Written By Sue Clarke, Mayor of Adelaide Metcalfe
Harvest season in Adelaide Metcalfe (AM) is well underway and we couldn’t ask for better weather.
Our township Public Works Department successfully completed the Mulifarry Drive reconstruction from Pike to Kerwood Road. This project was completed on budget and a perfect example of partnering with the County to ensure AM realized costs savings both on materials and labour.
On October 17, the township hosted a mock Emergency at the Kerwood Fire Hall. The event was well attended by all service partners and proved to be an educational day for all involved. Special thanks to the CERV team for their participation. They are a fantastic group that is always ready to step up in the event of a real emergency.
The Kerwood Adelaide Metcalfe Optimist Club hosted their annual Pumpkin Pickup and Carving Contest on October 26. This event had a great turnout with lots of unique costumes. Crafts, goodies and a take home pumpkin were provided. Special thanks to the club for all you do in our community.
Our Finance Team is always busy, but are ramping up work to bring a budget to Council before year end. Important public feedback is being taken into consideration as the Budget Working Group has the difficult task of reviewing each department for spend justifications, while exploring cost savings and efficiencies. With the ever-increasing budgetary pressures, especially from non-discretionary expenses such as a 13.8% increase in OPP billing, they have their work cut out for them.
The Township Treasurer and his finance team were successful with 3 grant applications in the month of October totalling $65,000.
The AM Fire Department received a grant from Enbridge Gas to sponsor the purchase of training materials. With the AM Fire Team’s health being top of mind, Council has approved the purchase of 15 new breathing apparatuses and a new compressor. These items will positively impact efforts to keep our Fire Team safe. While grant amounts fall short of the total spend, the compressor was budgeted for in the 2024 budget and the balance can come from reserves if needed. Council continues to challenge staff to explore grant opportunities. That being said, if anyone or a local business would like to sponsor a unit, please reach out to Fire Chief Dan Parker.
The Kerwood Park lighting project is currently behind schedule due to a wait list on some materials. This fully funded $150,000 Grant project is still expected to be completed before year end.
The Council Grant program closed October 31 with successful recipients to be notified in the coming weeks. Community Improvement Plan Grants are still available and we encourage applications before year end.
AM continues to work thru our Official Plan update. Council recently participated in an educational session with three planners from Middlesex County. With agriculture being the backbone of this township and the largest contributor to the levy, we know the importance of thoughtful and appropriate growth. With three 402 interchanges stretching thru AM, we are strategically located to set the table and encourage investments in our municipality.
2025 marks the 100th Year Anniversary of the Kerwood Park. If you have suggestions or ideas or would like to be involved in the celebrations, please reach out to the Township Office at 519-247-3687.
As we head into the final stretch of harvest season, for your safety and that of our Farmers, we ask you to drive responsibly.
