The meeting opened with a presentation by Inspector Ross Stuart, Detachment Commander of the Middlesex OPP. The OPP provides policing services for Middlesex Centre. Inspector Stuart gave an overview of OPP response in Middlesex Centre in 2022, which included responding to 10,430 calls for service and to 471 collisions. Inspector Stuart talked about the OPP’s focus on traffic enforcement and education, with a particular emphasis on collision prevention (speeding, wearing of seat belts, distracted driving and impaired driving), as well as vandalism and other policing-related issues in the community.
During the meeting, Council:
- Declared open space land owned by the municipality along the north and west shores of the Thames River in Komoka as surplus. The property includes potential ANSI (Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest) lands. These lands will be transferred to the Province of Ontario to allow for the expansion of Komoka Provincial Park. This transfer is expected to take place later in 2023.
- Endorsed the updated 2023 Drinking Water Quality Management System Operational Plans for Middlesex Centre’s drinking water systems.
- Approved the Treasurer’s Investment Report for 2022. In 2022, the municipality earned $1,354,802.42 in interest on cash balances held in the general and reserve fund bank accounts.
- Received the minutes of the Community Services Advisory Committee from March 2023.
- Approved changes to the municipal Zoning By-law. The new amendment includes housekeeping updates resulting from the recent Official Plan review (which is currently awaiting approval by the County of Middlesex). The Zoning By-law Amendment will come into effect when the Official Plan is approved.
- Directed staff to prepare an application for funding under the Housing Accelerator Fund, a new initiative from the federal government through the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The program will provide funding to local governments to encourage initiatives to increase housing supply. It will also support the development of complete, low-carbon and climate-resilient communities that are affordable, inclusive, equitable and diverse.
- Received an update on the Old River Road project, which is looking to address concerns with the road flooding and slipping towards the river. The update included feedback received at the Public Information Centre. Staff will continue to work with the consultants to finalize options for Council’s consideration.
- Met in closed session to discuss the municipal pay grid/pay equity review. Questions related to closed session meetings may be directed to the Municipal Clerk.
Next Council Meeting
The next regularly scheduled Middlesex Centre Council Meeting is set for Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Meeting times are subject to change, so please confirm with the meeting agenda when posted.
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.