Kelly Elliott

From DFID At the Royal: We know how powerful the voices of our youth are That's why we've created Flip the Lens; a platform for youth to share their mental health message, far and wide... Click here to learn more: difd.com/flip-the-lens

Middlesex County, with 3 pieces of land we own, will close on $36 million worth of sales. In the sale of 399 King St and 50 Ridout within the City of London, Middlesex County has closed on a $30 million deal with 3 installments of payments (2020, 2021 and 2025). We have also recently sold a parcel of land in Strathroy-Caradoc/Adelaide-Metcalfe known as the "Strathmere Lands", for a total of $6 million. At Tuesday's Council meeting, Middlesex County Council will receive a pres...entation from our CAO on the potential options we have to invest these dollars to best serve residents across the County. You can see the full presentation here: https://egenda.middlesex.ca//4977_A_1_CW_January_19_Use_of

There are more and more posts about coyotes in the area. January and February is typical mating season, so they are more active and can become more defensive of their turf. Coyote Watch Canada has some great resources about co-existing with coyotes that you can find here: https://www.coyotewatchcanada.com/s/coexisting-with-coyotes

This fund dropped this week with a short deadline to apply for businesses impacted by tourism due to COVID - I would love some feedback. Were you able to apply? Did you apply? Is this what you need? What gaps are there?

Here are today’s COVID statistics for the area. There are currently 546 active cases in the Middlesex-London region. This is a huge jump from the ~50 active cases we were averaging just a couple months ago. Listening to our front line health care workers who live in Thames Centre and are working at University Hospital, this is nothing to scoff at. If you decided to gather on Christmas Day with family, please stay home for New Years and reduce the number of contacts. One thing... I always try to keep in mind, is if I test positive and a public health nurse asks me to list my contacts in the past 7 days, how long is my list going to be? I’ve included a new infographic for those that are sticking to the 99% survival rate, and the surviving and thriving are incredibly different statement has really stuck with me. We are seeing the after effects of even minor COVID infections causing permanent damage to the heart, lungs and brain - even in young people. This is definitely something we need to keep in mind - it’s not just the flu for a week or so. Myself - more than anyone - can’t wait to get out of this. I miss hugging my family, cuddling with my newest little nephew who was born in the middle of the pandemic, watching my kids play sports, etc! I want my normal back, but at the same time, I want to make sure everyone is safe. Personally, I think this is a fine balancing act, as there are definitely impacts beyond COVID caused by the restrictions. Isolation and anxiety are definitely impacts and everyone needs to know there are resources available and you’re not alone in this. My inbox is *always* open, and I’ve also included a graphic that the Women’s Caucus put together of resources available in Middlesex County. Please, everyone be safe!

I clear as day remember during the election campaign running to become Deputy Mayor, a kind hearted senior asked me how I intended to raise my children and be Deputy Mayor. My answer was more of a question when I replied their Dad?. Having a support system is the only way to survive the world of politics, and there is no way I could do what I do without Neil. He does more than his fair share and often gives up more than he should in order for me to follow my political drea...ms. When I’m rushing off to meetings, attending out of town conferences, locked in my office reading reports or glued to my phone responding to constituents - Neil is the one at home with the kids, helping with homework, cooking meals and getting the kids everywhere they need to be on top of his full time job. He’s the Dad cheering at every hockey, baseball, soccer practice or game and often dragged to more formal events than he enjoys as my arm candy. Neil often doesn’t get the praise for all of his work behind the scenes so I can do what I do, but today is his special day - his birthday - to be recognized for everything he does. Happy Birthday, Neil!

Booooooone! Anyone else have the CBJ game on and catch Boone’s goal to start off the season?!!

We’re making it through the best we can, Elliott said. I think that’s all we can do.

A friend of mine posted this today, and it was refreshing to see a thread of positivity for what this year was! Reflecting, working alongside 4 of my female Middlesex colleagues (including Mayor Warwick!), creating the first ever Women’s Caucus of Middlesex County Council is something I’m incredibly proud of what came out of 2020. What’s your proud moment of 2020?

Does anyone else’s Boxing Day traditions *ALWAYS* include watching Team Canada play in the World Juniors?! Who else is watching with me? Yes, that’s a 12-1 lead Canada has over Germany!

Merry Christmas, Thames Centre! Today is relaxing, enjoying coffee and watching my birds - I’ve had a pair of cardinals and a blue jay visit a few times today! A special thank you to all of our frontline hospital and long-term-care workers, our roads department both in Thames Centre and Middlesex County, OPP, Thames Centre volunteer firefighters and Middlesex-London paramedics for all working today, away from their families, to keep our communities safe this Christmas. I hope... everyone has the opportunity to connect with friends and family today. Today can also be a very tough day for some, so if you need someone to talk to, please reach out - mental health resources are still available over the holidays! (.. and a picture of my mug - a Christmas gift from a friend - for my fellow Schitt’s Creek fans !)

My friend Christa Cowell is a Mom to 3 young kids, a wife, a full-time University student and still manages to juggle being a Councillor in the Municipality of Southwest Middlesex. Today is her birthday, so please send her some birthday cheer!