Written By David Gomez
ADELAIDE METCALFE - Council dealt with a mix of financial, administrative and election-related business at its September 8 meeting, approving new software and service agreements while receiving updates on building activity and rules governing council during the municipal election period.
Building activity in the township remained relatively stable during the first half of 2026, although the value of construction declined substantially from last year. Chief Building Official Arnie Marsman reported 34 permits through the end of June, compared with 40 during the same period in 2025. Four new dwellings were created, compared with five last year.
The largest difference came from agricultural construction. Farm building projects represented approximately $17 million in construction value during the first half of 2025, compared with about $3 million this year. Marsman said the change was not necessarily concerning. “It doesn’t alarm me; these things do go in cycles,” he told council.
Council also formalized its procurement relationship with Middlesex County. The township has relied on the county’s procurement team since approximately 2024 for assistance with tenders, requests for proposals and other purchasing processes. Under the agreement, Adelaide Metcalfe retains its decision-making authority while receiving procurement advice and administrative support. The service is funded through the county levy, although the township remains responsible for external expenses such as legal, consulting or advertising costs.
Another contract approved during the meeting covers external auditing. Three proposals were received, with Graham Scott Enns LLP submitting the lowest price and receiving the highest evaluation score. Council awarded the five-year contract for $156,800, excluding HST. The township expects the 2026 audit cost to exceed its budgeted amount by $1933, which Treasurer Johnny Pereira said can be accommodated within the administration budget.
Election preparations also continued. Council appointed Donald Leitch, Ophelia Chang and Sachin Puri to the Joint Middlesex County 2026 Election Compliance Audit Committee. The committee deals with matters involving municipal election campaign finances and contributions and is required under Ontario’s Municipal Elections Act.
Clerk Michael Barnier also reported that Adelaide Metcalfe had not entered a restricted-acts, commonly called “lame duck,” period. With Mayor Sue Clarke acclaimed and three incumbent councillors seeking four available councillor positions, four current members are either confirmed or remain eligible to return. The situation must be reassessed after voting day.
Councillors also approved a 36-month, $61,707 agreement with Euna Solutions for new municipal budgeting software. The township currently relies primarily on Excel, which Pereira described as a “very manual, time-consuming process.”
The first-year cost, including implementation, is $20,569—$18,431 below the $39,000 budgeted for the project. The software will also include a public-facing component allowing residents to explore budget information and, potentially, view long-term capital projects.
Pereira said the system would give residents the ability to “take a deeper dive in our budget,” while providing the township with additional tools for presenting financial information.
