Written By David Gomez
STRATHROY-CARADOC – Council approved several infrastructure and emergency preparedness initiatives during its April 20 meeting, including road reconstruction work, sidewalk improvements, a culvert replacement project and the acceptance of provincial emergency funding.
Council awarded the Glen Oak Road Structure C10 replacement project to BKT Excavating Ltd. for $208,880 excluding HST, along with engineering services to Spriet Associates for $16,310 excluding HST. The project involves replacing a deteriorating culvert structure on Glen Oak Road that was identified during the municipality’s 2025 bridge inspection program.
Council also authorized staff to proceed with tendering the municipality’s 2026 sidewalk program, which includes new sidewalk connections in Strathroy and Mount Brydges, replacement work in Melbourne and several localized repairs.
Councillor Greg Willsie raised concerns about narrow sidewalks along Adelaide Road in Mount Brydges, questioning why some heavily travelled areas were not included in the current work plan.
Acting Director of Engineering and Public Works Walter Easter said the municipality wants to coordinate any future sidewalk reconstruction in that area with the broader downtown revitalization project.
“We want it to all be tied together nicely,” Easter said, noting the municipality does not want to complete work that may later require redesign or relocation.
Council also approved awarding the Beech Street reconstruction project to Elgin Construction for approximately $1.34 million excluding HST, with engineering services awarded to BM Ross for $122,450 excluding HST.
The Beech Street project includes replacement of underground water, sanitary and storm infrastructure, along with a new roadway, curb and gutter, and a sidewalk on the north side of the street. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with final paving scheduled for spring 2027.
Finally, council authorized execution of an Ontario Transfer Payment Agreement related to the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant.
The provincial funding will support emergency communication upgrades, reception centre readiness, public education initiatives and emergency management training exercises within the municipality.
All four motions were approved by council without opposition.
