Stratford in the Future

I look forward to being able to walk down the streets with heritage houses to see what came before us and enjoy the architectural details that make things unique. I look forward to seeing mixed affordability within all neighbourhoods rather than all the same level of housing and cookie cutter neighbourhoods where I have difficulties finding the right house I am visiting. I look forward to the adaptive reuse of all buildings that would need a change of purpose before any thought of demolishing any built structure (especially heritage built or over 100 years old) to save on expensive emissions going into the air adding to the climate change problem, instead a climate change solution. I see keeping to our built boundaries and looking to intensifying within the city creating diverse communities within the city. I see more opportunities for residents to do indoor and outdoor recreational activities throughout the year as well as cultural activities. I see very intentional actions on behalf of the city and the residents towards climate solutions and community involvement. I see far more transparency and accountability within the Corporation of the City of Stratford and the elected councillors that work for the best interests of the citizens and the sustainable future of our unique city. The uniqueness of Stratford, heritage and culture must be preserved for the future or else we end up being one of many other cities that have sold out to provincial or federal grants to do exactly the same as other cities and lose our edge. I see the sustainable businesses from the county or close by rather than relying on the global products that are somewhat substandard, cheap but come with a high price on the environment. Our ancestors had the right idea, to buy and support the local economy rather than being swayed by the shiny bobbies that look good, but don't last. We need to more than nod to the past, but embrace the workmanship and the culture of local area that many of our families have been in for over a centuries. Stratford is Dramatically Different and needs to stay that way. We can't be lured by cheap goods from far away places to save a buck by destroy the future. Hope you get the idea that Stratford doesn't need to become a metropolis but stay much the same in size and structure. Hoping to keep the thoughts real.