Regular Council

THAT the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council of The Corporation of the City of Stratford dated March 9, 2026 be adopted as printed.

THAT the Addendum to the Regular Agenda of Council and Standing Committees dated March 23, 2026 be added to the Agenda as printed.

THAT Michael Bannerman, Patricia Smith and Deepika Mishra representing the Avon Maitland District School Board be heard.

THAT Rowan Lubke and Tara Bissett be heard.

THAT the Zoning By-law Amendment, as recommended by staff as per Report COU24-152 for application Z07-22 to rezone the subject lands municipally known as 3980 Road 111 to Residential Fourth Density Zone with site specific regulations (R4), BE APPROVED; THAT the Official Plan Amendment, as recommended by staff as per Report COU24-152 for application OPA 001-22 to redesignate the subject lands municipally known as 3980 Road 111 to Medium Density Residential, BE APPROVED; THAT Draft Plan of Subdivision 31T-2201, as recommended by staff as per Report COU24-152, submitted by Paradize Properties Development Ltd., prepared by Municipal Development and Planning Services Inc. (MDPS), and as revised and dated February 27, 2026 to include the 0.3 m reserve blocks requested by the Township of Perth East, for lands known municipally as 3980 Road 111 originally surveyed by Trevor D.A. McNeill, O.L.S. on May 3, 2022, BE APPROVED by the City of Stratford pursuant to Section 51(31) of the Planning Act, subject to the updated conditions attached to Report COU26-038; THAT the conditions of draft plan approval, as presented in Report COU26-038, include an additional condition requiring the Regular Council Minutes 6 March 23, 2026 provision of a minimum affordable housing rate of 25% of the proposed dwelling units; THAT the conditions of draft plan approval, as presented in Report COU26-038, include an additional condition requiring the provision of energy efficiency and construction standards as

THAT Council APPROVE Part Lot Control Applications PLC01-26 and PLC02-26 to exempt Blocks 90 and 91 respectively, on Registered Plan 44M-101 from Part Lot Control for one year from the date of the passing of the By-law to permit the creation of separate lots for each of the street townhouse dwelling units such that each unit will be under separate ownership.

THAT City Planning-initiated Housekeeping Zoning By-law Amendment to the City of Stratford Comprehensive Zoning By- law 2022-22, be subject to the following amendments: a) That the definition for “converted dwelling” be retained including related references under the general provisions and any applicable site-specific zones; Regular Council Minutes 9 March 23, 2026 b) That duplex dwellings be included as a form of housing, similar to a single detached, semi-detached and townhouse dwelling, to accommodate an Additional Residential Unit (ARU); c) That Table 9.2 be revised by permitting a new dwelling unit accessory to an industrial use under the General Industrial (I2) Zone; d) That a 0 metre setback apply to balconies limited to the Central Commercial (C3) Zone; e) That the “Structure” definition be revised in that “any hard surface located directly on the ground” be qualified by adding “including a hard surface walkway and stairs related thereto”; f) That the provision governing the maximum number of days allowable to operate a short-term rental accommodation, being 180 days, be retained. BE APPROVED for the following reasons: 1. The request is consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement 2024 and conforms with the City of Stratford Official Plan; 2. The request constitutes sound land use planning and is appropriate for the development of the lands; 3. Public comments have been received, reviewed comprehensively and appropriately addressed. THAT no further notice be requ

THAT City Council issue a notice of intention, consistent with Heritage Stratford’s recommendation, to designate 87 Nile Street under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, specifically the: a. Red brick house with symmetrical façade b. Low hip roof c. First storey rectangular 6/6 windows Regular Council Minutes 11 March 23, 2026 d. Yellow brick window headers e. Yellow brick quoins f. Front door with multi-panned sidelights and transom AND THAT, subject to designation, a commemorative plaque be installed on the subject lands.

THAT the 2025 Water Summary Report be received for information to keep within the compliance standards set out in Ontario Regulation 170/03.

THAT direction be given to staff to maintain status quo for the 2026 Outdoor Patio Boardwalk season; AND THAT direction be given to staff to investigate a full replacement of the Outdoor Patio Boardwalks for the 2027 season.

THAT the report titled, “Treasurer’s 2025 Statement of Council Remuneration and Expenses” (COU26-035), be received for information.

THAT City Council hereby designates the Ontario Pork Congress trade show to be held June 17-18, 2026, at the Stratford Rotary Complex as having municipal significance for the purpose of obtaining liquor licenses from the AGCO, subject to necessary permits being obtained, compliance with the City's Municipal Alcohol Risk Policy and the required certificates of insurance being provided.

THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims March 2026 as Harriet Tubman Month to honour the legacy of Harriet Tubman, the black woman born into slavery in Maryland, United States, in or around 1820, who had the courage to escape slavery in 1849 and went on to become a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad leading hundreds of slaves to freedom; AND THAT March 10 is hereby proclaimed on an annual basis as Harriet Tubman Day in the City of Stratford beginning on March 10, 2027, in honour of her heroic efforts to stand for human rights, justice and opportunity, and to empower action towards racial equality that continues on after her death on March 10, 1913.

THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims April 9, 2026, as a day to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Retired Women Teacher's of Ontario Stratford Branch and to honour the contributions they have made in our community.

THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims May 12, 2026, as "Fibromyalgia Awareness Day" in the City of Stratford in support of those living with Fibromyalgia and their families.

THAT Council receive the design summary for the Queen Street Reconstruction Project for information; Regular Council Minutes 16 March 23, 2026 THAT Council approve the design as outlined in report ITS26-007 and as presented at the Public Open House and on Engage Stratford; AND THAT Council authorize Staff to proceed with construction tendering.

THAT Option 2, to permit the existing stairs, walkway, fence, and retaining wall to encroach onto the Nile Street road allowance be approved; THAT the encroachment application to expand the existing driveway be denied; THAT the annual fee of $92.43 adjusted yearly by the CPI, be added to the property tax bill for 17 Nile Street; AND THAT the City Clerk be directed to prepare a by-law authorizing the encroachment at 17 Nile Street.

Regular Council Minutes 17 March 23, 2026 THAT the Report of the Planning and Heritage Committee dated March 23, 2026 be adopted as printed.

THAT By-laws 38-2026 to 43-2026 be taken collectively.

THAT By-laws 38-2026 to 43-2026 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-laws 38-2026 to 43-2026 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT By-law 44-2026 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-law 44-2026 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT CA-2026-032, being a letter from the Avon Maitland District School Board regarding a Request for Provincial Regular Council Minutes 21 March 23, 2026 Consultation and Transparency Regarding Potential Changes to English Public School Board Governance, be supported; AND THAT Council send a letter to the Premier and the Minister of Education in support of the request.

THAT CA-2026-033, being a resolution from The Regional Municipality of York regarding Circular Materials Ontario, be endorsed.

THAT the Council meeting adjourn to convene into Standing Committees as follows:  Social Services Committee [7:05 or thereafter following the Regular Council meeting]; and to Committee of the Whole if necessary, and to reconvene into Council.

THAT By-law 45-2026 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-law 45-2026 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT the March 23, 2026 Regular Council meeting adjourn to convene into the Committee of the Whole In-camera Session for the following items and reconvene into Open Session after the closed session: Regular Council Minutes 23 March 23, 2026 4.1 Confidential Verbal Update of the Chief Administrative Officer with respect to an update on a litigation matter (CM-26-08) - Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board (section 239.(2)(e); and Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege including communications necessary for that purpose (section 239.(2)(f)). 4.2 Confidential Verbal Update of the Chief Administrative Officer with respect to an update on a litigation matter (CM-26-09) - Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board (section 239.(2)(e). 4.3 Confidential Verbal Update of the Chief Administrative Officer with respect to an update on a litigation matter (CM-26-07) - Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board (section 239.(2)(e). 5.1 Confidential Report of the Chief Administrative Officer with respect to an update on the CAO’s performance (CM-26-06) - Personal matters about an identifiable individual(s) including municipal employees or local board employees (section 239.(2)(b)).

THAT the March 23, 2026 Regular Council meeting adjourn.