Written By David Gomez
SOUTHWEST MIDDLESEX - Insurance coverage worth more than $86 million in municipal assets will remain in place for Southwest Middlesex after council approved the renewal of its annual insurance program during the June 3 meeting.
The renewal covers the period from June 1, 2026, to June 1, 2027, through Intact Public Entities. Presenting the report, CAO Amanda Gubbels said the proposed premium of approximately $395,000 represents a slight decrease compared to the previous year.
“The proposed annual premium represents an overall slight decrease in the IPE provided services from last year, and this is within the 2026 operating budget,” Gubbels told council.
The municipality’s insurance package includes liability, property, fleet, cyber and other forms of protection, as well as coverage for council members, staff and volunteers. As part of the renewal process, staff reviewed municipal property schedules, equipment inventories and replacement values to ensure the policy reflected current municipal assets.
“Our total insured municipal property values are approximately $86.2 million,” Gubbels said, adding that staff believe the renewal “continues to provide appropriate protection to municipal operations.”
Discussion among councillors focused on the administration of the insurance program and the growing importance of cyber protection. Councillor Mark McGill questioned wording in the report that referred to the policy being administered locally through Orr Insurance Brokers.
Gubbels acknowledged the reference was inaccurate, explaining that the brokerage is based in Stratford. She noted that the municipality’s broader insurance arrangements may be revisited once the current agreement expires. “I believe our current contract for IPE services expires next year, so it would be a consideration for council early in the following term,” she said in response to a question from Deputy Mayor Mike Sholdice.
Mayor Allan Mayhew also sought clarification regarding cyber coverage, observing that cybersecurity has become a growing concern for municipalities. Gubbels said the municipality’s cyber insurance component costs approximately $13,000 annually.
“Certainly, it is an important protection (that) municipalities need to carry and keep,” she said.
Following the discussion, council voted in favour of authorizing the insurance renewal.
