COVID-19 Updates - Town of Stratford
Posted on 06/18/2020
COVID-19 Updates - Town of Stratford The Town of Stratford is committed to keeping residents informed as the Covid-19 situation continues. We will use this space to update residents as, and when, needed on items related to the operations of the Town of Stratford and other necessary information. The Town's office, and staff, are operating under the guidance of our pandemic plan which includes reducing the number of staff in the office at one time and allowing staff to work from home. These measures may increase the time in which we are able to return phone calls/emails but will allow us to reduce the risk of a wider staff outbreak should one occur. Essential services (such as water and sewer) will be maintained during this period and we will do our best to deliver other required services and inquires as well. We appreciate your support and understanding as we all work through this time together.

For up to date information on Covid-19, including recommendations from the Province of PEI, please visit their website or call their general information line at 1-800-958-6400. The Province of PEI also announced a new toll-free number to help Islanders in self-isolation and have no one that can deliver necessary supplies like food, medication and pet supplies. The number is 1-833-533-9333. Residents requiring assistance may also reach out to us at (902) 569-1995 or [email protected].


June 18, 2020

Today the Town of Stratford announced it will be proceeding with a summer day camp for youth ages 8-12 years. Weekly registration is now open with the camp beginning June 29th and running through until August 28. For more information please call (902) 569-1995.

June 15, 2020

Stratford Town offices opened to the general public today. Please follow all social distancing guidelines and protocols in place when entering and exiting the office spaces and building. It is recommended that you call ahead to ensure that person you need to speak with is available before you arrive as there will continue to be a mix of staff working from the office and home.

The Town of Stratford will offer a summer day camp for youth ages 8-12. Numbers are reduced and spaces expected to fill quickly. Registrations are by the week beginning June 29 and running through until August 28. For more information contact: [email protected] or (902) 569-6924.


June 9, 2020

Stratford Town offices will reopen to the general public on Monday, June 15. As there will be a mix of staff working from the office and from home, please call ahead and make an appointment with the individual you need to see. Many inquiries and services can also be provided over the telephone, digitally or electronically so please consider these options as well. Your ongoing cooperation is appreciated. 


June 1, 2020

With phase 3 of Renew PEI begining on June 1, 2020, the Town of Stratford is pleased to begin opening up some additional spaces which were previously closed due to COVID-19 including:  

• Town Playgrounds
• Sports fields (except Lower MacNeill field)
• Outdoor tennis and pickleball courts
• Bunbury Outdoor Rink
• Facility and meeting room rentals (where social distancing can be maintained and with reduced availability)
• Stratford Public Library (curbside pickup as determined by the Province of PEI as the operator)

Future planned openings:
• Lower MacNeill Ballfield – June 12
• Splash pad (weather permitting) – June 22

While Stratford Town offices currently remain closed to the public, Town staff remain accessible through both telephone and email.  As well the recreation facility, including the gymnasium, walking track and fitness equipment area, remain closed at this time. There is no date planned to reopen at this time however council and staff continue to monitor and review information from the Chief Public Health Office to determine when it is again safe to reopen, ensuring full compliance with the required COVID-19 measures in place. 


May 25, 2020

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve on PEI, Stratford Council and staff have been spending much of their time recently planning for the safe reopening of spaces and services in our community. In a similar manner to the phases of Renew PEI, the Town of Stratford will begin opening previously closed spaces over the coming weeks.

“Residents are looking forward to having further options available to them in our community,” stated Stratford Mayor Steve Ogden. “Parents and caregivers are excited to see playgrounds opening again soon, we know our skatepark was full of activity this past weekend, and sports fields soon will be as well. We are all looking forward to seeing aspects of life returning, especially as we head into the summer months.”

Stratford Town staff will be finalizing the required operational plan this week covering all aspects related to resuming services and opening spaces in Stratford. The plan outlines things like cleaning and sanitizing schedules, how staff operate in a safe manner, and what processes are in place to ensure the safety of residents and staff, among other things.

Read the full media release here.


May 22, 2020

Today the Town's skatepark was able to reopen as part of Phase 2 of the Province of PEI's Renew PEI. 


May 8, 2020

Over the past week the Town of Stratford has resumed issuing building permits per phase 1 of Renew PEI. Town staff were able to issue many permits immediately as they had been processed up to the point of being issued. Town staff remain available to answer questions, and while the Town’s office remains closed, application forms are available on the Town’s website.

It was announced this week that Stratford Town Council will be providing some relief to residents this year with the announcement of an extension to the 2019 annual dog licensing program. As the Town’s annual door-to-door canvassing program is not possible this year due to COVID-19, all dogs registered through the Town of Stratford’s 2019 dog licensing program are having their existing license extended for 2020 at no additional cost.

“This decision was an easy one for us,” commented Mayor Ogden. “We know that many residents are feeling pinched right now. This is a means for us to thank those who have proactively followed our bylaw requiring the annual registration of dogs by giving them a break for the current year. For those whose dog license has expired before 2019, or if they have welcomed a new dog to their family, staff will be available to mail out tags or make arrangements for pick up once the office reopens.”

Read the full media release here.


April 27, 2020

As the COVID-19 situation evolves, Stratford council and staff continue to maintain and provide essential services to ensure the health and safety of residents, the general public and Town staff.

“Many measures have been put in place to protect residents,” said Stratford Mayor Steve Ogden, “and we are regularly reviewing the available information and adhering to the advice of the Chief Medical Health Officer. We thank residents for doing their part and look forward to a time when we can begin to come together again.”

The Stratford Community Gardens will be opening this season however new measures will be in place to ensure the health and safety of gardeners. Town staff are busy planning for a variety of scenarios that are anticipated in the coming weeks as ease back measures are put in place by the Province of PEI. The full media release can be found here.


April 15, 2020

The Town of Stratford has been identified as a Community Champion by the Government of PEI through their Community Champions Program. Through this program the Town will have thirty (30) $100 gift certificates to Loblaw stores to distribute in our community for individuals and families who have been negatively impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals may receive one card and families may receive two. To assist us in identifying those who have been affected negatively by COVID-19 and are in need of this assistance we are asking members of our community to identify themselves or to identify someone else in our community that is in need. Further information is available here.


April 14, 2020

Stratford Town Council wishes to advise residents that their work is ongoing at this time. Weekly update meetings are being held between Council and members of the management team as well as regular communications by email as and when needed between these weekly meetings. The minutes can be viewed online

As of today, in addition to the Town's playgrounds and skatepark, the tennis courts at Pondside Park, multi-use courts at Kinlock Park and the Bunbury Outdoor Rink have all been closed to ensure social distancing continues and the health and safety of residents is ensured.


April 9, 2020

Caring Community Calls launched to connect residents to one another during COVID-19. This program allows residents to sign up and have the Town connect them to another resident who has also signed up, with a weekly commitment of a minimum of one phone call between the individuals. More information is available on our website


April 3, 2020

The Town of Stratford today announced measures to assist Stratford Utility customers who may be struggling financially during the COVID-19 situation. 

“We did not want to delay sending out our quarterly bills as it would lead to customers receiving two bills closer together in the future,” stated Stratford Mayor Steve Ogden. “However, we fully recognize that there are people and businesses in our community who are being negatively impacted financially at this time, and the longer this goes on, the higher the likelihood that more will be affected. We want to assure our customers that we are here to work with them during this difficult time.”

Read the full media release here.

This week Town staff removed pedestrian crosswalk flags from intersections in the Town as another measure to limit potential exposure to COVID-19 through touch. The flags will be returned once it is safe to do so and residents who use these intersections may wish to consider bringing their own flag or other similar item to assist with crossing the streets safely at our crosswalks.  

On March 30, 2020 Council approved the Town of Stratford's 2020/21 budgets at a special meeting which was held virtually and live streamed because of COVID-19. Learn more here


March 25, 2020

Earlier this week, the Town closed all municipal playground structures following the guidelines and direction of the Chief Medial Health Office. “While the playgrounds are closed until further notice, the greenspaces and trails around them remain open and are safe to use, provided residents practice social distancing while doing so,” said Stratford Mayor Steve Ogden. “We know that it is important for residents of all ages to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air, but we also have the responsibility to keep them safe. We know that touching surfaces can lead to the further spread of Covid-19 and it is simply not possible to keep these structures cleaned.”

The Town continues to find ways for residents to connect with each other virtually. Here are a few ideas:
  • Join the Town's Facebook group where residents have a place to come together and connect. The group is a designed to have residents share links to the amazing variety of groups, activities and classes happening all around us - virtually and is looking for events and activities available to residents of all ages, adults, youth, children and families, in a time when we all need to find new ways to connect, be entertained, learn and grow.
  • The Stratford Youth Centre launched a program this week called “Letters for Seniors” and is requesting residents to provide them with an email address or mailing address for seniors, with youth in our community in turn writing them a letter. Further information can be obtained by reaching out to Duane Pineau at [email protected].

A full media release issued on March 25, 2020 is available on our website.



March 20, 2020

Today the Town of Stratford announced a program to help anyone in the community who is need of contact with members of council offering to phone residents who are lonely, anxious or otherwise just looking to speak with someone for a social conversation. This service is available to all Stratford residents regardless of your situation, age, or any other factor. Please email [email protected] of call (902) 569-6921 (and leave a message) with the person's name and telephone number and someone will reach out to them as they are able to. These conversations are not meant to be political or policy in nature but rather are an opportunity for residents to simply have a conversation by telephone and interact with another human, something many are missing at this time during the ongoing Covid-19 situation. 

The Town also included a link today to known Community Resources in, or available to, our community. These include grocery store, pharmacy, meal delivery and general services information. The information will be kept as up-to-date as possible with assistance requested from the general public to assist in doing so. Please find the list here.


March 19, 2020:

Today the Town of Stratford issued a media release to advise residents of what the Town is doing to maintain essential services and ensure the health and safety of residents, the general public and Town staff.

“Stratford is a caring and supportive community, where residents help each other in times of need,” concluded Mayor Ogden. “We will get through this together and come out even stronger on the other side.” Those who may not have the supports of family, friends or neighbours and require non-medical assistance should contact the Town to identify their needs. Staff will help them access the required services or goods as best they can. The Town can be reached through email at [email protected] or by telephone at (902) 569-1995.

A link to the full media release is available here.

The Town of Stratford will be holding a virtual Special Council Meeting on Monday, March 30, 2020 at 12 noon to present the 2020/21 budget. Residents will be able to view the meeting through a live stream on the Town's Facebook page as they will not be able to attend the meeting in person.



March 18, 2020:

Effective 12 noon today, the Town of Stratford offices are closed to the public. Our staff will continue to work between the office and their homes, ensuring that they are available to residents as needed by email and telephone. We ask for your patience as staff prioritize their workloads which may result in response times which are longer than normal to your voicemail or email.

We remind residents to follow the advice of the Province of PEI and to proactively check on one another (by telephone), to help our neighbours and to ensure that everyone in our community is taken care of and has what they need during this time.  

Our staff directory can be accessed here.



March 17, 2020: 

Planning Department: The Town's Planning Department asks residents to limit their department staff, as well as yourself, to possible exposure by conducting your business with their department by telephone and email. The department continues to process applications and permits at this time as well as provide inspections.

It should be noted that all items requiring any form of a public meeting, as regulated by the Planning Act, are considered as non-essential and will not be occurring until further notice. This includes a previously scheduled public meeting for Wednesday, March 25, 2020 which has been cancelled until a future date yet to be determined. 

Infrastructure Department: The Town's Infrastructure Department has implemented further measures through the pandemic plan to ensure that essential services will continue. Staff will continue to do sewer and water inspections, as well as respond to customer concerns and complaints by telephone or email and only in person if/when deemed necessary and safe to do so. Residents are asked to be mindful of the ongoing situation and our need to protect and limit potential exposure to staff during this time. 

Finance & Technology Department: The Finance & Technology Department, like others, is limiting the exposure to staff by requesting that all interactions possible take place over the telephone or by email. 

For those residents making a payment on their Stratford Utility bill please consider the following options available: 
  • Online banking through any major bank
  • Credit card payment can be made to Town of Stratford staff by calling (902) 367-3228 or (902) 569-6258. Please leave a message if you reach voicemail and someone will return your call.
  • If you are performing other banking services in person at your bank, payments can be made directly with the teller
  • By mailing a cheque to the Town of Stratford (234 Shakespeare Drive, Stratford, PE  C1B 2V8)
  • Drop a cheque off through the mail slot located to the righthand side of our office doors. This option is only available during regular office hours at this time as our facility is otherwise closed to the public. 
Stratford Utility payouts and property sales please email [email protected] or call (902) 367-3228.

For questions about the Stratford Seniors Complex or general department inquiries, please email [email protected] or call (902) 569-6258.

Recreation Department: The Town's Recreation Department reminds residents that all programming within the Town's closed facilities are also cancelled until further notice. This includes any meetings or events which were previously booked privately or through local organizations as well as the Stratford Youth Centre and Mayflower Seniors Club. 

Residents are being encouraged to get outside and make use of our trails and sidewalk networks on nice days, as well as to use both Robert Cotton Park and Fullerton's Creek Conservation Park. Conditions on these trails are varying with some icy and some soft, slushy places so caution should be used but it is a great opportunity to get out for some fresh air. We remind residents that even outdoors they should maintain the spacing recommended by the Province of PEI through social distancing of 2 metres. 

***The Town of Stratford staff directory can be accessed here


March 16, 2020:

Closure/Cancellation of Recreation Facilities & Programming

Following the recent announcement by the Government of Prince Edward Island about the evolving situation with Covid-19 virus, the Town of Stratford has decided to close its recreation facilities (Town Centre gymnasium, fitness area, walking track, & meeting rooms as well as Robert Cotton Centre and Gertrude Cotton Centre) and cancel all programming until further notice. The closure goes into effect as of 1 pm on March 15 until further notice.

We believe this decision to be the responsible thing to do to protect residents and employees and to support the broad efforts being made all across the island to minimize the spread of this virus. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to monitor the situation.



For up to date information on Covid-19, including recommendations from Provincial health authorities on how to protect yourself, FAQs, and other travelling information, please visit the Province's website or call the general information line at 1-800-958-6400.

Please check the Town’s 
Facebook and Twitter accounts for more immediate updates.