Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
MIDDLESEX COUNTY — Councillors moved one step closer to addressing years of community calls for a county-wide archival system during the November 25 meeting, voting unanimously to direct staff to prepare a Middlesex County Archives Feasibility Study for the 2026 budget. Dozens of residents attended the meeting, including members of local historical societies, archives and the Committee to Establish a Middlesex County Archives, filling the gallery in visible support of the motion.
The discussion began when Councillor Sharron McMillan introduced the detailed resolution, noting the county’s “long history of community interest in the establishment of a county archives to preserve both public and private records of enduring value.” She added that previous delegations had brought forward concerns about archival preservation and that a feasibility study would help council “establish clear fiscal and operational parameters to guide future decision-making.”
Councillor Aina DeViet seconded the motion, saying she appreciated the number of residents who had reached out. “We need to have all of the information,” she said. “We need to know, understand what the costs are… and how to use new technologies. So, I think this is a good time to do that.”
Councillor Susan Clarke supported the need for a comprehensive review before any decisions are made. “I’d like to see a business case first,” she said. “And this feasibility study would provide some context around that.” Clarke also questioned how such a service might fit within economic development strategies. Director of Economic Development and Tourism Cara Finn responded that examples from other counties show a mix of models, ranging from heritage society management to integration with municipal tourism assets.
Several councillors raised concerns about sustainability within existing volunteer-run historical societies. Councillor Allan Mayhew said younger volunteers are scarce. “There must be a home for the inventories of these facilities that are dotted throughout Middlesex County,” he said. He emphasized that the feasibility study was a necessary starting point despite eventual cost considerations.
Councillor Mike McGuire questioned whether staff expertise might reduce consultant costs, though CAO Paul Shipway advised that an external consultant was likely the most effective option given the county’s “very long history of considering archives dating back all the way to prior to the 2000s.” Shipway said an objective, province-wide landscape analysis and broad engagement would finally give council “a plan to assess a number of options.”
Councillor Michelle Smibert added that archival capacity varies widely across the county. “Some have really formalized institutions, and some do not,” she said. “It’s so fragmented.”
The motion carried unanimously, prompting loud applause from the gallery.
