Thank you from Your 2024-2025 Warden
“Thank you for the opportunity to serve as Warden over the past year. The 2025 Warden’s Report reflects many meaningful achievements, including the completion of the Glendon Drive roundabout, the adoption of the County’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan and the first full year of the MLPS Advanced Care Rapid Response Unit. These accomplishments reflect the dedication of Council, staff, and our municipal partners working together for the well-being of Middlesex County residents.
It has been an honour to experience the commitment and collaboration that make our communities thrive. Serving as Warden has given me the chance to witness firsthand the dedication, hard work, and passion of so many individuals across Middlesex County, and to see how our collective efforts positively impact the lives of our residents. I am grateful to have served and am proud of all we have accomplished together.
My warmest congratulations to Sue Clarke as she begins her term as the 2026 Warden of Middlesex County. I wish her every success in this important role.”
- Brian Ropp
County Welcomes New Chief Administrative Officer
This year, Middlesex County was pleased to welcome Paul Shipway as its new Chief Administrative Officer. Paul brings over 13 years of senior municipal leadership experience, including previous roles as CAO in Central Elgin and Bayham, and most recently as Middlesex County’s General Manager of Strategic Initiatives & Innovation. Known for his professionalism, integrity, and commitment to meaningful organizational change, Paul is well-positioned to lead the County forward while supporting innovation and growth across its communities.
Sincere thanks are extended to Durk Vanderwerff, Director of Planning and Development for his leadership and exceptional service as Interim CAO.
Glendon Drive roundabout Completed
The Glendon Drive roundabout at the “5-Corners” intersection of Vanneck, Jeffries, and Coldstream Roads was completed in 2025. The project, which began in late 2024, included roadway realignment, construction of sidewalks and pathways, landscaping, and final paving, improving traffic flow and safety for the community.
Warden's Charity Golf Tournament Raises $33,375
The 2025 Middlesex County Warden’s Charity Golf Tournament held at Caradoc Sands Golf Club in June of last year raised a record-breaking total of $33,375 in support of Craigwiel Gardens, a not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to enhancing lives through vital residential and community services.
Warden's 2025 Honour Roll
Middlesex County is proud to recognize the 2025 Warden’s Honour Roll recipients for their outstanding contributions to our community. Congratulations to the Ailsa Craig and Area Food Bank, for their dedication to supporting families across the region; the North Middlesex Fire Department, for their courage, professionalism, and service; and to Joanne Vanderheyden, for her long-standing leadership and tireless commitment to Middlesex County.
County Adopts 2025-2030 Strategic Plan
Middlesex County has adopted Rooted in Community, Growing Toward Tomorrow – Strategic Plan 2025-2030, providing a roadmap to guide priorities, investments, and services over the next five years. Developed with input from Council, staff, community members, and regional partners, the plan focuses on four key priorities: economic development, collaboration and partnerships, sustainable infrastructure, and adaptability. The accompanying Implementation Plan turns vision into action with clear deliverables, timelines, performance indicators, and accountability measures.
Middlesex County Connect Secures Provincial Funding
In 2025, the County secured provincial funding through the Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) to support Middlesex County Connect inter-community transit from 2025 to 2030. The funding, combined with municipal contributions, fares, and other sources, ensures continued service on four key routes connecting communities across the County and beyond, including London, St. Thomas, Strathroy, and Sarnia. This investment strengthens local transit options, helping residents access valuable services, work, and education, while supporting regional connectivity.
Celebrating 225 Years of Middlesex County
This year, Middlesex County marked its 225th Anniversary with a variety of community events and activities. Highlights included a Free Tree Giveaway, a colouring contest at local library branches, and a social media campaign featuring historical highlights, “Then vs. Now” photos, and interesting facts about the County.
A special initiative was the Warden for a Day contest, where five local high school students experienced a full day of leadership and learning at the County Administration Building. Students participated in job shadowing sessions with various departments, explored the challenges and responsibilities involved in municipal leadership, and capped off the day by observing a County Council meeting. It was a fantastic opportunity for local youth to experience municipal government in action and learn about the important role County Council plays in supporting our communities.
Official Plan Update in Progress
Middlesex County began updating its Official Plan in 2025 to align with the new Provincial Planning Statement and reflect current population, housing, and land use priorities. This update builds on extensive consultation with local municipalities, interest-holders and residents to ensure the plan reflects local needs and perspectives. The updated plan will provide a clear framework for managing growth, protecting resources, and guiding municipal decision-making across the County.
Forests at the Heart of Middlesex County
In 2025, Middlesex County’s more than 1,000 hectares of forest (one of the largest contiguous forest blocks in Southwestern Ontario) continued to provide essential environmental, economic, and climate benefits. These forests produce enough oxygen each year to support nearly 79,000 people and contribute to carbon sequestration, stormwater management, and biodiversity protection, as quantified through the County’s 2025 Forest Resource Inventory and i-Tree Eco analysis.
This work strengthens asset management practices, supports long-term sustainability goals, and highlights the County’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.
Strengthening Emergency Response Through Innovation
2025 marked the first full year of Middlesex-London Paramedic Service’s Advanced Care Rapid Response Unit, which delivered measurable improvements across the 911 system. The unit responded to 292 cardiac arrests (52% of all cardiac arrests), reduced response times by 12%, and increased Advanced Care Paramedic availability on the highest-acuity calls by 86%, ensuring faster access to advanced clinical care where every second counts.
Operational readiness was further strengthened through the Mobile Logistics program, which deployed Logistics Technicians directly to the field. With 98% of minor repairs now completed on-scene, ambulances remain in service longer and return-to-service times are significantly improved. Together, these innovations reflect a focused commitment to modernization, efficiency, and high-quality patient care.
Sue Clarke Elected 2026 County Warden
On November 27, 2025, Councillor Sue Clarke was elected the Warden of Middlesex County for the 2025/2026 term. Warden Clarke is currently serving her first term as Mayor of the Township of Adelaide Metcalfe.
Contact:
Telephone: 519-434-7321
Middlesex County Website: middlesex.ca