Business View Civil Municipal - Sept 2023

124 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 9 their communities, externally linking them while enhancing their internal trail structures. “Roughly 30 km of trails connect our neighborhoods and adjacent communities,” Mayor McNamara reports. “Just yesterday, we announced an additional 2.5km of trails, courtesy of a grant from the federal government.” This makes three new trail projects for the Town within the space of 5 years. He further elaborates on the town’s commitment to recreation, mentioning the addition of a ten-court pickleball complex and the substantial growth of its membership, now topping over 1,100 members. “We’re soon to add another four courts in the southern part of our community, bringing our total to nearly 20 courts active in the community.” At the heart of Tecumseh’s recreational pride is Lacasse Park, host to the Tecumseh Thunder and St. Clair College Saints and the future site of the 2024 Canadian national senior men’s baseball championships. As part of its commitment to maintaining and enhancing the town’s sports venues, Lacasse Park is undergoing a significant upgrade. “We’re refurbishing the grandstands and playing area to enhance the experience for both players and fans, keeping in mind the baseball legacy of our community,” reveals Mayor McNamara. The town’s ambitions extend beyond providing its residents with leisure and recreational facilities. It’s looking to the future, too, with a strong emphasis on reducing its carbon footprint. “We announced a partnership with the federal government to electrify our transit system with two brand new electric buses,” McNamara discloses. “In June, e-scooters made their debut as part of a pilot project to help folks get around our beautiful trail systems and within the community.”