Municipality of Middlesex Centre
Municipal Update, March 2021
To help keep you informed of what is happening at Middlesex Centre we send out regular updates on our website and Facebook and Twitter accounts, and through our e-newsletter.
Mayor’s Message - A year of COVID-19
Aina DeViet Headshot
This month we mark a year since the life we were used to, changed forever.

It was Tuesday, March 17, 2020, when Middlesex Centre declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In some ways time has flown by and in others, it has been an unbearably long year. There is no denying that the impacts of the pandemic have been felt by everyone in our community.

For the municipality, the COVID experience could be described as an experiment, with staff adapting and refining services to meet ever-changing COVID-19 requirements. The result of the constant experimentation and learning is that we are definitely not where we started!

You can see this in the increasing availability of online services. At Middlesex Centre, the move to greater digitization had already started, but the need to scale digital infrastructure and move to online service delivery even more quickly was reinforced by the need to ensure everyone’s health and safety. Our experience demonstrates that it is possible to improve efficiency, quality of service, organizational resilience, and the quality of data needed for good decision making simultaneously!

I hope that over the last twelve months you’ve been reassured that all essential services the municipality provides, such as water and wastewater treatment, road safety and emergency/fire services, will continue to be delivered with financial steadiness in-mind and that staff are here to answer your questions and concerns.

It will be some time before everything settles into whatever the “new” normal may be – but these are the pieces you can count on to remain unchanged.

For the community, the past year has been one of coming together while staying apart. Residents and local businesses have pitched in to support their neighbours and those in need. We cheered for graduation parades, brightened our neighbourhoods with holiday lights, donated to the local food bank and other good causes, and made a point to shop local. Despite the challenges, we’ve continued our tradition of being a welcoming and friendly community that rallies together to support one another.

With the roll-out of the vaccination program, we are getting close to the finish line, but we aren’t there yet. Please continue to follow public health advice to protect yourself and your loved ones: avoid close contact with people outside of your home, keep a physical distance of 2 metres/6 feet, wear a mask or face covering in indoor public spaces, and wash your hands frequently.

Take good care and stay healthy,
Mayor Aina DeViet
COVID-19: Municipal Service Update
The municipal office is now open for bill payments and front desk services - all other services continue to be offered by appointment.

The Ilderton Community Centre is now available for small group rentals.

Many park amenities such as playgrounds, courts and skate parks have reopened after being closed for the winter. If you are visiting a Middlesex Centre park please practice physical distancing (2m apart) and avoid gathering in groups (outside of your household). If an area is busy, come back at a later time.

Keeping Up-to-Date

The status of municipal services and facilities continues to change in response to COVID-19. Please check our website the most up-to-date information.

middlesexcentre.on.ca/covid19
March 2021 Council Meeting Highlights
At the March 10th meeting, Council:

  • welcomed new Ward 4 Councillor Sue Cates.

  • received an update on building activities in Middlesex Centre for 2020. The number of permits issued for new dwellings issued in 2020 (258) exceeded 2019’s numbers (159) by over 60%. Overall construction value surpassed $100 million for the second consecutive year.

  • approved new shared service agreements that will see Middlesex Centre provide building permit and inspections for Adelaide Metcalfe, North Middlesex and Southwest Middlesex in addition to continuing that service for Lucan Biddulph.

Mayor DeViet opened the March 24th meeting by recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Delaware Lions Club. Mayor DeViet thanked members for their dedication to community service, recognizing in particular the six charter members who are still very active in the club: Joe Clark, Darcy Gegear, Harold Moore, Charles Scott, John Vanderweyst and Henry Vanderweyst.

Mayor DeViet also congratulated Middlesex Centre resident Kylie O’Neil, who was elected as the Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario President for 2021. 

During the meeting, Council:

  • received an update from Enbridge Gas on the London Lines Replacement Project, which will see the gas pipeline in Middlesex Centre (Komoka area) upgraded and replaced.

  • appointed Council Hugh Aerts to serve on the Lower Thames Conservation Authority Board of Directors.

  • approved the purchase of a new snow removal vehicle and the purchase of land at 79 Glendon Dr.

  • addressed a number of planning applications. In addition, Council received information from the proponents and heard questions and comments from residents regarding an application for a new aggregate pit located on the north corner of Glendon Drive (CR 14) and Amiens Road in Komoka. 
Community Improvement Plan Grants: Apply Now!
The Community Improvement Plan (CIP) looks to revitalize areas across Middlesex Centre by providing funds to local businesses.

Six funding streams are available, including grants for façade and signage, accessibility improvements, and renovation costs related to a significant public health event, among others.

Depending on the funding stream, businesses may be eligible for up to $5,000 in grants or reimbursements.

Applications are due by March 31, 2021.

middlesexcentre.on.ca/CIP
Taxes Due March 31
Reminder! Tax bills were issued in early February. In response to COVID-19, the due date for the first tax instalment were delayed until March 31, 2021.

If paying through your bank or by mail, please remember to allow sufficient time for your payment to be received by the office.

middlesexcentre.on.ca/billing
Volunteers wanted for new Youth Advisory Committee

The Middlesex Centre Youth Advisory Committee is looking for young people ages 13 to 19 who want to provide advice and ideas for municipal decisions on recreation, parks and youth programs. Find application forms and details on the website.

Read more
middlesexcentre.on.ca
COVID-19 Sign at Denfield EnviroDepot
EnviroDepots Open April 17
Middlesex Centre EnviroDepots open for the season on April 17. Depots operate on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

10191 Longwoods Rd. EnviroDepot
Accepts: yard waste, e-waste, tires & recycling

2305 Denfield Rd. EnviroDepot
Accepts: yard waste, e-waste, tires, recycling, mixed construction and demolition waste, mixed solid waste, white goods, metal, large bulky items & household waste

Yard waste, e-waste, tires and recyclables disposal is free of charge. There is a disposal fee for household garbage, large bulky items, and construction materials (please see website for list of fees).

EnviroDepots only accept debit card transactions at this time - no cash or credit cards.

middlesexcentre.on.ca/waste
Plow Damage & Sod Repairs
If your sod was damaged by a plow, please contact the office and let us know. Remember to include your address in your email/message.

Municipal staff will repair the damage later in the spring.

middlesexcentre.on.ca/roads
wood deck
Planning a shed or deck? You may need a building permit
It’s the time of year when we start looking forward to spring projects.

If you’re planning to build an accessory building like a shed or detached garage that is larger than 10 m2 (107 ft2) or a deck that is more than 0.6 m (2 ft) above the finished grade, you likely require a building permit. 

Building permits are important to ensure your shed or deck comply with local zoning and meet the safety standards set out in the Ontario Building Code. 

You can apply for and see the status your building permit on-line using the municipality’s Cloudpermit system. 

Please visit the website for more information, or contact the building department if you have questions about the need for a permit or if you’re looking to clarify a code requirement.

middlesexcentre.on.ca/building-permits
Flooding roadway with Houses Image source Government of Canada Flood Ready
Protect your home: Check for water near your foundation
April showers may bring spring flowers, but they also can lead to a lot of water near your home’s foundation, increasing the risk of flooding.

Now that the weather is nicer, take a few minutes to check that your eaves troughs are cleaned and that your downspouts and sump pumps discharge away from your foundation and any neighbouring properties.

Make sure that your property is properly graded so that any water is draining away from your home.

Getting the water moving away from your foundation will also reduce the amount of time your sump pump needs to run.

And remember to make sure that your sump pump is not draining into the sanitary sewer, which is an offense under Middlesex Centre’s wastewater and stormwater by-law.

canada.ca/flood-ready
Easter Holiday Closure
Daffodils
The Middlesex Centre municipal office will be closed Friday, April 2 to Monday, April 5, 2021, for the Easter holiday weekend. The office will re-open at 8:30 am on Tuesday, April 6.

The Komoka Wellness Centre will be closed on Good Friday, Friday, April 2, and Easter Sunday, April 4, with regular hours on Saturday and Monday.

Waste and recycling will be collected on your regular collection day. There is no change because of the holiday.
Concerns about Roads, Parks, Facilities? Let us know!
Notice municipal parks or property in need of repair or attention?

If you have non-urgent or general concerns about roads and snow plowing, parks or municipal facilities, you can report a concern at any time through our website.

middlesexcentre.on.ca/feedback
Icon from the Middlesex Centre Logo
Municipality of Middlesex Centre
Phone: 519-666-0190