Written By Olena Riznyk
NORTH MIDDLESEX – At its last meeting on November 4, council approved a plan to display local artwork in council chambers, reviewed municipal finances and heard updates on drainage and regional representation.
The artwork agreement involves the Ailsa Craig Arts Centre and Parkhill Artisan Collective, which had both expressed interest in the space. Works will be displayed for three months at a time and require municipal approval. The agreement calls for political neutrality and allows either party to end it with 90 days’ notice. Staff said the displays would make use of empty wall space and provide another opportunity for local artists.
Council also approved the municipality’s 2025 audited financial statements. Auditor Jennifer Buchanan reported a clean audit opinion, about $22.5 million in revenue and an accounting surplus of $3.8 million. She noted that part of the surplus came from one-time capital funding, rather than ongoing revenue.
Buchanan raised concerns about the water reserve fund, which remained in a negative position. She said the municipality had approximately $17 million in reserves and reserve funds, although the full amount was not held separately in cash or investments. A councillor asked about borrowing capacity and requested more details on individual reserve funds.
The audit also showed increases in property tax revenue following higher tax rates and in water and sewer billings. Penalties and interest on overdue taxes resumed in 2026 after not being charged in 2024 or 2025. Staff said the municipality had been working to catch up on delayed financial reporting.
During committee reports, council heard that North Middlesex would keep a representative on the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority board until a transition on February 1. Members discussed possible changes to how the authority would be governed and efforts to preserve local watershed representation. Those future arrangements had not been confirmed.
At the end of the meeting, Ward 5 Councillor Adrian Cornelissen reflected on 16 years representing North Middlesex. He recalled finding an old municipal emblem while cleaning out his desk and spoke about infrastructure improvements, growth and challenges including the pandemic and wind turbine debates. He thanked residents and staff, congratulated election candidates and urged incoming councillors to make decisions carefully because they affect the whole community.
