Civil Municipal - May 2024

and hallways and pre-heat water for showers and washrooms. The sustainability doesn’t end there.The municipality is home to the first Net-Zero Fire Station in Canada – the Coldstream Fire Station. Excess energy from the station’s roof-top solar panels offsets the energy used by the municipal office right next door and then is fed into the provincial power grid. Additionally, Middlesex Centre continues to acquire a “greener” and more efficient fleet and equipment when replacements are needed. This sustainability effort is something that they’re proud of. Not only are they doing their part for the environment, but they’re also maximizing the use of taxpayer dollars. Middlesex Centre also partners with outside agencies and organizations to continually improve the sustainability of municipal services. For example, they are a research site for a Toronto Metropolitan University-led study focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment systems. CONTINUING TO THRIVE In terms of economic development, Middlesex Centre has identified approximately 150 hectares of premium available land along the provincial highway corridor for commercial industrial growth. When it comes to residential development, while single-detached homes are still being built, different forms of housing are planned to offer more diversity in terms of affordability and accessibility. Mayor DeViet tells us that there are currently a lot of single-family homes on roomy lots, which is wonderful for much of the population, but not what everyone needs. Middlesex Centre is looking to add more density with apartment complexes, as well as other affordable options like townhomes. This affordability is of importance in today’s economy, as is having the community be a “one-stop-shop” in terms of working and living in the same area. The municipality also considers all age groups when it comes to housing. They want to ensure a range 126 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 05