Council Meeting Highlights - July 7, 2025

✅ Staff Service Awards

Congratulations to Jennifer Duffy (Tax Collector) and Jennifer Pereira (Director of Legal & Legislative Services/Clerk) for their 15 years of dedicated service to the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc. Thank you both for your contributions!

✅ Mount Brydges Wastewater Treatment Plant Update

The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks has outlined concerns regarding the Mount Brydges Wastewater Treatment Plant. While a Ministry-approved interim design was submitted in 2023, improvements have not yet been implemented. The Municipality has until the end of August to respond, with a Council workshop scheduled for July 28 to review current conditions and next steps.

✅ Strathroy Wastewater Treatment Plant – Tender Estimate

Council received an update on necessary upgrades to the Strathroy Wastewater Treatment Plant (27886 Pike Road). To allow for essential maintenance and cleaning, a second aeration basin (lagoon system) is proposed. Full project details are available in the online report.

✅ Bill 17 – Development Charges Act Updates

Bill 17: Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025 has introduced several key changes to the Development Charges Act. Highlights include exemptions, payment deferrals, and updated cost rules. Staff will monitor further regulations and report back on impacts to municipal operations and capital planning. Full report available online

✅ LED Video Board Partnership – Gemini Arena

A new LED Video Board is coming to the Gemini Arena Blue Pad through a partnership between the Municipality, Strathroy Jets, and Ricco Foods, supported by $10,000 in Progress Through Partnerships (PTP) funding. This initiative enhances the arena experience and opens up advertising opportunities.

✅ Fire Services – Automatic Aid Agreement

Council has approved a revised Automatic Aid Agreement with Southwest Middlesex to support joint emergency response efforts. The Mayor and Clerk have been authorized to sign the agreement.

✅ 2025–2028 Staffing Plan

Council reviewed and approved several new staffing positions for 2025, aligning with recommendations from the Service Delivery Review and operational needs. Positions include:

• Reclassification of the positions of ‘Supervisor of Parks and Recreational Facilities’ and ‘Supervisor of Recreational Programs and Community Liaison’ to Manager positions
• Conversion of the contract By-law position to full-time employee status
• New position of Financial Analyst in Financial Services
• New position of HR/Health and Safety Specialist in Human Resources
• New position of part-time Fire Services Technician in Fire Services
• New position of Project Manager in the Environmental Services Division of Engineering and Public Works

All positions are funded through existing 2025 budgets.

✅ Non-Union Compensation Review

Effective July 21, 2025, non-union employees will transition to the same step on the new wage grid. The change will be funded in part by a $249,460 WSIB refund, with approximately $183,827 allocated to support the wage adjustment.

Upcoming Regular Council Meetings

• Council Meeting - Monday, July 21, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. - Council Chamber/Hybrid

• Council Meeting - Tuesday, August 5, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. - Council Chamber/Hybrid

• [Council Recess] Monday, August 18

• Council Meeting - Tuesday, September 2, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. - Council Chamber/Hybrid

Review all upcoming Council & Committee Meeting dates at www.strathroy-caradoc.ca/meetings. Upcoming agendas are posted five days in advance of the meeting date.