Bill Atwood

The Stratford Active Adults Association is preparing its free Active Living Fair and Open House for Sept. 12 at the Stratford Burnside Agriplex. The event will feature 50 exhibits, including community organizations and wellness exhibitors, along with information about recreational, educational, cultural and volunteer opportunities for people aged 55 and older. University of Windsor kinesiology professors Todd and Krista Loughead will present strategies for aging well with optimism. Organizers and board member Trudy Jonkman emphasize physical activity, nutrition and especially regular social connections as ways to address isolation and support healthy aging.

Stratford city council approved nearly $1.68 million in net spending for the first phase of extensive exterior repairs to the nearly 130-year-old city hall. Work by Brantford-based Robertson Restoration will begin in the fall and continue until next summer, covering the north-side steps, masonry, brickwork, slate roofing, paint, windows and Market Square entrance doors. The doors and steps were added to the project after the city’s initial $1.1 million allocation, raising the gross cost to $1.8645 million before an HST rebate. Two further phases will address the Wellington Street elevation and tower, while city hall is expected to remain open during construction.

An 86-year-old Stratford resident died after being struck by a pickup truck in the parking lot of Stratford Mall near the SportChek entrance. The pedestrian was initially airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries after Stratford firefighters helped remove them from under the vehicle. The 38-year-old driver from St. Catharines was identified, and Stratford police continue to investigate while seeking witnesses and camera footage.

Festival Hydro is pursuing a corporate restructuring designed to support expansion, partnerships and improved access to financing while preserving the City of Stratford’s effective ownership. The proposed structure would create Festival Group Holdings Inc. as a holding company overseeing the regulated electricity distributor and a new entity, Festival Integrated Technologies Inc., intended to facilitate growth beyond Stratford and attract private investment. Council has approved the plan in principle, but shareholder arrangements, corporate filings and other regulatory requirements remain outstanding; a full report is expected within 60 days.

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority has reopened its Tree Power program in Perth South for a sixth year in partnership with the township. Residents can purchase eight species of native trees for $30 each until September 26, with pickup scheduled that day at Kirkton Community Centre. Officials highlighted strong community participation and the program's broader success, including thousands of trees planted in London and Stratford since its launch.

Chatham City Council approved amendments allowing 12 apartment units in two buildings at 315 and 317 Huron Street, despite strong opposition from nearby residents. The proposal required exemptions for density, lot size, setbacks, landscaped space, side-yard width and parking. The applicant revised the site plan, stormwater management measures and retaining wall after an earlier deferral, while city staff warned that rejection could prompt an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal. Residents Amy and Rick Brodhagen argued the development was too intensive for the site and neighbourhood. The application passed in a recorded vote, with Cody Sebben and Geza Wordofa opposed.

Stratford officials denied claims that the city ordered residents of a homeless encampment near the Cooper terminal bus station to leave by Aug. 31. Mayor Martin Ristma said no eviction had been discussed and that the city was following court directions on encampments. Officials said workers used a loader to remove rain-damaged or unwanted items with residents’ consent, while outreach staff, paramedics, bylaw officers and firefighters continue to provide support. Activist and city council candidate Tanner Bergsma said he shared the unverified eviction claim after hearing it from a resident and warned that such action could violate Charter rights. Residents said they feel supported within the encampment but criticized the lack of around-the-clock restroom access and renewed a request for a portable toilet.