For Immediate Release: March 19, 2026Before the conclusion of the March meeting of Stratford Town Council on March 18, 2026, Jody Jackson addressed his fellow members and announced his immediate resignation from Stratford Town Council.
“Jody has been part of many great accomplishments of this council to date,” said Mayor Steve Ogden. “This council has had some lively discussions, we’ve continued to debate issues and in some cases to respectfully disagree with one another. As a democracy, this is exactly what we are elected to do, and I have been grateful to be in the mayoral role throughout this time. We have also worked hard to achieve many successes including the work to date and upcoming on the Community Campus, additions to Michael Thomas Waterfront Park, expanded tree planting, and much more, that will benefit our community today, tomorrow and for years to come.”
With the resignation coming within the final year in the current term of council a by-election will not take place. Residents are reminded that municipal elections will be held in the fall of 2026 at which time two representatives for each ward and the position of mayor will be open. In the interim Councillor Ron Dowling will be appointed as Vice-Chair of Finance, with Councillor Jeff MacDonald asked to assume the role of Chair of Finance.
“I have the upmost respect for Jody who felt that this was his best option,” added Mayor Ogden. “Deputy Mayor Steve Gallant will continue to represent the residents of Ward 3, as will all other members of council through the end of this term. Jody has been a passionate, dedicated and respected member of this council and we will miss his input over the coming months as we continue the work of council through the completion of this term. I would also like to assure our staff that you have the support of council. You are a respected, valued and important piece of our community and our process, and we know your dedication and commitment to Stratford comes from a genuine place of wanting to continue to advance and improve our community.”
In addressing some of the comments from the resignation letter, it should be pointed out, that decisions related to planning within the Town are more complex than many realize. Within the Town’s bylaws there are a series of criteria which must be included and considered as part of any decision, and which vary based on the type of decisions. There are also considerations for Federal, Provincial and common law which outline what must be included and considered, as well as precedent. It is the role of staff to advise council and make their recommendations based on their experience and expertise in this area.
“Planning is complicated at the best of times,” said Mayor Ogden. “We rely on the experience of staff followed by a recommendation from the Planning, Development and Heritage Committee, also referred to as Planning Board, to provide us with the background and recommendation. From there as a council we must weigh all of the criteria before us to make our decisions, which includes feedback from the public. As an example of this process, we brought forward draft changes to the Official Plan and Zoning and Development Bylaw last fall. Following feedback from the public we are continuing to work with our consultants and staff to revise and present a second draft in the near future that will, we hope, address many of the concerns we heard. At the end of the day it is incumbent, I believe, on us to leave the Town in as good or better position than it was when we came into our term.”
It should be noted that although there is a surplus showing on the Town’s February statement, this is not a true reflection of the Town’s year-end position which, after all commitments are made, will result in an approximate surplus of $100,000.
“When we take a holistic look at the financials, the Town remains in a positive position. We continue to be accountable and to take measured, well-thought-out approaches to our spending. As a council we are making decisions not only for today, but for the future, and the last thing we want to do is set up future councils to struggle to reconcile our decisions. Along with these noted explanations, it should be recognized that expenses continue to increase at a rate much greater. The Town has seen a 55% increase to police expenses over this term of council, and a 46% increase to fire, excluding the ladder truck contributions.”
The Town presented the draft budget on March 5, 2026 which was followed by a period for public review and comment. The presentation remains available through the Town’s website and posted on the Town’s YouTube channel. A Special Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 to consider and vote on the 2026-27 budget.
“As in past years, we have had an open process with public input opportunities to make budget requests prior to its development,” stated Mayor Ogden. “Staff then worked to prepare the budget and together with council spent a number of meetings reviewing and discussing it before it was presented earlier this month as a draft budget, with another opportunity for public input following that. Though there is a tax increase included, this is a planned tax increase that will complete the third year of the previously announced increase and allow the Town to move forward on a variety of capital projects.”
The increase for the coming year will amount to under $7 per month for a property assessed at $400,000. There is no increase to water or sewer rates in the 2026/27 budget.
“On behalf of Stratford residents, staff and our council,” concluded Mayor Ogden, “I extend thanks and appreciation to Jody for his time spent on council over his terms, and we wish him all the best. Together as the remaining council, we will continue to work on behalf of our residents every day.”
-30-For more information please contact:
Wendy Watts, Community & Business Engagement ManagerTown of StratfordPhone: (902) 569-1995Email: wwatts@townofstratford.ca
