Written By David Gomez
MIDDLESEX COUNTY – Four years of municipal service came to a close on October 27 as Middlesex County Council held its final scheduled meeting of the 2022–2026 term, with reflections on its accomplishments and farewells to departing members.
Warden Susan Clarke opened the meeting by acknowledging the passing of Southwest Middlesex Councillor Don McCallum, who served his community for more than four decades. She extended condolences to his family, colleagues and residents.
Reflecting on the term, Clarke highlighted investments in infrastructure, housing and economic development, as well as preparations to move into the County’s new governance and administration centre.
“We may have had some differences of opinion from time to time, but we have always been able to come together, have respectful discussions, and make decisions in the best interest of the county,” she said.
Clarke also recognized four councillors who will not return for the next term: Aina DeViet (Middlesex Centre), Cathy Burghardt-Jesson (Lucan Biddulph), Sharron McMillan (Thames Centre) and Allan Mayhew (Southwest Middlesex).
Burghardt-Jesson, who first joined County Council in 2014, offered her own farewell, reflecting on her experience and thanking fellow councillors and municipal employees.
“As elected officials, we are only temporary stewards of these seats,” she said, emphasizing the contributions of staff who continue serving residents beyond election cycles. She encouraged incoming councillors to visit municipal departments and get to know the employees responsible for delivering County services.
