Council Meeting Summary: October 19, 2026
The following is a brief summary of the matters that Council covered at the Regular Council Meeting held on October 19, 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
Parking Signage on Laird Avenue
- Delegate Carolyn Barnett brought forward concerns with exiting the Weston Apartments parking lot onto Laird Avenue. Concerns were expressed with vehicles parked on Laird Avenue in close proximity to the entrance, making it difficult to see oncoming traffic when exiting the parking lot. Requesting ‘No Parking Here to Driveway’ sign two car lengths from the entrance to provide a better view of oncoming traffic. Council received the delegation and directed Administration to provide a report with recommendations.
Reports from Administration
Perry Group Business Continuity Plan and Business Impact Assessment
- Council received Information Technology Report 2026-02 entitled Perry Group Business Continuity Plan and Business Impact Assessment – Final Report.
- Council received the final Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and Business Impact Assessment (BIA) prepared by Perry Group Consulting. The documents establish a framework to help the Town maintain or restore essential municipal services during significant disruptions, including cybersecurity incidents, power outages, severe weather and other emergencies.
- The assessment identifies critical municipal services, systems and resources, establishes recovery timelines, and outlines alternative procedures to maintain operations when key systems are unavailable. The plan will be reviewed and updated annually to ensure its effectiveness, while any future investments needed to strengthen service continuity will be brought forward for Council's consideration.
Q3 2026 – Economic Development Update and Grant Report
- Council received Economic Development Report 2026-08 entitled Q3 2026 – Economic Development Update and Grant Report for information.
- The purpose of the report is to provide Council with a quarterly update on Town wide building and grant information. View the Corporate-Wide Grant Funding Update.
- In Q3 2026, the Town of Essex Economic Development Department delivered a range of initiatives and services that supported local business growth, expanded investment opportunities, strengthened tourism, and promoted the Town as a great place to live, work, and visit. View the Town of Essex Economic Development Infographic for a snapshot of the Q3 2026 Updates.
Appointment of an Engineer - Coulter Sideroad Drain and Joint Outlet with the Eighth Concession East Drain
- Council received Drainage Report 2026-17 entitled Appointment of an Engineer under Section 78 & 76 of the Drainage Act for the Coulter Sideroad Drain and Joint Outlet with the Eighth Concession East Drain.
- Council appointed R. Dobbin Engineering Inc. under Section 78 & 76 of the Drainage Act to review the Coulter Sideroad Drain and Joint Outlet with the Eighth Concession East Drain.
Appointment of Engineer - Grayer Drain
- Council received Drainage Report 2026-18 entitled Appointment of an Engineer under Section 78 & 76 of the Drainage Act for the Grayer Drain.
- Council appointed N.J. Peralta Engineering Ltd. under Section 78 & 76 of the Drainage Act to review the Grayer Drain in accordance with Section 22 of the Town of Essex Procurement By-Law 2437.
Essex Centre Parking Amendments
- Council received Operations Report 2026-10 entitled Essex Centre Parking Amendments.
- Council was presented with a report recommending the expansion of two-hour on-street parking restrictions along Talbot Street in Essex Centre, following a request from the Essex Centre Business Improvement Area (BIA). The proposed changes would extend parking restrictions between Medora Avenue and Maidstone Avenue, and between Arthur Avenue and Brien Avenue, to improve parking availability and turnover in the downtown core.
- Council directed administration to extend two-hour parking on Talbot Street in Essex from Medora Avenue to Maidstone Avenue and from Arthur Avenue to Brien Avenue and amend By-Law 224 to reflect such.
County Council Update
- Council received and supported the letter raised at County Council regarding bringing the attention of the hydro flickers to hydro one.
- Council directed administration to send a letter to Enwin requesting an investigation and report on the hydro flickers.
Notable Correspondence
Notice of Motion
The following notice of motion was brought forward for Council’s Consideration:
e-bikes and e-scooters - Moved by Mayor Bondy
- Whereas if an Ontario municipality wishes to govern the use of e-bikes and e-scooters within the municipality, the municipality must establish By-Laws governing such use; and
- Whereas neighbouring municipalities are currently reviewing and revising their By-Laws to explore potential rules regarding the use of e-bikes and e-scooters.
- Now Therefore, Be It Resolved That Council direct Administration to work with the OPP and neighbouring municipalities and return with a report determining whether or not the Town requires any new By-Laws or amendments to current Town By-Laws in order to govern the use of e-bikes and e-scooters in the Town of Essex.
- This motion was carried.
By-Laws
By-Laws read for a third and final reading:
- Being a By-Law to confirm the proceedings of the October 5, 2026, Regular Meeting of Council of the Corporation of the Town of Essex.
By-Laws read for a first, second, and third and final reading:
- Council was presented with an amendment allowing Administration to apply for grants without prior Council approval for fully funded projects under $130,000 that align with Council priorities, or grants that reduce previously approved funding for capital projects.
- Council was presented with a by-law authorizing the expropriation of lands required for the expansion of municipal sanitary and water services, including the necessary steps to register the expropriation and take possession of the lands in accordance with the Expropriations Act.
- Council was presented with a by-Law imposing special annual drainage rate upon land in respect of which money is borrowed under the Tile Drainage Act.
By-Laws that require a first and second reading:
- Council was presented with a by-law to formally confirm and adopt all decisions, resolutions and actions taken during the October 19, 2026 Regular Meeting of Council, and authorize the execution of related documents.