Written By Olena Riznyk
NORTH MIDDLESEX – At the December 3rd Council meeting, members reviewed engineering reports, capital and inspection updates, tender recommendations, project summaries, and administrative items related to municipal operations for the upcoming year.
Council received engineering reports for the Rollings Drainage Works (2025) and the Robinson Drain (2025). After hearing comments from landowners and staff, council accepted both final reports, moving the projects to the next required step, the Court of Revision scheduled for January 14, 2026. Following these proceedings, council continued with the remaining items on the agenda.
Council received the BM Ross Bridge Needs Study, which presented updated information regarding bridge conditions across the municipality. The study identifies structures that may require maintenance, rehabilitation, or further technical review. The material will be used in future discussions related to infrastructure planning and long-term budgeting.
Council also received the 2025 Ontario Structure Inspection Reports. These reports outlined the condition of various municipal structures, including culverts and other load-bearing components. Several items were identified as higher priorities for future planning consideration and will form part of upcoming municipal discussions on asset management.
A series of tender recommendations were presented to council as well. Reports were received outlining recommended contractors for the Walden-Hord Drain and Walden-Hord Drain Extension, the Schepers Drain, and the Pickering Drain together with the Carey Drain Extension Cleanout. These recommendations relate to ongoing rural infrastructure and stormwater management work across North Middlesex.
Project updates were provided for two community initiatives. The Parkhill Cemetery Drainage Improvement was reported as substantially complete, adding to recent maintenance work at the site. The 2025 Curb and Sidewalk Replacement Program was also reported as substantially complete, contributing to improvements in accessibility and municipal sidewalk conditions.
In administrative matters, council reviewed a report regarding a proposed Services Agreement with ERTH (Holdings) Inc. The recommendation to enter into such an agreement was presented for council’s consideration. Council also reviewed the 2026 Administrative Office Closure Schedule, which included statutory holidays, negotiated closures, and the planned municipal operating schedule for the year-end period.
As part of the scheduled by-law section of the meeting, council also reviewed by-laws related to 2026 water and wastewater rates, presented alongside other annual financial and administrative requirements.
