Image of Stratford Mayor Steve OgdenMayor’s Message
Winter 2025

Happy New Year!

As this new year begins, and the old year fades away, some notable things are now in the rearview mirror, while several important items are appearing on the horizon. As Council and I are halfway through our four-year mandate, I would like to highlight some important achievements over the past two years and outline some very exciting plans for the next two.

Community Campus

  • The new high school is well underway, with a planned opening in 2026. The new sports fields will also be completed over the next year.
  • Provincial funding for a new junior high school has been announced. Planning and design will begin in 2026.
  • Fundraising is underway for a new Community Wellness Centre which is planned to include twin ice surfaces; an indoor turf field; gymnastics academy; curling rink; indoor turf field; a library; a youth centre; and other amenities. With the Provincial Credit Union’s very generous $500,000 sponsorship of our Youth Centre, together with anticipated Federal and Provincial commitments, we look forward to beginning construction of this facility very soon.
  • The Michael Thomas Waterfront Park boardwalk was officially opened last fall. Completion of the boardwalk to Shepard Drive is also planned over the next two years.
  • I look forward to our WinterFest celebration for residents of all ages. Please check social media, the Town’s podcast or subscribe to our e-newsletter for up-to-date details.

Planning

  • The Shape Stratford Project was successfully completed and is now part of our ongoing framework. It researched and analysed Stratford’s housing-related data to help facilitate the building of much-needed homes, and provided information to plan the Town’s growth, and now continues to be a source for education, conversation and engagement.
  • Thanks to Federal Housing Accelerator funding, a number of initiatives are in place and several more will be completed including: a review and revision of the Town’s Official Plan and Zoning and Development Bylaw; permit-ready plans; assistance for not-for-profit housing projects; and more. As this work proceeds, it is important for you to take the opportunity to be informed about what is being proposed and to have your voice heard to ensure the Plan effectively responds to the critical housing needs in our Town while maintaining the character of neighbourhoods and current residents’ quality of life.

Finance

  • Your council and staff are busy working on the 2025-26 budget which will be presented later this spring for your input. Your response is requested to ensure that it is the best it can be.

In closing, as our Town continues to grow, Council and I are very mindful of the importance of maintaining the quality of life enjoyed by current residents. Thank you for everything you are doing to help us achieve this goal and to make our Town the best community possible, today and in our future.


Sincerely,
Mayor Steve Ogden