Construction has commenced on a new McDonald’s restaurant coming to the community of Mount Brydges. A continuance of a story that began less than two years ago when a proposal hit the agenda table of Strathroy-Caradoc Council as a proposed development of the commercial business within the village.
In the summer of 2024, the conversation regarding the potential development caused numerous concerns from residents of Mount Brydges, many of them in opposition of the project coming to the town itself. In August of 2024, the topic went to council, and a chamber filled with concerned residents of Mount Brydges, in addition to many joining in virtually. Many spoke in opposition of the proposed project, with Kate McCrowley, Senior Planner for Zelinka Priamo LTD Land Use Planning Consultants in attendance who also had the opportunity to speak. Ultimately, council denied the application at Adelaide Road and Parkhouse Drive, saying council could not support the motion. The full story can be found here:
Mount Brydges stands firm: Residents and council reject McDonald’s proposal | 105.7 Strathroy Today
Now, the applicant Southside Group did subsequently file an appeal with the Ontario Land Tribunal on September 5th, 2024. A five-day hearing had been scheduled for June 9th, 2025.
In April of 2025, an update was released by Strathroy-Caradoc regarding the parcel of land at 22226 Adelaide Road stating that following the zoning change request by the applicant for the development of a drive-thru restaurant, town staff outlined several concerns in early August 2024 including sanitary servicing, road widening, and parking availability. Residents raised several issues, as well such as potential noise, odour, compatibility with the area, and demand for it.
The following month, May of 2025, myFM published another story reporting the above information in addition to a settlement being reached and the Municipality stating “With all planning-related concerns now resolved, Strathroy-Caradoc Council has agreed to a settlement. This agreement will be presented to the Ontario Land Tribunal during the hearing.”
The story can be found here:
On March 3, 2026, myFM received several reports of concern that Mayor Colin Grantham was potentially not being as transparent as taxpayers believe he should be regarding the entire process of this development from day one to current day.
myFM has received reports from a resident stating “the Mayor is not being honest. When directly questioned by a taxpayer, he confirmed they agreed to settle because it would be costly and they would lose.”
myFM has also obtained documentation confirming the settlement in early April as myFM reported (article “potential drive-thru…”).
On April 7th, 2025 during a regular council meeting, Council discussed the matter in-camera.
- One item in accordance with Council’s Procedure By-law (to approve In-Camera Meeting Minutes of March 3, 2025 & March 13, 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).
The minutes show the municipality’s legal counsel gave them advice, and Council then gave legal counsel direction.
15. Report on Closed Session
Deputy Mayor McGuire reported that Council moved into Closed Session for the purpose of discussing the following:
- One item in accordance with Council’s Procedure By-law (to approve InCamera Meeting Minutes of March 3, 2025 & March 13, 2025) (the
meeting minutes were approved); - 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) (Council received a verbal update and direction was given to legal counsel and Council received advice from legal counsel).
Moved by Councillor Derbyshire
Seconded by Councillor Pelkman
THAT: the direction in Closed Session be approved.
Carried
myFM has reached out to Strathroy-Caradoc Mayor Colin Grantham for comment regarding:
- Timeline accuracy
- Reasoning for settlement approximately 8 months following Council’s vote to deny the application.
- OLT involvement
- Public comments communicated
Written by: C. Soares