POLICY FOCUS
Economic Development and Innovation
Our vision for Stratford focuses on leveraging local assets to build a resilient, diverse economy. We will transform underused municipal properties into hubs for agri-food innovation and the arts, establish dedicated grant-writing capacity to secure funding, and create a shared technology incubator that supports local entrepreneurs and keeps talent home.
Economic Development and Innovation
Activate the municipal asset audit through decisive site assignments
Stratford has begun inventorying underused municipal land and buildings. I want to ensure this audit doesn't just sit on a shelf. I will push for council to actively assign these sites for critical needs like an agri-food incubator, artist residency housing, or childcare capacity as proposals move forward.
Establish dedicated capacity to pursue upper-level funding
Ambitious projects like Grand Trunk and agri-food hubs depend on chasing provincial and federal grants. I want to build a dedicated grant-writing function at City Hall so my advocacy work translates into local dollars rather than waiting for funding to arrive.
Build an agri-food technology innovation hub for local entrepreneurs
I want Stratford to leverage federal and provincial innovation funding to create a shared commercial kitchen and incubator. By supporting agricultural startups locally, we keep jobs and economic activity here rather than losing them to tech hubs like Guelph or Waterloo.
Develop a Stratford-based artist-in-residence housing program
Our cultural economy relies on the Festival, yet we lose talent due to a lack of infrastructure. I want to build affordable, short-to-medium-term residency housing tied to our local institutions, helping us retain artists long-term instead of seeing them leave after one season.
Secure infrastructure investment for year-round tourism growth
I want to fund the parking and venue improvements identified as vital by the Tourism Advisory Committee. Providing the right infrastructure allows events like Lights On Stratford to scale, building a true off-season economy that sustains the city beyond the summer months.
Shift the Grand Trunk Renewal project from planning to delivery
I supported the $15 million contribution toward our shared community facility. Now, I want to apply my experience in partnership structuring to finalize the financing and governance models, while pursuing federal Green and Inclusive Community Buildings funding for the site.
Fund the unbuilt segments of the Transportation Master Plan
I want council to move approved TMP segments into the budget. By funding priority cycling routes and downtown safety measures on streets like Albert and Waterloo, we improve safety for residents while simultaneously creating a valuable new asset for sport tourism revenue.
Launch a digital sport tourism booking and retail platform
I will fund the technology tool recommended in our 2022 strategy. This platform will link sport event bookings directly to local restaurants, shops, and hotels, turning a quick tournament visit into a higher-spending stay that supports our small business community.
Ensure childcare remains a core priority in the Grand Trunk design
As the Grand Trunk facility moves into detailed design, I will fight to protect the dedicated childcare space. We must ensure this component stays sized to meet actual community demand rather than being reduced to make room for other competing facility interests.
A vision for a more resilient and diverse Stratford economy
I've proposed a standalone foundation that acquires scattered housing integrated into the community. The entity continuous acquisition pipeline is funded by redirection of HST savings and development charges.
Commitment to measurable results and fiscal responsibility
Action requires more than just good ideas; it requires the political will to budget for them. I am committed to moving these projects from paper to reality by aligning municipal resources with provincial and federal opportunities to minimize the impact on local taxpayers.
Drive Growth and Local Innovation
Building a resilient economy requires bold strategy and community investment. Supporting this vision means attracting new business, funding innovation hubs, and securing a prosperous future for Stratford. Help us turn this economic plan into reality.