News Release - Town Council Confirms Provincial Correspondence Following Special Council Meeting

UPDATE

The Town of New Tecumseth Council has submitted a formal response to the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) regarding the Province’s proposal on Addressing Growth and Housing Needs in South Simcoe.

Council’s letter outlines the Town’s perspective on the proposed approach, emphasizing the importance of responsible growth, infrastructure planning, and protecting the long-term interests of the community.

These comments are in addition to the staff report that Town Council reviewed at the Special Council Meeting on April 29, 2026. 

To view the Official Plan Review and view the Letter from Council visit newtecumseth.ca/OPR 

Town of New Tecumseth Council Confirms Provincial Correspondence Following Special Council Meeting

At a Special Council Meeting held on April 29, Mayor and Council considered matters related to growth planning and provincial policy, including the Environmental Registry of Ontario posting addressing growth and housing needs in South Simcoe.

Council received a presentation and correspondence related to growth management and Official Plan Amendment No. 5, and received Report #PD‑2026‑13 for information. At this time, no decision has been made on Official Plan Amendment No. 5 and staff are reviewing potential next steps. More information will be provided once available.

Council also unanimously passed a resolution directing that Report #PD‑2026‑14 be forwarded to the Province of Ontario as part of the consultation process for Environmental Registry of Ontario posting No. 026‑0383. Through this resolution, Council confirmed that it does not support the provincial priority projects, and directed that comments expressed by Council during the Special Council Meeting be included in the communication to the Province. Council further directed that the Town be a party to discussions to better define potential community benefits related to the proposed projects, and that the correspondence be circulated to Council and made publicly available.

“As a community, we understand the importance of growth and the role municipalities play,” said Mayor Richard Norcross. “We are prepared to work with the Province, but when proposals move forward without the funding, tools, or clarity municipalities need to support them responsibly, then respectfully, that is a no thank you. Our focus must remain on building complete, sustainable communities that work for our residents.”

The agenda for the April 29 Special Council Meeting is available at newtecumseth.ca/Council. A recording of the YouTube livestream can be viewed at youtube.com/TownofNewTecumsethON. Minutes from the April 29, 2026 Special Council Meeting will be published on the May 11, 2026 Council agenda, available on May 6, 2026 at newtecumseth.ca/Council

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Julia Jackson
Manager, Corporate Communications
Town of New Tecumseth
705-435-3900  
communications@newtecumseth.ca