Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SOUTHWEST MIDDLESEX - Council has decided to pursue a one-year contract with the Southwest Middlesex Animal Shelter following challenges in securing a long-term agreement through the formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The decision, made during the February 19 council meeting, comes after a few months of uncertainty regarding the municipality’s animal control services.
The RFP process, which began in late 2024, aimed to secure a three-year animal control services contract as the existing agreement with the London-Middlesex Humane Society approached its end. However, according to Josh White, Middlesex County’s Procurement Services Manager, the process faced complications from the outset. “We initially received only one proposal, which didn’t meet the mandatory submission requirements,” White explained. “The incumbent, the London-Middlesex Humane Society, missed the original submission deadline.”
In an effort to avoid restarting the entire process, the municipality invited both the Southwest Middlesex Animal Shelter and the London-Middlesex Humane Society to resubmit proposals. However, neither submission met the required evaluation standards, leaving council without a viable candidate. “Evaluators felt that both proposals didn’t instil enough confidence to move forward,” White stated.
CAO Amanda Gubbels highlighted the potential cost savings of a pay-per-use approach, noting that neighbouring municipalities reported significant reductions in animal control expenses. “Both Thames Centre and Middlesex Centre saved about 50% on their previous costs using the “pay-as-you-go” model,” Gubbels said.
Despite the potential savings, council opted for a more immediate solution. Deputy Mayor Mike Sholdice introduced a motion to pursue a one-year contract with the Southwest Middlesex Animal Shelter, prioritizing continuity of service within the municipality. “I think it’s crucial that we keep animal control local,” Sholdice said.
The motion passed with council directing staff to work with the shelter and legal advisors to draft a formal contract, which will return to council for approval. The one-year term allows council flexibility to reassess the agreement’s effectiveness and explore other options if needed. “A shorter contract gives us the opportunity to evaluate the sustainability of this arrangement before committing to anything longer term,” White added.
Council’s decision ensures uninterrupted animal control services while allowing time to refine future strategies, with the finalized contract expected to come before council in the coming months.
