Written By Olena Riznyk
LUCAN BIDDULPH – At its last meeting on September 2, council received the Middlesex County Local Council Update 2025, presented by Warden Brian Ropp and CAO Paul Shipway. The presentation outlined the County’s key priorities, major projects, and long-term goals.
Strengthening connections with local municipalities was identified as a top priority. Collaboration was described as the foundation for growth, better services, and improved quality of life. The Housing Accelerator Fund program was noted as a successful joint initiative, and the County reaffirmed its commitment to listening to local priorities and improving communication and support.
The Middlesex County Strategic Plan 2025-2030, titled Rooted in Community, Growing Toward Tomorrow, sets four directions: economic development, collaboration and partnerships, sustainable infrastructure development, and adaptability and agility.
A new Community Improvement Support Program will launch in 2026, offering three streams of funding: property revitalization, industrial and commercial development, and housing-related projects. County funding will cover up to 50 percent of a local contribution, to a maximum of $25,000 per project.
The update also reviewed Official Plan Amendment No. 4, prepared in response to changes in the Planning Act and the 2024 Provincial Policy Statement. It focuses on agriculture, economy, housing, and growth. A draft was submitted to the Province in July, with public meetings set for the fall and adoption expected before year-end.
The Middlesex County Library Strategic Plan 2025-2029, approved in May, was highlighted for its priorities of creating exceptional experiences, expanding reach, and supporting lifelong learning. The 2025 Asset Management Plan, adopted in April, provides an overview of infrastructure, service levels, and investment needs. Two public dashboards have been launched to improve transparency.
Forestry management was also discussed. Middlesex County owns and manages 1,040 hectares of forest across 27 tracts, the largest contiguous area of Carolinian forest in Ontario. The County is updating its 20-Year Forest Management Plan and has introduced a Natural Asset Valuation and Trail Monitoring program to guide sustainable management.
Council was also updated on the new Governance and Administration Centre under construction in south London beside the Middlesex-London Paramedic Service Headquarters. The 18,000-square-foot facility will provide modern, flexible spaces to improve efficiency and accessibility, with occupancy targeted for November 2026.
Finally, the presentation marked Middlesex County’s 225th anniversary. Celebrations began this summer with a free tree giveaway, and a “Warden for a Day” contest is inviting high school students to share what makes the County special, with the winner spending a day alongside the Warden.
