City of Stratford Strategic Priorities 2024-2027

Greetings from the Future

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  A Caring Future Stratford

  by A Jacobsen, about 2 years ago
  In the future, thoughtful decisions will have been made by municipal officials to care for the citizens of Stratford, its history, the environment and natural spaces.

  Affordable housing, mixed use neighborhoods where a variety of housing options exist, infrastructure built to net zero standards will allow residents to live, shop, learn and work comfortably within a neighborhood without always needing to drive somewhere. Planning for neighborhoods and new infrastructure could include new heating options such as heat pumps, geothermal and solar. Building more densely within current city boundaries will conserve farmland, and repurposing old buildings will preserve architectural heritage.

  Better... Continue reading

  In the future, thoughtful decisions will have been made by municipal officials to care for the citizens of Stratford, its history, the environment and natural spaces.

  Affordable housing, mixed use neighborhoods where a variety of housing options exist, infrastructure built to net zero standards will allow residents to live, shop, learn and work comfortably within a neighborhood without always needing to drive somewhere. Planning for neighborhoods and new infrastructure could include new heating options such as heat pumps, geothermal and solar. Building more densely within current city boundaries will conserve farmland, and repurposing old buildings will preserve architectural heritage.

  Better transportation options, including public transit, connected active transport infrastructure and charging stations for EVs will be effectively planned. The core of the city can become car-free, making it safer for pedestrians, quieter and more room for green space. Explore ways to have walkways, bridges, roads near rivers be heated enough to melt snow and ice, making getting around safe without causing salinification of our streams, rivers and lakes. This would provide years of payback in eliminating need for plowing, the cost of salt applied and damage from salt to infrastructure.

  A caring future Stratford will value and protect its green areas, parkland, natural areas and biodiversity. Connect these features with easily accessible trails, but protect the green spaces from inappropriate uses, invasive species and encroachment so that everyone has the ability to appreciate nature. Make Stratford a bird-friendly city, requiring that new builds have glass to prevent bird window collisions. Require that builders planting trees in any new neighbourhoods plant species native to Ontario. Convert plantings in parks to feature mostly native plantings that will support our native pollinators.

  
  
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  Stratford in the Future

  by Jane Marie Mitchell, about 2 years ago
  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... Continue reading

  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.
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  Fantastic Growth Opportunities

  by VictorAtBroadview, over 2 years ago
  • 1~ What does the future look and feel like?
    2~ Steps needed to make it happen.
    
    
  • 1~ What does the future look and feel like?
    
    
  • In the future, the center of Stratford will be a pedestrian village. During the summer, tourists and locals will take part in an eclectic mix of discovery, fun, entertainment, food and shopping. While electric vehicles are being charged on City owned locations around the perimeter, their owners will be shuttled to the heart of activity. The City Hall and the Cooper Site will have been granted to the Festival.
    
    Promotional plays and ‘must see’ events... Continue reading

  • 1~ What does the future look and feel like?
    2~ Steps needed to make it happen.
    
    
  • 1~ What does the future look and feel like?
    
    
  • In the future, the center of Stratford will be a pedestrian village. During the summer, tourists and locals will take part in an eclectic mix of discovery, fun, entertainment, food and shopping. While electric vehicles are being charged on City owned locations around the perimeter, their owners will be shuttled to the heart of activity. The City Hall and the Cooper Site will have been granted to the Festival.
    
    Promotional plays and ‘must see’ events will be presented all summer. Hundreds of rooms will be available at the ‘Grand Trunk Hotel’ thru a shared arrangement with the University of Waterloo and the Festival. During the off-season, students will take-over the low-cost accommodations as the preferred alternative to big-city living. The City core will be prosperous all year with activity and excitement.

  2~ Steps needed to make it happen.

  The first step is to create a ‘mindset’ that unequivocally embraces the artistic uniqueness and the overwhelming, economic impact of the Stratford Festival. Just as in a sport franchise, the Festival must be promoted as the prime, defining focus for all development and decisions. With their fund-raising skill, political and academic connections: creative growth and new, cooperative opportunities will benefit all of Stratford. (this ability has been proven with the opening of the Tom Patterson Theatre)

  The second step is for the City to acquire locations for electric vehicle charging stations. This is paramount, to protect the core from mall, parking-lot installations. With a ‘captive audience’ downtown, local business and theaters will flourish and expand.

  The third step is for coordinated planning between the City, the Festival and the University of Waterloo for the renovation of the Cooper Site and the City Hall. As mentioned, a large dormitory/hotel complex will provide for mixed use, year-round. Ancillary businesses, Go Train transportation and environmentally friendly parks and pathways will transform Stratford into a world-class destination for entertainment and education. Imagine the City Hall becoming ‘the jewel’ in a promotional network for, amateur theatre openings, ‘Black Swan’ talent and dining pleasures.’ The U of W could have a showcase for AI research and innovation.

  These are just a few of the ideas that are now available for City Council. Fully integrating the future potential of the Festival to the success and image of Stratford, building on the expansive growth of an university population and securing a busy and exciting downtown full of people, are steps that need to be taken right away. Stratford has fantastic growth opportunities that can be realized, let’s work together!
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  Stratford is a welcoming place for tourists, visitors, and newly arrived residents.

  by JD on Athlone, over 2 years ago
  everyone is welcomed into the community as human beings and treated with respect and consideration.

  there has been more development geared to lower cost housing which provides accommodation for lower paid workers and new immigrants. There are good jobs available in industry, food service, and health care. There is much being done to help the homeless find small homes that can make it easier to cope with many issues.

  Our nearby farm land and natural areas are well protected as development is more and more finding success in using available land within the city limits.

  we are blessed with a... Continue reading

  everyone is welcomed into the community as human beings and treated with respect and consideration.

  there has been more development geared to lower cost housing which provides accommodation for lower paid workers and new immigrants. There are good jobs available in industry, food service, and health care. There is much being done to help the homeless find small homes that can make it easier to cope with many issues.

  Our nearby farm land and natural areas are well protected as development is more and more finding success in using available land within the city limits.

  we are blessed with a wonderful natural area like the TJ Dolan, as well as many parklands and recreational centres.

  the theatres are well supported as is the downtown core of shops and restaurants. there have been innovations in better parking availability as well as more charging stations for EV vehicles. '

  There has been creative and thoughtful action taken on making good use of the Grand Trunk Hub. and there are excellent train and bus schedules from and to the city.

  market Square continues to be well used for community events and important occasions!

  there have been safer bicycle use areas ....whether it is thru more one way streets, and bike lanes that give good protection to cyclists.

  Stratford is still the friendly welcoming innovative city that makes it a safe, pleasant place to live.

  
  
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  Better Roads and government should have less control over people's lives.

  by NIX, over 2 years ago

  This city (Stratford) needs better infrastructure, currently, we are 25 years behind the work that needs to be done. Maximize autonomy and political freedom, emphasizing equality before the law and civil rights to freedom of association, freedom of speech, freedom of thought and freedom of choice. Let us get awake not awoke. Climate Change is not real, it is called Weather. Drop microphone!

  This city (Stratford) needs better infrastructure, currently, we are 25 years behind the work that needs to be done. Maximize autonomy and political freedom, emphasizing equality before the law and civil rights to freedom of association, freedom of speech, freedom of thought and freedom of choice. Let us get awake not awoke. Climate Change is not real, it is called Weather. Drop microphone!
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  Stratford: A World Class Affordable City

  by Connshan839, over 2 years ago
  The future of Stratford can be a very bright future to look forward to, with the city of Stratford investing in active and alternative forms of transportation. I imagine a city where people can easily and safely get around the city by bicycle or reliably get around using our public transportation. A future where not everyone is forced to use cars and the city's downtown core is moving towards a model where the pedestrian is king, and cars are dissuaded from parking and driving on Downie and Wellington Street in downtown, and where the truck bypass of downtown is further... Continue reading

  The future of Stratford can be a very bright future to look forward to, with the city of Stratford investing in active and alternative forms of transportation. I imagine a city where people can easily and safely get around the city by bicycle or reliably get around using our public transportation. A future where not everyone is forced to use cars and the city's downtown core is moving towards a model where the pedestrian is king, and cars are dissuaded from parking and driving on Downie and Wellington Street in downtown, and where the truck bypass of downtown is further encouraged through traffic calming measures on Ontario and Erie streets in the downtown core. A city that is safer for children and pedestrians through traffic calming measures spread throughout the city in residential areas. A city where everything that an individual needs is within a 15-minute walk of their home. A city where there is no "missing middle" and housing is affordable for anyone who wants to come live in the city. This is a future that Stratford can build to, a future where Stratford can truly claim to be a World Class City.
• Share Stratford Reimagined: A Journey Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Living on Facebook Share Stratford Reimagined: A Journey Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Living on Twitter Share Stratford Reimagined: A Journey Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Living on Linkedin Email Stratford Reimagined: A Journey Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Living link

  Stratford Reimagined: A Journey Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Living

  by Shannonthegreat, over 2 years ago
  Dear Friends of 2024,

  
  

  I am writing from a future Stratford, a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and community-driven progress. Our journey to this point was marked by groundbreaking changes, combining thoughtful urban development with inclusive fiscal strategies.

  
  

  Firstly, our Tiny Home Association revolutionized housing. We shifted our focus to eco-friendly, efficient tiny homes, providing affordable options for generations of residents and combating gentrification. This allowed the economic engine of our beautiful town, servers, hospitality workers, factory labourers to be able to invest and own their own home. This initiative preserved the town's charm and made it a home for all.

  ... Continue reading

  Dear Friends of 2024,

  
  

  I am writing from a future Stratford, a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and community-driven progress. Our journey to this point was marked by groundbreaking changes, combining thoughtful urban development with inclusive fiscal strategies.

  
  

  Firstly, our Tiny Home Association revolutionized housing. We shifted our focus to eco-friendly, efficient tiny homes, providing affordable options for generations of residents and combating gentrification. This allowed the economic engine of our beautiful town, servers, hospitality workers, factory labourers to be able to invest and own their own home. This initiative preserved the town's charm and made it a home for all.

  
  

  Additionally, our downtown thrived with the introduction of an e-scooter program, enhancing accessibility and reducing our carbon footprint. This was part of our broader vision of making Stratford a model of sustainable living.

  
  

  A significant turning point was the establishment of the Invested Citizens Review for municipal budgeting. This policy required a thorough review of new projects and or projects or organizations that exceed $10,000 in funding requests per year, ensuring transparency and community involvement. Each proposal underwent rigorous evaluation using a specially designed matrix, considering sustainability, community benefit, and cost-effectiveness.

  
  

  This approach also led to a cap on our yearly tax increases, with a maximum limit of 7 percent. It was a balancing act that ensured financial stability for our citizens while fostering necessary growth and development.

  
  

  By integrating community voices in decision-making and prioritizing sustainable development, we created a Stratford that is fiscally responsible and environmentally conscious. Our town stands as a testament to the power of community involvement and the strength of innovative, inclusive planning.
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  Compassion and Creativity

  by Kate Mulrooney, over 2 years ago
  Recognizing that there are many demands on a public budget, Council has created a compassion lense to evaluate expenses. Using the Gross National Happiness metric (GNH) or something like it, Council weighs expenses against the clearly articulated goals of greatest happiness (read:access to education, health care, housing and opportunity) for the greatest number of people. Having realized that climate mitigation starts at home, we have also prioritized initiatives which positively impact longterm reduction in CO2 emissions, especially supporting public infrastructure projects which benefit everyone.

  Recognizing that there are many demands on a public budget, Council has created a compassion lense to evaluate expenses. Using the Gross National Happiness metric (GNH) or something like it, Council weighs expenses against the clearly articulated goals of greatest happiness (read:access to education, health care, housing and opportunity) for the greatest number of people. Having realized that climate mitigation starts at home, we have also prioritized initiatives which positively impact longterm reduction in CO2 emissions, especially supporting public infrastructure projects which benefit everyone.
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  To Stratford: Greetings from the Future

  by Underwood, over 2 years ago

  Dear 2023 Stratford,

  
  

  I am pleased to report that in an increasingly polarized, populist, post-truth world, 2028 Stratford is a city of good faith, fair dealing and courtesy.

  
  

  The soul of Stratford is evident in its behaviours. There is support for the full arc of human development; i.e., infant, child, youth, adult, family, active elderly, and seniors in need of assistance.

  
  

  There is also recognition and support of the roles and contributions of agriculture, commerce, industry and education - as well as the need for cohesion between them.

  
  

  In its concentrated support of these values and behaviours, Stratford’s council scores... Continue reading

  Dear 2023 Stratford,

  
  

  I am pleased to report that in an increasingly polarized, populist, post-truth world, 2028 Stratford is a city of good faith, fair dealing and courtesy.

  
  

  The soul of Stratford is evident in its behaviours. There is support for the full arc of human development; i.e., infant, child, youth, adult, family, active elderly, and seniors in need of assistance.

  
  

  There is also recognition and support of the roles and contributions of agriculture, commerce, industry and education - as well as the need for cohesion between them.

  
  

  In its concentrated support of these values and behaviours, Stratford’s council scores highly across all of the following performance indicators:

  
  

  1. Commitment, in the form of engagement, focus and hard work.

  
  

  2. Comprehension, in the form of listening, studying and thinking.

  
  

  3. Accountability, in the form of owning its responsibilities, supporting collaborative effort, and delivery upon its word.

  
  

  This has been achieved through a rebalancing of efforts by the council to address the city's full range of priorities, as described above, guided at all times by the city’s values and optimal behaviours.

  
  

  In particular, the council has recognized that history is written by people covering their tracks. Winners don’t write history; they make it. Accordingly, council communication is now in plain English and without political spin. “Council-speak” has been discontinued. The council listens to others and challenges itself, not the other way round.

  
  

  Similarly, the council has recognized that diversity isn’t woke. Without it we’d still be in the stone age. It doesn’t need its own month, no more than we need a “Breathing Month”. Stratford is the change it wants to create. Self-congratulation is no longer a priority.

  
  

  I wish you well. Take care.

  
  

  Yours sincerely,

  2028 Stratford