Middlesex County Council Meeting Highlights – June 20, 2023
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.
Middlesex Supports children and youth programs in the County
Middlesex County will help to fund local sports and recreation programs again this year through the “Middlesex Supports” program. A total of seven community programs will receive funding from the County for the 2023/2024 program year. Additional funding will also be provided to the eight local municipalities in the County to assist with local recreation programs. For more information, see the Middlesex Supports 2023-2024 Report.
Draft Plan Approval for Subdivision in Glencoe
The Committee of the Whole considered a proposed residential plan of subdivision for a 3.8 hectare (9.4 acre) property within Glencoe. The development, which was recently supported by the Municipality of Southwest Middlesex, would create 27 lots for single detached dwellings and 13 lots for 26 semi-detached dwellings. The Committee adopted a recommendation to approve the draft plan of subdivision, subject to conditions. For more information, see the June 10, 2023 Agenda for more information.
Homeless Prevention Update
The Committee of the Whole heard a funding update on the Homeless Prevention Program (HPP) and approved the Middlesex Accommodation Program. Since 2020, the County homelessness population has continued to grow, which has required more supports and services to be offered. Hundreds of individuals and families have accessed Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF) phases 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and the Homeless Prevention Program (HPP) funding for housing and homelessness supports. HPP is a provincially-funded program created to support individuals and families with housing and support services who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The Middlesex Accommodation Program was first launched as a temporary shelter pilot project in collaboration with Countryside Motel and the Middlesex Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addition and Mental Health Services. Funding will be provided for the costs of the motel program and for the hiring of two staff members for up to one year starting July 4th, 2023. For more information on the Middlesex Accommodation Program see the Homeless Prevention Program Funding Update.
Warden’s Advocacy Strides for Middlesex County
County Council received an update from Warden Burghardt-Jesson on her activity in the role of Warden since her election in December 2022. The Warden's Activity Report highlights the Warden's government and community relations activities, achievements, projects and engagements on behalf of Middlesex County. During this reporting period, Middlesex County has made substantial strides in government relations and advocacy through meetings, conferences and delegations. Advocacy efforts have involved various ministries and officials, emphasizing important community issues such as affordable housing, child care, and infrastructure in Middlesex County. For a full detail on the Warden’s activity so far this term, see the Middlesex County Warden’s Activity Report.
The Future of Middlesex Municipal Day
Middlesex Municipal Day is an annual event where various key community partners and leaders make presentations and meet to celebrate Middlesex County and its stakeholders. Middlesex Municipal Day provides an opportunity for the many talented businesses, leaders, associations and municipal officials to network, collaborate and share innovative ideas and projects. The Middlesex Municipal Association held its 74th Annual Meeting at the North Middlesex Community Centre on May 2, 2023. The Committee of the Whole approved a recommendation to establish a host list of Municipalities starting in 2024, with the Township of Lucan Biddulph as the 2024 host Municipality. For more information, see the Middlesex Municipal Day staff report.
Recommendations made by the Committee of the Whole at the June 20, 2023 meeting will be considered by County Council at its next regular meeting on July 18, 2023. The Legislative Services Department maintains the official record for all County government proceedings.