Written By Olena Riznyk
NORTH MIDDLESEX – CAO Paul Shipway presented Middlesex County’s strategic priorities and upcoming initiatives to North Middlesex Council at the last council meeting on October 1st. He outlined key programs related to community improvement, planning, infrastructure, and environmental management. Warden Brian Ropp, who also serves as Mayor of North Middlesex, joined the presentation, adding comments and taking part in the discussion with council.
One of the main announcements was the upcoming launch of the Community Improvement Support Program in January 2026. The program will provide financial support from the county to help municipalities implement their own Community Improvement Plans. Municipalities will be able to receive up to 50 percent of their contribution, to a maximum of $25,000 per project. Funding will focus on property revitalization, industrial and commercial development, and housing-related initiatives. The program is intended to give municipalities flexibility to set their own priorities while benefiting from additional county support.
The presentation also addressed Official Plan Amendment No. 4, which focuses on agriculture, housing, the economy and growth in response to provincial policy changes. A draft has been submitted to the province, and adoption is expected before the end of the year.
Council also heard about long-term service and infrastructure planning. The Library Strategic Plan 2025–2029 aims to expand services and reach more residents, while the 2025 Asset Management Plan outlines future investments in roads, bridges and other essential infrastructure to ensure sustainable service delivery.
Environmental management remains a key focus for the county. Middlesex County manages more than 1,000 hectares of Carolinian forest and is updating its 20-year Forest Management Plan to protect natural assets while supporting responsible development. Construction of a new county governance and administration building is underway in south London, with occupancy expected in 2026. This year also marks the 225th anniversary of Middlesex County, which is being celebrated through events such as a tree giveaway and the “Warden for a Day” contest for students.
During the question period, councillors raised issues including representation on county council, the absence of a county archives, phragmites control along rural roads, and the definition of affordable housing within new funding programs. County representatives provided legislative context, acknowledged the concerns, and indicated that some topics, such as the archives, could be reconsidered in the future.
