Presentations
Warden Brian Ropp and Middlesex County CAO Paul Shipway provided a presentation regarding Middlesex County’s recent activities, including organizational updates, strategic plan developments, a new community improvement support program, and an update on the new County office construction.
Nathan Scholier, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority’s (ABCA) Stewardship & Conservation Lands Manager, gave a presentation regarding ABCA's phragmites management program.
Other Council Business
During the meeting, Council also:
- Received the third-quarter 2025 building activity summary. In 2025 (to date), 268 building permits have been issued with an overall construction value of approximately $104 million including 49 new dwelling units. This compares to 265 building permits with a construction value of $58 million including 49 dwelling units in the same period in 2024.
- Received an update on the Continuous Improvement Program for 2025. This program provides limited funding for new partnerships, programs and operational changes suggested by municipal staff. In 2025, the program included action times such as the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Building Department and the Office of the Clerk, the introduction of sensory-friendly public skates, and lighting energy retrofits.
- Received a progress update on the Middlesex Centre Fire Services Master Plan.
- Passed a three-year part lot control exemption for Phase 3 of the Clear Skies subdivision. This is a renewal of an existing exemption for that site. The by-law will be forwarded to Middlesex County for approval.
- Received notice that Middlesex Centre will $152,429 from the Ontario Government’s WSIB surplus rebate.
- Directed staff to join an AMO-led movement to oppose the Ontario Government’s decision to eliminate automatic speed enforcement (ASE) cameras across the province. Note there are currently no ASE cameras operating in Middlesex Centre.
- Received information regarding Bill 60, Fighting Delays and Building Faster Act, proposed Provincial legislation introducing measures to build homes and infrastructure faster.
- Authorized the renewal of the municipality’s insurance program for 2026 with Marsh Canada Inc., at a total cost of $909,309.
- Directed staff to update applicable corporate policies to indicate that Middlesex Centre will stop taking post-dated cheques by August 2026, and to notify residents of the change.
- Proceeded with the MTO drainage petition and directed staff to notify the affected landowners and appropriate agencies of this decision. Also appointed Brendan Shapton, P.Eng. of GEI Consultants Ltd. to prepare a Drainage Report for the creation of the requested Municipal Drain.
- Received the capital budget to actual for third-quarter 2025 for information.
- Approved the 2026 Middlesex Centre council meeting schedule.
Next Council Meeting
The next meeting of Middlesex Centre Council is set for Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., held at the municipal office.
For More Information
For more details on any of these items, see the full meeting agenda or contact the Municipal Clerk. You can view the meeting on YouTube.
Meeting highlights are prepared to give residents timely updates on council decisions. The Council Meeting Minutes are the official record of the meeting.