Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
STRATHROY-CARADOC – Council has approved the replacement of two major building ventilation units in local recreation facilities, with both projects awarded to Air Design Services as the lowest bidder in each case.
At its August 5 meeting, councillors endorsed the replacement of the failed RTU 2 at the Caradoc Community Centre, a project first identified in the municipality’s 2019 Building Condition Assessment. Community Services Operations Manager Darren Dowding told council the work was necessary and already anticipated. “This unit has recently failed and is certainly due for replacement. Air Design Services was the low bid, and this does fall within the budget amount,” he said.
The winning bid for the Caradoc Community Centre project came in at $60,256.70, with the total cost including contingency remaining within the $327,000 capital budget allocated for the facility. The replacement is expected to restore full ventilation and climate control capacity, ensuring the building operates reliably heading into the colder months.
Council also approved the replacement of the Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) in the Rockets Room at the West Middlesex Memorial Centre. Dowding described the unit as another piece of equipment that had reached the end of its service life after many years of use. “Air Design was again low bidder, and this does fall in budget for this project,” he noted.
The Rockets Room ERV replacement was awarded for $34,689.70 plus HST, comfortably within the $45,000 budget approved for the work in 2025. The new unit will help maintain air quality, improve energy efficiency, and support consistent temperature control in the facility.
Both tenders passed without opposition, with Mayor Colin Grantham calling the votes after no questions were raised by councillors. In each case, Air Design Services was selected following a competitive bidding process and met all requirements outlined in the municipal tenders.
With both contracts now approved, the municipality will proceed with the installations, ensuring that two of Strathroy-Caradoc’s busiest community facilities remain equipped to provide safe, comfortable environments for residents and visitors year-round.
