Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc
Regular Council Session
Agenda

Monday, March 03, 2025

6:00 P.m. - 7:00 P.m.

Hybrid Meeting (Council Chamber and Virtual)

Strathroy-Caradoc Municipal Office

52 Frank Street, Strathroy, Ontario

The Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc acknowledges that it is located on Treaty 21 territory. We are thankful to the generations of people who have taken care of this land, including The Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, The Munsee-Delaware First Nation, and The Oneida Nation of the Thames.

 

Vision: Strathroy-Caradoc envisions a dynamic community where residents thrive in a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous environment. We aspire to be a model of effective governance and community engagement, setting the standard for excellence in our programs and services.

Mission: Our mission is to provide innovative and up-to-date services, engage in proactive planning for the future, facilitate partnerships, and advance community goals to create a vibrant and sustainable future for all in Strathroy-Caradoc.

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1.

Roll Call

2.

Call to Order/Approve Agenda

• Recommendation

  THAT: the March 3, 2025 Regular Council Meeting Agenda be approved as circulated.

3.

Declaration of Pecuniary Interest

4.

Delegations, Community Presentations and Petitions

5.

Public Meetings

5.1

Public Meeting No. 1

The purpose of this public meeting is to consider a Zoning By-law Amendment for the property located at 7859 Parkhouse Dr, Mt Brydges, ON.

5.1.1

Motion to open the public meeting

• Recommendation

  THAT: the public meeting to consider an application for Zoning By-law Amendment for the property located at 7859 Parkhouse Drive, Mt Brydges, ON be hereby opened.

5.1.2

Report to be presented by the Planner - BBP-2025-20

5.1.3

Comments in support of the proposed rezoning

5.1.4

Comments in opposition to the proposed rezoning

5.1.5

Comments and questions from Members of Council

5.1.6

Motion to close the public meeting

• Recommendation

  THAT: the public meeting to consider an application for Zoning By-law Amendment for the property located at 7859 Parkhouse Drive, Mt Brydges, ON be hereby closed.

5.1.7

Decision/Resolution

• Recommendation

  THAT: Report BBP-2025-20 regarding rezoning application ZBA 2-2025, be received for information, and further;
  
  THAT: By-law No. 18-25 be referred to the Consideration of By-laws Section of the Agenda for consideration and approval.

5.2

Public Meeting No. 2

The purpose of this public meeting is to consider an application for Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment for the property located at Part of East Half of Lot 17, Concession 3 (geographic Township of Caradoc), being Part Lots 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22, Plan 34M-7, Mt. Brydges, ON.

5.2.1

Motion to open the public meeting

• Recommendation

  THAT: the public meeting to consider an application for Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment for the property located at Part of East Half of Lot 17, Concession 3 (geographic Township of Caradoc), being Part Lots 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22, Plan 34M-7, Mt. Brydges, ON be hereby opened.

5.2.2

Report to be presented by the Planner, BBP-2025-19

5.2.3

Comments in support of the proposed Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment

5.2.4

Comments in opposition of the proposed Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment

5.2.5

Comments and questions from Members of Council

5.2.6

Motion to close the public meeting

• Recommendation

  THAT: the public meeting to consider an application for Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment for the property located at Part of East Half of Lot 17, Concession 3 (geographic Township of Caradoc), being Part Lots 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22, Plan 34M-7, Mt. Brydges, ON be hereby closed.

5.2.7

Decision/Resolution

• Recommendation

  THAT: Report BBP-2025-19 regarding Draft Plan of Subdivision 39T-SC2101 and ZBA15-2021 be received for information.

6.

Approval of Minutes

• Recommendation

  THAT: the Regular Council Meeting minutes of February 18, 2025 be approved as written, and further;
  
  THAT: the Special Council Meeting (Strategic Priorities) minutes of February 10, 2025 be approved as written, and further;
  
  THAT: the Special Council Meeting minutes of February 13, 2025 be approved as written.

6.1

Regular Council Meeting Minutes – February 18, 2025

6.2

Special Council Meeting (Strategic Priorities) Meeting Minutes - February 10, 2025

6.3

Special Council Meeting - February 13, 2025

7.

Consent Agenda

Items listed under the Consent Agenda are received in one motion.  Council members may request that one or more items be removed for further action.

• Recommendation

  THAT: Items 7.1 and 7.2 listed under the heading of Consent Agenda on the March 3, 2025 agenda be adopted as recommended.

7.1

Communications

• Recommendation

  THAT: Council receive the communication items for information.

7.1.1

SCRCA December 2024 Meeting Highlights

7.1.2

MLHU Board of Health Meeting Summary - February 20, 2025

7.2

Reports from Boards and Committees

• Recommendation

  THAT: the reports from boards and committees be received for information.

7.2.1

Strathroy Caradoc Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes - January 15, 2025

7.2.2

Tri Township Arena Meeting Minutes - January 9, 2025

7.2.3

Police Services Board Meeting Minutes - January 21, 2025

7.2.4

Police Services Board Monthly Activity Reports - January 2025

8.

Drainage Matters

8.1

Fourth Concession Drain 2025 – Court of Revision - EPW-2025-12

8.1.1

Resolution to open the Court of Revision

• Recommendation

  THAT: the Court of Revision for the Fourth Concession Drain 2025 be hereby opened.

8.1.2

Appeals

8.1.3

Questions from Council

8.1.4

Decision

• Recommendation

  THAT: Report EPW 2025-12 “Fourth Concession Drain 2025 – Court of Revision” be received for information, and further;
  
  THAT: Subject to any appeals, provisional By-law No. 09-25 be referred to the Consideration of By-laws section of the agenda for third and final reading.

8.1.5

Resolution to close the Court of Revision

• Recommendation

  THAT: the Court of Revision for the Fourth Concession Drain 2025 be hereby closed.

9.

Notices of Motion

9.1

Councillor Brian Derbyshire - To be Voted On

• Recommendation

  To reduce the number of Council Members on a committee or board  to two unless otherwise mandated by the province, i.e. Police Service Board and Committee of Adjustment and also that the Deputy Mayor be removed as an ex officio member from all boards, making the Mayor the only ex officio on any board or committee, but that they have no voting power.

9.2

Councillor Brian Derbyshire - To be Voted On

• Recommendation

  1) Mr. Ortiz produce the RFP that was sent out to three engineering firms that he has described.

  2) Instruct Mr. Ortiz to produce same to the Powell group engineer that has requested the RFP.

  3) That Mr. Ortiz brings back a report to Council immediately updating us with the progress or not working with the Powell group and land owners with agreements as instructed by council motion dated November 18th.

9.3

Councillor Brian Derbyshire - To be Voted On

• Recommendation

  1) When will the Municipal Class EA, Schedule 'C' for the Mount Brydges WWTP commence, considering the following options:

  2)  Prior to tendering and commencing WWTP Headworks and Extended Aeration?

  3) After the WWTP Headworks and Extended Aeration work has been tendered for construction?

  4)  After a third-party review and Council's acceptance of recommendations regarding the CIMA+ review of the WWTP's optimizations/improvements?

  5) What are your conditions for initiating the Class EA?

9.4

Councillor Brian Derbyshire - To Be Voted On

• Recommendation

  That we change our Fire Inspection Program from a pro-active program to a need-for-service program whereas we only do fire inspections as they are requested and not as we feel necessary.

9.5

Councillor Brian Derbyshire - To be Voted On

Preamble:

• Whereas the Council, on April 3, 2023, directed staff to proceed with the conversion of the Mount Brydges WWTF to an extended aeration system;
• And whereas the Master Servicing Plan, endorsed by Council on November 4, 2024, has revealed a need for increased capacity at the Mount Brydges WWTF that was not anticipated during the initial decision-making process to upgrade the plant;
• And whereas such an increase in capacity necessitates a Schedule C Environmental Assessment as per the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment guidelines;
• And whereas Council, on July 16, 2024, passed a motion to commence this required EA, but the process has not yet been initiated;
• And whereas it is essential to base significant infrastructure decisions on the most current and comprehensive assessments to ensure fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship;

Operative Clause: Therefore, be it resolved that the Council of the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc hereby directs staff to:

1. Immediately initiate the Schedule C Environmental Assessment process for the Mount Brydges WWTF capacity expansion, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and incorporating the findings of the recent Master Servicing Plan;

2. Suspend all activities related to the current conversion plan of the Mount Brydges WWTF to an extended aeration system until the EA is completed and its recommendations are reviewed by Council;

3. Provide Council with a detailed timeline and action plan for the EA process, including key milestones and opportunities for public and stakeholder engagement;

4. Ensure that any interim measures are implemented to maintain the facility's compliance with environmental regulations during this reassessment period, utilizing the existing Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) system as previously approved.

This motion aims to align the Municipality's infrastructure planning with the latest data and regulatory requirements, ensuring that the Mount Brydges WWTF upgrades effectively address both current and future community needs.

For detailed information on the updated capacity requirements and recommendations, please refer to the Master Servicing Plan available on the Municipality's website.

By adopting this motion, Council will demonstrate its commitment to informed decision-making, regulatory compliance, and proactive infrastructure management.

• Recommendation

  In light of the recently completed Master Servicing Plan, which has identified the need for increased capacity at the Mount Brydges Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF), and recognizing that this necessitates a Schedule C Environmental Assessment (EA) that has not yet commenced despite Council's prior directive, I propose the following motion:

  Immediate Initiation of Schedule C Environmental Assessment for Mount Brydges WWTF Capacity Expansion

9.6

Councillor Brian Derbyshire - To be Voted On

The natural watercourse known as Trout Creek located Strathroy-Caradoc serves as the outlet for several municipal drains and is affected by a large upstream watershed. This channel is in poor condition and is subject to frequent issues including seasonal flooding, beaver dams, erosion and tree dead fall. These issues are causing decreased crop yields, higher-than normal water levels in outletting municipal drains and poor functioning private farm tiling systems. Unlike a Municipal Drain, staff cannot perform maintenance to a natural watercourse at the request of an affected landowner. It is the position of several landowners affected by Trout Creek that they wish that staff could perform maintenance in this channel when problems like these occur.

• Recommendation

  THAT: Staff be directed to sign a Request for Major Drain Improvement under Section 78(1.1)(sub 5 & 5.1) of the Drainage Act RSO 1990 for the purpose of extending the Humphrey Drain 1999 to a suitable downstream outlet.

10.

Unfinished Business

10.1

Strathroy-Caradoc Fire Advisory Committee Meeting Resolutions

Deputy Mayor McGuire to speak to the resolutions brought from the Strathroy-Caradoc Fire Advisory Committee.

Moved: Mayor Colin Grantham
Seconded: Vice-Chair Jane Bruinink
THAT: the Committee return the Terms of Reference to Council, as the committees believes the Terms of Reference are appropriate compared to other committees and the Committee believes they are currently working within their Terms of Reference.
Result: Carried

• Recommendation

  THAT: Council concur with the following recommendation:

  Moved By: Councillor John Brennan
  Seconded By: Member Scott Barker
  THAT: the Fire Advisory Committee recommend to Council that the first Council Meetings of October, February and May include Strathroy-Caradoc Fire Services Recognition/Service Awards Presentations. Carried.

11.

Reports from Departments

11.1

Building and Planning

11.1.1

Community Improvement Applications – March 2025 - BBP-2025-21

• Recommendation

  THAT: Report BBP-2025-21 “Community Improvement Applications – March 2025” be received for information.

• Recommendation

  THAT: Council deny Mathew Laberge’s application for funding through the Beautification Program to the maximum amount of $5,814.27.

11.2

Community Services

11.2.1

Community Garden Update 1 - CS-2025-05

• Recommendation

  THAT: Report CS-2025-05 “Community Garden Update 1” be received for information.

• Recommendation

  THAT: Council approve allocating $14,500.00 from the 2025 Progress through Partnership program to the Community Garden project, and further;
  
  THAT: Council approve the naming of the Community Garden to the Arda Falconer Memorial Community Garden.

11.3

Engineering and Public Works 

11.3.1

Speed Limit Request Policy - EPW-2025-13

• Recommendation

  THAT: Report EPW-2025-13 “Speed Limit Request Policy” be received for information.

• Recommendation

  THAT: Council endorse the Speed Limit Request Policy, and further;
  
  THAT: By-law No. 29-25 be referred to the Consideration of By-laws section of the agenda for consideration and adoption.

11.3.2

Traffic Committee Q1 2025 Update - EPW-2025-14

• Recommendation

  THAT: Report EPW-2025-14 “Traffic Committee Update Q1 2025” be received for information.

11.3.3

2025 Tar and Chip Road Recommendation Update - EPW-2025-15

• Recommendation

  THAT: Report EPW-2025-02 “2025 Tar and Chip Road Recommendation Update” be received for information.

• Recommendation

  THAT: Council direct staff to proceed with tendering a Revised 2025 Tar and Chip Program.

12.

County Council Report

12.1

Council Highlights - February 11, 2025

13.

Announcements and Inquiries by Members

14.

In Camera

Council may move into Closed Session for the purpose of discussing the following:

• One item in accordance with Council's Procedure By-law (to approve In-Camera Meeting Minutes of February 13, 2025 & February 18, 2025);
• One item pursuant to Section 239(2)(e) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, regarding litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board and Section 239(2)(f) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, regarding advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose (OLT Appeal of Refusal of ZBA 09-2024 for 22226 Adelaide Road);
• One item pursuant to Section 239 (2)(b) of the Municipal Act, 2001, regarding personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees (CAO Performance).

• Recommendation

  THAT:  Council move into closed session at _____ for the purpose of discussing the following:

  • One item in accordance with Council's Procedure By-law (to approve In-Camera Meeting Minutes of February 13, 2025 & February 18, 2025);
  • One item pursuant to Section 239(2)(e) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, regarding litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board and Section 239(2)(f) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, regarding advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose (OLT Appeal of Refusal of ZBA 09-2024 for 22226 Adelaide Road);
  • One item pursuant to Section 239 (2)(b) of the Municipal Act, 2001, regarding personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees (CAO Performance).

15.

Open Session Resume

• Recommendation

  THAT: Closed Session adjourn at ____ and Open Session resume.

16.

Report on Closed Session

Mayor Grantham to report on the Closed Session.

• Recommendation

  THAT: the direction in Closed Session be approved.

17.

Consideration of By-laws

• Recommendation

  THAT: By-law No. 09-25 receive third and final reading only, and further;
  
  THAT: By-law No. 18-25, By-law No. 21-25, By-law No. 26-25, By-law No. 29-25, and By-law No. 30-25 receive first, second and third and final reading.

17.1

By-law No. 09-25

Being a By-Law to provide for the construction of the Fourth Concession Drain 2025 serving parts of Lots 1 & 2, Concessions 3 & 4 in the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc and serving parts of Lot 1, Concession 2 and 3 in the Municipality of Southwest Middlesex in the County of Middlesex.

17.2

By-law No. 18-25

A by-law to amend By-law No. 43-08, being the Comprehensive Zoning By-law of the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc (7859 Parkhouse Drive).

17.3

By-law No. 21-25

A by-law to amend By-law No. 43-08, being the Comprehensive Zoning By-law of the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc (Fieldcrest Subdivision)

17.4

By-law No. 26-25

A by-law to authorize the execution of a Community Improvement Plan, Beautification Grant Agreement between the Corporation of the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc and Mathew Laberge: 82 Frank Street, Strathroy, ON

17.5

By-law No. 29-25

A by-law to adopt a Speed Limit Request Policy

17.6

By-law No. 30-25

Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc.

18.

Schedule of Meetings

• Regular Council Meeting - Monday, March 17, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. - Council Chamber/Hybrid
• Regular Council Meeting - Monday, April 7, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. - Council Chamber/Hybrid
• Regular Council Meeting - Tuesday, April 22, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. - Council Chamber/Hybrid

19.

Adjournment

• Recommendation

  THAT: the March 3, 2025 Regular Council Meeting adjourn at ____p.m.