Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
STRATHROY - Council has greenlighted a significant upgrade to the streetlights along Front Street, a move poised to bolster public safety and complement the upcoming Downtown Revitalization project. The decision came during the August 12 council meeting, which saw unanimous support for the initiative.
Walter Easter, Manager of Public Works, explained the motivation behind the project to council members, stating that the primary goal was to enhance nighttime visibility and safety along Front Street, stretching from Thomas Street to Head Street. The existing streetlights, deemed insufficient, will be upgraded with new LED light engines and drivers, enhancing the illumination without the need for complete pole replacements.
The project, which involves an investment of $52,000 plus HST, was slightly over the initially budgeted $50,000. The additional $2,000 required will be sourced from the Asset Management reserve fund. Easter emphasized the cost-effectiveness and minimal disruption of the upgrade, which retains the existing streetlight fixtures while replacing only the internal components.
Mayor Colin Grantham highlighted the community-driven aspect of the proposal, recalling a citizen’s concern brought to his attention last December.
Easter reassured council about the sustainability aspect of the project, noting that the current streetlights would not go to waste but would be repurposed for community services use, particularly in parks, as part of the broader downtown enhancements.
The motion to award the streetlight replacement project to Clark-Haasen Electric, the municipality’s current streetlight subcontractor, was moved by Councillor Hipple and seconded by Councillor Pelkman. The familiarity and experience of Clark-Haasen with the town’s infrastructure were key factors in the decision to sole-source the project to them.
With the upgrades expected to begin installation by mid to late September of this year, Front Street’s new streetlights are anticipated to be operational before the year’s end.
