Written By Olena Riznyk
LUCAN BIDDULPH – At its last meeting of the 2022-2026 term on November 3rd, Council discussed infrastructure repairs, winter maintenance, new development and budget plans before saying farewell to outgoing members.
Public Works staff reported three watermain breaks along Richmond Street over the past 18 months. The affected section needs replacement within three years, but the work will require Ministry of Transportation approval, potentially increasing costs and timelines.
The department is also dealing with staffing shortages following the departure of its utility coordinator. Some maintenance and office work has fallen behind, with staffing options to be considered during budget discussions.
Council approved an updated winter maintenance plan. Staff proposed a second sidewalk plow, with rental costs estimated at $10,000 per month. The possibility of stopping winter sidewalk clearing in Clandeboye was also raised, but no decision was made.
Council approved a proposal from Jacobs, a company already working with the township’s water system, to provide additional water and sewer system services. The estimated annual cost is $42,225, compared with $104,000 quoted by Aqua. Additional work would be billed separately.
Planning updates included a self-storage facility in Clandeboye that has received site plan approval and a contractor’s yard under construction in the industrial park. Other proposals include a four-unit commercial building at the former Hogtown site and a gas station at 197 Main Street.
During the financial update, staff said traffic calming measures had been delayed until 2027, subject to budget approval. Council also discussed future funding for the Santa Claus Parade, as money carried over from previous years appears to have been depleted.
Council approved the 2026-2031 Middlesex Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, addressing housing, mental health, families, access to services, economic well-being and violence prevention.
The meeting was also the last for Mayor Cathy Burghardt-Jesson and Councillor Jaden Hodgins, who has served on council since 2021.
Burghardt-Jesson, who first joined council as deputy mayor in 2010, reflected on her 16 years of public service and the changes she has seen in Lucan Biddulph.
Council members thanked Mayor Burghardt-Jesson for her leadership and spoke about the respect and cooperation they had shared over the years, even when they disagreed.
In her farewell remarks, Burghardt-Jesson thanked councillors, residents and municipal staff, saying the community was fortunate to have such a dedicated team. She emphasized that while elected officials come and go, municipal staff continue doing the work that keeps the township running.
“I love where I live,” she said, expressing gratitude to the community she is proud to call home.
