Growing Strathroy-Caradoc

Strathroy-Caradoc’s population could double in the next 30 years—can this small municipality accommodate them all? 

To find out, we sat down with Jake DeRidder, Strathroy-Caradoc's manager of development and growth services, to talk about how the municipality is encouraging new construction and working to make those units more affordable. By the end of this conversation, you'll know what kinds of housing are coming down the pipeline, where those new builds will be concentrated, and how many units are officially on the books.  If you're in the market to buy a new home in the next few years, this episode is a must listen. 

• 00:00 Introduction to Growing Strathroy-Caradoc
• 01:15 How the Municipality is Predicting and Preparing for Growth
• 03:43 Strathroy-Caradoc’s Settlement Areas and Housing Mix
• 05:45 Encouraging New Housing Construction
• 08:07 Grant Programs for Developers and Individuals
• 09:50 Additional Residential Units Explained
• 11:36 Affordability and Financial Incentives
• 13:01 Response from Developers
• 13:59 Housing Projects in the Pipeline
• 16:38 Final Thoughts on the Future of Housing in Strathroy-Caradoc

Find out more about Strathroy-Caradoc’s growth plans

• Growing Together Strathroy-Caradoc webpage: growingtogethersc.ca
• Facebook: facebook.com/strathroycaradoc
• Instagram: instagram.com/strathcaradoc
• X: x.com/strathcaradoc
• YouTube: youtube.com/@strathroy-caradoc

About the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast

Strathroy-Caradoc is a place where people and businesses grow deep roots. With a population of 24,000 people. It would be easy to assume that Strathroy-Caradoc is a sleepy part of Southwest Ontario, but new residents and businesses—from independent shops to multinational power players—are flocking here. Listen to the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast to find out why.

If Strathroy-Caradoc sounds like a community you'd like to move to, learn more at strathroy-caradoc.ca.

If you’re an investor, learn about our value proposition, key sectors, and available properties at investstrathroy-caradoc.ca.

The podcast is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media.

Residents of Strathroy-Caradoc have a lot of recreation options to choose from.  In this episode, we do a deep dive on the municipality’s recreation programs, parks, and facilities with Director of Community and Development Services Rob Lilbourne and Manager of Recreation and Culture Paul Lattimore. We chat about what Strathroy-Caradoc delivers to residents, how it collaborates with community groups to deliver even more, and what the municipality is doing on the recreation front to keep up with its growing population.

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:10 Making Recreation a Priority
• 04:14 Indoor and Outdoor Facilities Overview
• 09:05 Programs Overview
• 19:01 Community Events and the Museum
• 21:40 Fees, Can I Play Too? Subsidy Program, and Getting Into Popular Programs
• 25:08 Keeping Up With Rapid Population Growth
• 30:16 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

Find out more about the Strathroy-Caradoc Community Services department

• Community Services department page: strathroy-caradoc.ca/city-hall/departments/community-services
• Recreation, Community & Culture page: strathroy-caradoc.ca/recreation-community-culture
• Recreation Programs page (register online, schedules, Can I Play Too?): strathroy-caradoc.ca/recreation-community-culture/recreation-programs
• Progress Through Partnership page: strathroy-caradoc.ca/city-hall/departments/community-services/progress-through-partnership
• Facebook: facebook.com/strathroycaradoc
• Instagram: instagram.com/strathcaradoc
• X: x.com/strathcaradoc
• YouTube: youtube.com/@strathroy-caradoc

About the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast

Strathroy-Caradoc is a place where people and businesses grow deep roots. With a population of 24,000 people. It would be easy to assume that Strathroy-Caradoc is a sleepy part of Southwest Ontario, but new residents and businesses—from independent shops to multinational power players—are flocking here. Listen to the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast to find out why.

If Strathroy-Caradoc sounds like a community you'd like to move to, learn more at strathroy-caradoc.ca.

If you’re an investor, learn about our value proposition, key sectors, and available properties at investstrathroy-caradoc.ca.

The podcast is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media.

The new Strathroy-Caradoc Skilled Trades Hub was created to provide local skills training and address the growing need for skilled tradespeople as the workforce ages. Shawn Bontaine, the business manager of the Technical Training Group, the hub’s training delivery agent, highlights the benefits for high school students, apprentices, companies, and the local community, as well as the state-of-the-art equipment used and the various programs offered. The episode also covers the importance of building a local pipeline of skilled workers in a growing community like Strathroy-Caradoc.

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:10 The Backstory and Creation of the Hub
• 03:00 Meet Shawn Bontaine and the Technical Training Group
• 04:59 The Importance of Skilled Trades and the Need for the Hub
• 08:36 Benefits of the Skilled Trades Hub
• 12:11 Facilities and Equipment
• 13:41 Programs and Courses Offered
• 16:50 How Business Can Access Custom Programs
• 18:25 Cost for Students
• 20:57 How the Hub Will Support Strathroy-Caradoc’s Growth
• 22:58 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Find out more about the Strathroy-Caradoc Skilled Trades Hub

• Strathroy-Caradoc’s SC Skilled Trades Hub website: strathroy-caradoc.ca/business-building-and-development/sc-skilled-trades-hub/
• Technical Training Group website: technicaltraininggroup.org/

About the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast

Strathroy-Caradoc is a place where people and businesses grow deep roots. With a population of 24,000 people. It would be easy to assume that Strathroy-Caradoc is a sleepy part of Southwest Ontario, but new residents and businesses—from independent shops to multinational power players—are flocking here. Listen to the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast to find out why.

If Strathroy-Caradoc sounds like a community you'd like to move to, learn more at strathroy-caradoc.ca.

If you’re an investor, learn about our value proposition, key sectors, and available properties at investstrathroy-caradoc.ca.

The podcast is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media.

In this episode, Jan Lembregts, the President and CEO of Norbec, a leading manufacturer of walk-in coolers and prefabricated insulated metal walls, shares insights on why Norbec chose Strathroy for their newest 156,000 square foot facility. The episode covers the decision-making process, rapid construction timeline, and importance of the Strathroy plant to Norbec's future growth. Additionally, Jan highlights the positive reception from the local community and the successful recruitment of a skilled workforce.

• 00:48 Introduction to Norbec
• 01:49 The Decision to Expand
• 02:10 The Site Selection Process
• 03:09 Why Strathroy Stood Out
• 04:21 Rapid Construction and Success Factors
• 07:41 Cutting-Edge Features of the New Plant
• 09:55 Recruitment and Workforce
• 12:42 Future Expansion Plans
• 14:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jan Lembregts is the President and CEO of Norbec.

• Website: norbec.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/norbec-inc
• Facebook: facebook.com/Norbec.Inc
• YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCHGBWe5A9yR6jBCoFDzwsBA
• Instagram: instagram.com/norbec_architectural

About the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast

Strathroy-Caradoc is a place where people and businesses grow deep roots. With a population of 24,000 people. It would be easy to assume that Strathroy-Caradoc is a sleepy part of Southwest Ontario, but new residents and businesses—from independent shops to multinational power players—are flocking here. Listen to the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast to find out why.

If Strathroy-Caradoc sounds like a community you'd like to move to, learn more at strathroy-caradoc.ca.

If you’re an investor, learn about our value proposition, key sectors, and available properties at investstrathroy-caradoc.ca.

The podcast is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media.

In this episode of the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast, we’re continuing the Health and Safety theme from the last episode. Julie McBrien, the President and CEO of the Middlesex Hospital Alliance, gives us an inside look at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital, including its impressive range of services, dedicated staff, and efforts to keep the ER not just open but moving as quickly as possible. Julie also shares insights on staff recruitment and retention strategies, the evolution of women’s health at the hospital, and when the new MRI machine will be up and running.

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:03 Overview of Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital
• 02:32 Specialized Services and Women's Health
• 05:16 New MRI Machine
• 06:15 Staffing and Recruitment
• 11:11 Emergency Department Efficiency
• 14:13 Discontinuation of Obstetrical Deliveries
• 17:22 Julie's Personal Journey and Community Life
• 20:24 Future Vision for Community Health
• 23:38 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Julie McBrien is the President and CEO of the Middlesex Hospital Alliance.

• Website 
• Facebook

About the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast

Strathroy-Caradoc is a place where people and businesses grow deep roots. With a population of 24,000 people. It would be easy to assume that Strathroy-Caradoc is a sleepy part of Southwest Ontario, but new residents and businesses—from independent shops to multinational power players—are flocking here. Listen to the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast to find out why.

If Strathroy-Caradoc sounds like a safe community you'd like to move to, learn more at strathroy-caradoc.ca.

If you’re an investor, learn about our value proposition, key sectors, and available properties at investstrathroy-caradoc.ca.

The podcast is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media.

This episode delves into the safety of Strathroy-Caradoc, Ontario, with insights from Police Chief Mark Campbell and Acting Fire Chief Steve Beasley. They discuss the local police and fire services, their history, current operations, technological advancements, and community engagement efforts. The episode highlights the town's commitment to maintaining safety and community wellness, making it an attractive place for residents and businesses.

• 00:00 Introduction to Strathroy-Caradoc
• 00:30 Exploring Community Safety
• 01:11 History and Structure of Local Police
• 03:10 Community-Based Policing
• 06:37 Day-to-Day Police Operations
• 08:55 Technological Advancements in Policing
• 13:19 Overview of the Fire Department
• 18:03 Update on the New Fire Station in Strathroy
• 20:03 Fire Department's Community Engagement
• 21:42 Is Strathroy-Caradoc Safe?
• 25:05 Future of Policing in Strathroy-Caradoc
• 28:43 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Mark Campbell is the Chief of Police Services of the Strathroy-Caradoc Police Service.

• Website 
• Facebook
• Instagram 
• Snapchat
• X (Twitter)

Steve Beasley is the Acting Fire Chief (and Deputy Chief of Fire) of the Strathroy-Caradoc Fire Department.

• Website
• Facebook

About the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast

Strathroy-Caradoc is a place where people and businesses grow deep roots. With a population of 24,000 people. It would be easy to assume that Strathroy-Caradoc is a sleepy part of Southwest Ontario, but new residents and businesses—from independent shops to multinational power players—are flocking here. Listen to the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast to find out why.

If Strathroy-Caradoc sounds like a safe community you'd like to move to, learn more at strathroy-caradoc.ca.

If you’re an investor, learn about our value proposition, key sectors, and available properties at investstrathroy-caradoc.ca.

The podcast is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media.

In this episode, we explore what's behind Strathroy-Caradoc's residential growth by talking to two locals with very different experiences of the community. One is a long-time local who grew up here. The other is a newcomer who just arrived last year. Despite their differences, they often have similar things to say. Oh, and these guests aren't just residents. They're also employees of the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc, which gives them extra insight into the community. By the end of this episode, there'll be sharing intel that even the locals might not know.

Strathroy-Caradoc is a growing and vibrant municipality centrally located in southwestern Ontario, Canada, between Toronto and Detroit. We are a dynamic combination of urban and rural areas which provide opportunities for a range of business and industry.

• Economic Development website
• Community Events page
• Facebook 
• Instagram: @strathcaradoc

Learn more about the Strathroy business community via the Downtown Strathroy BIA and the Strathroy & District Chamber of Commerce.

About the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast

Strathroy-Caradoc is a place where people and businesses grow deep roots. With a population of 24,000 people. It would be easy to assume that Strathroy-Caradoc is a sleepy part of Southwest Ontario, but new residents and businesses—from independent shops to multinational power players—are flocking here. Listen to the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast to find out why.

If you’re an investor, learn about our value proposition, key sectors, and available properties at investstrathroy-caradoc.ca.

The podcast is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media. Learn more about our podcast production services for economic development organizations at storiedplaces.ca.

In this episode, we talk to insiders at two of Strathroy-Caradoc's fastest growing manufacturers, Autotube and MetalCor, about why they've chosen to do business here, what's keeping them, and whether they think they can keep up their growth for the long run in this part of southwestern Ontario.  

Frank Fuca is the Vice President of MetalCor Building Systems, which has facilities in Mount Brydges and Strathroy.

• Website

Neve Hall is the Production Manager of Autotube in Strathroy.

• Website

Strathroy-Caradoc is a growing and vibrant municipality centrally located in southwestern Ontario, Canada, between Toronto and Detroit. We are a dynamic combination of urban and rural areas which provide opportunities for a range of business and industry.

• Economic Development website
• Facebook 
• Instagram: @strathcaradoc

About the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast

Strathroy-Caradoc is a place where people and businesses grow deep roots. With a population of 24,000 people. It would be easy to assume that Strathroy-Caradoc is a sleepy part of Southwest Ontario, but new residents and businesses—from independent shops to multinational power players—are flocking here. Listen to the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast to find out why.

If you’re an investor, learn about our value proposition, key sectors, and available properties at investstrathroy-caradoc.ca.

The podcast is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media. Learn more about our podcast production services for economic development organizations at storiedplaces.ca.

In this episode, we explore what it's like to run a small business in Strathroy-Caradoc by talking to the owners of two local businesses: In a Jam and CommonWealth Financial. Listen to find out how they got started, how they grew their businesses, and what it is about Strathroy-Caradoc that creates the ideal environment for them to thrive. 

Debbie and Jeff McCallum are the owners of In a Jam in Melbourne.

• Website

Patrick Sanders is the co-owner of CommonWealth Financial in Strathroy.

• Website
• Facebook

Strathroy-Caradoc is a growing and vibrant municipality centrally located in southwestern Ontario, Canada, between Toronto and Detroit. We are a dynamic combination of urban and rural areas which provide opportunities for a range of business and industry.

• Economic Development website
• Facebook 
• Instagram: @strathcaradoc

Learn more about the Strathroy business community via the Downtown Strathroy BIA and the Strathroy & District Chamber of Commerce.

About the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast

Strathroy-Caradoc is a place where people and businesses grow deep roots. With a population of 24,000 people. It would be easy to assume that Strathroy-Caradoc is a sleepy part of Southwest Ontario, but new residents and businesses—from independent shops to multinational power players—are flocking here. Listen to the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast to find out why.

If you’re an investor, learn about our value proposition, key sectors, and available properties at investstrathroy-caradoc.ca.

The podcast is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media. Learn more about our podcast production services for economic development organizations at storiedplaces.ca.

Strathroy-Caradoc is a place where people and businesses grow deep roots. With a population of 24,000 people. It would be easy to assume that Strathroy-Caradoc is a sleepy part of Southwest Ontario, but new residents and businesses—from independent shops to multinational power players—are flocking here. Listen to the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast to find out why.

If you’re an investor, learn about our value proposition, key sectors, and available properties at investstrathroy-caradoc.ca.