Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
STRATHROY-CARADOC - Councillors dealt with two notices of motion during their September 2 meeting, addressing both the regulation of electric scooters in the municipality and future upgrades to the Strathroy wastewater treatment facility.
The first motion, introduced by Councillor Donna Pammer, focused on the growing presence of electric kick scooters on local streets and sidewalks. “Over the summer, I think all of us as councillors have had lots of calls and lots of feedback,” Pammer said. “There has been lots of chatter in the community about these sometimes very fast moving scooters.”
Pammer clarified that she was not calling for a ban but for a clearer framework on where and when scooters may be used. Several councillors raised concerns about legal overlap with the Highway Traffic Act, enforcement costs, and potential safety issues. Councillor Steve Pelkman, who owns a scooter, stressed the risks of children or inexperienced riders operating devices capable of reaching 30 kilometres per hour. “For a senior, that is potentially a life ending injury,” he warned.
Mayor Colin Grantham proposed deferring the matter to the municipal traffic committee, which includes police and county staff, to clarify what authority the municipality has and whether a bylaw is necessary. Pammer agreed to amend her motion accordingly, and councillors carried the resolution.
The second motion, brought forward by Councillor Greg Willsie, concerned upgrades at the Strathroy lagoons. He referenced past maintenance issues with the lined lagoon system, including leaks and costly repairs. Willsie noted that costs for the currently preferred lined lagoon option have risen substantially, from an initial $11–13 million to around $22 million.
He argued that given the escalation, other alternatives such as constructing a concrete tank or pursuing extended aeration should be revisited. “Rather than going forward with the lowest cost option, especially being that option had ballooned… I think it warrants us looking at and making sure that we are doing something that is future ready,” Willsie said.
The motion directed staff to prepare a new report with updated costs and a detailed review of all available options, including lifecycle analyses. The review is expected to compare options identified in a 2021 report, which ranged from smaller extended aeration tanks that could be converted into a conventional activated sludge system, to a new lagoon south of the current site.
Councillors voted unanimously to support Willsie’s motion, ensuring the matter will return to council table with fresh analysis before any final decision is made.
