Image of Stratford Mayor Steve OgdenMayor’s Message
Summer 2024

After a relatively mild winter, we are looking forward to better weather and a busy summer of progress for our Town. Following our initial priority setting exercise in the fall, staff and Council, after consultation with residents and stakeholders, have now established the Town’s long, medium and short-term priorities, which have been reflected in the 2024/25 budget.

Council has agreed on a conceptual design of a Wellness Centre on the Community Campus property. At full buildout, this facility will address our longstanding lack of adequate recreational, cultural, and social infrastructure. We are actively pursuing Provincial and Federal funding for this new regional facility, similar to the assistance provided to other communities across PEI. In order to advance this project while maintaining our current services and programs, a modest tax increase was approved by Council as part of the 2024-25 budget. This was a very difficult decision during the current affordability issues facing many residents. We are confident, however, that the new Community Campus will be well worth it by providing much needed amenities for all, including youth, families, seniors, and newcomers.

Another top priority is to work to the extent possible within our jurisdiction at the municipal level to address the housing crisis. The Town will be receiving $4.9 million from CMHC’s Housing Accelerator Fund to facilitate and remove obstacles to assist in building adequate attainable and affordable housing. This funding positions us well for the upcoming Official Plan and Bylaw review, which will include several resident engagement opportunities. Information, analysis, and research will be provided and discussed with residents throughout this process, and residents’ perspectives and opinions will be sought. I encourage you to take every opportunity to have your voice heard and included.

We look forward to the completion of the Michael Thomas Waterfront Park boardwalk project this summer. The park will provide a much-needed gathering place for passive recreation and outdoor activities. As well, the final stage of the Kelly's Pond rehabilitation project will be completed this summer, and a new water tower has been completed with connection work continuing. A number of other projects are underway including The Gray Group’s development of the new Stratford downtown area. Please be patient as construction activity may create traffic delays and other inconveniences, but will ultimately result in a better, safer and more sustainable community.

I look forward to seeing residents throughout the community this summer, perhaps on the new boardwalk, relaxing at Tea Hill Park or at our annual Canada Day celebrations.


Sincerely,
Mayor Steve Ogden