Written By Aina DeViet, Mayor of Middlesex Centre
Serving on Middlesex Centre Council has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the work that has shaped change in our community. It has always been a collaborative effort. Alongside council and staff, our residents, community and service organizations, and local businesses have contributed ideas, time, and resources that have helped create positive changes across Middlesex Centre.
In Ontario, councils change every four years, and many of you will have read about challenges faced by municipalities across the province. I believe the key to a well-functioning council is understanding who does what: Council is responsible for governance and oversight, while staff bring their professional expertise to deliver services and implement council’s decisions on behalf of the community.
When residents bring forward concerns and ideas, they often ask, “Why don’t you just…?” I truly value their input and the time they take to engage. At the same time, municipal decisions must be made in keeping with local by-laws, provincial legislative requirements, and professional standards and best practices. We are fortunate to have knowledgeable staff whose education, training, and experience help guide our work.
Our council has respected that expertise, relying on staff to provide clear answers, regular updates, cost-saving ideas, and improvements to processes and plans that support our strategic priorities. Respect and cooperation have helped us stay focused on our shared mission: delivering the highest standard of municipal services in a sustainable, professional, and innovative manner. My hope is that the next council will continue to work collaboratively, focus on the future, and maintain the ambitious standards to which we aspire.
One of the periods that stands out most from my years on council was the pandemic, when both council and staff had to continually adapt to changing directives and circumstances. Through it all, the ingenuity of residents and the cooperation of businesses, service organizations, volunteers, and community partners reflected the spirit that defines Middlesex Centre and helped us navigate a very uncertain time. Their contributions were critical during the pandemic and remain a vital part of what makes Middlesex Centre such a strong and connected place. I want to acknowledge and thank the many people whose often unpaid efforts continue to make a difference every day.
We are certainly living through a period of significant change, but as the philosopher Heraclitus observed centuries ago, change is the only constant. As we’ve shown before, Middlesex Centre has the capacity to weather significant storms. I am confident that our communities, staff, and council will continue working together to sustain the place we all love to call home.
Like other municipalities, we have had ups and downs, but the work we’ve done together and the achievements we’ve celebrated across all our communities are remarkable. Thank you all for your advice, support, and friendship! You have made my experiences on council memorable and meaningful, and I know I will remember my time at Middlesex Centre as my best job ever.
