Stratford presentation - Leisure Information Network

The City of Stratford
Communities in Bloom
Community Profile Book 2011
Contents
Page
Welcome from the Stratford Communities in Bloom Committee
Letter from Mayor Dan Mathieson
Itinerary
Introduction - Dramatically Different
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Section 1 - Tidiness Efforts
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Section 2 - Environmental Action
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Section 3 - Heritage Conservation
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Section 4 - Urban Forestry
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Section 5 - Landscape
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Section 6 - Floral Displays
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Section 7 - Community Involvement
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Section 8 - Thank you to our sponsors and community supports
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Welcome from the City of Stratford
2011 Communities in Bloom Committee
The City of Stratford Communities in Bloom committee welcomes the Communities in Bloom judges
to the City of Stratford.
Our wonderful committee is made up of volunteers who are appointed by city council to oversee the
Communities in Bloom programs in Stratford, Ontario.
In our time together, you will see and experience a wealth of culture and heritage that has taken many years to
grow and nurture. Our love for the arts, community involvement, history, culture, and industrial beginnings are at
the forefront of our city’s development.
Stratford has a long history of caring for the environment, preserving its natural and cultural heritage, staying in
balance with nature and caring for its citizens. It is with great pride that we are able to showcase our City to you.
In 2006, the City of Stratford was successful in winning the Communities in Bloom and WinterLights awards for
our population categories and in 2007, the City of Stratford was successful in winning the WinterLights, Winners
Circle, large category award. Most recently we were honored with the “Best Blooming Community” award in
2008. Participation in Communities in Bloom is an opportunity to revisit our strengths as a community, learn from
our past and to showcase our love for our home town.
Welcome to the City of Stratford, we hope you enjoy your stay.
Sincerely,
Brad Beatty,
Chair
The City of Stratford, Communities in Bloom Committee
His Worship, Dan Mathieson
Brad Beatty
Mimi Price
Allan O’Neill
Bonnie Henderson
Sandra McLaren
Carys Wyn Hughes
Jaclynn Sidwell
Barb Hacking
Susan Kummer
Dave Gaffney
Dan Martin
Cathy Rehberg
Quin Malott
Honorary Chair – Mayor, City of Stratford
Chair – Councillor, City of Stratford
Member – Chief Executive Officer YMCA
Member – Chair of Heritage Stratford
Member – Councillor, City of Stratford
Member – Manager of Support Services Community Living
Member – Manager of Community Involvement Community Living
Member – Citizen of Stratford
Member – Citizen of Stratford
Member – Citizen of Stratford
Member – Citizen of Stratford
Member – Retired Director of Community Services
Stratford Tourism Alliance - Manager of Marketing
City of Stratford - Park and Forestry Manager
July 2011
Dear Communities in Bloom Judges:
On behalf of City Council and our residents, I would like to welcome you to the
City of Stratford. We are excited to be a part of the 2011 Communities in Bloom
Program and have been looking forward to meeting you and showcasing our community.
During your stay with us, you will see what truly makes Stratford
“Dramatically Different”. We have a wonderful history of successfully combining
industry and arts and we offer a wide variety of sports and cultural events throughout
the year for everyone.
We take a great deal of pride in our community which includes the Stratford
Shakespeare Festival, a beautiful parks system, a vibrant city centre, wonderful
restaurants, unique shops and picturesque heritage neighborhoods. Visitors can always
be assured of a warm and friendly welcome from our residents.
As you look beyond our beautiful gardens, parks and buildings, you will find a
community that truly cares about one another. We have a many service clubs, churches
and committees with dedicated and committed volunteers who strive to make our
community a wonderful place to live, work and visit.
Welcome to Stratford! We hope that you enjoy the “Stratford Experience”.
Sincerely,
Dan Mathieson, Mayor
Councillors
Brad Beatty ~ George Brown ~ Tom Clifford ~ Keith Culliton ~ Bonnie Henderson
Frank Mark ~ Kerry McManus ~ Paul F. Nickel ~ Martin Ritsma ~ Karen Smythe
Stratford Itinerary - 2011
Sunday July 24th
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Arrive in Stratford on Via Rail
1:15 pm
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Stratford Festival Theatre - Performance of Twelfth Night
2:00 pm
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Stratford Festival Garden Tour - Guide Anita Jacobson
5:00 pm
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Boat Tour on Juliet III – Guide Jacqui Misener
7:00 pm
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Dinner
7:45 pm
Tuesday July 25th
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Breakfast
8:00 am
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Community Showcase - City Hall
Emcee
Civic Beautification & Environmental Awareness Committee
Stratford and District Horticultural Society
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
Northwestern Secondary School
Heritage Stratford
Stratford Tourism Alliance
C.A.R.E. Stratford
City of Stratford
9:00 am
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Driving Tour - Guide Quin Malott
T.J. Dolan Natural Area
SWEC
Catherine East Memorial Gardens
Dunn’s bridge
Packham Road sports fields
Dog Park
Grade 3 flower bed
Anne Hathaway Park
Land Fill Site
Mimi Price
Brad Beatty
Darlene Irwin
Miranda MacKean
Melissa Van Dam / Zack Muma
Allan O’Neill
Eugene Zakreski
Kerry McManus
Mayor Dan Mathieson
10:30 am
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Cooper Standard Natural Area
Shared Soccer fields
Gateway Planters at Ontario and C.H. Meier
Confederation Park
Golf course
New subdivisions (storm water management pond)
Rotary Complex
Rotary Club respite house
Stratford Association for Community Living
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Lunch – City Hall Auditorium
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Walking tour of downtown area - Guide Alanah Delaney
Tour includes: Stratford Tourism Alliance
Rheo Thompson Candies
Gerard Brender a Brandis
Anything Grows
1:30 pm
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Private Garden Tour - 81 William Street – Hosts Annette and Brian MacDonald
3:00 pm
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Stratford in Bloom 2011 Winners Garden Tour
3:30 pm
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Judges Evaluation Time - Foster’s Inn
4:00 pm
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Dinner
7:00 pm
12:00 pm
Wednesday July 26th
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Breakfast & On-air interview with CJCS
8:00 am
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Stratford Shakespeare Festival Costume Warehouse Tour
9:00 am
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Private Garden Tour - 62 Avon Street – Hosts Kristene Steed & Marc Johnstone 11:00 am
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Depart for Barrie
12:00 pm
Dramatically Different
The community of Stratford holds a proud rich heritage. We have a long history and
reputation for supporting culture, nurturing physical beauty and providing a quality of
life that has been recognized as one of the most desirable cities to visit or to live in
Ontario.
Stratford is one of Canada’s prettiest small cities. We have a history of preserving our
architecture, protecting our river front and cultivating our gardens and parks. Our
people support fine artistic expression as found in the Stratford Shakespeare Festival,
Stratford Summer Music and many musical and dramatic performances all year round.
Throughout the spring and
summer,
Stratford
is
unrivaled in a beauty enjoyed
by both residents and visitors
alike. A special weekend in
the spring is devoted to the
release of the swans from
their
winter
quarters
accompanied by marching
pipes and drums.
Love,
laughter, and our passion for
gardening, the theater and
community spirit are all renewed when the flowers start to bloom again. A thousand
acres of parks and over 90,000 annuals complement private gardens throughout the
city. Free summer concerts set on grassy carpets framed by willow trees serenade swans
gliding on the Avon River.
You will discover the magic that is summer in Stratford as you wander heritage plantings
of the Shakespearean Garden, the Stratford Shakespeare Festival’s formal ornamental
Arthur Meighen Gardens and city beds planted with hundreds of irises – Stratford’s
floral emblem. As you stroll down one of the best preserved 19th century streetscapes
in Canada, you will encounter avenues blooming with floral baskets and stands and
bouquets dotting outdoor patios, shops and public spaces.
Stratford provides self-guided audio podcast garden tours to inform and guide you in
your wanderings. If you are up for a longer roam or hike, you can head north or south
along the 104 km Avon Trail or leisurely cycle along the pastoral laneways and farms of
Perth County.
Our community sparkles all year around. In the fall and winter, Stratford becomes the
picturesque snowy village. The Victorian and Edwardian heritage streets are aglow with
Christmas lights, cedar garlands and wreaths tied up with ribbons.
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Residents and visitors are invited to concerts in the historic City Hall and our many
churches. Stroll and shop to the sounds of traditional carolers on the streets and tour
historic bed and breakfasts dressed up in their Christmas finery.
Stratford typically gets more snow than other parts of southwestern Ontario, a perfect
place to enjoy colorful neighborhoods walks in the fall or to get some crisp winter
exercise. We welcome cross-country skiers to Wildwood Conservation Area, as well as
snowmobilers in and around Stratford and Perth County all winter long. Stratford is an
ideal place to spend a romantic weekend in one of our inns or bed and breakfasts,
window-shopping, dining in quiet restaurants and taking in an intimate concert at “Live
at City Hall”.
Looking Back
Preserving the environment and civic
beautification has a long tradition in
Stratford. The formation of the Board
of Parks Management in 1904 has
helped Stratford maintain and build its
park system. Today, Stratford has more
parkland per capita than any other City
in Canada.
In the early 1900’s there was a proposal to build a railway line along the river. Local
citizens together with the Board of Parks Management successfully banded together to
oppose this proposal and to preserve the land along the river for parkland. These
actions a hundred years ago set the stage for the beautiful parklands that are today
found along the Avon River and Lake Victoria.
The first swan was introduced along the Avon River in 1918. With some thirty-five swans
presently living along the waterways, the swan has become a symbol of the City of
Stratford. Each year when the swans are released from their winter quarters, thousands
of people come out for the annual swan parade that is sponsored by the volunteer Civic
Beautification and Environmental Awareness Committee. With a pipe band leading the
way, the swans are led to the water in a way that has to be seen to be believed.
In the early 1950’s Tom Patterson had a dream: a dream to have Shakespearean theatre
in Stratford located on the Avon River. In 1953 the Stratford Shakespearean Festival
opened in a large tent overlooking Lake Victoria. Legendary actor and director Tyrone
Guthrie was the first artistic director. Actors in that first year included Alex Guinness,
Donald Harron, and William Hutt.
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Today the Stratford Shakespeare
Festival is the largest performing arts
organization in Canada and the largest
repertory theatre company in North
America. It is a showcase for the City
and is our major tourist anchor. The
Stratford Shakespeare Festival is truly a
dream come true.
Stratford’s participation in Communities in Bloom
The City of Stratford was a founding participant in Communities in Bloom in 1995.
Stratford has continued the tradition of participation in the program:
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1996: Won the Provincial population category
1997: Participated in the national competition
1997: Stratford won the International Nations in Bloom award held in Madrid Spain
in 1997 over Niagara on the Lake, Ontario; St. Bruno, Quebec; Botany Bay, Australia
and Fairhope, Alabama.
1998: Represented Canada along with St. John, New Brunswick; Virden, Manitoba
and Burnaby, B.C. in a challenge against four communities from Britain in Bloom
1999: Participated in the national competition
2000: Won the Canadian Classics Category with St. Marys Ontario
2001: Mentored Stratford Connecticut, USA in a friendly challenge along with three
other community pairs to help launch America in Bloom
2002: Took a year off to prepare for the National Awards and Symposium
2003: Hosted National Awards and Symposium
2004: Participated in the Friends Category
2005: Participated in the Friends Category
2006: Won the National award in its population category
2007: Won the Winter Lights, Winners Circle-Large category
2008: Won International honors in our population category
2008: Won Best Blooming Community in Canada
Stratford has hosted the Provincial Awards and Symposium on three separate occasions.
Participation in Communities in Bloom has given Stratford citizens an opportunity to
display their proud history, to showcase their devotion and dedication to the
environment and to give glimpses of our plans for the future.
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TIDINESS
The people of Stratford have always taken pride in the beauty of their city. From the nightly sounds of
the street cleaners that slowly sweep up and down our streets, to the volunteer cleanup crews who
organize every spring to care for the environment.
The City of Stratford has a
comprehensive graffiti removal plan
in place.
Hundreds of litter and recycling
containers are strategically placed
throughout the downtown core, parks
and recreations areas.
Many of Stratford downtown
retailers, dining establishments, banks
etc. adorn their properties with floral
and other seasonal displays.
The volunteer Communities in Bloom Committee encourage property owners not only to beautify their
properties but to maintain them as well.
The City of Stratford has a budget to ensure the maintenance, repair and retrofit of its municipal
buildings with energy conservation in mind.
The commercial and industrial sectors support the volunteer groups: Communities in Bloom and the
Civic Beautification and Environmental Awareness committees both financially and by in-kind support.
The Rotary Club of Stratford is involved in helping keep Stratford’s parks neat and tidy by cleaning up the
river park system.
On a regular basis different schools also conduct litter clean-ups, not only on their own property, but in
the adjacent neighborhoods as well.
Each year property owners are recognized by the volunteer Civic Beautification and Environmental
Awareness Committee recognize who go the extra mile to beautify their properties. The Stratford in
Bloom Program is now in its 16th year.
Stratford established a Gateway Advisory Committee in 1999 to improve the visual appearance of the
highways leading into the city. The Committee was made up of representatives from private business,
the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, and other citizens who were responsible for the addition of twentythree floral beds on the gateway streets, the installation of new hanging baskets, and the creation of a
Garden of Appreciation to recognize individuals and organizations that contribute to the overall wellbeing of the community.
Each year on Earth Day, the volunteer group, Civic Beautification and Environmental Awareness
Committee, with assistance from youth and others take part in the Avon River Clean-Up.
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Environmental Action
The City of Stratford is becoming more sustainable through the efforts of many including
municipal staff, local service clubs, environmental organizations, schools and businesses.
Waste Diversion
The range of programs in place to promote reuse and recycling grows each year. Some highlights of
Stratford’s program include:
• As of 2011, Leaf and Yard waste must be in compostable bags to be included in the curbside
collection. This will reduce the number of plastic bags ending up in the landfill. Yard waste is
collected curbside during the spring, summer and fall as well as one week for Christmas tree
collection.
• Treasure Hunt Days occur over a weekend in both the spring and fall to promote re-use.
Items are placed at the curbside in hopes that someone else will find this treasure and take
it for their own use. This initiative promotes waste reduction, saving valuable space in the
landfill and prolonging the life of a useable object.
• Electronic waste has been diverted from the landfill since 2005. As of 2011, it is free to drop
off electronics to be recycled at the landfill.
• Habitat for Humanity operates the ReStore which facilitates the re-use of building
materials.
In 2010, the City recycled 2635 tonnes of blue box materials.
• Garbage tags are required for garbage collection. This system was designed to reduce the
quantity of waste ending up in the landfill and to demonstrate the responsibility of disposal
to those producing garbage.
• The City of Stratford sells composters at cost to residents. Around 4700 composters have
been sold diverting an estimated 700 tonnes of organics from the landfill annually.
• Stratford’s Hazardous Waste Program - The city operates two household special waste
events during the year, one in May and one in September. These events are held on
Saturdays from 9am-12pm at the Stratford Landfill Site. The Household Special Waste depot
at the landfill accepts paint and motor oil only for the week leading up to the Saturday event
day.
• In 2009, through diversion programs, the City was able to divert an extra 46,486 tonnes of
materials like concrete and asphalt, clean fill, shingles, metal, leaf and yard waste and blue
box materials.
• The impact of online opportunities to advertise items through Stratford Freecycle and other
similar programs is difficult to measure but also worth noting.
Water Conservation
The City of Stratford has sold 1000 rain barrels since 2006 helping to divert rainwater from the
storm sewers to be used for gardens, also reducing the demand on water.
Energy Conservation
Stratford has several energy conservation initiatives underway.
Upgrades to the Dufferin arena have helped conserve energy in many ways:
• Polymer windows in rink area minimize artificial lighting while providing a more friendly
atmosphere.
• T5 lighting utilizes 15% of the former lighting system.
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Low E ceiling in rink area minimizes heat load from sun on the ice surface.
ECO CHILL refrigeration system allows heat removed from ice to be used to heat the
dressing rooms through a hydronic floor, to heat domestic hot water and to melt the ice
scraped from the ice itself.
6000e control system control entire building not just refrigeration (saves $75,000)
Green roof over dressing rooms provides insulation to these rooms as well as extending the
life of the roofing materials- rain from main roof is collected in a cistern and then fed to the
sedum plantings through an irrigation system
Upgrades to Tom Patterson Theatre
• The house lighting system was replaced with induction lighting. The efficiency is improved
as well as the lifespan of the bulbs is longer.
Upgrades to Social Services’ Housing Units
• Thermo pane energy efficient windows have been installed at four sites and energy
efficient exit lighting in six. Common area lighting has been upgraded in six sites. Insulation
has been improved in six sites. Motion sensors on lighting have been added in common
areas in eighteen apartment buildings. Also, exterior and storm doors have been replaced in
one apartment building.
Festival Hydro Inc.
• Festival Hydro has hired an energy conservation officer who is working to reduce energy
consumption.
Renewable Energy Generation
Stratford’s landscape is changing with the appearance of solar projects. A few notable examples
include:
Festival Hydro Inc.
• Festival Hydro Inc is generating solar energy through its three 10 KW solar installations
throughout the City of Stratford.
Northwestern Secondary School
• Northwestern installed a 10KW solar installation and is developing a learning centre to
enable teachers to maximize the value of this on-site renewable energy project for studentlearning.
Optimism Place Solar Hot Water Project
• Perth County Greenworks, a local environment group, fundraised and partnered with many
community groups to install five hot water solar panels on the local women’s shelter to help
them save energy, money and to raise awareness about helping non- profit organizations to
become more environmentally friendly.
St. Michael’s Secondary School
• A roof-mounted solar system was installed in the spring which helps to power the tech
wing.
Local Food
Many initiatives are underway promoting local, sustainable agriculture.
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Stratford
Urban
Farming
Experiment has brought together
those with land to share and those
with energy to garden. Produce
will be shared with the local food
bank.
• Stratford now has a Sunday Slow
Food Market in Market Square
behind City Hall and Savour
Stratford is a fall celebration of
Slow Food.
• School Gardens - Stratford
Northwestern and Stratford Central both grow vegetable gardens. Northwestern uses their
produce in the Screaming Avocado cafeteria which is operated by the Culinary Arts program.
Central’s produce will be shared by those participating in the community garden as well as
used to fundraise for Same World, Same Chance, an organization started by two Central
graduates in Zambia to help provide access to education. This spring, Stratford Central
planted an urban orchard.
Environmental Programs
The scope of environmental activities happening in Stratford is encouraging. This list is far from
exhaustive but will provide a sense of the work being done.
• Each week, members of the Rotary Club do a litter pick-up around the Avon River.
• Each spring, the Thames River Cleanup sees many individuals, businesses and organizations
come together to clean up the Avon River and the drains around Stratford.
• Clean & Green is an annual event which encourages everyone in the community to clean
where they live, work or play for 30 minutes and undertake one green initiative. A few
activities hosted during Clean & Green Week:
• Avon Public school hosted Dare to Declutter, a free trade event encouraging people to
declutter and to choose used items.
• At the Farmer’s Market, 200 free Union Gas Energy Savings Kits were distributed as well as
free compost and mulch.
• Tree planting and maintenance by Stratford Central students.
• Stratford & District Horticultural Society submitted articles for a local paper helping educate
the community on effective gardening techniques.
• Stratford Northwestern and the Avon Maitland District School Board hosted David Suzuki
this spring. Dr. Suzuki challenged and inspired students to make a difference.
• Stratford Field Naturalists host monthly lectures on a range of topics and through the
summer provide tours of T.J. Dolan Natural Area fostering an appreciation of our local flora
and fauna.
• MovingON is a group working to promote active transportation in Perth County.
• Multi-Use Trail is a newly formed group dedicated to the promotion and development of
multi-use trails in Stratford.
• The Environmental Super Fun Time Heroes are dedicated to changing minds and saving the
planet, and to having an awesome time while doing it. This group of teens is using social
media and videos as tools to engage.
• C.A.R.E. Stratford recognizes local environmental heroes each year. Individuals,
organizations and businesses have been recognized over the years. Eric Eberhardt and AISIN
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Canada have received the award more than once due to their exceptional efforts in
sustainability.
Stratford Volunteer Civic Beautification and Environmental Awareness Committee plants a
flower garden with Grade 3 students to raise awareness about planting and helping the
community. They also plant, water and weed the local VIA railway station by partnering
with VIA.
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority has a long standing relationship with the City of
Stratford. More than sixty years ago the Conservation Authority was formed in Stratford bringing
local urban and rural communities together to work towards inspiring a healthy environment.
Community Forestry
Community Forestry in Stratford began in 1991 with a small planting site behind St. John’s Church
and a couple hundred seedlings in the back of a car! In 1992, a Community Forestry program was
initiated by the City of Stratford, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority and the Civic
Beautification and Environmental Awareness Committee to naturalize suitable lands designated as
Parks and Open Space in the City of Stratford Official Plan. Since that time more than 13,000 native
trees and shrubs have been planted at various sites within Stratford with the help of more than
7,000 community members and students.
Cooper Standard
In 1999, Cooper Standard Automotive became a community leader by being the first industrial
naturalization project in the area. As a result of this project, completed in partnership with the
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, the Civic Beautification and Environmental Awareness
Committee, the City of Stratford and local schools, Cooper Standard employees enjoy a walking trail
through a beautiful four acre naturalized area of trees, shrubs, wildflower meadows, and naturalized
wetlands.
Stratford Watershed Excellence Centre
In 2002, the Ontario Clean Water Agency, the Civic Beautification and Environmental Awareness
Committee, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, and the City of Stratford Community
Services Department developed the Stratford Watershed Excellence Centre (SWEC) as an initiative to
be featured during the National Awards Ceremony & Symposium for Communities in Bloom in
Stratford in 2003. SWEC was a new, innovative way to bring community focus to watersheds, the
water cycle, and aquatic health.
The Stratford Watershed Excellence Centre (SWEC) consisted of naturalizing a two acre parcel of
land at the Stratford Waste Water Treatment Plant site along the Avon River using native trees,
shrubs and wildflowers; placing five educational story boards along the Avon Trail which travels
beside the Stratford Waste Water Treatment Plant; and, constructing a pond to utilize
ultraviolet(UV) treated effluent from the Waste Water Treatment Plant as its water source to
demonstrate aquatic health, native vegetation, fish, and other aquatic life.
A program connected to the Grade 8 Science curriculum will be developed for students to learn
about the source, use and treatment of the water in the Avon River watershed.
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TJ Dolan Natural Area
In 2005, a naturalization effort was
implemented to reforest the TJ Dolan
Natural Area along the Avon River. In
partnership with the City of Stratford,
the Rotary Club of Stratford, the Civic
Beautification
and
Environmental
Awareness Committee, schools and the
local community, more than 1000
native trees and shrubs were planted
and a multi-use trail re-established. A
large kiosk and trail head signs were
installed as part of the project.
Avon River Enhancement Project
The Avon River Enhancement Project involved the construction of underwater structures, (benches),
close to the shoreline and the planting of aquatic material. In 2007, approximately 10,000 aquatic
plants were planted by community volunteers. The project will help protect human and ecosystem
health by reducing pollution and contaminates in the river. It also provides habitat for waterfowl.
The project was completed with the assistance of the Rotary Club of Club of Stratford, the Avon
River Environment Association, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Environment Canada’s Habitat
Stewardship Program, TD Canada Trust Friends of the Environment Foundation, Unilever Evergreen
Aquatic Stewardship Grant, the City of Stratford and the Civic Beautification and Environmental
Awareness Committee.
Avon Conservation Club
In 1952, The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority along with landowners in the Upper Avon
river watershed produced the Avon Valley Plan. The premise of the plan was to conserve soil and
water in order to increase crop production. It was the first small agricultural watershed conservation
plan written in the province of Ontario. After lying dormant for over forty years, the Conservation
Club is working together with neighbours in the nearby city of Stratford to implement the plan.
Formed in 1993, the Upper Avon River Conservation Club uses the plan as a focus for their
conservation activities in the watershed. Their work has provided a catalyst for conservation work
throughout the Avon watershed and surrounding area. The Club adopted the theme ‘neighbours
helping neighbours’ to emphasize the importance they place on working together as a community
for the common good of both their immediate environment and their neighbours. Since 1994, the
club has planted 1116 large stock trees, 1140 potted trees, 7665 seedlings and 885 shrubs. Their
work has reduced soil erosion entering the tributaries of the Avon River and ultimately improving
the water quality in the Avon River entering the city of Stratford.
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HERITAGE CONSERVATION
Stratford has a long history of protection of both its built form/cultural and its natural heritage.
Built Form/Cultural Heritage
Heritage Stratford, an advisory committee to City Council, is made up largely of citizen volunteers.
Established almost sixty years ago and originally known as the Local Architectural Advisory Committee
(started by James Anderson), Heritage Stratford advises Council on various heritage matters including
which buildings should be designated under the Provincial Heritage Legislation.
Currently there are eighty-four designated properties in Stratford.
In order to recognize people who have contributed to heritage conservation in Stratford, Heritage
Stratford awards the James Anderson Award in four possible categories—built form, cultural heritage,
natural heritage and heritage gardens. Depending on merit, these awards can be granted on an annual
basis.
In addition to the designated properties, Stratford has a Heritage District that encompasses the
attractive downtown area and its historic buildings. Special provisions apply to the Heritage District in
regard to what can be built, the type of renovations that can take place and signage. The city has a
policy that provides loans and grants to owners in the heritage district to assist in the upgrading of
building facades.
Three heritage buildings within Stratford have special heritage designations known as Provincial
Heritage Easements. These buildings are St. James Anglican Church, Stratford City Hall and the former
Normal School (Teacher’s College).
A Heritage Stratford project placed photographs of all
designated properties on permanent display in the
auditorium of City Hall.
Heritage Stratford has also produced a book of
photographs of Heritage Properties that is available in
many of the City’s bookstores.
In the 1960’s there was a proposal to demolish the
Stratford City Hall. Citizens rose up against this action
and the proposal was fortunately defeated. Resulting from this action, Stratford has realized the
importance of its heritage structures and there has since that time been a very strong movement to
preserve our built form heritage structures.
The Stratford Perth Museum is a joint venture of the City of Stratford and the County of Perth. The
museum is now located in a new premises at the west end of Stratford, but was originally housed in the
former Teacher’s College (Normal School). The Normal School built in 1906 is now used as the
administrative offices of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. The Kiwanis Club was instrumental in
raising funds to rejuvenate and restore this unique building. Currently, the City of Stratford owns the
building.
In addition to Heritage Stratford, The Stratford Perth Historical Society plays a major part in preserving
and enhancing both Stratford and Perth County heritage. Amongst the programs carried out by the
Historical Society are:
Brooks Steamer was a car manufactured in Stratford in the 1920’s. It was a luxury car but was powered
by steam and not an internal combustion engine. There are very few Brooks Cars remaining and until
recently none in Stratford. A group of citizens, many associated with the Stratford Perth Historical
Society, raised funds to acquire a Brooks Car that is now on display at the Stratford Perth Museum.
Walking tours of Stratford were originally organized through the Historical Society. Although the
responsibility for the tours now largely rests with the Tourism Alliance, volunteers from the Society are
still involved.
The Stratford Perth Archives, a joint venture of the City of Stratford and the County of Perth, is
important to research and preservation of heritage matters in both the City and the County.
The Perth Regiment Military Museum is housed in the
Armoury (built in 1905) located in Downtown Stratford.
The railways were an important part of the history of
Stratford with the Grand Truck (CNR) locomotive repair
shops being a major employer within the City up to the
mid 1950’s. The volunteer Railway Heritage Committee
organizes a Railway Heritage Day annually in the spring to
recognize the significant contributed that the railways
had in the history of our city.
Thomas Edison once lived in Stratford and worked for the Grand Truck Railway as a telegraph operator.
In the early 1900’s the CPR wished to build a rail line beside the Avon River. Residents of Stratford
including R. Thomas Orr fought to protect the
City’s beautiful area along the river. After a long
dispute and referendum, it was concluded that
the CPR was not welcome along the river and the
rail line did not proceed. The actions by Stratford
Citizens over 100 years ago has given the City a
wonderful park land system along the river and
allowed the city in the early 1950’s to provide the
site for the Festival Theatre.
R Thomas Orr went on to be one of the founders of the Stratford Parks Board, and was instrumental in
establishing the Shakespearean Heritage Gardens, one of the highlights of Stratford’s Downtown.
Thomas Orr’s Insurance Brokerage continues to this day and now is run by his grandchildren. The
present day Orrs use snippets of Stratford’s Heritage and History in their radio and press advertising.
Recognizing the potential for tourism associated with heritage buildings, the Stratford Tourism Alliance
(STA) has actively promoted heritage tourism. The STA web site contains materials on various walking
and driving tours in Stratford and Perth County based on our rich cultural heritage. The website also
contains heritage videos, a searchable database of heritage properties, and a variety of self-guided
heritage tours.
Stratford Tourism Alliance offers free of charge daily walking tours of the Heritage District June, July and
August and on weekends May, September and October.
Heritage weekend (June 3-5 in 2011) is co-ordinated by Tourism Stratford.
Antique show will be held August 5-7 in a heritage arena.
Maps to guide visitors and new signage to explain places and events of interest have recently been
placed in the downtown heritage district.
Heritage Stratford provides various publications on heritage matters including brochures on heritage
designations and on heritage matters in general. The City Centre Committee (Downtown BIA) produces
a map of the heritage area with the various business identified on the map.
Plaques are place placed on the designated buildings in the City by Heritage Stratford.
Edward Alward designer of the Stratford War Memorial was also the designer of the Canada’s National
War Memorial at Vimy Ridge in France. The war memorial, overlooking Lake Victoria, is a major heritage
feature of the City. A large Remembrance Day ceremony is held annually on November 11 at the
Stratford War Memorial.
One way to preserve and restore heritage buildings is to find alternative and sustainable uses for them.
Examples of the reuse of heritage buildings are:
The City Hall Annex on Erie Street was originally built as an industrial building. It was converted to office
use for a financial institution and ultimately acquired by the City Stratford and now is used as municipal
offices.
Gallery Stratford in housed in a building originally used for water a pumping station.
The offices of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival are housed a building originally built as a Teachers
College (Normal School).
A 19th Century factory building has been converted to a modern medical and office building now known
as the Jenny Trout Centre. Jenny Trout was Canada’s first female doctor and grew up in the Stratford
area.
The Elgin Hotel located at the intersection of Downie and Patrick had fallen into disrepair for many
years. It is now a high-end residential condominium.
In 1937 a massive flood destroyed the
Pergola that stood by the dam on Lake
Victoria (Avon River). In 2010 a replica of
the pergola was completed near the
location of the original. The volunteer Civic
Beautification
and
Environmental
Awareness Committee was the driving force
in completing this project. Various Stratford
businesses and individuals donated
materials and labour and the Horticultural
Society provided the landscaping for the
project.
During Heritage week 2011, the City of Stratford Tartan was unveiled and dedicated. The Tartan is
officially registered in Scotland. This tartan will become, over the years, part of the heritage of the City
of Stratford Ontario.
URBAN FORESTRY
The City of Stratford has a vast array of trees within the City: along street boulevards, as
individual trees on private lots, trees in natural areas, and in parks and open spaces.
Stratford has a tree management
program in place for all trees within the
City limits. The program is administered
through the Urban Forestry Plan
adopted by Council in 2001, which was
revised in 2007. An Ad-Hoc citizens
committee, appointed by Council,
worked with Parks staff to create the
plan. The goal was to ensure the proper
management of all urban forest as well
as the needs of the citizens of Stratford.
Each year, for various reasons for health, age, death, or decay trees are removed and replaced
by new trees all over the City. In fact, the City’s replacement policy is to replace seven new
trees for every one lost and is administered by the Community Services Department - Parks
Division. It includes re-treeing older neighborhoods, plantings in new subdivisions, and the
enhancement of parks and natural areas.
Presently both staff and contracted services are used in the effort of planting, growth, pruning,
trimming and removal of all trees. A five year review cycle is used to ensure that all City street
trees are re-visited at least once every five years for any necessary pruning, where customer
requests and hydro pruning are carried out on a annual basis.
Species diversification is a large part of our planting policy. Monoculture has proven to be a
very poor policy when planting trees (Dutch-elm disease, Emerald-ash borer, Asian long-horn
beetle). Therefore, the City plants twenty different species of trees that includes both
indigenous and native trees.
Employees are given on-going training through seminars, courses and other related programs.
Presently, we have two ISA Certified Arborists on staff and third who works with one of our
contractors.
Subdivision agreements are in place for new subdivision development. Developers must
contribute a set fee per tree that is to be planted within new subdivisions. Presently one tree is
planted for every 50' of frontage and/or flankage of each building lot.
A site plan approval process is in place for all commercial and industrial projects. Part of that
process is a required landscape plan that must be approved by the City. The plan would include
the use of perennials, shrubs and trees. Higher requirements are required for main entrance
corridors.
An Arbor Day Program occurs every year with the Communities in Bloom Committee planting a
ceremonial tree. Each year the planting normally includes committee representatives, the
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Mayor, youths and the senior citizens. The annual planting has developed into a partnership
with the City of Stratford, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, and local elementary
and high schools.
Stratford citizens who would like to have a tree planted at their residence or on the city owned
road allowance portion can get a tree planted each spring free of charge by contacting the
Community Services Department.
An arboretum was created in 1980 in the northeast end of the formal parks system. This has
since expanded along the north shore into the Upper Queens Park area.
The City Nursery is operated by the Community Services Department. The nursery grows a
variety of native and indigenous species that will one day be planted throughout the park
system, including formal and naturalized plantings.
Urban Forestry is also carried on with
industry and business. The City works
closely with volunteer Civic Beautification
and Environmental Awareness Committee,
the Upper Thames Region Conservation
Authority and area school boards to
encourage naturalization of industrial lands
not required for plant usage. An example of
naturalization on industrial property is the
Cooper Standard site located on Douro
Street.
Community forestry areas are encouraged
throughout the city on all city-owned lands.
Stratford has been in the process of
naturalizing many areas that were once
maintained as turf. The Packham Road
Complex, the Marsh Pond, the Devon Street
area, and North Pointe are examples.
The T.J. Dolan Natural Area is Stratford’s
largest natural area. This natural area
contains
approximately
twenty
of
Stratford’s ninety acres of naturalized land
and features eight kilometers of trails; it is
located in the Avon River Basin.
15
LANDSCAPE
The City of Stratford has a diversity of landscaped areas that are distributed throughout the city-- in the
Downtown, in the parks system, along roadways and boulevards and at gateway locations.
Formal Gardens are an important part
of the landscaping mix in Stratford. The
Shakespearean
Gardens
located
adjacent to the historic Perth County
Court House was established in 1937.
Confederation Park, dedicated in 1967,
is a fine example of a formal landscaped
area.
landscaped features of Confederation Park.
Gallery Stratford is located in a restored
building originally used as the water
works. The grounds around the Gallery
contain floral displays and landscaped
areas, which are integrated with the
Millennium Park on Romeo Street is located beside Gallery Stratford and is filled with water plantings, lit
fountains, native selections, ornamental planting beds and a sculpture; all highlights of Stratford’s
newest park.
Confederation Park is only a short
pathway walk from Gallery Stratford.
Stately fir trees, planted by Boy Scouts
in
1937
welcome
you
to
Confederation Park. In the heart of
the park is the Japanese-style garden
with its cascading waterfall and restful
pond.
Privately donated gardens also form
part of the landscaped mix including
the Catherine East Memorial Gardens
on John Street, the garden area at Stratford General Hospital and the Garden of Appreciation funded by
the Beacon Herald.
Augmenting the formal gardens and other landscaped areas and beds are hundreds of hanging baskets,
numerous in-ground planters and planter boxes.
Art in the Park is a thrice-weekly event
held on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday
in the parklands along Lakeside Drive
between North and Front Streets. Various
artists display and sell their works in this
open-air forum.
The City Hall Parkette was re-landscaped
in 1996. In addition to the plans and
design for the public lands, the City of
Stratford has urban design guidelines for
commercial and industrial sites. Site Plan
approval is the vehicle used to implement
urban design guidelines, thus ensuring a
high stand of development within the commercial and industrial areas.
The City has a wide variety of both perennials and annual plantings, in a variety of settings and in various
types of displays as is evidenced by a drive or walk through the streets and parks of Stratford.
In order to maintain a greater level of sustainability, the City has planted a significant number of
perennials in all landscaped areas. Natural areas also add to the level of sustainability of the City
parklands.
The Stratford parks department has two qualified arborists and most summer staff employees are
summer students who study horticulture at various colleges and universities. Today, new full-time staff
requires horticultural certification.
The Sue Bonsteel memorial parkette and the St. Bruno Quebec Rose Garden are both located on
Lakeside Drive and are two landscaped areas initiated by the volunteer Civic Beautification and
Environmental Awareness Committee.
Stratford Education and Recreational Centre site is a partnership between the City of Stratford, the Avon
Maitland District School Board and the Huron Perth Catholic School Board. It is the first project in the
Province where two school boards and a municipality share the same piece of property in order to
provide both educational and recreational services. Local service clubs provided the funding for the
construction of the community sport change rooms and the Stratford and Area Builders Association built
the building. The on-site drainage pond also provides storm water management for the recreational site
and for two adjacent residential subdivisions. The students from the two secondary schools assisted the
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority and the City of Stratford Community Services Department
in naturalizing the perimeter of the pond. Today the Stratford Education and Recreational Centre site is
used for city baseball, soccer and rugby leagues. Additionally it is used for high schools sports
tournaments, which add to the local economy.
The Children’s memorial, Tir na nOg. Located in the
midst of Stratford’s downtown, between Downie and
Erie Street, you will discover Tir na nOg. Translated
from the Gaelic meaning “Land of Eternal Youth”,
the park was constructed in memory of the lost
youth of Stratford.
The business sector, service groups, schools and
volunteer groups work co-operatively with the City.
Land is provided by various groups and maintained in
conjunction with various soccer groups by the City of
Stratford. Groups involved include Cooper Standard
Automotive, FAG Industries, Stratford Education and
Recreational Centre site, Army Navy Air Force
Veterans Unit 261 and Central Secondary School.
Turf maintenance at one time encompassed some
400 acres. This has been reduced to 300 acres at the
present time with the 100 acres being converted to
naturalized areas by the planting of shrubs,
perennials and trees. The Packham Road Complex,
the Stratford Education and Recreational Centre site, the Marsh Pond, the Devon Street area,
and the Meadowrue are examples of locations that have been newly transformed in the last few
years.
The two secondary schools at the Stratford Education and Recreational Centre site were active
in planting and naturalizing areas within the Stratford Education and Recreational Centre
Complex, in conjunction with volunteer City Beautification and Environmental Awareness
Committee, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority and the Community Services
Department.
A management plan is in place for all city turf spaces. The program in place utilizes various
levels of maintenance depending on the field type: sport fields, formal parklands, and secondary
parks. The program includes aerating, top dressing, over seeding and fertilizing.
Because of the Ontario pesticide ban, more emphasis and time is spent on aerating, top dressing
and fertilizing to keep the turf thick and reduce weed germination
The City of Stratford municipal golf course is a nine-hole golf course that is overseen by an
elected committee. The committee includes, but is not limited to, Council members and City
staff.
In addition to maintaining the city's current turf areas, the City of Stratford also works in
conjunction with the school boards, local industries and service clubs to help maintain or
develop new soccer fields for the growing needs of youth soccer. Working relationships with
Cooper Standard, FAG Bearings, Army Navy and Air Force veterans, and the two school boards
provide recreational facility sites for sports organizations.
FLORAL DISPLAYS
The City of Stratford has a wide variety of floral displays that includes flowerbeds, raised beds,
planters, hanging baskets, and window boxes. The floral displays which include perennials
bulbs, grasses, woody plants natural flora, and annuals. In fact, over 90,000 annuals spanning
many varieties are planted every year.
Stratford has also developed a plan that distributes
hanging basket floral displays throughout the main
parks systems, core areas, and the city gateways.
Flowerbeds occur throughout the city with the City
Centre having the largest concentration of hanging
baskets, and other floral displays.
Established in 1937, the Shakespearean Gardens
are located between the historic Perth County
Court House and Avon River. Built on a former
industrial site, the formal gardens maintain the
original plan and design set out in that vary year.
The herb garden and flowerbeds adjacent to the
entranceway contain the various plants and herbs
mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays.
To maintain the floral displays, the City of Stratford
retains a well-trained full-time parks staff as well as
regular summer student workers, and university
and college horticultural co-op students.
The City Centre Committee, made up of businesses
in the downtown core, provide funds for floral displays, as well as input into the planning and
distribution of the floral displays in the City Centre. The Downtown beds are maintained by the
City Staff.
The volunteer Civic Beautification and Environmental Awareness Committee present an award
annually to commercial, industrial and residential properties for the most visually attractive
properties. This extremely popular program is known as ‘Stratford in Bloom’.
The City works cooperatively with other groups to establish and maintain floral arrangements.
The volunteer Civic Beautification and Environmental Awareness Committee, Via Rail and the
City all work together each year to provide floral displays at the Stratford train station. Summer
students are hired to water and maintain the displays.
Churches and other institutions within the City, such the Army and Navy and the General
Hospital also maintain beautiful floral displays.
Most schools also have floral displays with lots of perennials that allow for easy summer
maintenance.
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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
You don’t have to travel very far in Stratford to see the benefits reaped when a highly involved
and dedicated group of citizens, elected officials, service clubs, businesses, service and faith
communities work in partnership to contribute to the health, well-being and beauty of the place
which 32,000 citizens are proud to call home.
MUNICIPAL/PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Civic leaders and elected officials have always supported any new initiatives dedicated to
improving the quality of life for all of our residents.
The following list represents some of the groups, initiatives and events that the City of Stratford
assists through financial, in-kind and other support.
• Communities in Bloom/WinterLights Committee
• City Centre Committee (BIA)
• Volunteer Civic Beautification & Environmental Awareness Committee
• Gallery Stratford
• Lakeside Seniors Programs and Activities
• Kiwanis Music Festival
• Seniors Games
• Stratford Minor Sports Council
• Stratford Shakespeare Festival
• Stratford-Perth Archives
• Stratford-Perth Museum
• The United Way of Perth-Huron County
• Veterans Organizations
• Winterfest
• Youth Advisors to Council
• Stratford Youth Centre
Volunteer Recognition
The efforts of volunteers in our community do not go unnoticed by our municipality and media.
Annual recognition events include:
•
•
•
•
•
City Council Awards Night – Recognizing local volunteers,
athletes, teams
The Citizen of the Year – Annual Award for Outstanding
Community Service and Volunteerism (sponsored by the
Beacon Herald newspaper)
Volunteer Week Insert – Special newspaper section
devoted to the work of Volunteers throughout the City
Chamber of Commerce Awards – Recognizing business
leaders who make outstanding contributions to the
community
Woman of the Year Award - Recognizes one winner for
advocating anti-violence against women. Winners are
evaluated on a total of eight categories: Public Service,
20
•
Business, Arts & Culture, Community Action, Youth Leadership, Agriculture, Education
and Advocating for Women: Anti-Violence.
Senior Citizen of the Year, as recognized by the City Council
Information & Educational Programs
The City of Stratford and its many community partners all make a concerted effort to ensure
that the word gets out about opportunities for community action and involvement. Examples of
publications that help citizens keep in touch and involved include:
• Town Crier – a weekly listing of municipal events and information
• City Publications on Energy & Environment issues, pesticides and anti-idling by-law
information
• Trail, Bike and Walking Path Guides
• Leisure Activity Calendar produced by the Leisure Activity Council
• Heritage Stratford Booklet
The City of Stratford works tirelessly to promote local businesses, products and tourism.
Examples include:
• Hosting conferences
• City Officials visits to China and Japan to promote local business and trade
• Presentation by the Mayor of Stratford to U.S.A. officials in Washington on border crossing
issues
Organization/facilitation of local events, festivals, fundraising, support – financial or in-kind
In addition to the groups named previously, the City of Stratford is active in support of the
following activities:
• River lighting (annual seasonal lighting at Tom Patterson Island, River Drive)
• Sports Tournaments (baseball, hockey, soccer, ringette, etc.)
• Stratford Winterfest (annual winter event featuring family based events and activities)
• To Stratford with Love (annual holiday banquet for anyone in need)
• Swan parade (March Release of the swans from their winter quarters)
• Stratford Summer Music (musical concerts for most of the summer)
• Huron Perth Hospital Alliance (City supports through grants, fundraising)
Special attention is paid to ensure that all members of our community have an opportunity for
involvement. Examples include:
• Activities at the Kiwanis Community Centre (seniors)
• The volunteer Civic Beautification and Environmental Awareness Committee Grade Three
Flower Bed
• Community Forestry Program (Scouts, Cubs)
• Free Transit Passes for Veterans
• Renaming of local streets to Veterans Drive (2005)
• City facilities (arena) made available for indoor walking during winter months
• Municipal Day – Grade 7, 8 & 9 Students become “Councillors’ for the Day”
• Youth Advisors to Council
21
CARING COMMUNITY
Very recently, this community has responded in a number of ways to community issues and
needs:
• $50,000 raised in one night for children when their parents died one year apart from
cancer.
• Three youth fighting cancer have been supported through various runs, special events
and concerts
• Family house gutted by fire and the community set up a fund to secure food, clothing,
funds, etc.
Numerous projects are supported by our local residents in faraway places such as Haiti, Zambia,
El Salvador, Russia etc. These projects involve all ages and stages of community people.
SERVICE CLUBS – Those who serve our community
Service Clubs in Stratford have always done their share in improving the quality of life for
Stratford residents. From providing funds and equipment to the Stratford General Hospital,
building sports facilities, community facilities, organizing Community Festivals and Events,
holding Student Awards Banquets to recognize outstanding academic achievements etc., all
residents are beneficiaries of the hard work of our city’s service groups.
The Kinsmen Club of Stratford supporting:
• Organizing and hosting the Canada Day Parade and Fireworks.
• Own and operate the 25-acre Kamp Tanner in Harrington.
• Hosting numerous dances to raise funds for our various community projects.
• Raising awareness for the Canadian Blood Services through donations.
The Kiwanis Club of Stratford:
• Purchased a duplex (on behalf of the Stratford and District Association for the Learning
Disabled) and renovated it to serve as a group home for young people with intellectual
disabilities who were returning to the Stratford area from institutions;
• Financially supports free ‘concerts in the park’ at this venue each Sunday evening during July
and August;
• Adopted as one its major projects, the management of and complete responsibility for the
Stratford Music Festival, now known as the Kiwanis Festival of the Performing Arts;
• Partnered with radio station to raise funds for and operate the annual Christmas Basket
Campaign which provides over 600 food baskets to the less fortunate in the Stratford area
each Christmas
• Partnered with local garlic growers to host the first annual Garlic Festival , now part of the
Culinary Festival in Stratford each fall
22
Stratford Optimist Club support:
• Hoops for Fun
• Winterfest Luau
• Oratorical Contest
• School Chess Tournament
• Trout Derby
• Youth Appreciation Week
• Santa’s Parade of Lights
Two Rotary Clubs in Stratford support:
• Avon River Enhancement Project
• 25 Year commitment to the Rotary Complex
• Stratford General Hospital – Rotary Mental Health Ward and crash cart
• Stratford Central Secondary School- Interact Club and Post Secondary Education
Scholarships
• Rotary Aquabox program – provides the ability to have clean, potable water in areas that
have experienced disasters. These boxes can contain basic essentials until more permanent
solutions are realized.
• Public Library on Wheels
• Stratford Summer Music
• Rotary Respite House – provides the space for much needed respite for family caregivers
that have children who need round-the-clock care. Family Service Perth-Huron facilitate the
day-to-day program
• Rotary Readers – a group of Rotarians who read to children twice to encourage reading as
part of our ongoing commitment to literacy
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
Over fifty companies financially support Stratford’s Annual Winterfest Program. Winterfest is a
four day program organized by a volunteer committee who work closely with municipal staff to
organize the event. This year approximately $20,000.00 was raised from this group of hard
working individuals. The City of Stratford donates another $10,000.00. It is this partnership that
puts on an exciting indoor and outdoor program that annually attracts 12,000 to 15,000
participants.
Tim Horton’s contributes to the volunteer
Civic Beautification and Environmental
Awareness committee’s grade three
flower bed, which it does in partnership
with Cozyn’s Garden Gallery and the City
of Stratford’s, Community Services
Department. Tim Horton’s also is the
main financial sponsor of the volunteer
Civic Beautification and Environmental
Awareness committee’s annual Swan
Parade which is held each spring.
23
Home Hardware, Cozyns Garden Gallery along with UNIT 261, Army, Navy, and Air Force
Veterans are major sponsors of the Community in Blooms/WinterLights programs in Stratford.
The City of Stratford contributes $10,000.00 annually to the Community in Blooms/WinterLights
program creating a strong partnership that ensures that Stratford blooms all year around.
Many companies have allowed their properties to be used for minor sports activities at no cost
to the City of Stratford. Two examples of a relationship between a local industrial sector
company and various community groups’ are:
•
•
Cooper Standard Automotive some years ago in partnership with the volunteer Civic
Beautification and Environmental Awareness committee and the Upper Thames River
Conservation Authority created a large Natural Area complete with walking trails adjacent to
its plant on Douro Street. Trees were planted by the young soccer participants to beautify
the Sports Fields Area.
This facility is used regularly by both the general public and the company employees for
health and recreation.
The local media: two newspapers, the daily Beacon Herald and the weekly Gazette; along with
the two radio stations: CJCS 1240 and 107.7 mix FM and Rogers TV are all active supporters of
community events and in a lot of cases are sponsors of events. The Gallery Stratford’s Annual
Auction, Stratford Summer Music and Community Livings Annual Swing into Spring are examples
of a few.
The Commercial and Industrial Sectors also sponsor literally hundred of minor and adult sports
teams as well as making generous financial contributions. The Stratford Shakespeare Festival,
Gallery Stratford, the Stratford General Hospital and other cultural charitable organizations are
some of many beneficiaries of their kind generosity.
OTHER SUPPORTERS
Via Gardens
For several years now the volunteer
Civic Beautification and Environmental
Awareness committee has beautified
the VIA Rail Station with window
planters, hanging baskets, floral
displays and an ornamental grass and
shrub garden. This is done annually in
co-operation with VIA Rail.
The
Stratford
Shakespeare
Festival
contributed to the improvements of the
exterior signage and to the general
interior.
24
Northwestern Secondary School
The high school has a greenhouse and hydroponic laboratory to aid in its horticulture courses.
Once a year the students hold an open house where the general public can come by to purchase
plant materials and garden ornaments created by the students.
RESIDENTIAL SECTION
Stratford residents are very proud of their community and thus are always willing to serve on
committees, organize new festivals and events, coach a minor sports team, volunteer at a
church or school, join a charitable organization or non-profit group and especially, promote
Stratford as a wonderful place to live, work and invest in.
Stratford citizens are very supportive of the many institutions and organizations in Stratford, not
only as volunteers but financially as well. The General Hospital, Gallery Stratford, the United
Way, the Stratford Perth Museum, and the Stratford Shakespeare Festival are the recipients of
thousands of dollars in annual donations.
The Friends of the Festival is a dedicated core of Stratford Shakespeare Festival member most of
whom are Stratford citizens who last year donated 16,000 hours of volunteer time to support
the Festival by conducting Back Stage Tours, Festival Costume Warehouse Tours, manning
information kiosks etc., at a value of $15.00 an hour, which has amounted to a contribution of
$250,000.00 by the end of 2007. No wonder there is a waiting list to be a Friend of the Festival.
Stratford residents have contributed most generously to the new Rotary Recreational Complex,
a facility that has two ice pads and a community centre for conferences, trade shows and
community events.
25
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS
The Stratford Communities in Bloom Committee is very fortunate to have strong, dedicated and
enthusiastic support and sponsorship. Year after year, generous financial and in-kind donations have
been made from local business, companies, individuals, organizations and committees. Thank you very
much for your support.
The 2011 Financial Sponsors are:
• Army, Navy, Air Force Veterans Unit 261
• Cozyn’s Garden Gallery
• Stratford Home Hardware
• The City of Stratford
The 2011 In-kind supporters are:
• CJCS Radio
• Community Living Stratford and Area
• Foster’s Inn
• Rheo Thompson Candies
• Stratford Mazda
• Stratford Tourism Alliance
• The Avon Valley Historical Society
• The Boat House
• The City of Stratford
o Community Services Department
o The Mayor’s Office
• The Stratford and District Horticultural Society
• The Stratford Shakespeare Festival
• The volunteer Civic Beautification and Environmental Awareness Committee
Photographs for this book were supplied by the Stratford Tourism Alliance and LAFS Photography.
The Communities in Bloom Committee also thanks the residents of Stratford for their support in the
Communities in Bloom Program. It is the residents of Stratford that make Stratford the place it is today.
26