Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
STRATHROY-CARADOC - Council addressed two key community matters during its regular meeting on July 7: the awarding of a new animal control services contract and the approval of a digital video board partnership at the Gemini Sportsplex.
Council voted to award the municipality’s three-year animal control contract to Southwest Middlesex Animal Shelter, replacing the current agreement with Animal Care Centre Lobo, which expires at the end of August 2025. The decision follows a competitive tendering process initiated on June 6, which yielded three proposals. One submission was disqualified due to a “major irregularity,” as it did not meet the municipality’s procurement requirements.
Jennifer Pereira, Director of Legal and Legislative Services, presented the report and confirmed that Southwest Middlesex Animal Shelter offered the most cost-effective option, significantly undercutting the $150,000 annual cost of the existing provider. The new contract represents a substantial reduction in municipal spending on animal control services, with annual costs ranging from $55,000 to just over $57,000 over the three-year term.
Councillors sought clarification on whether the scope of service would remain unchanged. “Pretty drastic,” noted Councillor Steve Pelkman, referring to the cost difference. “Just want to make sure it is for same service.” Pereira confirmed that the terms of service—including protocols for stray animal pickup and the transfer of municipal licensing records—remain consistent with the current agreement. Addressing questions from Councillor Brian Derbyshire, she clarified that while animal control does not typically include wildlife such as raccoons on private property, limited assistance may be available for incidents occurring on municipal land.
Later in the meeting, Council also approved a $10,000 contribution to a new LED video board project proposed by the Strathroy Jets hockey team in partnership with Ricco Foods. The high-definition screen, measuring over 16 feet wide and 10 feet high, will be installed at the Gemini Sportsplex’s Blue Pad.
Paul Lattimore, Supervisor of Recreation, Programs, and Community Liaison, said the digital screen would enhance the game-day experience for fans and players, while also expanding advertising opportunities for local businesses and community groups. “This is something that every group can use,” he said, noting the importance of municipal partnerships to support recreation infrastructure.
The total cost of the project is estimated at just over $70,000, with the majority funded by the Jets and Ricco Foods. The municipality’s share will come from the Progress Through Partnership program, which had a remaining balance of $30,000. The funds will primarily support software and content development for the screen.
Councillor Sandi Hipple expressed enthusiastic support for the initiative, calling it “a good news story” and praising the contributions of both the Jets and Ricco Foods to the community. Councillor Frank Kennes raised a procedural question regarding ownership of the equipment. In response, Director of Community Services Rob Lilbourne clarified that the municipality would retain ownership of the screen and that a formal revenue-sharing agreement would be presented to Council for ratification at a later date.
With a 100-day lead time for delivery of the equipment, staff requested immediate approval to proceed with the purchase while continuing to develop the terms of the partnership. Council unanimously approved both the expenditure and the approach to finalizing the agreement.
