Stratford City Council
Regular Council Open Session
AGENDA

Meeting #:

4764th

Date:

Monday, February 10, 2025

Time:

7:00 P.m. - 9:00 P.m.

Location:

Council Chamber, City Hall

Council Present:

• Mayor Ritsma - Chair Presiding, 
• Councillor Beatty, 
• Councillor Biehn, 
• Councillor Briscoe, 
• Councillor Burbach, 
• Councillor Henderson, 
• Councillor Hunter, 
• Councillor McCabe, 
• Councillor Nijjar, 
• Councillor Sebben, 
• and Councillor Wordofa 

Staff Present:

• Joan Thomson - Chief Administrative Officer, 
• Tatiana Dafoe - City Clerk, 
• Kim McElroy - Director of Social Services, 
• Tim Wolfe - Director of Community Services, 
• Taylor Crinklaw - Director of Infrastructure Services, 
• Karmen Krueger - Director of Corporate Services, 
• Adam Betteridge - Director of Building and Planning Services, 
• Neil Anderson - Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief, 
• Audrey Pascual - Deputy Clerk, 
• and Dave Bush - Director of Human Resources 

To watch the Council meeting live, please click the following link: https://video.isilive.ca/stratford/live.html

A video recording of the meeting will also be available through a link on the City's website https://calendar.stratford.ca/meetings following the meeting.

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1.

Call to Order:

Mayor Ritsma, Chair presiding, to call the Council meeting to order.

Land Acknowledgment

Moment of Silent Reflection

Singing of O Canada

Respectful Conduct Statement

2.

Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof:

The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act requires any member of Council declaring a pecuniary interest and the general nature thereof, where the interest of a member of Council has not been disclosed by reason of the member’s absence from the meeting, to disclose the interest at the first open meeting attended by the member of Council and to otherwise comply with the Act.

Name, Item and General Nature of Pecuniary Interest

 

 

3.

Adoption of the Minutes:

• Motion by

  THAT the Minutes of the Special Meeting of Council of The Corporation of Stratford dated January 16, 2025, and the Regular Meeting of Council of The Corporation of the City of Stratford dated January 27, 2025, be adopted as printed.

4.

Adoption of the Addendum/Addenda to the Agenda:

• Motion by

  ​THAT the Addendum/Addenda to the Regular Agenda of Council and Standing Committees dated February 10, 2025, be added to the Agenda as printed.

5.

Report of the Committee of the Whole In-Camera Session:

5.1

February 10, 2025, Committee of the Whole In-camera Session

The February 10, 2025, Committee of the Whole In-camera Session has been cancelled.

6.

Hearings of Deputations and Presentations:

6.1

Requests for Delegation - 2025 Budget

The following persons have requested to speak about the draft 2025 Budget:

• Amanda Hatton, Owner/Operator of Avery House B&B, will be requesting Council support the expansion request for the Supervisor of By-law;
• Pamela Mountain, owner of a Stratford B&B, will be requesting Council reconsider the hiring of by-law enforcement staff; 
• Nora Auster, Leif Wahlquist, Zach Kritzer and Ewan Mann, representing the Stratford District Secondary School Eco-Club, will be requesting Council address the lack of climate initiatives in the budget and approve the Community Energy Liaison staffing expansion. 

• Motion by

  THAT Amanda Hatton, Pamela Mountain, Nora Auster, Leif Wahlquist, Zach Kritzer and Ewan Mann, be heard.

7.

Orders of the Day:

7.1

Resolution - Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area 2025 Draft Budget (COU25-014)

Jamie Prichard, General Manager, and Jennifer Birmingham, Treasurer, of the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area (BIA) will present the 2025 Draft Budget.

• Motion by

  THAT Jamie Pritchard, General Manager, and Jennifer Birmingham, Treasurer, of the Downtown Stratford BIA, be heard.

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT the draft 2025 budget of the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area be approved as submitted in the amount of $344,023.10;

  THAT the sum of $311,023.10 shall be levied on properties located within the boundaries of the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area for the year 2025;

  AND THAT a by-law to levy this special charge upon the rateable property in the business improvement area for the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area (BIA) for 2025 be adopted as presented.

7.2

Resolution - Plan of Condominium Application and Exemption from Draft Approval Process 31CDM24-001 - 4117 Perth Line 36 (COU25-015)

• Motion by

  THAT the City of Stratford approve the application for exemption from the Draft Plan of Condominium approval process submitted by Quinlan Road Developments GP Inc., prepared by Deanna Rowe, certified by James M. Laws, OLS, Project No. 31090-22, dated November 13, 2024. The plan contains a total of 133 residential units and 6 parking spaces, located at 4117 Perth Line 36;

  AND THAT the above is recommended for the following reasons:

  • the request is consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement; and
  • the request conforms with the goals, objectives and policies of the Official Plan.

7.3

Resolution - Updated Recommendation for Tender T-2024-36: Supply and Delivery of Meraki Hardware and Licensing (COU25-013)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT Council rescind Resolution R2025-05 and repeal By-law 1-2025 awarding Tender T-2024-36 to C.E. Technology Solutions Ltd.;

  AND THAT Council authorize the award of Tender T-2024-36: Supply and Delivery of Meraki Solutions to Synnapex Inc. at a total cost of $204,479.00, including HST and 3-year licensing.

7.4

Resolution - Consideration of Lease Extensions – 270 Water Street and Queen Street Parking Lot (COU25-009)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT the request to extend the current leases with The Stratford Shakespearean Festival of Canada for the use of the Discovery Centre at the Normal School at 270 Water Street and for the use of the municipal parking lot at Queen Street and Lakeside Drive to December 31, 2025, be approved;

  AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to execute lease extensions on behalf of The Corporation of the City of Stratford.

7.5

Resolution - Accommodation Licensing Fee Implementation (COU25-010)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT the report titled, “Accommodation Licensing By-law Fee Implementation” (COU25-010), be received;

  AND THAT Schedule “B” of the City’s Fees and Charges By-law 99-2024 be amended to establish license application fees for the City’s Accommodation Licensing By-law 130-2022 as recommended in Report COU25-010.

7.6

Resolution - Ontario Regulation 284/09 – Excluded Expenses (FIN25-006)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT the report dated January 21, 2025, from the Director of Corporate Services regarding legislative requirements of Ontario Regulation 284/09, and the impact of excluded expenses from the City’s 2025 budget, be received for information.

7.7

Resolution - 2025 Draft Budget and By-Law Adoption (COU25-011)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT the draft 2025 budget as amended be adopted with a levy increase of $5,893,927 and a total tax levy of $85,984,303;

  AND THAT the 2025 Budget By-law be adopted as presented.

7.8

Resolution - Canadian Dairy XPO

Organizers of the Canadian Dairy Expo have requested designation of the 2025 event to be held April 2 and 3, 2025, in the Cow Coliseum building of the Stratford Rotary Complex, as a municipally significant event for the purpose of obtaining a liquor license.

Comments received from departments and agencies include:

• no concerns from Corporate Services;
• no concerns from Huron Perth Public Health;
• no concerns from Stratford Police;
• no concerns from Building Services;
• no concerns from Facilities and the event organizer is  required to abide by all policies in the Municipal Alcohol Policy for hosting an alcohol related event;
• Fire Prevention provided the following comments:
  • onsite fire inspection to be conducted prior to the start of the event.
  • occupancy limits of the Rotary Complex and Agriplex to be followed as outlined within the site plan completed by R.Ritz Architect dated January 13/2025.
  • occupancy within the Cow Coliseum not permitted unless an alternative solution is accepted and approved by the Fire Department and City of Stratford Building Division.
  • Compliance with all regulations set forth within the Ontario Fire Code O.Reg. 213/07 to be adhered to at all times. 

• Motion by

  THAT City Council hereby designates the 2025 Canadian Dairy Expo (CDX) event to be held April 2 and 3, 2025 in the Cow Coliseum at the Stratford Rotary Complex as having municipal significance for the purpose of obtaining liquor licenses from the AGCO, subject to compliance with the City's Municipal Alcohol Risk Policy and required certificates of insurance being provided. 

7.9

Resolution - Spottydawg Productions Inc.

Organizers of Spottydawg Productions Inc. have requested designation of a music event to be held April 17, 2025, in the Stratford Rotary Complex, as a municipally significant event for the purpose of obtaining a liquor license. 

Comments received from departments and agencies include:

• no concerns from Huron Perth Public Health; 
• no concerns from Corporate Services subject to the required certificates of insurance being provided;
• no concerns from Facilities and the organizer is required to abide by all alcohol related policies outlined in the facility rental agreement and Municipal Alcohol Policy;
• Fire prevention provided the following comments:
  • a site plan bearing the seal of an architect will be required to outline occupancy limits and means of egress as per the Ontario Building Code/Ontario Fire Code. A site plan is currently on file from a previous event by Spottydawg Productions Inc. If the organizers wish to use the same site plan a letter stating such will be required.
  • an onsite fire inspection and letter will be required for this event.
• As of February 4, 2025, no comments were received from Stratford Police or the Building Division.

• Motion by

  THAT City Council hereby designates the Spottydawg Productions Inc. event to be held April 17, 2025, at the Stratford Rotary Complex as having municipal significance for the purpose of obtaining liquor licenses from the AGCO, subject to compliance with the City's Municipal Alcohol Risk Policy and required certificates of insurance being provided. 

7.10

Proclamation - Kin Canada Day 2025

• Motion by

  THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims February 20, 2025 as Kin Canada Day and the week of February 16 to 22, 2025 as Kin Canada Week in celebration of the Kinsmen Club of Stratford's 80th year serving the "Communities Greatest Need";

  AND THAT Stratford City Council authorize the flying of the Kin Flag the week of February 16 to 22 in recognition of the men and women who volunteer their time for the purposes of bettering their communities through 'hands on' service work and raising funds. 

7.11

Proclamation - National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

• Motion by

  THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims February 22, 2025, as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day to raise awareness to the magnitude of modern-day slavery in Canada.

7.12

Proclamation - Epilepsy Awareness Month

• Motion by

  THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims March 26, 2025 as Purple Day for Epilepsy and March 2025 as Epilepsy Awareness Month to raise awareness of the prominence of Epilepsy in Ontario and to break down the stigma of Epilepsy.

7.13

Correspondence - Resignation of Mike Adams from the SEEDCo./investStratford Board of Directors

• Motion by

  THAT the resignation of Mark Adams from the SEEDCo./investStratford Board of Directors be accepted. 

8.

Business for Which Previous Notice Has Been Given:

8.1

Resolution - Designation of 15 Huron Street (The Shakespearean Gardens) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act. (COU25-012)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT City Council designate 15 Huron Street under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act through the passing of a By-law pertaining to the following attributes:

  1. Dufton Chimney Tower and features, including the top structure and weathervane
  2. Original stone walls throughout the garden design
  3. Huron Street lychgate
  4. Knot Garden
  5. Herb Garden
  6. Rose Garden
  7. Perennial Border Garden
  8. Walkway lamp lighting
  9. Sundial within the confines of the Garden
  10. Bust of William Shakespeare

  AND THAT, a commemorative plaque be installed on the subject lands with all costs borne by Heritage Stratford.

9.

Reports of the Standing Committees:

9.1

Report of the Finance and Labour Relations Committee:

• Motion by

  THAT the Report of the Finance and Labour Relations Committee dated February 10, 2025, be adopted as printed.

9.1.1

Council Remuneration Review and Recommendations (FIN25-005)

THAT Council authorize a 2025 base remuneration for the Mayor of $86,800.16, Deputy Mayor of $24,333.75 and Councillors of $22,390.14;

THAT the per diem rate for meetings with a duration of three hours or less be increased from $60 to $75;

THAT the per diem rate for meetings with a duration of more than three hours in any one day be increased from $90 to $150;

THAT Council amend the indexing from the Consumer Price Index to the internal method of following the Administrative Salary Group for any annual increases;

THAT the Council Remuneration By-law attached to Report FIN25-005 be adopted;

AND THAT By-law 20-98 be repealed.

9.1.2

Council Remuneration Review and Recommendations (FIN25-005)

THAT Council amend the recommended indexing to follow the most current available annualized Consumer Price Index, monthly, not seasonally adjusted or 3%, whichever is lower, for future annual increases.

9.1.3

United Way Request to Waive Facility Fees (FIN25-001)

THAT the report titled, “United Way Request to Waive Facility Fees” (FIN25-001), be received;

AND THAT the facility rental fee waiver request in the amount of $875 for use of the Agriplex fieldhouse on March 15, 2025 be approved and funded from the 2024 Community Grants Reserve fund.

9.1.4

Review of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Program

THAT the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Program be reviewed.

9.1.5

Downloading of Services Information Report

THAT staff be directed to report back to Council regarding the impacts of the downloading of services from the provincial and federal governments.

9.1.6

Sale and Disposition of Land Policy Review

THAT the Sale and Disposition of Land Policy be referred to staff to review the ability to direct a portion of municipal land sales, excluding industrial land, towards attainable housing initiatives, including Community Improvement Plans.

9.1.7

Municipal Accommodation Tax Ad-Hoc Committee

THAT the development of an Ad-Hoc Committee to review and develop a draft policy on the use of municipal accommodation tax funds be referred to staff.

9.2

Report of the Social Services Committee

• Motion by

  THAT the Report of the Social Services Committee dated February 10, 2025, be adopted as printed.

9.2.1

Ontario Works 2024 Business Plan (SOC25-001)

THAT the report titled, “Ontario Works 2024 Business Plan” (SOC25-001), be received for information.

9.2.2

CMHA Outreach Worker Service Agreement (SOC25-002)

THAT the Corporation of the City of Stratford enter into a three-year agreement with the Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth Addictions and Mental Health Services for the provision of services defined in the Outreach Worker Service Agreement;

THAT the Mayor and Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the Outreach Worker Service Agreement with the Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth Addictions and Mental Health Services;

AND THAT the Director of Social Services be authorized to approve any contract amendments, subject to no changes to the financial considerations or identified performance concerns, for the duration of the contract and subject to providing the City Clerk with any approved contract amendments.

9.2.3

Optimism Place Outreach Worker Service Agreement (SOC24-003)

THAT Council authorize The Corporation of the City of Stratford to enter into an agreement with Optimism Place, Women’s Shelter, and Support Services for the provision of services defined in the Outreach Worker Service Agreement;

THAT the Mayor and Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the Outreach Worker Service Agreement with Optimism Place, Women’s Shelter, and Support Services;

AND THAT the Director of Social Services be authorized to approve any contract amendments, subject to no changes to the financial considerations or identified performance concerns, for the duration of the contract and subject to a copy of any approved amended contract being provided to the City Clerk.

10.

Notice of Intent:

None scheduled.

11.

Reading of the By-laws:

​The following By-laws require First and Second Readings and Third and Final Readings and could be taken collectively upon unanimous vote of Council present:

• Motion by

  THAT By-laws 11.1 to 11.9 be taken collectively.

• Motion by

  THAT By-laws 11.1 to 11.9 be read a First and Second Time.

• Motion by

  THAT By-laws 11.1 to 11.9 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

11.1

Agreement - Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth Addictions and Mental Health Services

To authorize the entering into and execution of an Outreach Worker Service Agreement / Purchase of Service Agreement with CMHA Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health Services for the provision of services defined in the Agreement.

11.2

Lease Agreement - Discovery Centre

To authorize the execution of an extension to the Lease Agreement with The Stratford Shakespearean Festival of Canada for the lease of certain lands at 270 Water Street, more commonly known as the Discovery Centre (former Teacher’s College), to December 31, 2025.

11.3

Lease Agreement - Festival Parking Lot

To authorize the execution of an extension to the Lease Agreement with The Stratford Shakespearean Festival of Canada for the use of the Queen Street parking lot to December 31, 2025.

11.4

Award Tender for Video Surveillance - Meraki Solutions

To authorize the acceptance of a tender, execution of the contract and the undertaking of the work by Synnapex Inc. for the supply and delivery of Meraki Solutions, including 3-year licensing (T-2024-36) and to Repeal By-law 1-2025.

11.5

Heritage Designation 15 Huron Street

To designate 15 Huron Street under Part IV of Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act as being of architectural and historical value or interest.

11.6

Council Remuneration By-law

To establish the indemnity and remuneration of members of Council for the City of Stratford and to repeal By-law 20-98.

11.7

Amend Fees and Charges By-law Short Term Accommodation Licensing

To amend the Fees and Charges By-law 99-2024, as amended, for The Corporation of the City of Stratford, to include fees for short term rental accommodation licensing.

11.8

2025 Draft By-law

To adopt the budget (estimates of revenues and expenditures) for tax supported and user pay purposes for the year 2025.

11.9

Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area (BIA) Levy for 2025

To levy a special charge upon the rateable property in the business improvement area for the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area (BIA) (formerly City Centre BIA) for 2025.

12.

Consent Agenda: CA-2025-009

Council to advise if they wish to consider any items listed on the Consent Agenda.

13.

New Business:

14.

Adjournment to Standing Committees:

The next Regular Council meeting is February 24, 2025, in the Council Chamber, City Hall.

• Motion by

  THAT the Council meeting adjourn to convene into Standing Committees as follows:

  • Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee [7:05 or thereafter following the Regular Council meeting]; and
  • Planning and Heritage Committee [7:10 or thereafter following the Regular Council meeting]

  and to Committee of the Whole if necessary, and to reconvene into Council.

15.

Council Reconvene:

15.1

Declarations of Pecuniary Interest made at Standing Committees

The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act requires any member of Council declaring a pecuniary interest and the general nature thereof, where the interest of a member of Council has not been disclosed by reason of the member’s absence from the meeting, to disclose the interest at the first open meeting attended by the member of Council and otherwise comply with the Act.

Declarations of Pecuniary Interest made at Standing Committee meetings held on February 10, 2025, with respect to the following Items and re-stated at the reconvene portion of the Council meeting:

Name, Item and General Nature of Pecuniary Interest

 

15.2

Reading of the By-laws (reconvene):

The following By-law requires First and Second Readings and Third and Final Readings:

By-law 11.10 Confirmatory By-law

To confirm the proceedings of Council of The Corporation of the City of Stratford at its meeting held on February 10, 2025.

• Motion by

  THAT By-law 11.10 be read a First and Second Time.

• Motion by

  THAT By-law 11.10 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

15.3

Adjournment of Council Meeting

Meeting Start Time:
Meeting End Time:

• Motion by

  THAT the February 10, 2025, Regular Council meeting adjourn.