Middlesex County Council Meeting Highlights – September 9, 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.
Strathmere Lodge Long-Term Care Performance, Compliance, and Strategic Alignment Review and Master Plan
County Council, sitting as the Committee of Management for Strathmere Lodge, directed staff to begin procurement activities to secure a third-party provider for a Comprehensive Service Review and Strategic Assessment of the Lodge. Strathmere Lodge has not undergone an external operational or strategic review in over 26 years. The review will examine all aspects of operations, from governance and administration to care delivery and compliance, while also looking at leading practices from other Ontario municipalities. Staff, residents, and their families will be engaged to ensure that the findings accurately reflect the realities of day-to-day care. The review will inform a master plan to guide future improvements. For more information, see the Strathmere Lodge Long-Term Care Performance, Compliance, and Strategic Alignment Review and Master Plan report.
Community Safety Zones Policy
Committee of the Whole received the first report on Middlesex County's new Community Safety Zone Policy, which will establish a clear process for evaluating and designating zones near schools, parks, and community centres where fines for certain traffic offences are increased to protect vulnerable road users. The policy will also identify Community Safety Zone areas suitable for potential automated speed enforcement. Staff have been directed to bring forward a by-law to designate Community Safety Zones on County roads following consultation with local municipalities. For more information, see the Community Safety Zones Policy report.
Pre-Budget Approval for 2026 Equipment
Staff presented the first step in the 2026 fleet replacement program, seeking pre-budget approval to issue tenders in the fall of 2025 for equipment scheduled for replacement in 2026. With an estimated expenditure of $1.77 million, the program aligns with the County's Asset Management Plan and ensures the timely delivery of critical road and winter maintenance equipment. Pre-budget approval from council would allow staff to secure competitive pricing, avoid supply chain delays, and maintain long-term fleet sustainability, with all purchases funded through the 2026 capital budget. For more information, see the Pre-Budget Approval - 2026 Equipment Procurement report.
Recommendations made by the Committee of the Whole at the September 9, 2025, meeting will be considered by County Council at its next regular meeting on September 23, 2025. The Legislative Services Department maintains the official record for all County government proceedings.
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