Deputy Mayor John Brennan congratulated CAO Michael Di Lullo on his recent election of chair of the Board of Ontario Municipal Administrators Association. This group represents CAOs from across Ontario, and promotes good governance by encouraging excellence in leadership, know-how and professional management of municipalities.
Michael was also recognized by the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators for his 20 years of service in a municipal leadership role. The president of the association remarked that the dedication and steadfast service of Michael and other long-standing administrators have helped shape resilient, thriving communities.
Presentations - BGC London Rural Hubs
The Boys and Girls Club of London provided an update on their Rural Hubs program, which served 746 children and youth in Middlesex Centre over the past year. The program provides a range of programing for various age groups, including summer youth camps, life skills academies and a rural employment program.
Presentations - Long-Range Financial Plans (LRFPs)
BMA Management Consulting Inc. provided an overview of Middlesex Centre’s 2025-2034 Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Long-Range Financial Plan and the Tax Long-Range Financial Plan.
Developed using budget data, asset management information, and growth projections, the plans recommended funding strategies over a ten-year period. To maintain essential services and infrastructure, the LRFPs suggest annual increases of 8.4% for property taxes, and 6.1% for water rates, 8.7% for wastewater rates, and 10% for stormwater fees. These adjustments are designed to bridge the funding gap for infrastructure. Projected population growth and grants may help minimize the impact on ratepayers.
The plans also propose strategic borrowing for infrastructure projects. Over the next decade, the municipality anticipates borrowing $15.7 million for water, $18.2 million for wastewater, and $1.2 million for stormwater upgrades, with repayment structured to ensure manageable costs for taxpayers.
Later in the meeting, Council approved both plans. While the LRFPs set out recommendations, final decisions on tax and rate increases or debt financing will be made by Council during the annual budget process.
Additional Council Decisions
During the meeting, Council:
- Received information on Bill 17: Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act.
- Received an update on the ongoing construction project at the Komoka Wellness Centre. In 2024, the municipality entered into an agreement with Elite Performance Injury Clinic that facilitated the addition of a physical therapy and rehabilitation clinic on the rear of the Wellness Centre. The clinic opened on May 26, 2025.
- Received a report imposing a fee on the benefiting landowners for the improvements on Elmhurst Street and Parkland Place. Council directed staff to bring the associated by-law back to the August 4 meeting to allow time for residents to review and comment.
- Received the 2024 Middlesex Centre municipal drain repairs cost, which amounted to $168,410.
- Received the 2024 year-end budget reports, including the preliminary year-end surplus. The municipality ended the year with an estimated surplus of $1.41 million (pending the completion of the year-end audit), which will be transferred into reserve funds.
- Addressed several items related to drainage works, including awarding the construction of the Bear Creek Drain Culvert to All Season Excavating in the amount of $185,500 + HST, and directing staff to proceed with work on a new municipal drain near Komoka Rd. and Sinclair Dr.
- Received the February 2025 Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting minutes for information.
Next Council Meeting
The next meeting of Middlesex Centre Council is set for Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 5:30 p.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.