Written By Olena Riznyk
LUCAN BIDDULPH – At its last meeting on July 14, Lucan Biddulph council agreed to ask the Ministry of Transportation to extend the township’s Connecting Link agreement farther south on Highway 4, a move intended to support future road improvements and address pedestrian safety concerns.
The proposed extension would cover about 700 metres south of Saintsbury Line to beyond Olde Clover Drive. Staff said the area has experienced significant residential and commercial growth over the past decade but still lacks sidewalks, curbs, streetlights, storm sewers and sanitary sewers. Council also heard concerns from Richmond Street South residents about pedestrian safety. The township is now asking the province to extend the Connecting Link so the area can eventually be urbanized.
Council also approved a funding plan for the Lucan wastewater treatment plant expansion and sanitary trunk sewer project, estimated at about $22.8 million before HST. Approximately $16.3 million will come from the provincial Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, with the remaining costs to be covered through development charges, reserve funds, Housing Accelerator Fund money and borrowing through Middlesex County’s municipal loan program.
As part of the discussion, council decided to delay updating its development charges bylaw until a sanitary master servicing study is completed. Staff said updating the bylaw now could lead to another significant increase later when additional infrastructure projects, including servicing for growth areas, road urbanization and a possible second ice pad, are added to the calculation.
Changes are also coming to arena ice scheduling. Council approved moving one adult recreation ice rental on Friday evenings from 9:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. beginning with the 2026-27 season, creating additional ice time for minor hockey.
Council also awarded a $740,000 contract, plus HST, to Metalfab Ltd. for a new pumper-tanker for the Granton fire station. The bid came in about $60,000 under budget, with delivery expected in late summer or fall 2027.
Net proceeds of just over $302,000 from the sale of surplus municipal land on Saintsbury Line will be divided between township reserves, with 58% allocated to the tax rate stabilization reserve and 42% to the parks and recreation reserve.
Among other business, council discussed plans to reinstall veterans’ banners on Lucan’s new downtown light poles once suitable mounting brackets become available. Members also received information from the Ontario Provincial Police about provincial e-bike rules and approved the use of the Scout Hall for up to three hours to support a community sorting event organized by Lions Heart.
