Written By Olena Riznyk
LUCAN BIDDULPH – At its last meeting on June 2nd, Council received the Township’s 2025 audited financial statements, reviewed election and governance updates, approved a drainage assessment schedule and discussed future infrastructure planning.
Mayor Cathy Burghardt-Jesson opened the meeting by recognizing School Crossing Guard Appreciation Week and thanking Don Applebee, Tim Colbert and Brenda Ferris for their service to local students and families. During council comments, members also highlighted several upcoming community events, fundraisers and local activities taking place throughout the township in the coming weeks.
Auditor Christine Scrimgeour presented the Township’s 2025 audited financial statements, reporting that net financial assets increased by approximately $1.6 million during the year. Accumulated surplus rose to about $65 million, while reserves increased by nearly $1.5 million. Long-term liabilities stood at approximately $8.3 million, reflecting major capital projects completed in recent years, including the arena addition, soccer fields and pool addition. Scrimgeour told council the Township’s financial position remains stable and encouraged continued growth of reserve funds to help manage future infrastructure needs and rising construction costs.
Council also heard that the municipality received funding through the Housing Accelerator Fund and began receiving funding related to the Hughes sewer project. Discussion included the treatment of development charges and other restricted funds, which must be used for specific purposes rather than general municipal operations.
Council also sat as a Court of Revision for the Mitchell and O’Shea Drain 2026 project. With no appeals received from affected landowners, council adopted the revised drainage assessment schedule submitted by Spriet Associates Ltd.
Several governance and administrative matters were also considered. Council received an update on preparations for the 2026 municipal election and approved an extension of the agreement governing the Biddulph-Blanshard Fire Area Board with the Township of Perth South through Dec. 31, 2027.
Members also gave preliminary approval to updated policies dealing with delegated powers and municipal hiring practices. The proposed updates will return to council as part of the municipality’s ongoing policy review process.
Infrastructure planning was another topic discussed during the meeting. Council authorized staff to proceed with a proposal from BM Ross to complete the Lucan Master Sanitary Study, which will help guide future wastewater planning and support anticipated growth within the community.
Council also received reports from emergency services, public works, economic development and communications, building services and strategic planning initiatives. The reports provided updates on departmental activities and ongoing municipal projects.
