Image of Stratford Mayor Steve OgdenMayor’s Message
Fall 2024

I hope everyone had a great summer, and especially enjoyed the well-attended Canada Day celebrations which took place at beautiful Tea Hill Park under warm sunny skies.

Over the past few months, it was very gratifying to me personally and to Council, to see the achievement of some long-standing Town priorities and some major improvements to our infrastructure including the new waterfront boardwalk, the rehabilitation work at Kelly’s Pond, a new water tower, an upgrade to part of the wastewater collection system, and the ongoing growth and development taking place. Council, staff and I also remain focused on the major priorities of housing, sustainability, and recreational infrastructure. The status of each, and current plans are as follows:

Housing:

  • $4.9M Federal Government funding over the next four years to facilitate development of new housing through Housing Accelerator Fund.
  • Working on increasing density as opportunities arise during the interim period until we have a new Official Plan and Planning and Development Bylaw.
  • Requests for Proposals issued for development of new Planning and Development policies and processes for regulation of short-term rentals, temporary vendors and creation of a new Official Plan and Development Bylaw.

Sustainability:

  • Working to become a full-service community so families, seniors, youth and newcomers can obtain all necessary products, programs and services here in Stratford saving time, money and the environment. This will also make for a better quality of life for all residents.
  • Funding received for tree planting program.
  • Looking forward to a new revenue sharing agreement with the Provincial Government to ensure more of your property taxes are available to fund needed programs, services and infrastructure.

Infrastructure:

  •  Council has approved a conceptual design for a new wellness centre which will address longstanding issues caused by the lack of recreational, cultural and social infrastructure in our community.

We should also take pride in the fact that Stratford is celebrating its 30th birthday next year. Thirty years ago, five small communities joined together to form one Town. Since that time, thanks to current and past residents, staff, and councils, Stratford has achieved great things and become the thriving, welcoming, and pleasant community it is today. Imagine that! In advance of our anniversary, please take note of a project underway and get involved if you can. More information on our Town’s legacy book project can be found on our website.

I wish all residents good health and the best of fall and winter to come. I look forward to seeing you at FallFest and the official opening of the new waterfront boardwalk, or elsewhere out in the community.

Sincerely,
Mayor Steve Ogden