Image of Stratford Mayor Steve OgdenMayor’s Message
Fall 2025

As summer draws to a close, I hope everyone had the chance to enjoy time with family and friends, whether through travel, outdoor activities or simply relaxing close to home. Now as we welcome the crisp days of fall and prepare for winter’s arrival with its beauty and its challenges, it’s a time to reflect on the positive momentum in our community and look ahead with optimism.

Several exciting developments are underway or have recently been completed in Stratford and I’m pleased to share some key highlights.

We’ve seen great progress at our Community Campus, with the near completion of brand-new sports fields. These much-anticipated facilities will support a wide range of athletic programs and recreational activities for residents of all ages starting next season.

The new Atlantic Pickleball Club will officially open their doors later this year, providing another excellent opportunity for active living and community connection. Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in Canada and we’re proud to be supporting it right here in Stratford.

On the education front, the Province is continuing with the construction of the new Stratford High School, which is scheduled to open in September 2027.

Our Stratford Business Park is growing, with plans for a major expansion now underway. This development is a strong signal of economic vitality and job creation in our community, and we look forward to welcoming new businesses and entrepreneurs to Stratford.

We’re also making progress on transit accessibility, with new routes soon to be introduced that allow for travel to and from locations within Stratford. This is a meaningful step in our efforts to provide residents with more sustainable and convenient transportation options.

Work is ongoing to implement a new Official Plan and Development Bylaw, which will guide future growth and land use in ways that reflect our shared values and addresses the great need for housing variety for all income levels in our community.

Lastly, we continue to prioritize active transportation and outdoor connectivity. New walking and cycling trails are being added throughout the Town to promote healthy lifestyles and make Stratford even more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Together, these initiatives represent our commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable community. Thank you to all who contribute their time, ideas, and energy to make Stratford such a great place to live.

As our 30th anniversary continues, I wish you a safe, healthy and happy fall season ahead where you can explore Stratford and enjoy all we have to offer.


Sincerely,

Mayor Steve Ogden