Written By Alan Good
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - During the June 4, 2025 council meeting, two presentations were heard, as Deputy Mayor John Brennan presided over the meeting.
Arden McClean from BGC London (formerly Boys and Girls Club of London) provided an update on the Rural Hubs program, which served 746 children and youth in Middlesex Centre over the past year. The program provides a range of programing for kids aged 4-18, including summer youth camps, life skills academies and a rural employment program.
They offer sports, recreation, and growth programs for children and youth in Dorchester, Ilderton, Thorndale, Lucan, Komoka, Bryanston. Their main club is on Horton Street in London, and in partnership with the London & Middlesex Community Housing (L.M.C.H.), they provide services to underserved and vulnerable neighborhoods in the city.
As a part of our outreach program, BGC offers a Junior My Action Plan to Education program (Jr. M.A.P.) in three locations. This program is more structured and requires parent and teacher involvement. This program helps kids get an early start on job searches and resume writing. Currently in the pilot stage they plan to expand to other locations.
A second presentation came from BMA Management Consulting Inc. which provided an overview of Middlesex Centre’s 2025-2034 Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Long-Range Financial Plan and the Tax Long-Range Financial Plan (LRFP).
Developed using budget data, asset management information, and growth projections, the plans recommended funding strategies over a ten-year period. To maintain essential services and infrastructure, the LRFP suggests annual increases of 8.4% for property taxes, and 6.1% for water rates, 8.7% for wastewater rates, and 10% for stormwater fees. These adjustments are designed to bridge the funding gap for infrastructure. Projected population growth and grants may help minimize the impact on ratepayers.
The plans also propose strategic borrowing for infrastructure projects. Over the next decade, the municipality anticipates borrowing $15.7 million for water, $18.2 million for wastewater, and $1.2 million for stormwater upgrades, with repayment structured to ensure manageable costs for taxpayers.
Later in the meeting, Council approved both plans. While the LRFPs set out recommendations, final decisions on tax and rate increases or debt financing will be made by Council during the annual budget process.
A question was raised regarding reducing development charges to encourage builders and investors, this against the reality that current rate payers would be on the hook for the difference.
Council agreed that being proactive to keep ahead was key. If needed, loans would be garnered to catch up with the current management plan. Council has much to decide.
