The Town of Tecumseh's embarking on a pilot project so neighbours who are having a dispute can go to mediation and hopefully find a resolution.
The Pilot Community Mediation Program is for those conflicts that are not covered by municipal bylaws or regulations.
Town Councillor Andrew Dowie believes the program would be the first of its kind in Essex County when it launches in September.
Dowie said he gets a lot of calls from residents having a neighbourhood dispute, and sometimes, he can not help.
"The municipality can regulate what's within its sphere. That includes the public right of way and certain property standards or zoning conditions," he explained. "But when there are disputes involving private property -- that could be trespassing with landscaping or your pet has damaged the fence -- that's what this community mediation program is hopefully going to make some headway on."
The town is entering a partnership with Family Services Windsor-Essex Counselling and Advocacy Centre and St. Clair College's School of Community Studies.
"They launched the program last year. They did a sort of a soft launch. The caveat is it needs to be referred to them. So, by having this pilot project, the town becomes that referral body," said Dowie.
After a year, the town will evaluate the rate of uptake and success.
Residents would not be compelled to take part. The mediation will be free to residents, and the town will provide the space for meetings.
