Council Meeting Highlights - July 20, 2026

137 Frank Street Exterior Renovation Update (Watch Here) 

Council received an information report outlining the condition of the exterior of the future Municipal Service and Community Centre to be located at 137 Frank Street, Strathroy. The report identified several areas requiring attention, including deteriorating brickwork, drainage issues, windows, and exterior finishes, with preliminary repair costs estimated at approximately $200,000 (excluding drainage work). 

The approved Phase 1 interior renovations, including the relocation of Municipal Customer Service to 137 Frank Street, will continue as planned.  

A motion was passed that Council direct staff to engage the architect and report back to Council with: 

1. Updated exterior façade concepts, including recommendations respecting exterior entrance locations, doors, windows, and cladding, while ensuring full compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA); and 

2. Recommended interior concepts for the large gymnasium and kitchen areas, which were not included in Phase 1, and that the remaining interior rooms not identified in Phase 1 be considered per report 12.2.1 of the July 20, 2026, agenda.  

137 Frank Street Interior Renovation Update 

Council approved proceeding with Phase 2 interior renovations at 137 Frank Street, while excluding work related to the large room/gymnasium following direction provided earlier in the meeting. 

Staff reported that building systems continue to be assessed and maintained. The HVAC units are operating as intended, the boilers and associated piping have been repaired, and there are currently no water infiltration issues inside the building.  

Phase 2 renovations will include installing automatic door openers in the public washrooms, new flooring in the remaining two rooms, display panels, construction of a hallway wall and access door, painting, and window coverings.   

A motion was carried that Council direct staff to complete phase 2 of the interior of the 137 Frank St. project which includes but not limited to the following:  
- Installing automatic door openers in the public washrooms; 
- Installing luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or carpet in the remaining two rooms; 
- Installing display panels; 
- Continue constructing a wall to create a hallway, including the installation of an opening and door to provide access to the hallway; 
- Painting; 
- Window Coverings  

Council Awards Affordable Housing RFP for 273 Frances Street (Watch Here) 

Council has awarded the Request for Proposal (RFP), with the intention to sell the municipally owned lands at 273 Frances Street, Strathroy to 2209622 Ontario Inc. for the development of an affordable housing project. The project supports the Municipality's commitments under the federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), which includes providing new affordable housing units to help address local housing needs. 

The decision follows a competitive RFP process and an evaluation of the proposals received.  

Council has directed staff to proceed with the preparation and negotiation of the agreements, by-laws, and other documents required to complete the sale and disposition of the property. These agreements, along with future planning approvals, will return to Council for consideration before the project proceeds to construction. 

The project represents an important step toward increasing the supply of affordable housing in Strathroy-Caradoc while meeting the timelines established under the Housing Accelerator Fund.