Written By Allan Mayhew, Mayor of Southwest Middlesex
As 2025 comes to a close, Southwest Middlesex has much to reflect on and much to look forward to. This past year, Council and administration remained focused on delivering the essential services residents rely on every day, while also advancing several major initiatives that position our community for long-term success.
Residents can continue to count on the delivery of core services, clean drinking water, a safe sewer system, well-maintained roads, and quality parks and recreation spaces. These services may not always be visible, but they remain fundamental to a strong and reliable community.
We also enjoyed another year of memorable community events. The Canada Day celebration and other locally organized gatherings brought families, neighbours, and visitors together, highlighting the community spirit that defines Southwest Middlesex.
A major focus this year was advancing the servicing of the Glencoe Industrial Park. Progress on engineering, funding, and intergovernmental coordination is laying the foundation for new economic opportunities and job creation. Importantly, we secured a $1.375-million investment from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund and an interest-free loan of $1.375 million from Middlesex County. These external funds significantly reduce the immediate impact on our tax base and support the project’s sustainable advancement.
We also received $1.42 million from the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF) to expand the Industrial Road Pump Station, critical infrastructure that supports both industrial development and long-term residential growth. We are grateful for the support of the Province of Ontario and MPP Steve Pinsonneault, who helped champion nearly $3 million in provincial funding this year.
Flood resilience also remained a priority. A key milestone was securing $50,000 from the Intact Foundation to launch the Sump Pump Disconnect and Backwater Valve Installation Program in Glencoe. Eligible homeowners can apply for up to $1,500 to help protect their homes from basement flooding, an important step in strengthening our community’s resilience to major rainfall events.
Growth and housing development continue to be important topics across the province and here at home. Southwest Middlesex now has over 750 proposed new housing units. Of these, more than 450 units have full municipal approval and are ready to proceed once market conditions improve. The remaining proposals are in preliminary stages and will involve meaningful community consultation in the months ahead. It is important for residents to know that current delays are tied to broader market conditions—not municipal approvals. When these developments move forward, they will contribute significantly to our housing supply, our tax base, and long-term sustainability.
Another major achievement in 2025 was completing the Service Delivery & Service Excellence Review, which examined how we deliver services, communicate, and manage internal processes. Council has endorsed several recommendations that will be implemented over the next year to improve customer service, streamline workflows, and modernize municipal operations.
Looking ahead to 2026, we know important financial decisions lie before us. As part of our service delivery work, we are updating and modernizing our financial management practices and the way we plan and fund major capital projects. This work is essential as we navigate rising infrastructure costs and balance fiscal responsibility with future growth. These will be important conversations for our community in the year ahead.
As we conclude the year, I want to thank Council for its leadership and the thoughtful discussions that have guided our priorities. I also acknowledge the professionalism of our municipal team, whose work keeps our community operating safely and effectively. It takes a TEAM to build success.
Most importantly, thank you to the residents of Southwest Middlesex. Your engagement, support, and pride in our community make this progress possible.
On behalf of Council, I wish everyone a safe, healthy, and joyful holiday season. We look forward to building on this momentum in 2026 and continuing to shape a bright future for Southwest Middlesex—together.
