Written By David Gomez
STRATHROY-CARADOC - Township has approved funding to support a new interactive museum exhibit designed to bring local history to life through sound, visuals and student-led innovation.
At its March 2 meeting, council voted in favour of allocating $13,083.06 through the municipality’s Progress Through Partnership (PTP) program to support the project titled Strathroy-Caradoc’s History in Full Colour and Sound. The initiative is a collaboration between the Strathroy-Caradoc Museum and the technology department at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School.
The project aims to create an immersive exhibit combining images, video and music tied to the community’s past. Students and teachers from Holy Cross will design and build interactive components that trigger projected visuals and audio throughout the museum gallery, creating what organizers describe as a dynamic experience of local history.
During the meeting, councillor Greg Willsie asked why the museum’s reserve fund would not be used for the project, noting that the request had previously been reviewed by the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC).
Manager of Recreation and Culture Paul Lattimore responded that the equipment would have broader municipal uses beyond the museum. “This is something that can be used across multiple departments or areas,” he said, adding that the technology could support special events, recreation programming and other initiatives once the exhibit concludes.
Councillor Donna Pammer asked about the expected timeline for the installation. Lattimore explained that the exhibit would likely run for several months initially but could be reconfigured and reused in future displays. “It’s intended to be something that can be brought back multiple times,” he said.
Councillor John Brennan also sought clarification on ownership of the equipment, which includes a computer, projectors and speakers used to operate the display. Lattimore confirmed that the equipment would become a municipal asset under the PTP program, though the school may continue to collaborate with the municipality on future uses.
Deputy Mayor Mike McGuire asked how the PTP program operates and how the funding request fits within its annual budget. Acting CAO and Director of Community and Development Services Robert Lilbourne said the program allocates $40,000 each year to support partnerships that create public assets within the municipality.
Following the discussion, council approved the motion, allowing the project to proceed with support from the municipal partnership fund.
