Middlesex County Council Meeting Highlights – August 12, 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.
Middlesex County Community Improvement Support Program (CISP)
The Committee of the Whole supported the establishment of a Community Improvement Support Program (CISP), a new policy-driven initiative that provides up to 50% matching funds to support local Community Improvement Plans (CIPs). Designed to align with the County’s strategic goals around economic development, attainable housing, and inter-municipal collaboration, the plan, if adopted by Council, would see a proposed $230,000 included in the draft 2026 Budget for Council consideration. For more information, see the Middlesex County Community Improvement Support Program (CISP) report.
Village of Newbury Hybrid Official Plan Procedures
The Committee of the Whole has recommended that steps be taken to formalize a process for managing Official Plan Amendments (OPAs) related to the Village of Newbury, through a hybrid planning approach that integrates Newbury-specific policies as a dedicated chapter within the County Official Plan. This new model respects Newbury’s local priorities while ensuring compliance with provincial and regional planning policies. If supported by County Council at its next regular meeting, staff will seek a Newbury Council resolution in support of the proposed Newbury Official Plan Procedure. For more information, see the Village of Newbury Hybrid Official Plan Procedures report.
Middlesex County Launches New AI-Powered Chatbot
Middlesex County's Information Technology Services (ITS) Department has officially launched an AI-powered Chatbot nicknamed "Emcee" on the County website. Developed in collaboration with County departments, Emcee provides 24/7 support and accurate responses to resident inquiries, thus improving the overall user experience. The Chatbot has provided answers to over 300 questions as of July 30, 2025. The ITS department will continue to review questions and answers, as well as conduct quarterly review sessions with departments, to ensure Emcee delivers accurate and reliable information. For more information, see the Middlesex County AI-Powered Website Chatbot report.
Paul Shipway Appointed CAO of Middlesex County
County Council has appointed Paul Shipway as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the County of Middlesex. A by-law to appoint Mr. Shipway as CAO was brought forward and passed at the August 12, 2025, meeting of County Council. Mr. Shipway brings over 13 years of senior municipal leadership experience to the role, having previously served as the CAO of the Municipality of Central Elgin and the CAO of the Municipality of Bayham. Most recently, Paul served as the General Manager of Strategic Initiatives & Innovation for Middlesex County. For more information, see the Media Release.
Recommendations made by the Committee of the Whole at the August 12, 2025, meeting will be considered by County Council at its next regular meeting on September 9, 2025. The Legislative Services Department maintains the official record for all County government proceedings.
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