Written By Aina DeViet, Mayor of Middlesex Centre
Successful delivery of projects and services for residents depends on strong fiscal management, innovative project planning, and service-focused municipal staff. However, we don’t act alone. Our partners – including other levels of government, the private sector, our community groups, and volunteers – all play key roles in ensuring success. I’d like to share some 2025 updates, including examples of how partnerships have made a positive impact on our communities.
Infrastructure projects including road rehabilitation and water, wastewater, and stormwater improvements are ongoing to ensure that critical transportation and water networks are ready to meet the needs of our growing communities. Last year, Middlesex Centre (MXC) received $4.24 million in multi-year funding from the Federal Housing Accelerator Fund for staff to develop guidelines for accessory residential units, create an affordable housing improvement plan, and explore incentives for diverse housing types. Thanks to this funding, MXC is now one of the first municipalities in the region to offer a Development Charge Incentive Program to support diversity in home building. MXC also received nearly $493,000 from the Provincial Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund to twin the Glendon Drive watermain, improving supply capacity and creating a backup feed for Kilworth.
Community safety is another area where partnerships shine. This year, we received donations of combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and public education materials from the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council, Enbridge’s “Project Zero” Campaign, and Gore Mutual Foundation’s Brokers for Good program. MXC firefighters distributed these items during inspections and fire safety home visits. Additionally, the Ilderton Pet Hospital provided MXC Fire Services with pet oxygen masks, enabling emergency care for residents’ four-legged family members.
Community well-being is also a priority for MXC, and social and recreation partnerships help make this possible. We continue to partner with the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club of London to offer youth centres in Komoka and Ilderton. On the other end of the spectrum, we have been fortunate that the province continues to fund our Seniors Active Living Centres, which offer fitness, art, and social programs at local community centres across the municipality.
Our recreation facilities also benefit from strong community partnerships with service clubs and local businesses. In the past year:
- The Ilderton & District Lion’s Club contributed to the new playground at Timberwalk Park,
- The Poplar Hill Lion’s Club supported an accessible wheelchair swing at Poplar Hill Park, and
-Middlesex Paving & Maintenance, along with LiUNA 159, helped fund a new basketball court at Komoka Park.
MXC is also pleased to offer free public skating at both the Ilderton Arena and the Komoka Wellness Centre throughout the coming season, thanks to sponsorships from local businesses and community groups. These well-being programs and facility improvements foster inclusion and engagement for residents, and we are excited to see them continue to grow in popularity.
Generous support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation allowed for new flooring and an accessible washroom at the Komoka Community Centre. We also received $1 million from the Province’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund to support renovations to the Ilderton Arena. Originally designed for hockey and skating, the Ilderton Arena is now a major community hub, and the renovations have improved accessibility, energy efficiency, player safety, and guest comfort.
MXC is proud to celebrate both long-standing businesses and is eager to welcome new economic development. A newly launched Economic Development Advisory Committee will work with our local Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), Middlesex County, and Community Futures Middlesex to support business growth and continue to expand the range of services and products available locally. Residents will have more opportunities to work and shop closer to home, and our communities will benefit from a more diversified tax base.
Thanks to all who have contributed to meeting the needs of our communities and residents, including members of agricultural organizations, business associations, and service clubs. We also appreciate the volunteers who help organize events, maintain gardens, create skating rinks, run farmers markets, fundraise, and serve on various boards and committees! As we look to the future, partnerships will remain central to our success. Thank you all for being part of the journey and for everything you contribute.
