Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
STRATHROY – Council has approved a downtown beautification project aimed at improving the appearance and safety of Strathroy’s core, focusing on tree beds and interlocking brick along Frank and Front streets.
The decision was made during the June 16 council meeting following a presentation by Rob Lilbourne, Director of Community Services, who outlined the need for short-term improvements ahead of the broader downtown revitalization project planned for the future. “We felt that it may be worthwhile to come forward to do some maintenance now,” Lilbourne told council, citing the deteriorated condition of tree beds filled with sand and dislodged stones, and uneven sidewalk bricks that pose tripping hazards.
The beautification plan includes rebuilding the existing tree beds with new landscaping materials and addressing high-risk brickwork areas. Up to $20,000 will be used from the Mainstreet Revitalization Fund, which holds a total of $76,979, with the remaining funds earmarked for further improvements. The motion to proceed was moved by Councillor Donna Pammer and seconded by Councillor Frank Kennes.
Councillor Pammer raised concerns about the long-standing issue of loose decorative stones spilling onto sidewalks. “Could you include some sort of barrier this time?” she asked, suggesting that storms and pedestrian traffic exacerbate the problem. Lilbourne responded that staff would consult with landscaping professionals to explore potential solutions, including landscape glue to stabilize the stones.
The broader conversation shifted toward ongoing concerns about cleanliness downtown. “I get a lot of comments from people that it feels like the town doesn’t care about the downtown,” Pammer added, calling for more regular street sweeping and garbage removal.
Councillor Brian Derbyshire questioned the practicality of keeping trees downtown at all, citing maintenance challenges and infrastructure issues. “Trees don’t grow downtown,” he said. “We are going to just keep spending money on something that we should just remove.”
While some councillors supported Derbyshire’s perspective, others stressed the importance of interim improvements. “A lot of [business] owners put a lot of money into upgrading facades,” said Kennes. “If we are not ready to go on the big dig yet, I think we should at least do some cosmetic things.”
Director of Engineering and Public Works Mark Ortiz confirmed that public consultations for the larger revitalization projects in both Strathroy and Mount Brydges are expected to continue throughout the summer, though completing them in time for the 2026 budget is “ambitious.” The motion to proceed with the interim downtown improvements passed.
