Written By David Gomez
MIDDLESEX COUNTY - Housing pressures, homelessness prevention and the need for affordable housing were at the centre of discussion during Middlesex County council’s May 12 meeting, as councillors endorsed a new five-year Housing Stability Action Plan developed jointly with the City of London.
The London-Middlesex Housing Stability Action Plan 2026-2031 is intended to guide regional efforts related to housing stability, homelessness prevention, housing supply and support services. The updated plan combines Middlesex County and London into a single framework while still recognizing the different realities faced by rural communities.
Presenting the report to council, Middlesex County Director of Human Services Joe Winser said “population growth, rising rents, low vacancy rates, limited affordable housing options, and increased demand for supports are placing pressures on individuals, families, community partners, and local systems.”
“Housing stability continues to be a growing concern across the county,” Winser added.
Winser said the plan centres on three priorities: responding to the homelessness crisis, creating more housing stock and expanding housing supports. He added that the strategy builds on the county’s existing Connecting Journeys programs, which focus on prevention and diversion efforts aimed at helping residents remain housed and avoid more intensive crisis interventions.
The report also highlights the need for stronger partnerships involving municipalities, community agencies, health and social service providers, the private sector and residents themselves.
More than 500 people participated in consultation and validation activities during development of the plan, including residents, service providers, businesses, organizations and individuals with lived experience.
Councillor Cathy Burghardt-Jesson said she supported the unified approach and noted that a formal implementation plan could help strengthen accountability between the county and the city.
“I do think that once it’s in paper and documented, and there’s an implementation plan, there is more to hold them account to actually invest and be part of [the solution],” she said.
Councillor Michelle Smibert asked whether additional advocacy work was being considered to encourage more housing construction amid a slowdown in development activity.
Winser said advocacy related to housing creation would form part of the future implementation plan and noted ongoing discussions with the City of London regarding roles connected to housing responsibilities.
Councillor Allan Mayhew also pointed to the financial challenges facing developers, arguing that additional government incentives may be necessary to reduce risk and encourage affordable housing projects.
Council later voted unanimously to endorse the Housing Stability Action Plan 2026-2031.
