The Grand Trunk site represents one of Stratford’s most significant opportunities for community renewal. Progress has taken longer than many people hoped, including me, but Council has now established a clearer and more achievable direction for moving the project forward.
I support the current plan to advance the site in phases, beginning with a shared community facility involving the YMCA of Three Rivers and the Stratford Public Library, together with other potential community partners.
Council has approved a municipal capital contribution of up to $15 million toward the shared facility. Moving forward will require disciplined financial planning, meaningful partner contributions and support from other levels of government.
The development must be ambitious enough to serve Stratford for generations while remaining realistic about what municipal taxpayers can responsibly support.
My Priorities
- Maintain momentum through clear timelines, milestones and decision points
- Advance a shared community facility anchored by the YMCA and Stratford Public Library
- Respect the City’s approved municipal contribution of up to $15 million
- Secure meaningful financial participation from project partners and other levels of government
- Develop the site in practical and financially responsible phases
- Provide regular public updates on costs, progress and major decisions
- Support complementary future uses that contribute to a vibrant and connected site
- Respect the railway history of the property while creating an accessible and welcoming place for the entire community
Access to safe, stable and appropriate housing has become one of the most pressing challenges facing Stratford. As our community continues to grow, we need a greater supply and variety of housing for people at different ages, incomes and stages of life.
The City has taken steps to support new housing through streamlined approvals, appropriate increases in density, better use of municipal land and partnerships with housing providers and developers. That work must continue.
Municipal action alone, however, will not be enough. Meaningful progress on affordable, supportive and community housing will require sustained investment and cooperation from the provincial and federal governments.
My Priorities
- Support a greater supply and variety of housing across the entire housing continuum
- Continue improving the efficiency of municipal planning and approval processes
- Encourage gentle density, infill development and responsible use of available land
- Identify appropriate opportunities to use municipal land in support of housing
- Work with private, non-profit and community partners to create affordable and supportive housing
- Advocate for Stratford to receive its fair share of provincial and federal housing investment
- Encourage developments that are connected to transit, green space and essential community services
- Ensure new housing contributes positively to established neighbourhoods and the broader community
I have spent much of my professional career working in employment, business and economic development. That experience has given me a strong understanding of the importance of a diverse local economy and a community in which businesses and their employees can succeed.
Stratford has built a strong economic foundation. We are home to major international employers, successful locally owned businesses, a vibrant tourism and cultural sector, and entrepreneurs who continue to invest in our community. Our responsibility is to build on those strengths while preparing for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Economic development requires more than attracting new employers. It also means supporting existing businesses, ensuring land is available for future investment, developing the infrastructure needed for growth and working with our partners to address workforce and housing needs.
My Priorities
- Move forward with the development and servicing of Stratford’s next industrial park
- Retain and support existing employers and locally owned businesses
- Attract new investment that strengthens and diversifies our economy
- Ensure Stratford has business-ready land and the infrastructure needed for future growth
- Support workforce attraction, development and retention
- Recognize the connection between economic growth, housing availability and community services
- Continue building Stratford’s reputation as an excellent place to invest, operate a business and build a career
- Strengthen partnerships among the City, InvestStratford, local businesses, educational institutions and community organizations
Responsible municipal financial management requires balancing today’s needs with Stratford’s long-term obligations. That means carefully reviewing spending, maintaining appropriate reserves, managing debt responsibly and investing in infrastructure before the cost of deferred work becomes greater.
Municipal debt can be an appropriate tool when it is used carefully for necessary, long-lasting assets. The priority should be ensuring that borrowing remains affordable, repayment is planned and future taxpayers receive lasting value from the investments being made.
My Priorities
- Carefully scrutinize the annual budget and major capital expenditures
- Keep municipal debt within responsible and affordable limits
- Maintain appropriate reserves to support future infrastructure and unexpected needs
- Use long-term financial and asset-management planning to guide municipal decisions
- Address necessary infrastructure renewal before deferral creates greater costs
- Seek efficiencies while protecting the services residents rely upon
- Work with community partners and other levels of government to ensure Stratford receives its fair share of investment
- Provide residents with clear information about major financial decisions and their long-term implications
