Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
STRATHROY-CARADOC - At the December 16 council meeting, council approved a three-year extension of its contract with a+LINK Architecture Inc., continuing their partnership until December 31, 2027. The decision was made following a presentation by Robert Lilbourne, Director of Community Services, and received unanimous support from council members.
The extension, initially included as an option in the original 2022 agreement, allows a+LINK to continue providing architectural services for various municipal projects. These projects include the expansion of the Gemini sports complex, among others. The firm has delivered services since 2022, with an average annual fee increase of approximately 2.3%, a rate considered nominal by the municipal staff.
Mayor Colin Grantham expressed his support for retaining a+LINK but sought clarification on the specific involvement of a+LINK in the ongoing Gemini expansion project. Lilbourne explained that the project had been approved in 2023, with a+LINK currently finalizing the Class C costing, expected to be completed by year-end.
Councillor Brian Derbyshire raised concerns about the potential challenges of concluding the contract or transitioning to other service providers by 2027, given the number of ongoing projects managed by a+LINK. He suggested that council consider earlier reviews of architectural services to avoid being “stuck” with a single provider as projects advance.
In response, Lilbourne acknowledged the validity of Derbyshire’s concerns and proposed that future contracts be reviewed six months prior to their conclusion, allowing council to either extend the existing agreement or seek new bids depending on their satisfaction and strategic needs at the time.
CAO Trisha McKibbin added that proactive planning would be crucial, especially for projects that might extend beyond the 2027 contract endpoint. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that any new projects starting close to the contract’s end would be discussed in advance, safeguarding the council’s flexibility and oversight.
The council’s approval reflects a strategic decision to maintain continuity with a+LINK due to their satisfactory performance and the critical timing of major municipal projects.
