Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
MIDDLESEX COUNTY - During the county Council meeting on September 24, councillors voted to approve a 20-year lease agreement between the county and the Middlesex-London Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Authority for the ambulance station located at 340 Waterloo Street in London. This agreement will allow the EMS authority to operate from the station until the end of 2043, following a series of crucial renovations.
The decision comes after the county purchased the building in January 2024. The station, an integral part of EMS operations in the region, is set to undergo $3 million in renovations, including updates to modernize the facility for paramedic services. The lease is a “triple net lease,” which means the tenant, Middlesex-London EMS, will cover all operational costs, including utilities, insurance, and maintenance, while the county remains responsible for structural repairs.
The agreement also includes provisions for capital repairs, such as roof and foundation work, which will be completed by the landlord and then reimbursed by the tenant through additional rent.
Cindy Howard, Deputy CAO & County Treasurer, presented the report, detailing the terms of the lease and explaining that this structure is consistent with other EMS leases. “This is a 20-year lease that starts in 2024 and ends in 2043,” Howard stated. She emphasized that the long-term agreement allows the costs of the necessary renovations to be spread out over time, lessening the financial burden on the tenant. The renovations include asbestos removal, electrical upgrades, and improvements to washrooms and paramedic facilities, ensuring the building meets modern standards.
Councillors raised questions regarding the lease terms, including whether the $3 million renovation costs would be recouped and whether the 20-year term was too long. Councillor Colin Grantham expressed concerns about ensuring that leasehold improvements would be reflected in future rent payments. In response, County Engineer Chris Traini confirmed that the lease takes into account these improvements, and the costs will be gradually recovered over the duration of the lease.
Location was another topic of discussion. Councillor Allan Mayhew asked if the current location was optimal for emergency medical services. Bill Rayburn, Middlesex County CAO, highlighted the difficulty in finding suitable properties in downtown London and pointed out that the existing location met both space and zoning requirements. He emphasized that the station’s current location had long served the community and was particularly advantageous for the EMS’ growing focus on paramedicine and mental health support services. “There couldn’t be a better location,” Rayburn remarked, noting the historical presence of the ambulance station in the area and the public’s familiarity with emergency services at that site.
With no further objections, the motion to approve the lease was passed, and a bylaw to formalize the agreement was introduced. Council also confirmed the bylaw to formalize the lease agreement, which passed unanimously.
The lease agreement marks a significant step in ensuring that Middlesex-London EMS can continue providing essential services from the Waterloo Street station while bringing the building up to modern standards.
