Middlesex County Council Meeting Highlights – May 27, 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.
Bill 17 - Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act
The Committee of the Whole received a report providing an overview of the Province's proposed legislative and regulatory changes through Bill 17, the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025. If passed, Bill 17 aims to remove barriers to development, expedite vital infrastructure projects, support economic growth, and unlock new job opportunities. The proposed changes are expected to significantly impact Middlesex County and local municipalities, particularly in the areas of development approvals, housing provision, infrastructure delivery, and the collection of development charges. In response to the Province's consultation process, staff have been directed to prepare and submit comments to the Environmental Registry of Ontario and the Ontario Regulatory Registry. These submissions will be informed by the considerations outlined in the report. For more information, see the Bill 17 - Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act report.
Middlesex County Emergency Management Update
The Committee of the Whole received a presentation from the Community Emergency Management Coordinator, reaffirming the CEMC and local Emergency Management Committees' continued efforts to enhance emergency preparedness. Recent efforts include maintaining emergency response plans, public education initiatives, and specialized training programs, all of which ensures Middlesex County remains prepared to respond to a range of emergencies. For more information, see the Middlesex County For more information, see the Middlesex County Emergency Management Update report.
Strathmere Lodge Presentation on Long-Term Care Funding
The Committee of the Whole received a presentation from Strathmere Lodge, outlining the facility's 2025 budget and how provincial funding supports long-term care. Of the $21.6 million budget, nearly 59% comes from the Province, with the rest from Middlesex County, resident fees, and reserves. Funding is delivered through five main envelopes covering food, recreation, nursing care, accommodations, and flexible use. The Province also provides additional funding to support enhanced staffing levels, aiming for four hours of daily nursing care per resident. Other targeted programs support infection control, staff training, and facility improvements. For more information, see the Overview of Provincial Funding of Long-Term Care Homes - Strathmere Lodge report.
Recommendations made by the Committee of the Whole at the May 27, 2025, meeting will be considered by County Council at its next regular meeting on June 24 2025. The Legislative Services Department maintains the official record for all County government proceedings.
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