Written By Olena Riznyk
LUCAN BIDDULPH – Mayor Cathy Burghardt-Jesson opened the last council meeting on May 19 by recognizing two provincial grants recently received by the township. One funded accessibility improvements at the Lucan Library, including the installation of a new accessible door, while another supported the purchase of emergency radios to improve communication during emergencies.
The mayor also highlighted a recent joint training exercise involving the Lucan Biddulph and South Huron fire departments. Firefighters used a ladder truck during practice exercises at a local apartment building, giving crews an opportunity to familiarize themselves with building layouts and emergency access points as more multi-unit housing developments are built in the community.
A large portion of the meeting focused on the County of Middlesex annual update presented to council. Much of the discussion focused on Middlesex County Connect transit service, which continues to see growing ridership across the county. Officials said the service surpassed 14,000 riders in 2025 and continues to provide transportation connections between rural municipalities and larger centres including London, Sarnia and St. Thomas.
Council members discussed the importance of maintaining reliable public transit options in rural communities, particularly as growth continues across the region.
Deputy Mayor Dave Manders also raised concerns about pedestrian safety along Saintsbury Line near the planned new school and nearby residential development. County staff said the concern would be reviewed further.
The county update also included discussion about ongoing road rehabilitation work, bridge and culvert projects, future library planning and continued improvements to paramedic services and emergency response coordination.
Council later reviewed a winter maintenance operations report from township staff. The report described the past winter as long and repetitive, with frequent snow events, lake-effect snow and high winds keeping road crews busy throughout much of the season. Councillors said winter maintenance often brings strong public reaction from residents, but noted staff had managed difficult winter conditions well over the past two winters.
