Written By David Gomez
MIDDLESEX COUNTY – Housing insecurity, mental health challenges and limited access to services are among the issues Middlesex County hopes to address through an updated Community Safety and Well-Being Plan covering 2026 to 2031.
County Council approved the plan on October 13, establishing six priorities: housing stability and homelessness, child and family well-being, access to services and transportation, economic well-being, mental health and addictions, and violence prevention.
The strategy involves the County and its local municipalities, which will also consider the plan for approval. It emphasizes preventing problems before they escalate rather than concentrating solely on policing and emergency responses.
County CAO Paul Shipway explained that the updated approach is intended to strengthen existing partnerships rather than create additional programs or committees.
“Although the legislation utilizes the language of community safety, it’s a much broader intent than policing or responding to crime,” he told council.
The plan also proposes clearer responsibilities, regular progress reports and better coordination among municipalities and community organizations. Approval does not automatically authorize additional spending or staffing.
Councillor Mike McGuire questioned whether community partners should have another opportunity to review the document before council approved it. He suggested a consultation period of 45 to 60 days.
“I’d really like to know what the partners that received the survey and provided input in now think of the plan,” McGuire said. Shipway responded that municipalities and community organizations had already contributed to its development. He also noted that the update was overdue under provincial requirements.
Councillor Cathy Burghardt-Jesson welcomed the changes but questioned how the County would ensure the document remained relevant rather than being forgotten after approval. Director of Human Services Joe Winser explained that an accompanying data management framework would help track activities, while regular meetings with community organizations would support ongoing implementation.
The motion, moved by councillor Burghardt-Jesson and seconded by councillor Allan Mayhew, was approved. County staff will now work with local municipalities and community partners to develop implementation initiatives, with annual progress reports planned.
