Gentle applause could be heard after Strathroy-Caradoc council voted AGAINST a motion to NOT ALLOW the future Strathroy Hospice on a proposed site out in the country, known as 7013 Walkers Drive. The issue came to a head Monday night, as councillors decided whether or not to follow a staff recommendation to stick to the rules, and keep that land agricultural.
Councillor Frank Kennes stood firm in his response, and seemed to even sway other councillors.
All councillors reiterated their support for a Strathroy Hospice, adding just the location was up for debate, and in large part due to provincial rules dictating agricultural protections.
Deputy Mayor Mike McGuire started out on the side of the recommendation.
Councillor Sandi Hipple wasn’t convinced.
Councillor Steve Pelkman agreed.
And while Councillor Donna Pammer also started out with many concerns.
She too decided to keep the agricultural location as an option for the Strathroy Hospice.
One person who held firm was Councillor Brian Derbyshire.
Councillor Greg Willsie also voted in favour of not allowing the hospice on the country site.
Councillor Kennes added there are times when elected officials need to stand firm, and this is one of them.
Mayor Colin Grantham agreed.
In the end, the vote was 7 (Kennes, Brennan, Hipple, Grantham, Pammer, McGuire and Pelkman) against the motion and 2 (Derbyshire and Willsie) in support.
Written by: L. Dickson
