Written By David Gomez
MIDDLESEX COUNTY - Three administrative decisions ranging from transit funding to election rules and paramedic governance moved forward at Middlesex County council’s April 14 meeting, as councillors approved measures aimed at strengthening county operations ahead of the next municipal term.
Council first received notice that Middlesex County Connect will receive up to $111,343 through Ontario’s Dedicated Gas Tax Funds for Public Transportation Program. Community Transportation Project Manager Demetri Makrakos said the county was informed of its eligibility on March 31 and must sign the provincial agreement by April 30.
Because the funding had not been included in the 2026 transit budget, the money will raise projected operating revenue by 8.4%. Warden Susan Clarke welcomed the announcement, telling council it is “always a good day when the county receives more money.” Council then authorized the warden and county clerk to execute the agreement.
Attention then shifted to election-year governance, with councillors approving a new policy governing the use of municipal resources during campaigns. County Clerk and Director of Legislative Services Marci Ivanic said the Municipal Elections Act requires municipalities to establish rules before May 1 in a regular election year.
The new policy applies to councillors, local board members, county staff and citizen appointees. It also regulates access to county facilities and other resources by candidates, third-party advertisers and political parties. Ivanic said the framework was prepared to ensure compliance not only with municipal law, but also provincial and federal campaign finance rules. Council approved the policy without debate.
The final major item involved a review of the Middlesex-London Paramedic Service governance structure. CAO Paul Shipway said staff had undertaken the work as part of a broader review of boards and committees before the next term of council.
He said the proposed bylaw would replace several separate governing documents with one consolidated framework, clarify the relationship between the MLPS board, administration and county council, and modernize naming and delegated authority provisions.
Councillors raised questions about how authority would be divided under the new structure and how the City of London representation would be handled. Shipway said one board member would be from London council, with the appointment formally made by Middlesex County council. He also said most operational matters would remain delegated to the board once council approves the annual budget.
Council ultimately directed staff to bring forward the updated MLPS creation bylaw, along with amendments related to committee and board appointments, for consideration at the April 28 meeting.
