Written By David Gomez
STRATHROY-CARADOC - A $40,000 consultation plan aimed at shaping future downtown revitalization projects in Strathroy and Mount Brydges has been approved, with councillors debating how much weight should be given to previously prepared design concepts.
At its April 7 meeting, council voted to direct staff to begin background research, stakeholder outreach and public engagement while retaining artists to prepare updated professional renderings. The funding will come from the municipality’s future needs reserve.
The consultation process is expected to include two public information sessions in Strathroy and two in Mount Brydges, along with meetings involving business groups, residents and other stakeholders. Staff said the exercise will focus on streetscape elements such as sidewalks, parking, landscaping and public spaces, rather than underground servicing work.
Much of the discussion centred on whether design drawings prepared earlier by the company Arcadis should be used as a starting point.
Councillor Steve Pelkman said he was concerned the visuals could give residents the impression that decisions had already been made. “I just want the public to know that this is not what we are considering and we are starting from scratch,” he said.
Director of Economic Development and Community Engagement Heather Lalonde said the drawings were included because the municipality has already paid for them and they can help begin discussion. She said the intent is not to present a final concept, but to provide “a base point to start the conversations from rather than just a blank screen.”
Director of Community Services Rob Lilbourne compared the process to park consultations, where draft sketches are often used to gather reactions. “The drawings that may come back potentially will look completely different from what’s been presented,” he said.
Deputy Mayor Mike McGuire said he wants feedback rooted in practical experience from downtown users and businesses. He cited parking, garbage collection, seating locations and snow removal as issues he hopes residents will address during consultations.
“I want to know what the issues are, what works, what doesn’t work,” McGuire said.
Questions were also raised about financing and infrastructure readiness. Councillor Greg Willsie asked whether previous funds tied to the project had already been redirected to sidewalk work. Treasurer Bill Dakin confirmed the new $40,000 allocation is separate funding, while future stages would require additional approvals.
Councillor Donna Pammer asked whether underground infrastructure planning was also advancing. Lilbourne said design work below grade is already about 70% complete, though some adjustments may still be required depending on surface-level decisions.
Councillor Brian Derbyshire stressed the importance of parking and long-term servicing capacity in Strathroy’s core, particularly if higher-density development is pursued.
Following the discussion, council approved the motion, allowing the consultation process to move ahead through 2026.
