I am a lifelong resident of Tecumseh’s Ward 1, having first moved here in 1973 when my parents purchased our family home on St. Pierre Street—where my mother still lives today. I attended St. Pius X School and later St. Anne’s High School at its former Arbour Street location.
Growing up, I experienced firsthand the strong sense of community that defines Tecumseh. I walked to school, played in the fields between our home and Lacasse Park, and worked part-time at a local gas station on Riverside Drive. From an early age, I was taught the importance of giving back.
My career took me to Windsor, Kitchener, and Montreal, but when the opportunity arose, I chose to return home to Tecumseh to raise my own family. My two children, now 20 and 26, were raised here, attending St. Marguerite d’Youville and L’Essor High School. Like me, they worked part-time jobs locally and were encouraged to volunteer and contribute to the community.
Volunteerism has always been central to my life. Inspired by my parents—my father, a retired Tecumseh paramedic and longtime Scout leader and Legion member, and my mother, an active volunteer with St. Anne’s Parish and Cub Scouts, and the Legion—I began volunteering 40 years ago with Scouts Canada as a leader with the 35th Tecumseh group, a role I continue to hold today. I also serve on the Group Committee and have been recognized with several service awards, including the Silver Acorn for exemplary service to Scouting.
In addition, I currently serve as Branch Chair of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 261 in Tecumseh, and sit on several committees. Over the years, I have also coached youth soccer and volunteered with the Parkinson’s Society of Canada, organizing local fundraising walkathons. I regularly support community events, volunteering at such events as the Tecumseh Corn Festival, Taste of Tecumseh, Turkey Bingos and others.
You may know me if you’ve ever been to the Friday night Meat Draws at the Legion in town, as your MC (the one without the bad jokes) Through my involvement with the Parent’s Camping Club of Tecumseh, we have raised thousands of dollars to send youth to camp, raised funds to support the local Legion, and bring awareness to Scouting in Tecumseh.
My commitment to the community extends to municipal involvement. I have chaired the Tecumseh Awards Review Committee and served on the Town’s Rural Broadband Advisory Committee, where we developed recommendations to improve connectivity for residents and businesses, specifically in rural Tecumseh.
Over the decades, I have witnessed Tecumseh grow from a small bedroom community into a thriving town with expanding opportunities, businesses, and housing. While growth has brought many benefits, it must be managed responsibly. I believe strongly in supporting development that strengthens our town without overburdening infrastructure or compromising the character of our neighborhoods.
In recent years, I have actively participated in council meetings and public consultations, advocating on behalf of Ward 1 residents. I spoke against the proposed “four-units-as-of-right” policy, citing infrastructure and parking concerns, and have continued to voice concerns regarding the new town-wide zoning by-law—particularly the inclusion of lodging homes in residential zones and restrictions affecting residents’ use of their own properties.
My family continues to live in Ward 1, and I remain deeply connected to this community. I see both its growth and its challenges every day. I believe in listening to residents, understanding their concerns, and ensuring their voices are heard at council. To me, this means responding to their concerns in a timely manor and advocating for them at council.
With decades of community involvement and a lifelong connection to Tecumseh, I am ready to take the next step. I am proud to put my name forward to serve as your voice in Ward 1.
Reach out to me on Facebook, email or Phone.
FACEBOOK
ward1darrin@gmail.com
(226) 676-0818