Middlesex County Council Meeting Highlights – May 23, 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.
County Connect technology upgrades
County Council approved a recommendation to authorize staff to work with Blaise Transit to implement technology upgrades to Middlesex County Connect. As part of the Community Transportation Grant and project, this initiative will continue to modernize the County Connect service and help to support a seamless rider experience. The service will eventually provide fixed route and on-demand options to enhance service access in rural/low ridership areas. The platform will make recommendations on the most optimal stops to send riders to, within a given walking radius from their origin or destination. For more information, check out Middlesex County Connect Technology Provider and see Middlesex County Connect to stay up to date.
County leaders to travel to Cambodia for FCM Women in Local Leadership partnership
Middlesex County has been selected to participate in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Partnerships for Municipal Innovation - Women in Local Leadership (PMI-WILL) project in Cambodia. The six-year project aims to empower women in local governance and improve the delivery of inclusive municipal services. Middlesex County's participation in this project was approved on February 8, 2022. A group of Middlesex County leaders will join a Gender Responsive and Inclusive Participatory Consultation Workshop in Cambodia at the end of the month. The workshop aims to raise awareness of gender equality issues and provide tools for creating inclusive societies. The Middlesex team attending the workshop consists of Warden Cathy Burghardt-Jesson, the General Manager of Finance and Community Services, and the Director of Human Resources. The project is fully funded by the Canadian federal government through Global Affairs Canada. For more information, check out the PMI-WILL project and the Middlesex County website to stay up to date on the ongoing projects at Middlesex County.
Western Ontario Warden’s Caucus Delegation
Committee of the Whole heard a delegation from the Western Ontario Warden’s Caucus (WOWC) and the ongoing initiatives of the organization. The WOWC is a not-for-profit organization representing 15 upper and single tier municipalities in Southwestern Ontario with more than three million residents. Their purpose is to enhance the prosperity and overall well-being of rural and small urban communities across the region. The main advocacy priorities for 2023 include housing affordability in rural areas, workforce support for economic growth and mental health, addictions, and homelessness. For more information about WOWC Initiatives, see the Western Ontario Warden’s Caucus presentation.
County Loan Program Update
Committee of the Whole received a County Officer report on the Capital Works Reserve Fund also known as the County Loan Program. The County Loan Program assists the 8 lower-tier municipalities within the County with financing capital projects. As part of the Guiding Principles, originally approved on June 11, 2013, the funding is made available to water and sewer projects that will benefit all County residents (growth and non-growth related projects) and is primarily used to help offset the up-front and carrying costs associated with water and sewer capital projects. County Council provides the final review of the eligibility of all applications based upon the guiding principles for funding established by Council. Various lower-tier municipalities have applied to the County Loan Program for funding their projects over the years. For more information, check out the County Loan Program update.
Consulting Services with Oneida of the Thames
County Council approved a recommendation to renew a Consulting Services Agreement between Oneida Nation of the Thames and the Corporation of the County of Middlesex under the care of Middlesex-London Paramedic Services (MLPS). The Oneida Nation of the Thames operates and delivers their own land ambulance services within its jurisdiction under a license with the Ontario Ministry of Health. While Oneida looks to recruit a permanent, full time Chief, through this Agreement, MLPS will continue to provide management consulting services until December 31, 2023 at a minimum. The proposed arrangement aligns with many Middlesex County and MLPS strategic focuses including promoting and supporting community wellness and services. See Consulting Services with Oneida of the Thames for more information.
Recommendations made by the Committee of the Whole at the May 23, 2023 meeting will be considered by County Council at its next regular meeting on June 20, 2023. The Legislative Services Department maintains the official record for all County government proceedings.
For more information please contact: @email