Middlesex County Council Meeting Highlights – April 8, 2025
Council Highlights is an informal summary of selected actions taken by Middlesex County Council or Committee of the Whole at business meetings. The Council Highlights are not an official record of County Council proceedings. To view official agendas and minutes, please visit Council Meetings and Minutes.
Council Approves Next Step in CAO Recruitment Process
Council directed staff to proceed with finding an external executive search firm to support the recruitment of a new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Staff will solicit proposals in accordance with the County’s Procurement By-law and forward a recommendation to Council for consideration and decision. The selected firm will support the CAO Hiring Committee throughout the process, ensuring alignment with the County’s strategic priorities and long-term leadership goals. For more information, see the CAO Recruitment & Selection Process report.
County Responds to U.S. Tariffs with Procurement Strategy Review
The Committee of the Whole received a report outlining the impacts of recent tariff increases on construction and infrastructure projects in Middlesex County. Tariff-related cost escalations are being reflected in current and future tenders, emphasizing the importance of adapting procurement strategies to maintain project viability and fiscal responsibility. To proactively address these challenges, the Committee of the Whole directed staff to bring forward Temporary Procurement By-law amendments for County Council consideration when permissible, and to continue working collaboratively with procurement networks, municipal partners, and senior levels of government to mitigate financial and operational impacts. For more information, see the General Overview of Middlesex County Tariff Impacts & Procurement Considerations report.
Draft Plan Approval for Condominium development in Thorndale
The Committee of the Whole considered a proposed residential plan of condominium for a 3.6 hectare property within Thorndale. The development, which was recently supported by the Municipality of Thames Centre, would create 91 vacant land units (lots) to support townhouse dwellings, and common element features (private road network, visit parking, stormwater management facility, etc.). The Committee adopted a recommendation to approve the draft plan of condominium, subject to conditions. For more information, see the April 8, 2025 Agenda.
Council Appoints Durk Vanderwerff as Acting Chief Administrative Officer
County Council appointed Durk Vanderwerff as Acting Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the County of Middlesex, effective April 8, 2025. A by-law to appoint Mr. Vanderwerff as Interim CAO will be brought forward for Council consideration at the April 22, 2025 meeting of County Council. The process for the recruitment of a permanent CAO is underway. For more information, see the Media Release.
Recommendations made by the Committee of the Whole at the April 8, 2025 meeting will be considered by County Council at its next regular meeting on April 22, 2025. The Legislative Services Department maintains the official record for all County government proceedings.
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