Stratford public meetings in 2023
39 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Committee of the Whole In-camera
The Committee of the Whole met in an in-camera session. The only recorded action was the motion to adjourn to a private session to discuss a specific personnel matter.
- Approved adjournment to in-camera session to discuss Festival Hydro Inc. Board of Directors application
Regular Council
City Council approved several infrastructure and equipment tenders, including a new roof for the National Stadium and 15 new vehicles. The council also appointed a new member to the Festival Hydro Inc. Board of Directors and issued two city proclamations.
- Awarded National Stadium roof replacement to H & H Roofing and Sheet Metal Ltd for $250,888.25
- Awarded 14 vehicles to Cambridge Ford Ltd for $803,789.79 and 1 vehicle to Blue Mountain Chrysler for $194,706.17
- Awarded pedestrian crossover contract to J-AAR Excavating Limited for $119,079.93
- Appointed David Baldarelli to the Festival Hydro Inc. Board of Directors for a four-year term
- Proclaimed October 2, 2023 as 'Wrongful Conviction Day'
- Proclaimed September 28, 2023 as 'British Home Child Day'
- Referred installation of a pedestrian crossover near McCarthy Place to the 2024 budget
- Accepted easements and land transfers from Countryside Developments (2014) Inc. for Phase 4 Subdivision
Planning and Heritage Committee
The Planning and Heritage Committee recommended approving a request for Art in the Park to install six banner signs on Lakeside Drive annually. The recommendation specifies that the variance remain in effect until December 31, 2028.
- Recommended approval of sign by-law variance for Art in the Park to erect six banner signs on Lakeside Drive (Carried)
Regular Council
City Council approved a zone change and official plan amendment for 198 Mornington Street to allow a 17-unit apartment building. Council also initiated a 30-day public review for the draft 2023 Transportation Master Plan and authorized funding for the PC Connect transportation project.
- Approved zone change and official plan amendment for 17-unit apartment at 198 Mornington Street
- Received 2023 Transportation Master Plan for information and commenced 30-day public review
- Awarded $252,498.50 contract to Jade Equipment Company Ltd. for a sidewalk tractor
- Authorized $160,000 pre-budget approval for 2024 for the PC Connect Project
- Authorized extension agreements to March 30, 2025, for PC Connect with County of Perth, Town of St. Marys, and Municipality of North Perth
- Appointed Melissa Orr to the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area Board of Management
- Proclaimed October 17, 2023, as Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day
- Proclaimed September 18 to 24, 2023, as Rail Safety Week
Finance and Labour Relations Committee
The Finance and Labour Relations Committee recommended several accessibility improvements and the installation of red light cameras at seven locations for 2024 budget consideration. The committee also received several financial and corporate reports for information.
- Referred five accessibility projects, including police station renovation and a housing tax deferral program, to 2024 budget deliberations (Carried)
- Referred installation of red light cameras at seven intersections to 2024 budget deliberations (Carried)
- Received SEEDCo. Update dated July 18, 2023 for information (Carried)
- Received Electricity and Natural Gas Procurement report (FIN23-023) for information (Carried)
- Received 2022 Treasurer’s Statements for Development Charges and Parkland Dedication Reserve Funds for information (Carried)
- Received Q2 Operating Budget Variance Report at June 30, 2023 for information (Carried)
Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee
The committee recommended continuing City ownership and contracted operation of the airport and increasing its capital reserves. A proposal for seasonal traffic restrictions on T.J. Dolan Drive was filed, and a lease extension for Festival Hydro was recommended.
- Recommended continued City ownership and contracted operation of the airport (Option 3)
- Recommended increasing Airport Capital Reserves from $100,000 to $207,000 for the 2024 budget
- Recommended lease extension for Festival Hydro at 153/161 Wellington Street until August 31, 2026
- Filed report on proposed seasonal restrictions for T.J. Dolan Drive
- Approved hearing a delegation from Bruce Borgundvaag regarding T.J. Dolan Drive
Committee of the Whole In-camera
The Committee of the Whole met on August 14, 2023, and adjourned into an in-camera session. Item 5.1 was removed from consideration to be re-listed at a future date.
- Approved adjournment to in-camera session to discuss proposed disposition of municipally owned land for industrial purposes
- Removed Item 5.1 (Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area Board of Management Application) from consideration
Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee
The sub-committee recommended seasonal traffic restrictions for T.J. Dolan Drive and a noise by-law exemption for a private event. It also recommended extending a commercial lease with Festival Hydro Inc. through 2026. A recommendation regarding the 2023 Airport Study was deferred to a future meeting.
- Recommended annual seasonal vehicular traffic restrictions for T.J. Dolan Drive from May 1 to November 15 (Carried)
- Recommended noise by-law exemption for 893 Mornington Street for a private event on September 9-10, 2023 (Carried)
- Deferred 2023 Airport Study Options and Recommendation to August 14, 2023 meeting (Carried)
- Recommended extending Commercial Lease Agreement Addendum with Festival Hydro Inc. for 153/161 Wellington Street until August 31, 2026 (Carried)
Committee of the Whole In-camera
The Committee of the Whole adjourned to an in-camera session to discuss litigation regarding 7 and 9 Cobourg Street and chair applications for the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee. No substantive decisions were recorded in the provided text.
- Approved motion to adjourn to in-camera session
Regular Council
City Council appointed a chair for the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee and awarded several municipal contracts. Council also granted a one-day noise by-law exemption for a church service.
- Appointed Dan Mathieson as Chair of the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee (10-1)
- Awarded $195,490.00 elevator modernization contract for City Hall Annex to Delta Elevator Co. Ltd.
- Awarded $268,781.80 partial roof replacement contract for 45 Buckingham Drive to Flynn Canada LTD.
- Approved $61,020.00 contract for Overlap Associates Inc. for Strategic Priority Services 2023-2027
- Approved noise by-law exemption for Jubilee Stratford outdoor service on August 6, 2023
- Adopted July 10, 2023 Regular Meeting minutes
- Adopted July 24, 2023 Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee Report
Finance and Labour Relations Committee
The Finance and Labour Relations Committee received the Proposed 2024 Budget Process and Tentative Schedule report. The committee recommended that staff schedule four budget meeting dates and requested that Council identify specific initiatives or changes to capital projects for the 2024 fiscal year.
- Approved receiving the Proposed 2024 Budget Process and Tentative Schedule report (FIN23-025)
- Approved scheduling four budget meeting dates for the Finance Committee
- Requested Council provide staff with specific initiatives, capital project changes, or service level adjustments for the 2024 fiscal year
Community Services Committee
The Community Services Committee recommended that Council authorize the procurement of a used shared vehicle for the Community Services Department. The purchase would cost $30,000 plus HST, funded from the Fleet reserve fund R-R11-FLET.
- Recommended Council authorize procurement of used shared vehicle for $30,000 plus HST (Carried)
Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee
The Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee received an update from the Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation (SEEDCo.) and a report on electricity and natural gas procurement. No new policies were enacted; both items were received for information.
- Received SEEDCo./investStratford update dated July 18, 2023
- Received report on Electricity and Natural Gas Procurement (FIN23-023)
Community Services Sub-committee
The Community Services Sub-committee recommended that Council authorize the procurement of a used hybrid vehicle for department staff. The Director of Community Services also provided updates on city plantings, facility repairs, and staffing.
- Recommended Council authorize procurement of used shared vehicle for $30,000 plus HST (Carried)
Committee of the Whole In-camera
The Committee of the Whole adjourned to an in-camera session to discuss the New City Business Park and potential future employment land acquisitions. No other substantive decisions were recorded in the provided minutes.
- Approved adjournment to in-camera session to discuss New City Business Park and employment land acquisitions
Regular Council
Council referred the Welcoming Community Statement to staff, legal counsel, and the Strategic Priority Setting Exercise for review. The meeting also included presentations from MPAC and the Downtown Stratford BIA, and the receipt of a petition regarding the Avon Crest building.
- Referred Welcoming Community Statement to staff and legal counsel for implementation plan (Carried)
- Received Downtown Stratford BIA Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Policy for information (Carried)
- Received petition for referendum on the future of the Avon Crest building (Carried)
- Approved special occasion permit for Brian Sippel Memorial Co-ed baseball tournament (Carried)
- Designated 26th Dragon Boat Festival as having municipal significance for liquor licences (Carried)
- Received Closed Meeting Investigation Report CMI23-04 for information (Carried)
- Awarded Kelly Drain 2023 construction tender (T-2023-24) to A. G. Hayter Contracting Ltd. (Carried)
- Adopted minutes from June 26 and June 29, 2023 meetings (Carried)
Planning and Heritage Committee
The Committee approved a request from the Rotary Club of Stratford to install a dragon boat in Market Square from August 4 to September 17, 2023. The approval includes specific restrictions on advertising and logos. A motion to allow a late delegation to speak on the matter was defeated.
- Approved exemption from Policy P.3.9 for Rotary Club to install dragon boat in Market Square (Carried)
- Denied motion to suspend Procedural By-law 140-2007 to permit Robert Ritz to delegate (Defeated)
Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee
The committee recommended amending the Traffic and Parking By-law to penalize non-electric vehicles or non-charging electric vehicles in EV spaces. Other actions included approving a concrete encroachment at 30 Queensland Road and requesting a financial study on hazardous waste drop-off days.
- Recommended fines of $100-$120 for non-EVs in EV spaces and $60-$80 for EVs not charging (Carried)
- Recommended staff investigate financial impacts of increasing household hazardous waste drop-off days (Carried)
- Recommended the request for long term overnight permit parking in Erie and Cooper lots be filed (Carried)
- Recommended approval of 154.45 sq. ft concrete encroachment at 30 Queensland Road with $50 annual fee (Carried)
- Withdrew motion to refer Accessibility Advisory Committee projects to 2024 budget deliberations
Finance and Labour Relations Committee
The committee recommended approving a $4,000 community grant for Stratford Live Music and Food, overturning a previous council denial. It also recommended updating property tax billing and collection policies and rescinding the vacant tax rebate program for commercial and industrial buildings.
- Recommended $4,000 community grant for Stratford Live Music and Food from the Community Grants Reserve fund
- Recommended rescinding Policy F.1.6 Collection of Municipal Taxes
- Recommended adopting Policy F.1.6 Property Tax Billing and Collection
- Recommended rescinding Policy F.1.9 Vacant Tax Rebate Program for Commercial and Industrial Buildings
- Received Festival Hydro Inc. and Festival Hydro Services Inc. financial statements and a $248,269 dividend notice for information
- Received Destination Stratford 2023 Update 2 for information
- Received Tax Adjustments for 2022 report for information
Special Council
City Council granted draft approval for a Plan of Condominium and an exemption from the draft approval process for a development at 3202 Vivian Line 37. The approved plan includes 64 residential units and 93 parking units.
- Approved draft Plan of Condominium 31CDM-23001 for 3202 Vivian Line 37 (Carried)
- Approved application for exemption from the Draft Plan of Condominium approval process for 3202 Vivian Line 37 (Carried)
- Passed By-law 83-2023 to confirm the proceedings of the June 29, 2023 meeting (Carried)
Planning and Heritage Sub-committee
The Planning and Heritage Sub-committee recommended allowing the Rotary Club of Stratford to install a dragon boat in Market Square from August 4 to September 17, 2023. The recommendation includes an exemption from the Advertising on City Property policy, provided no third-party or sponsor advertising is displayed.
- Recommended exemption from Policy P.3.9 (Advertising on City Property) for the Rotary Club of Stratford (Carried)
- Recommended installation of dragon boat in Market Square from August 4 to September 17, 2023 (Carried)
- Conditioned boat approval on the removal of all third-party/sponsor advertising (Carried)
Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee
The sub-committee recommended amending the Traffic and Parking By-law to penalize non-electric vehicles or non-charging vehicles in EV spaces. Other actions included approving a concrete encroachment at 30 Queensland Road and requesting a financial study on increasing hazardous waste drop-off days.
- Recommended fines of $120 for non-EVs and $80 for non-charging EVs in charging spaces
- Approved encroachment of 154.45 sq. ft for concrete surface at 30 Queensland Road with $50 annual fee
- Recommended staff investigate financial impacts of increasing household hazardous waste drop-off days
- Recommended that the request for long term overnight permit parking in Erie and Cooper lots be filed
- Received report on Stratford Landfill Public Input June 2023 for information
Community Services Committee
The Community Services Committee recommended a five-year agreement with the Stratford Minor Girls Softball Association and approved a public notification process for a proposed Urban Gym in Shakespeare Park. The committee also received several transit-related reports for information, including a bus electrification study.
- Recommended 5-year agreement with Stratford Minor Girls Softball Association to January 31, 2028 (Carried)
- Recommended public notification and RFP process for Stratford Urban Gym at Shakespeare Park (Carried)
- Received 2023 Transit Bench Advertising Locations report for information (Carried)
- Received PC Connect Fare Increase Feasibility report for information (Carried)
- Received Transit Bus Electrification Feasibility Study Results report for information (Carried)
Social Services Committee
The Social Services Committee recommended moving the Supported Housing of Perth Program (SHOPP) to an in-house model and hiring two full-time Outreach Workers. The committee also referred a request for free transit passes for ODSP and Ontario Works recipients to staff for review.
- Recommended transitioning Supported Housing of Perth Program (SHOPP) to an in-house model (Carried)
- Recommended hiring two full-time Outreach Workers for SHOPP (Carried)
- Recommended authorizing memorandums of understanding with support agencies for SHOPP (Carried)
- Referred request for free transit passes for Ontario Works and ODSP recipients to staff for review (Carried)
- Received report on Annual Community Income Tax Clinic for information (Carried)
- Received report on Chronic Homelessness Reduction Efforts for information (Carried)
- Received 2022 Annual Report for Housing and Homelessness Plan for information (Carried)
- Received 2023 Ontario Works Service/Business Plan for information (Carried)
Regular Council
Council approved several infrastructure contracts, including airport fuel tank replacement and tennis court resurfacing. The city also re-allocated $65,000 for a Municipal Cultural Plan consultant and adjusted custodian staffing levels.
- Awarded $519,733.33 contract for Airport Fuel Tanks Replacement to Claybar Contracting Inc.
- Awarded $258,770.00 contract for Milton Street Park Tennis and Pickleball Court Replacement to Toronto Court Equipment
- Approved re-allocating $65,000 from 2023 budget to hire a short-term consultant for the Municipal Cultural Plan
- Approved replacing two part-time custodian positions with one full-time position
- Adopted minutes from the June 12, 2023 meeting
- Adopted Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee items 9.1.2 and 9.1.3
- Adopted Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee item 9.1.1
Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee
The sub-committee received financial reports from Festival Hydro and Destination Stratford for information. It also recommended that a previous council decision to deny a community grant to Stratford Live Music and Food be upheld.
- Received Festival Hydro Inc. and Festival Hydro Services Inc. 2022 audited financial statements for information
- Received Festival Hydro Inc. and Festival Hydro Services Inc. financial statements for period ending March 31, 2023 for information
- Received Festival Hydro Inc. April 2023 Board motion for $248,269 top-up common share dividend for 2022 for information
- Received Destination Stratford 2023 Update 2 for information
- Recommended upholding May 8, 2023 Council decision denying grant request to Stratford Live Music and Food
Community Services Sub-committee
The Community Services Sub-committee recommended a five-year agreement with the Stratford Minor Girls Softball Association and the installation of a resident-funded urban gym at Shakespeare Park. The committee also received reports on transit bench advertising and PC Connect fare feasibility.
- Recommended five-year agreement with Stratford Minor Girls Softball Association to January 31, 2028 (Carried)
- Recommended public notification and RFP process for a resident-funded urban gym at Shakespeare Park (Carried)
- Received 2023 Transit Bench Advertising Locations report for information (Carried)
- Denied motion to pause transit bench program expansion and consult solicitor on contract cancellation (Defeated)
- Received PC Connect Fare Increase Feasibility report for information (Carried)
Social Services Sub-committee
The Sub-committee referred a request from The Local Community Food Centre to provide free transit passes to all Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients to staff for a detailed report. The committee also received reports on chronic homelessness reduction and the 2022 Annual Report for the Housing and Homelessness Plan.
- Approved request to hear delegation from The Local Community Food Centre
- Recommended referring request for free OW and ODSP transit passes to staff for review and a report on costs and funding
- Received for information the letter and report on Chronic Homelessness Reduction in the Built for Zero Canada Campaign
- Received for information the 2022 Annual Report (Year 9) – Housing and Homelessness Plan for Stratford, Perth County, and St. Marys
Finance and Labour Relations Committee
The Finance and Labour Relations Committee received the Q1 Operating Budget Variance Report as of March 31, 2023, for information. No other substantive decisions were made during the meeting.
- Received Q1 Operating Budget Variance Report at March 31, 2023 (Carried)
Planning and Heritage Committee
The Planning and Heritage Committee recommended approving a sign variance for five ground signs at 35 Waterloo Street North, contingent on an encroachment agreement. The committee also recommended approving a construction sign variance for 30 Queensland Road.
- Recommended approval of sign variance for five ground signs at 35 Waterloo Street North (Carried)
- Recommended approval of sign variance for one construction sign at 30 Queensland Road (Carried)
Regular Council
Council approved a public art plan developed by the Downtown Stratford BIA for use in future city projects. A request for the city to maintain a rainbow crosswalk was referred to 2024 budget deliberations. Council also directed legal counsel to appeal a Committee of Adjustment decision regarding a property at 173 William Street.
- Approved Downtown Stratford BIA Public Art Plan for future city projects
- Referred rainbow crosswalk ownership and maintenance request to 2024 Budget Deliberations
- Directed legal counsel to appeal Committee of Adjustment Decision on Application A10-23 (173 William Street) to the Ontario Land Tribunal
- Adopted May 23, 2023 Regular Meeting minutes
- Approved addendum to the June 12, 2023 Regular Agenda
Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee
The committee recommended entering a service agreement with Circular Materials Ontario for Blue Box recycling from May 2024 to December 2025. It also recommended a noise by-law exemption for outdoor services at Jubilee Stratford. A resident delegation expressed opposition to the noise exemption citing sleep disturbances.
- Recommended agreement with Circular Materials Ontario for Blue Box recycling services (May 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2025)
- Recommended Noise Control By-law 113-79 exemption for Jubilee Stratford Sunday services (July 2 – Sept 3, 2023)
- Recommended Noise Control By-law 113-79 exemption for Jubilee Stratford evening service (Aug 6, 2023, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
- Approved request to hear delegation from Jenna McNamara
Committee of the Whole In-camera
The Committee of the Whole adjourned to an in-camera session to discuss corporate leadership appointments and legal advice regarding short-term rental accommodations. No substantive decisions were recorded in the open session.
- Approved adjournment to in-camera session to discuss leadership appointments and short-term rental legal advice
Planning and Heritage Sub-committee
The Planning and Heritage Sub-committee recommended approving a request for five ground signs at 35 Waterloo Street North and one construction sign at 30 Queensland Road. The 35 Waterloo Street North approval is contingent upon an encroachment agreement for signs on City property.
- Recommended approval of sign variance for five ground signs at 35 Waterloo Street North, subject to an encroachment agreement (Carried)
- Recommended approval of sign variance for one construction sign at 30 Queensland Road, subject to a building permit (Carried)
Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee
The Sub-committee heard a request from Jason Azevedo and Melanie Hepburn to allow the operation of a party bike business in Stratford. Following the delegation, the Sub-committee recommended that staff prepare a report on the use of large quadricycles on city streets. The Director of Infrastructure and Development Services also provided updates on sidewalk projects, asphalt resurfacing, and waste services.
- Approved request to hear delegation from Jason Azevedo and Melanie Hepburn (Carried)
- Recommended staff prepare a report regarding the use of large quadricycles on City streets (Carried)
- Adjourned meeting (Carried)
Regular Council
City Council awarded a reconstruction contract for Albert Street Phase 1 and approved next steps for the Community Hub campaign. Council also appointed a new Deputy Chief Building Official and received reports on the municipal airport and parking meters.
- Awarded Albert Street Reconstruction Phase 1 tender to Birnam Excavating Ltd. for $4,038,453.94
- Approved Community Hub Campaign Planning Study Phase I recommendations and authorized staff to proceed with MOU and communications strategy
- Appointed Kelsey Hammond as Deputy Chief Building Official
- Received 2023 Stratford Municipal Airport Study and directed staff to prepare a recommendations report
- Received report on Wellington Street 30-minute Meters for information
- Proclaimed May 28 to June 3, 2023 as National AccessAbility Week
- Proclaimed June 18, 2023 as the Longest Day of Smiles
- Adopted minutes from the May 8, 2023 Regular Meeting
Community Services Committee
The Committee recommended the approval of the 2023 Municipal Golf Course Budget and Fee Schedule as presented in Report COM23-003. No other substantive decisions were made during the meeting.
- Recommended approval of 2023 Municipal Golf Course Budget and Fee Schedule (Carried)
Committee of the Whole In-camera
The Committee of the Whole adjourned to an in-camera session to discuss collective bargaining and the proposed disposition of land for a long-term care home. No substantive decisions were recorded in the provided text.
- Approved motion to adjourn to in-camera session
Social Services Committee
The committee held a question and answer session regarding application processes for 200-230 Britannia Street. No substantive motions were decided or voted upon during the meeting.
- Discussed income testing and application processes for 200-230 Britannia Street