At this week’s Strathroy-Caradoc Council meeting, senior-focused programming took centre stage. Council endorsed a proposed pilot project for the Caradoc Community Centre in Mount Brydges—one that will not replace any existing programs currently offered at the West Middlesex Memorial Centre. Instead, the project introduces a full slate of new activities, including a lunch program offered three times per week. All programming would be delivered by a dedicated full-time contract staff member and funded through participant fees. Once planning is complete, staff anticipate an eight-month pilot period.
The pilot would run Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Staffing models presented include structured daily programming, lunch service, and the use of third-party providers for specialized activities.
In June 2025, staff presented findings from the February seniors’ focus groups, outlining five possible approaches and recommending two that involved constructing or renovating program spaces. Council opted not to proceed with those proposals and instead directed staff to design a pilot project that would test programming needs and provide operating cost estimates for the 2026 budget process.
This week, Council approved Option 1, the first of three pilot models presented. Staff advised that this option offers the strongest structure and highest-quality programming, laying the foundation for a sustainable long-term initiative that would be added as a permanent budget item beginning in 2027. The projected cost of the pilot is $72,500, a level of investment staff say would demonstrate meaningful municipal commitment and significantly strengthen the municipality’s chances of securing external grant funding.
To support the initiative, staff have identified several potential grant opportunities-such as the Seniors Community Grant (2026-27) and the Westminster College Foundation-and are prepared to submit applications. Any municipal matching funds required for these grants have already been factored into the 2026 draft budget. Notably, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming representative Jo-Ann Hutchison emphasized that past grant submissions have been weakened due to insufficient funding commitments from Council.
Options presented at Council:
1. Full schedule of programs, including lunch program (3 times/week), provided by a designated
full-time contract staff.
2. Modified schedule of programs, including lunch program (1 time/week), provided by additional
20 hours/week of part-time staff.
3. Space provided for seniors programs and operated by a volunteer committee with no
additional staff hours allocated.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Options:
1. Requires approximately $72,500.00 in additional operational funds.
2. Requires approximately $49,000.00 in additional operational funds.
3. Requires approximately $4,000.00 in additional operational funds.
Written by: C. Soares