The Town of Tecumseh is making headlines, and not for the right reasons. A 4–3 council vote this week could put $3.2 million in federal housing funding at risk, and it all comes down to one hot button issue: fourplexes.

What Happened?

Tecumseh council narrowly voted against allowing four residential units as-of-right on lots in low-density neighbourhoods. The proposal would have permitted up to three additional units on properties with at least 18 metres of frontage and 35% landscaped open space.

Councillors Alicia Higgison, Brian Houston, and Mayor Gary McNamara supported the plan, citing the need to address housing affordability and supply. But the majority, Councillors Dorner, Tonial, Jobin, and Deputy Mayor Bachetti  voted it down, expressing concerns over neighbourhood character and resident opposition.

Why It Matters

This isn’t just a zoning decision. It’s tied directly to federal funding from the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). When Tecumseh was approved for $4.4 million from CMHC, it agreed to implement several housing-forward policies, including allowing fourplexes as-of-right across all residential zones.

Only $1.2 million of the funding has been released so far. The remaining $3.2 million is now in jeopardy following this vote. That funding was supposed to cover things like waiving development charges and purchasing software to streamline permit approvals.

What’s Next?

Tecumseh staff will now report the decision back to CMHC and await direction. While the door to discussion may not be fully closed, the message from CMHC has been consistent: funding is conditional on meeting the terms of the agreement.

We’ve seen similar pushback in Windsor, where council also voted against the fourplex requirement. And across the country, more municipalities are starting to question whether Ottawa’s one-size-fits-all approach makes sense at the local level.

Local Growth, Local Decisions

There’s no doubt that housing is one of the most pressing issues in our region and this decision sparks bigger conversations about how we grow, who decides, and what trade-offs we’re willing to make as a community.

Whether you’re for or against fourplexes, one thing is clear: there’s real money and real impact on the line.

If you live in Tecumseh or Windsor, this is your moment to get informed.

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This isn’t just about zoning, it’s about shaping the future of our communities.