Stratford City Council
Regular Council Open Session
AGENDA

Meeting #:

4767th

Date:

Monday, March 24, 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, 
• and Audrey Pascual - Deputy Clerk 

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 Regular Meeting of Council of The Corporation of the City of Stratford dated February 24, 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 March 24, 2025, be added to the Agenda as printed.

5.

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

5.1

At the March 24, 2025, Session, under the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, matters concerning the following items were considered:

4.1 Confidential Report of the Director of Community Services - Collective Bargaining Update – IBEW 636 (Water Division) and ATU Local 741 (Transit Division) (CM-25-05) - Labour relations or employee negotiations (section 239.(2)(d));

5.1 Confidential Report of the Mayor with respect to the Interim CAO Position (CM-25-06) - Personal matters about an identifiable individual(s) including municipal employees or local board employees (section 239.(2)(b)); and Labour relations or employee negotiations (section 239.(2)(d)).

6.

Hearings of Deputations and Presentations:

6.1

Adjournment to a Public Meeting under the Planning Act:

• Motion by

  THAT the Council meeting adjourn to a public meeting under the Planning Act to hear from members of the public on Zone Change Application Z01-25, for 963 O'Loane Avenue and to reconvene at the conclusion of the public meeting.

7.

Orders of the Day:

7.1

Resolution - 2025 Tax Rates and Tax Policy Matters (COU25-022)

Peter Frise, Vice President Policy and Consulting Services, Municipal Tax Equity Consultants Inc. will present the study on behalf of the City.

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT the report titled, “2025 Tax Rates and Tax Policy Matters” (COU25-022), be received for information;

  THAT Council provide direction on whether any changes to tax policies are to be considered at this time;

  AND THAT a by-law to set tax ratios, tax rates and tax reductions for prescribed subclasses for the year 2025 and govern and regulate the finances of The Corporation of the City of Stratford be adopted.

7.2

Resolution - Chief Administrative Officer Recruitment - Selection Committee (COU25-025)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT direction be given on the three members of Council to be appointed to the Chief Administrative Officer Selection Committee.

7.3

Resolution - Tax Deferral or Cancellation Programs for Fixed Income Households (COU25-024)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT the report titled, “Tax Deferral or Cancellation Programs for Fixed Income Households” (COU25-024), be received;

  THAT Council provide further direction on expanding programs, if any;

  AND THAT Staff be directed to update the City’s website regarding all programs available to residents, including details on how to access them.

7.4

Resolution - Treasurer’s 2024 Statement of Council Remuneration and Expenses (COU25-030)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT the report titled, “Treasurer’s 2024 Statement of Council Remuneration and Expenses” (COU25-030), be received for information.

7.5

Resolution - Consideration of Renewal and Expansion of Purchase of Service Agreement with Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation (SEEDCo.) (COU25-033)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT the request to renew the Purchase of Service Agreement with the Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation, to include the additional services, for a five year term to December 31, 2030, be approved;

  THAT the renewal take effect at time of signing of this agreement;

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

7.6

Resolution - Lease Agreement Extension for Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation – 82 Erie Street (COU25-034)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT The Corporation of the City of Stratford extend the Lease Agreement with Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation for the lease of a portion of space at 82 Erie Street (City Hall Annex) for a further five years commencing on January 1, 2026, and expiring on December 31, 2030;

  AND THAT the Mayor and City Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the Lease Agreement.

7.7

Resolution - Airport Farmland Lease Award (COU25-031)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT the RFEOI for a three (3) year term from Peter Koot and Rachael Berta for the lease of 160 acres of farmland adjacent to the Stratford Municipal Airport, described as Part of Lots 39, 40, 41, Concession 5 and Parts of Lots 38, 39, 40 and 41 Concession 6, from March 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027, be accepted;

  AND THAT the Mayor and City Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the Farmland Lease Agreement. 

7.8

Resolution - Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program Contribution Agreement (COU25-026)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT Council authorize the entering into of the Contribution Agreement between The Corporation of the City of Stratford and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) for the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP);

  THAT the Mayor and Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the Contribution Agreement;

  AND THAT the Parking Reserve Fund be used to fund the City’s portion of the project costs.

7.9

Resolution - T-2024-13 Albert Street Reconstruction Phase 2 Tender Award (COU25-023)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT the tender (T-2024-13) for the Albert Street Reconstruction Phase 2 Project be awarded to Van Bree Drainage and Bulldozing Limited o/a Van Bree Infrastructure, at a total tender price of $4,179,650.25 including HST;

  AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk, or their respective delegates, be authorized to sign the necessary Contract Agreement for construction contract T-2024-13.

7.10

Resolution - Lions Pool Liner Replacement – RFP Award (COU25-029)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT Council accept the proposal for RFP-2025-10 for the supply and installation of a new lap pool liner system for the Lions Pool, from Ontario Pool Coatings Inc. at a total cost of $141,887.32, including HST;

  THAT Facilities Capital Reserve Fund R-R11-FACI be used to provide the funding required;

  AND THAT if additional work is required, subject to approval by the Director of Community Services, an additional contingency be authorized to fund any potential issues that are not within the approved RFP scope of work from Facilities Capital Reserve Fund R-R11-FACI and in accordance with Policy F.1.15 Capital Budget Authorization for Expenditures.

7.11

Resolution - Kinsmen Club of Stratford, Ontario Pork Congress

The Kinsmen Club of Stratford has requested designation of the 2025 Ontario Pork Congress trade show to be held June 18-19, 2025, at the Stratford Rotary Complex, as a municipally significant event for the purpose of obtaining a liquor license. 

Comments received from departments and agencies include:

• Corporate Services, Police Services, Building Services and  Huron Perth Public Health have not expressed concerns with this application. 
• no issues or concerns from the Facilities Division and the renter will be required to comply with the Municipal Alcohol policy and AGCO regulations.
• Fire Prevention provided the following comments:
  • Event requires an LLBO Special Occasion Permit/Inspection.
  • Confirmation of previously approved site plan required. Any changes to the site plan will require engineered/architectural drawings including occupancy limits to be submitted to fire prevention for review/approval.
  • Fire route to be maintained at all times. 

• Motion by

  THAT City Council hereby designates the Ontario Pork Congress trade show to be held June 18-19, 2025, at the Stratford Rotary Complex as having municipal significance for the purpose of obtaining liquor licenses from the AGCO, subject to the necessary permits being obtained, compliance with the City's Municipal Alcohol Risk Policy and the required certificates of insurance being provided.

7.12

Proclamation - World Autism Day

The World Autism Day theme for 2025 is Celebrate the Spectrum. 

• Motion by

  THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims April 2, 2025, as "World Autism Day" in the City of Stratford and authorizes the flying of the Autism Flag on April 2, 2025, to "Celebrate the Spectrum" to show support for the autism community and to raise awareness.

7.13

Proclamation - Human Values Day

• Motion by

  THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims April 24, 2025, as "Human Values Day" in the City of Stratford in support of the fundamental Human Values of truth, right conduct, peace, love and non-violence.

7.14

Proclamation - Dairy Week

• Motion by

  THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims April 1-4, 2025, as "Dairy Week" in the City of Stratford in celebration of the Dairy sector in Perth County and the City of Stratford, and authorizes the flying of a Dairy Producer flag at City Hall on April 3 and 4, 2025. 

8.

Business for Which Previous Notice Has Been Given:

None scheduled. 

9.

Reports of the Standing Committees:

There are no Standing Committee reports to be considered at the March 24, 2025 meeting.

10.

Notice of Intent:

10.1

Notice of Public Meeting under the Planning Act

Stratford City Council will hold a Public Meeting on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. to hear from interested persons with respect to the following planning applications: 

• Official Plan Amendment application OPA1-25 and Zone Change application Z09-24 for 315 and 317 Huron Street Plan 46 Part Lot 7 and 8 in the City of Stratford; and 
• Draft Plan of Subdivision Application 31T24-003, Official Plan Amendment application OPA02-24 and Zoning By-law Amendment Application Z08-24 for 672 Mornington Street Part of Lot 1, Concession 2 (geographic Township of Ellice), now in the City of Stratford. 

For further information, please see the attached Notices. 

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 11.8 be taken collectively.

• Motion by

  THAT By-laws 11.1 to 11.8 be read a First and Second Time.

• Motion by

  THAT By-laws 11.1 to 11.8 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed. 

11.1

Tax Rates 2025

To set tax ratios, tax rates and tax reductions for prescribed subclasses for the year 2025 and govern and regulate the finances of The Corporation of the City of Stratford.

11.2

Award Tender for Albert Street Reconstruction Phase 2

To authorize the acceptance of a tender, execution of the contract and the undertaking of work by Van Bree Drainage and Bulldozing Limited o/a Van Bree Infrastructure for the Albert Street Reconstruction Phase 2 Project (T-2024-13).

11.3

Conveyance to the City of Lot 4 Crane West Business Park

To accept the transfer (conveyance) from 1000190996 Ontario Inc. to The Corporation of the City of Stratford of Lot 4, Plan 44R-5904, Crane West Business Park.

11.4

Award Proposal for Lions Pool Liner

To authorize the acceptance of a proposal and the undertaking of work by Ontario Pool Coatings Inc. for the supply and installation of a new lap pool liner system for the Lions Pool (RFP-2025-10).

11.5

Lease of Farmland Adjacent to the Municipal Airport - Peter Koot and Rachael Berta

To authorize the execution of a Lease Agreement with Peter Koot and Rachael Berta for farmland adjacent to the Stratford Municipal Airport for a three year term to December 31, 2027.

11.6

Amending Agreement to the Purchase of Service Agreement - SEEDCo.

To authorize the entering into and execution of an Amending Agreement to the Purchase of Service Agreement with Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation o/a investStratford to deliver economic development programs and services for the City of Stratford.

11.7

Lease Agreement Renewal - SEEDCo.

To authorize the entering into and execution of a renewal of the Lease Agreement with the Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation o/a investStratford for the lease of certain space at the City Hall Annex Building, 82 Erie Street, for a further five-year term from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2030.

11.8

Authorize Signing of Contribution Agreement with Natural Resources Canada

To authorize the entering into and execution of a Contribution Agreement, and any other necessary documentation, between His Majesty the King in Right of Canada as represented by the Minister of Natural Resources and The Corporation of the City of Stratford to carry out the City of Stratford Electric Vehicle Charging Station Expansion Project.

12.

Consent Agenda: CA-2024-025 to CA-2024-040

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 April 14, 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
  • Social Services 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 March 24, 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

Committee Reports

15.2.1

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee

• Motion by

  THAT Item 5.1 of the Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee meeting dated March 24, 2025, be adopted as follows:

  5.1 Avon Street and Avondale Avenue Reconstruction - Open House and Recommendations (ITS25-004)

  THAT Council receive the description of the proposed design for the Avon Street and Avondale Avenue Reconstruction Project;

  THAT Council accept the design as presented at the Public Open House and on Engage Stratford;

  AND THAT Council authorize Staff to proceed with construction tendering.

15.3

Reading of the By-laws (reconvene):

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

By-law 11.9 Confirmatory By-law

To confirm the proceedings of Council of The Corporation of the City of Stratford at its meeting held on March 24, 2025.

• Motion by

  THAT By-law 11.9 be read a First and Second Time. 

• Motion by

  THAT By-law 11.9 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed. 

15.4

Adjournment of Council Meeting

Meeting Start Time:
Meeting End Time:

• Motion by

  THAT the March 24, 2025, Regular Council meeting adjourn.