Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - Council was given an update on the municipality’s Strategic Plan at its March 26th meeting.
“We are on the home stretch of our strategic plan process which we initiated about four to five years ago,” Chief Administrative Officer Michael DiLullo told council.
The Strategic Plan was adopted in 2021 by council and serves as a document to lay out priorities and objectives through 2026. DiLullo told council, about 80% of the objectives laid out in the plan have been met. “We have accomplished many of the items. So, our objective now is to ensure we fulfil what’s outstanding and to also carry forward on the ones that are noted as ongoing,” DiLullo told council.
The Strategic Plan is broken down into what are labelled five main priority areas; Engaged Community, Balanced Growth, Vibrant Local Economy, and Sustainable Infrastructure and Services, and Responsive Municipal Government.
Under the heading of Engaged Community, a report to council indicates the only initiative that hasn’t got off the ground is hosting an annual community organization forum to share ideas and concerns with the municipality. Listed as in progress, is an effort to offer tours and other initiatives to publicize local heritage.
Also listed as in progress, is supporting the efforts of local businesses to adapt to new retail and employment trends. That area is contained within the Balanced Growth stream.
Under the heading of Infrastructure and Services, efforts to resolve road safety concerns in conjunction with Middlesex County are listed as ongoing. As well, work continues to expand the network of bicycle lanes and off-road trails in the municipality.
“Essentially we’re quite satisfied that we’re fulfilling council’s goals and objectives and we will continue to do so for the remainder of this council term,” said DiLullo.
“We have got a lot of ticks in the boxes and it’s really good to see the progress. I think we’re hearing that from our residents as well,” said Mayor Aina DeViet.
