County projects

Aylmer

The Community Impact Advisory Committee Aylmer has been instrumental in recognizing and addressing the community’s most pressing needs. The Advisory Committee is composed of a diverse group of individuals representing local organizations, community services, law enforcement, education, government, business, and those with lived experience. This collective expertise ensures a well-rounded approach to identifying and addressing the community’s needs, fostering collaboration and meaningful impact that aligns with and responds to the unique needs of the Aylmer Community.

Through collaborative discussions, the Aylmer committee identified two key priorities for the community: access to essential youth services and food security. As the initiative moves forward, efforts will continue to focus on exploring innovative and practical solutions to address these critical areas while fostering a spirit of collaboration and compassion. By remaining deeply connected to the unique needs of the community, the project is guided by the mission to improve lives and build community through collective action, and the vision of creating a place where everyone matters.

Key Updates:

• The advisory committee submitted an application to ‘The Youth Mental Health Fund (YMHF)’, announced by the federal government to improve the mental health of youth and their families, and to enhance access to, and navigation of, mental health services with a particular focus on equity-deserving groups.
  The fund would contribute to long-term improvements in mental health outcomes for youth and to advance the creation of a strengthened, integrated and accessible youth mental health system that addresses the needs of equity-deserving and underserved youth populations.
• Through the work of the Aylmer Advisory Committee, United Way Elgin Middlesex applied to the federal School Food Infrastructure Fund (SFIF) for improved food infrastructure at our local high school. East Elgin Secondary School has been awarded $53,250 to enhance its food programming space—an investment that will support long-term improvements in meal delivery and student well-being.
• Currently the committee is also looking at ensuring Aylmer residents know where to gain access to information in a centralized location that is easily accessible to all members of the community

Impact Advisory Committee Members:

Strathroy

The Community Impact Advisory Committee Strathroy – Caradoc has played a pivotal role in identifying and addressing the most pressing needs of the community. Comprised of representatives from the Municipality, Middlesex County, local social service leaders, business leaders, and individuals with lived experience, the group brings diverse perspectives to the table, ensuring the project reflects the unique needs of the community.

Through thoughtful discussions and a collaborative approach, the committee determined that the community’s top priorities are housing, mental health, and food security. As the initiative progresses, the committee will continue to explore how best to support our neighbors in need by focusing on these critical areas. Discussions will center around innovative solutions and practical approaches to creating a meaningful impact, emphasizing collaboration and compassion. The project’s local roots ensure that it is grounded in the realities and aspirations of Strathroy-Caradoc, providing tailored support for its residents.

In early 2025, the Community Impact Advisory Committee’s vision took a major step forward as we began due diligence on a suitable location for a new Connection Centre and supportive housing units in Strathroy-Caradoc. Over the past several months, we have worked closely with consultants, architects, and community partners to inspect and assess potential sites to ensure they meet the needs of local residents. We conducted multiple walk-throughs, secured environmental and structural assessments, and engaged in meaningful discussions with local experts to ensure our plans align with community priorities.

Applications for critical funding and financing were submitted, including support through a Social Impact Fund loan, while initial design work with our architect has progressed in parallel. Our team has also continued collaborating with partners like CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services to align supportive programming and services that will be offered through the project.
To help guide this next phase, the Community Impact Advisory Committee is evolving into two focused working groups — one dedicated to shaping programs and supports, and the other focused on community engagement and fundraising. This progress demonstrates our community’s shared commitment to creating safe, stable housing and a welcoming hub for connection and care — bringing us one step closer to making this vital project a reality.

Impact Advisory Committee Members: