severe storms and weather events. View the Pelee Coastal Resilience Committee presentation.
Essex Dog Park
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Local dog park users made a public presentation proposing to add two shelters at the Essex Dog Park - one in the large dog area and one in the small dog area. The proposed shelters would provide shade and protection from wind and rain for park users and their dogs during inclement weather. The group is prepared to undertake fundraising efforts to cover the cost of the shelters. Requests were brought forward to investigate the storm drain and to explore the possibility of planting additional trees at the park for shade coverage.
Reports from Administration
Inspiration Industrial Park Servicing Tender
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Council received Capital Works and Asset Management Report 2026-09 entitled Inspiration Industrial Park Servicing Tender. The project includes the construction of watermain, sanitary sewers, a sanitary pump station and forcemain to service the lands along the 14th Concession Road and Pinkerton Road known as the Inspiration Industrial Park and the subsequent adjacent properties.
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Council awarded the tender for the Inspiration Industrial Park Servicing project to SheaRock Construction Group Inc. for $3,016,166.40, including non-refundable HST. The project’s contract administration, onsite inspection and related services are proposed to be provided by RC Spencer Associates for $117,024.
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Council also approved the recommended $751,362.40 in additional project funding above the approved 2026 capital budget, to be funded through the Landfill Reserve and Part XII Capital Costs. Upon completion, the final project costs will be used to amend the Town’s Part XII Water and Wastewater charges.
Bi-Annual By-Law Report
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A total of 314 potential violations were investigated during these 6 months. Of the 314 potential violations, 177 were based on complaints received from members of the public. The additional 137 issues were investigated proactively. Of the 314 issues, 294 have been resolved and 20 remain actively investigated.
Report a Problem Overview
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Between January 1 and July 27, 2026, the Town received 889 submissions through the Report a Problem platform, compared to 789 submissions received during the same timeframe in 2025. The average time to close submissions was 6.6 days, compared to 7.6 days for the same period in 2025.
Results of Request for Tender RFT-ID-26-016 Supply of Single Axle 5-Ton Snowplow 2026
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Council awarded the tender for the purchase of a new single-axle 5-ton snowplow to 401 Truck Source for $265,732, including non-refundable HST. The new unit will support the Town’s winter operations and snow-clearing activities.
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Council also approved the recommended $5,732 in additional funding, to be funded through Development Charges, to cover the cost above the approved capital budget.
Analyst, Economic Development & Business Relations Position
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Council approved the expenditures, outside of the approved budget, for the extension of the Analyst, Economic Development & Business Relations contract position by an additional six (6) months.
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The six (6) month contract extension in the amount of $58,750 will be funded through the Salary Stabilization Reserve and the permanent, full-time position will be brought forward in the 2027 Budget for Council’s deliberation and decision-making.
Playground Equipment/Amenities at Essex Town Centre Park
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Council awarded the contract to New World Park Solutions Inc. for $368,552.85, including non-refundable HST.
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The selected design received the highest overall score following a review of experience, accessibility, age-appropriate features, warranties, design quality and public input. New World Park Solutions Inc.’s design received the most votes in the Town’s public consultation, with 490 votes cast overall.
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The project remains within the approved $375,000 capital budget, which is funded through development fees, meaning there is no additional financial impact to the Town.
Special Event Resource Team (SERT) Update – July 2026
Correspondence
Municipal Finance Officers' Association
By-Laws
By-Laws that require a third and final reading
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By-Law 2555 being a By-Law to confirm the proceedings of the July 20, 2026, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex
By-Laws that require a first, second, and third and final reading
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By-Law 2559 being a By-Law to approve the dissolution of the Union Water Supply System Joint Board of Management.
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By-Law 2558 being a By-Law imposing special annual drainage rates upon land in respect of which money is borrowed under the Tile Drainage Act.
By-Laws that require a first and second reading
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By-Law 2557 being a By-Law to confirm the proceedings of the August 10, 2026, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex
Reports from Youth Members
Youth Council Member Lauryn Smith
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Youth Council Member Lauryn Smith presented a report reflecting on and recognizing her time serving as a member of the Town’s Youth Council. Lauryn shared her appreciation for the experience and the opportunity to participate in municipal government, engage with Council and contribute to her community. Council thanked Lauryn for her service and participation throughout her term.
Youth Council Member Cole Foster
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Youth Council Member Cole Foster encouraged youth from grades 8 to 12 to visit the Essex Youth Centre. The centre is open daily from 9a.m. to 8p.m. through August 31, offering free tutoring services for English, math, geography, history, science, biology, and chemistry. Visit facebook.com/youthcentreessex for more information.
Notices of Motion
Flooding
Council directed Administration to develop a comprehensive Flooding Roadmap that identifies the causes and impacts of recurring flooding, reviews existing infrastructure and initiatives, clarifies responsibilities, and recommends short, medium, and long-term mitigation measures. The roadmap will include priorities, timelines, costs, funding opportunities, public engagement options and progress reporting, while aligning flooding initiatives with key municipal plans. Administration will report back to Council within six months.
Downtown Core Improvements
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Council directed Administration to report on the feasibility of establishing a voluntary “Adopt-a-Public-Space” Community Stewardship Program. The proposed program would enable residents, businesses, property owners, schools, service clubs and community organizations to help maintain and enhance designated municipal spaces through activities such as litter collection, reporting maintenance concerns, removing unauthorized advertising and undertaking appropriate beautification or seasonal work.
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The report will consider program eligibility, suitable locations, permitted activities, volunteer agreements, insurance, liability and safety requirements, Town-provided supplies, recognition opportunities, costs, staffing impacts and examples from other Ontario municipalities.
For Presentment Only:
Harrow Fairground
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A notice of motion was brought forward for presentment directing Administration to review the Harrow Fairgrounds entrance archway sign and bring forward options for potential modifications, including associated costs.
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The report would also establish criteria for Council approval of future gateway and prominent community signage.
Data Centres
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A notice of motion was brought forward for presentment directing Administration to prepare an Interim Control By-Law that would temporarily pause the establishment or development of new data centres within the Town of Essex.
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The proposed one-year moratorium would allow time for the Town to participate in the County of Essex’s land-use planning study and assess potential impacts on water systems, wastewater, stormwater, agricultural lands, electrical capacity and overall community infrastructure.