Written By Olena Riznyk
LUCAN – Local residents, business owners, community volunteers, and municipal representatives gathered on November 26 for the 2025 Mayor’s Breakfast, an annual event that brings together people from across the township to hear updates, celebrate progress, and connect with neighbours.
The morning opened with remarks from Lisa deBoer, Economic Development and Communications Officer, who welcomed attendees and highlighted the value of creating space where residents, partners, and local leaders can hear firsthand about ongoing work in the community.
Mayor Cathy Burghardt-Jesson then delivered her annual address, beginning with recognition of elected officials and guests from neighbouring municipalities. She noted that their presence reflects shared priorities across the region and ongoing collaboration. “Your presence shows a commitment to the work we are doing for our community,” she said.
The event also drew several municipal leaders from across the region, including representatives from Strathroy-Caradoc, Southwest Middlesex, Adelaide Metcalfe, Thames Centre, and South Huron.
The mayor outlined several major accomplishments from 2025. Among them was the completion of the Water Street reconstruction project, which improved local infrastructure, stormwater management, safety, and accessibility. She also noted upgrades to playgrounds, parks, and recreation facilities, saying these investments contribute directly to the township’s quality of life.
A major highlight of the year was the $17.6-million provincial grant for the expansion of the wastewater treatment plant – a project the mayor described as transformational. “For a community of 6,000 people, receiving over $17 million is a game changer,” she said, emphasizing that the expansion will support long-term growth and environmental compliance.
Other initiatives included continued reinvestment along Main Street, the introduction of the neighbourhood grant program to support resident-led projects, and progress on the construction of Clover Public School. “Lucan Biddulph’s progress reflects the people who live here,” Burghardt-Jesson said. “We are a municipality that is invested in itself.”
The second part of the program featured a conversation between Mayor Burghardt-Jesson and Christina Fox, Chief Executive Officer of TechAlliance. Fox spoke about innovation emerging across Southwestern Ontario and emphasized that strong ideas and successful companies often begin in small communities. “We work alongside founders who take real risks to launch or scale a company,” she said.
Fox explained how the Rural Grow Accelerator and new federal funding provide matched, non-dilutive support to help businesses expand. She also addressed challenges faced by women-led and newcomer-led companies. “Women-led businesses are often among the most successful,” she said, “yet they receive only a fraction of available investment.”
Mayor Burghardt-Jesson closed the event by thanking residents, business owners, and partners for their involvement. “The soul of a community comes from its people,” she said. “Here’s to another year of growth, collaboration, and community pride.”
