Middlesex County Council Meeting Highlights – September 8, 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.
2025 Audit Report highlights strong financial stewardship
County Council received the 2025 Independent Auditor’s Report completed by KPMG. The report found that the County’s financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with Canadian public sector accounting standards. The audit found no uncorrected misstatements, no matters requiring special reporting, and no major issues related to fraud, financial reporting, or going-concern risks. Auditors reviewed 100 per cent of the County’s assets and revenues, including operations of the Middlesex London Paramedic Service and the Middlesex County Library Board. Total revenues increased to $188.6 million, while total assets grew to $332.5 million.
To learn more, read the KPMG Audit Findings Report for the Year Ended December 31, 2025.
Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus visits County Council
The Committee of the Whole received a delegation from the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) highlighting the organization’s recent advocacy efforts. WOWC represents 15 upper tier and single tier municipalities in the region and advocates for shared priorities.
Recent WOWC accomplishments include securing regional pilot project funding, advocating successfully to protect farm lot severance policies, and supporting improved processing times for vulnerable sector checks. WOWC has been active in engaging with the federal and provincial governments, including hosting a Queen’s Park Day and at the AMO Conference in August. Looking ahead, WOWC will continue focusing on its priorities, including infrastructure to support local growth, homelessness prevention, and rural transit.
For more information, see the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus presentation.
Council receives Middlesex Archives Feasibility Study
The Committee of the Whole received the results of the Middlesex County Archives Feasibility Study examining options for a county archives service. The report, completed by TCI Management Consultants in partnership with The Information Management Specialists, provided information to support future Council decision-making. It outlines five potential service models ranging from a fully centralized county archives to partnerships with existing heritage organizations, a digital archives approach, enhanced coordination among current providers, or maintaining the status quo.
While the report identifies significant financial considerations, it also highlights opportunities for collaboration, shared services, external funding, and improved access to historical resources. Staff were directed to include details on how to further explore the options presented in the upcoming budget.
Read the Middlesex County Archives Feasibility Study report for more information.
Middlesex County Connect sees success in first half of 2026
The Committee of the Whole received an update on Middlesex County Connect, the County's inter-community transit service, including recent route enhancements, ridership trends, and long-term funding support. Since launching in 2020, Middlesex County Connect has expanded to four routes connecting rural communities with London, St. Thomas, Woodstock, Strathroy, and Sarnia.
Service improvements took effect on August 17, 2026, following a review of ridership data, third-party analysis, and customer feedback. Enhancements include new stops in several communities, improved access to destinations such as Victoria Hospital and Fanshawe College, expanded weekend service on Route 4 to Sarnia, improved schedule coordination, and additional fare and trip-booking options.
Ridership is projected to reach between 16,000 and 18,000 passenger trips in 2026, supported by the addition of Route 4 and anticipated growth from post-secondary students this fall. County staff will continue efforts to build ridership through new marketing initiatives, outreach to major employers and educational institutions, and more affordable monthly transit passes designed to encourage regular use of the service.
For more information, read the Middlesex County Connect – 2026 Mid-Year Update report.
Recommendations made by the Committee of the Whole at the September 8, 2026, meeting will be considered by County Council at its next regular meeting on September 22, 2026. The Legislative Services Department maintains the official record for all County government proceedings.
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