Middlesex County Council Meeting Highlights – April 14, 2026
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.
Homelessness Prevention Program Update
The Committee of the Whole received a report outlining how the County’s provincially funded Homelessness Prevention Program has helped address an increasing demand for housing support in Middlesex. The program has provided hundreds of individuals and families in Middlesex County assistance to stabilize their housing situation.
Under the Connecting Journey’s umbrella, and in partnership with the City of London as the Service System Manager, Middlesex County Human Services will continue providing emergency shelter solutions, housing assistance, community outreach, and supportive housing in 2026. Key initiatives include the Middlesex Accommodations Program (MAP), which provides emergency housing, food supports, and flexible financial assistance. In 2025, MAP supported 88 individuals from 75 households, including 12 children, when no other options were available.
Currently, Middlesex County and the City of London are updating the Housing Stability Action Plan for 2026–2031, with community feedback being gathered through surveys and public open houses. The final plan is expected to go before County Council in May 2026. Read the full Connecting Journey’s Homelessness Prevention Program Update 2026 for more information.
Dedicated Gas Tax Funds supporting Middlesex County Connect
The Committee of the Whole received the Middlesex County Connect – 2025 / 2026 Dedicated Gas Tax Funds Report detailing how the County’s inter-community transit service will receive financial support through Ontario’s Dedicated Gas Tax Funds for Public Transportation Program. The service was recently deemed eligible for up to $111,343 in gas tax funding for the 2025–2026 year. The dedicated funds can be used for transit capital and operating costs, vehicle replacement or refurbishment, safety enhancements, and initiatives that improve access to and from transit. The funding will help support the long-term stability of the service. For more information, read the full Middlesex County Connect – 2025 / 2026 Dedicated Gas Tax Funds report.
Timeline established for 2027 Middlesex County Budget
Staff provided the Committee of the Whole a report laying the groundwork for the 2027 County budget with a proposed plan aimed at improving transparency, public engagement, and long-term financial sustainability. The proposed approach maintains existing levels of services, while identifying options for new or expanded services. This approach supports fiscal discipline, facilitates informed decision-making, and strengthens alignment with Council’s strategic priorities. An advisory budget survey will again invite public input on priorities and service delivery.
The draft timeline calls for departmental budgets to be submitted by mid-September 2026, with public posting in November and Budget Committee review in December. Final approval of the 2027 budget and tax rates will be scheduled for early 2027. The timeline supports operational efficiency while allowing flexibility for a newly elected Council following the 2026 municipal election. Read the 2027 Budget Schedule report for more information.
Middlesex County municipalities hosting Candidate Information Session ahead of 2026 Election nomination period
The Committee of the Whole received an information report highlighting a Joint Candidate Information Session hosted by Middlesex County and all eight local municipalities ahead of the 2026 Municipal Election. The session will take place on April 28 at 6 p.m. at the Coldstream Community Centre in Ilderton. Interest parties can participate in person or virtually.
Representatives from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, alongside staff from each municipality, will provide an overview of election rules, legislative requirements, and the roles and responsibilities of Mayors, Councillors, and municipal staff. The session is designed to encourage public participation and ensure interested residents receive consistent, accurate information about running for municipal office. For more information, read the full 2026 Municipal Election – Joint Candidate Information Session Report.
Recommendations made by the Committee of the Whole at the April 14, 2026, meeting will be considered by County Council at its next regular meeting on April 28, 2026. The Legislative Services Department maintains the official record for all County government proceedings.
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