Written By Olena Riznyk
LUCAN BIDDULPH – At the last council meeting on September 16, a significant part of the discussion centred on a new Middlesex County policy allowing municipalities to establish community safety zones on county roads. These zones, designed to enhance traffic safety around schools and community facilities, could also pave the way for stronger enforcement measures in the future. With a new school opening on Saintsbury Line, councillors suggested it as a possible location for one of the first zones. They also raised the question of whether Main Street, the busiest road through Lucan and under provincial jurisdiction, could be considered. Members noted that the township already has 40-kilometre-per-hour limits near schools and parks, and formal designation as safety zones could give these areas more weight and support further traffic-calming measures.
Recycling services also came under review. Council endorsed a letter from Bluewater Recycling Association opposing proposed changes to the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act. The new legislation would exclude small businesses, community facilities, and apartments above downtown shops from the recycling program. Bluewater warned this would reverse years of progress and send more waste to landfills. Councillors agreed that such exclusions would be a step backward and supported forwarding the letter to their local MPP, emphasizing the need to maintain equal access to recycling for all residents and institutions in the township.
Preparation for winter received detailed attention as a draft winter maintenance plan was presented. The plan defines how Lucan Biddulph meets provincial standards for snow and ice control. It was noted that the township already provides a higher level of service than required by clearing sidewalks every 24 hours, whereas the provincial minimum is every 48 hours. Councillors discussed whether committing to that higher standard in writing could increase liability if the township ever fell short. The plan also outlines a new ability to declare a “significant weather event,” which would officially extend response times during extreme storms. Council decided to defer adoption, allowing more time to weigh service expectations against legal risk.
Infrastructure updates reassured residents that progress continues on several projects. Water Street has reopened after major reconstruction, with final cleanup to continue this fall and a second layer of pavement scheduled for next year. On Saintsbury Line, servicing for the Timber Ridge subdivision is nearly finished, with paving expected soon to reopen the road to traffic. Work has also begun on the Fallon Drive bridge replacement, slated for completion before the end of the year.
