Middlesex County Council Meeting Highlights – October 27, 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.
Economic Development and Tourism Shows Strong Results in Q3
The Committee of the Whole received the Q3 Economic Development and Tourism Performance Report showing strong growth in business engagement, investment attraction, workforce development, and tourism promotion throughout the third quarter of 2026.
The Economic Development department supported more than 1,100 investment inquiries, helped advance 14 business expansion opportunities, and continued advocacy efforts with organizations such as the Southwestern Ontario Marketing Alliance, Ontario Food Cluster, and the provincial and federal governments. Several significant investments were announced, including expansions by Dairy Lane Systems and Armo-Tool Limited, as well as the opening of Blue Lakes Premium Meats’ new $30 million processing facility in North Middlesex.
Tourism initiatives also gained momentum through the Find It Here in Middlesex County campaign, which showcased more than 75 local businesses and attractions. The campaign generated strong digital engagement and supported nearly 190 tourism events and initiatives across the county.
Workforce development efforts continued to connect residents with employment opportunities through the new Workforce Navigator program, which has seen 36 referrals, surpassing its initial goal. The Work in Middlesex online job portal saw growing usage from job seekers and employers alike with over 1500 job seekers registered.
Read the Economic Development & Tourism - Q3-2026 Performance Report for more information.
Updated Procedure By-Law
County Council passed the updated Procedure By-law, which provides consistency in how Council conducts business and enhances public accessibility.
The changes reflect current best practices and align with the County’s broader governance framework. Updates include revisions to inaugural meeting procedures, changes to the agenda structure, new provisions for alternate members of County Council, and the clarification of rules related to reconsidering decisions from previous terms of Council.
Under the By-law, members of the public can register to speak on items appearing on a published agenda up until noon on the day before a meeting, creating a clearer and more accessible process for public participation. It also expands and clarifies circumstances where delegations would not be permitted, helping ensure the process supports fair and effective decision-making.
For more information, see By-Law No. 7439.
Updated Human Resources Policy Handbook
The Committee of the Whole approved an updated Human Resources Policy Handbook, the first full review of the framework in a decade. The modernization initiative streamlined and consolidated existing policies into a more user-friendly structure, organized around employment, benefits, workplace expectations, and health and safety.
The updated handbook strengthens consistency, supports legislative compliance, reduces duplication, and provides clearer guidance for employees and management. It also aligns Human Resources policies with current organizational practices and digital systems. Implementation will include modernization and standardization of the supporting
forms, templates, and administrative tools associated with the policies. The policies will continue to be reviewed in response to legislative and regulatory amendments, collective agreement changes, and evolving operational practices and circumstances.
Read the Middlesex County Human Resources Policy Handbook report for more details.
Inaugural Meeting for new Council term set for November 26, 2026
County Council received details for the 2026 Inaugural Meeting, which will take place on November 26, 2026, marking the start of the new term of County Council. The event will begin with a performance by the Medway Madrigal Choir, followed by the formal inaugural meeting and reception.
The inaugural ceremony provides an opportunity to welcome the new Council and recognize the beginning of the term. Key parts of the Inaugural Meeting include swearing in members of the 2026-2030 County Council and electing Middlesex County’s next Warden, who will serve as part of Council’s leadership team for the next year.
For more information, read the 2026 Inaugural Meeting of Council report.
Recommendations made by the Committee of the Whole at the October 27, 2026, meeting will be considered by County Council at its next regular meeting on December 8, 2026 . The Legislative Services Department maintains the official record for all County government proceedings.
For more information please contact: @email