Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
STRATHROY-CARADOC – At its August 5 meeting, Strathroy-Caradoc Council considered two significant planning and development matters: a three-year extension request for an Auburn Developments subdivision and a Community Improvement Plan (CIP) application from Burnbrae Farms Ltd. for its new $100 million facility in Strathroy.
Council first dealt with Auburn Developments’ request to extend the draft plan of subdivision originally approved in September 2022. The plan, covering lands in the northwest portion of Strathroy, includes more than 300 single-detached lots, townhouse lots, a medium-density block, and stormwater and parkland areas. Without council’s endorsement, the approval would lapse in September 2025.
Tim Williams, Manager of Planning for the County of Middlesex, explained that while progress has been made, conditions remain outstanding. “This is a plan of subdivision in the northwest portion of Strathroy proper and it is simply the applicants and their engineers are continuing to work with staff in clearing the conditions. It looks like it’s going to be a phased development… they are asking for a three-year extension,” Williams said.
Councillor Frank Kennes used the discussion to highlight broader challenges facing municipalities. Councillor Steve Pelkman asked about stormwater management connections for the subdivision. Williams confirmed that the issue remains part of the overall planning vision for the area. The extension was unanimously approved, with the recommendation for extension and approval through September 2028.
Council then turned to an application under the municipality’s Urban Economic Development Program. Burnbrae Farms Ltd., a leading Canadian agri-business, plans to relocate its operations from Ellor Street to 1000 Wright Street in the Molnar Industrial Park. The proposed 14,500-square-metre facility represents a $100 million investment and is expected to double production capacity while increasing employment from 113 to 157 staff.
Development Services Coordinator Saja Alasmar outlined the request, noting the company applied for building and planning fee grants, development charge grants, and parkland cash-in-lieu grants. “Following a thorough review of the application, the CIP Committee concluded that it meets all funding requirements and was deemed complete as of July 9,” Alasmar said. She added that while Burnbrae qualified for $1.58 million in support, the committee recommended $1.2 million to ensure funds remain available for other applicants.
Councillor Pelkman voiced support, noting that the municipality played a role in encouraging the relocation. “It’s important for people to remember that we initiated the conversation to get them to move from Ellor Street to Wright Street, and at the end of the day, this is a great move for the company, but also a good move for our own street infrastructure to remove all that truck traffic off of Ellor and Queen streets,” he said.
Council unanimously approved the $1.2 million funding allocation. Construction is expected to begin once the CIP agreement is finalized, with completion projected by the end of 2026.
Together, the decisions reflect council’s efforts to manage residential growth and support major economic investment in the community.
