MIDDLESEX COUNTY - County Council elected Councillor Susan Clarke, Mayor of Adelaide Metcalfe, as the 2026 Warden during its Inaugural Meeting on November 27, following a multi-candidate nomination and ballot process led by past Warden Kurtis Smith.
The election opened with remarks from outgoing 2025 Warden Brian Ropp, who thanked councillors and staff for their work over the past year and for helping the county navigate both routine business and more difficult moments. He said the county is “moving ahead” and emphasized his confidence in all nominees, noting that “everyone that’s put their name forward… will do a very good job.”
Three councillors allowed their names to stand for the position: Susan Clarke, Mike McGuire—Deputy Mayor of Strathroy-Caradoc—, and Allan Mayhew— Mayor of Southwest Middlesex. After nominees delivered their speeches, councillors cast their ballots, with past wardens serving as chair and scrutineers. Clarke was declared the winner and later confirmed through a formal motion passed unanimously by council.
In her address to councillors before the vote, Clarke highlighted more than three decades of experience in the banking sector and extensive service on municipal and regional boards. She described the ability “to think outside the box, to arrive at unique solutions” as part of her DNA, and emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility paired with a strong social lens. “Affordable housing, health care, mental health and addiction services are necessary for the people of Middlesex County,” she said, adding that “when one of us does better, we all do better.”
Clarke pointed to the county’s economic potential, noting its strategic location along multiple 400-series interchanges. She said the region needed “shovel-ready inventory” to encourage domestic and foreign investment and stressed the importance of building a diversified tax base to ensure long-term financial sustainability. She also underscored the need for “creative housing strategies,” ongoing infrastructure investments, and strong partnerships across all levels of government.
Following the vote, Clarke subscribed to the official declaration of office and received the chain and gavel. Speaking as warden, she acknowledged her fellow candidates and expressed confidence in their abilities. She reiterated her commitment to economic development as her central focus. “We have tremendous opportunity in front of us. With a team Middlesex approach, we can add much value to member municipalities in the coming year.”
Clarke will serve as Warden from November 27, 2025, to November 26, 2026.
