Council received report 2026-02 entitled Update on Recreation and Culture Programs. 

The report highlights the significant growth and development in non-aquatic recreation programming since 2022. The report noted increased participation across Town facilities, including an 80% increase at the Maedel Community Centre and 69% at the Essex Recreation Complex.  

The report also highlighted the continued expansion of recreational programs, community events, birthday parties and facility rentals, with birthday party bookings increasing 87% since 2022. 

Council received report 2026-09 entitled Approval of Snow Equipment. 

Council approved additional funds in the amount of $56,140.99 to install snow equipment for project number PW-26-0003 New 5-Ton Snow-plow to be funded from the Developments Charges Transportation Reserve. 

Council received report 2026-10 entitled Amendments to the Subdivision Agreement for the Masaccio Drive Residential Development (Ward 2) 

Council considered amendments to the existing Subdivision Agreement for the Masaccio Drive residential development in McGregor (Ward 2) to facilitate the development of Phase 2, which includes 27 additional residential lots. The amendments correct legal descriptions of lands required for a new stormwater management facility, which will be transferred to the Town, and require the developer to provide cash in lieu of constructing a trail within the subdivision's linear park. 

The report also recommends a new Subdivision Agreement with Elmara Construction Co. Limited, the current owner of portions of the Phase 2 lands, to ensure the stormwater management facility is constructed in accordance with approved plans and that development meets current municipal standards. Both property owners have consented to the agreements. 

By-Law Number 2571, Being a By-Law to Repeal and Replace By-Law 2483, Being a By-Law to Amend By-Law Number 419, Being a By-Law to Enter into a Subdivision Agreement Between: The Corporation of the Town of Essex and Elmara Group, was passed. 

By-Law Number 2572, Being a By-Law to Enter into a Subdivision Agreement Between: The Corporation of the Town of Essex and Elmara Construction Co. Limited was passed.

Council received report 2026-13 entitled Special Event Notice – Jingle Bell Run, Walk and Wheel. 

Council approved closing Talbot Street North from approximately 390 Talbot Street North to Maidstone Avenue, Bell Avenue from Maidstone Avenue West to Thomas Street, and Thomas Street from Bell Avenue to Forest Avenue from 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM for Jingle Bell Run. 

Council received report 2026-18 entitled New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Town Sponsored Events. 

Council approved the Arts, Culture and Tourism Committee sponsored New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day events which include the Noon Years Eve Family Celebration on December 31, 2026 from 10:30am to 12:15pm, Town of Essex sponsored skating sessions on December 31, 2026, at both the Essex Centre Sports Complex from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM and the Harrow and Colchester South Community Centre (Harrow Arena) from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and a Pathway 2 Potential sponsored swim session at the Essex Recreation Complex on January 1, 2027, from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM. 

Council received report 2026-17 entitled Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund - Second Intake. 

Council approved an application for $6.5 million in provincial funding through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund to support the continued development of the Essex Centre Sports Fields. The proposed $13-million project will address local demand for additional outdoor sports facilities and amenities. The remaining municipal contribution would be funded through investment income, Development Charges, Parkland Reserves and long-term debt. Any funding received through a separate federal grant application would be incorporated into a revised funding plan brought back to Council. 

Council approved the submission of an application to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund - Second Intake for the development of the new Essex Centre Sports Fields, based on an estimated project budget of $13,000,000, including non-refundable HST, and the following proposed funding sources: $6,500,000 from the grant; $3,349,000 from investment income; $500,000 from Development Charges; $500,000 from Parkland Reserves; and $2,151,000 in long-term debt. 

Council received report 2026-11 entitled 2027 Conference Listing. 

Council approved an exception to the Travel and Expense Policy for the 2027 year, allowing more than two members of Council to attend the Rural Ontario Municipal Conference.