Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - Could annexation by the city of London be a possibility for parts of Middlesex Centre?
That’s the provocative question raised after councillors at a recent London planning meeting turned down an infrastructure-related request by Middlesex Centre. “That’s one option,” says Chair of the London’s Planning and Environment Committee Steve Lehman in an interview with the Middlesex Banner. “The other option is to have a blanket policy agreement on accessing London’s infrastructure. Everything should be on the table. What’s the best way forward?” Lehman adds.
The Banner reached out to Middlesex County Warden Brian Ropp and Middlesex Centre Mayor, Aina DeViet, who had this to say: “While I appreciate the complexity of growth management in our shared region. I want to be clear that Middlesex County has no interest to entertain amalgamation or annexation discussion,” said Ropp. “Middlesex Centre is proud to be an independent municipality with strong rural and small-town roots. Our 20,000 plus residents and local businesses choose to live and work here, embracing the unique character of our community,” was DeViet’s response.
At its March 18th meeting, the London Planning and Environment Committee supported a staff report that recommended rejection of a request by Middlesex Centre to review a 2002 Sanitary Sewer Agreement that allows waste from Arva to be pumped to a London treatment facility. The report states: “The Municipality of Middlesex Centre is requesting a significant increase in sanitary servicing capacity. The City of London’s sanitary sewer system cannot accommodate the additional capacity allowance without potentially hindering London’s own growth or triggering significant infrastructure upgrades.”
The municipal leaders are in agreement that it’s important for all concerned to figure out a way to meet infrastructure needs in both the short and long term, given the rapid population growth in the region. “Having massive growth has put a strain on so many things,” says Lehman. “I think we need to be on the same page,” adds Lehman. “The County remains open to direct, transparent, and proactive discussions with the city of London on matters that impact our shared region. We welcome the opportunity to explore innovative, locally driven approaches to growth that benefit both our communities while respecting the priorities of each municipality,” says Ropp. “Collaborating with our neighbours has been and continues to be our preferred way of getting things done and we work closely on infrastructure projects with all our neighbouring communities, including the City of London and the County of Middlesex,” adds DeViet.
