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Official Plan
Draft Official Plan Virtual Presentation (Recording)
Following two in-person presentations the week of October 13th, the Town of Stratford provided a virtual presentation option on October 21st for residents unable to attend on the previous two dates. A recording of the presentation is now available for review. Residents are reminded that the engagement period closes on Monday, October 27, 2025. We continue to accept and appreciate all feedback on the draft documents, and thank residents for their contributions.
Project Update
The draft Official Plan and Zoning & Development Bylaw are now available for public review. The drafts can be found in the Document Library section on the right of your screen. We want to hear your thoughts on the draft planning documents – what did we get right? What would you like to see changed? There are multiple ways to share your feedback – including the interactive draft zoning map or by using the feedback form, both found below. You can also join us for an in-person or online engagement session to share your feedback directly, or send us an email at consultation@townofstratford.ca.
→ The engagement period will be open from September 26th – October 27th, 2025.
About the Project
The Stratford Plan Review will build on the success of Shape Stratford to develop a new Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw that captures the community’s needs and aspirations, promotes strong economic growth, and enables a variety of housing options to accommodate the community’s rapidly growing population. The planning documents will guide growth and development, prevent land-use conflicts, promote mixed use development where appropriate, shape attractive streetscapes, protect environmentally significant areas, and ensure long-term prosperity.
The Official Plan
The Official Plan serves as a high-level policy document that defines the vision for land use and development in Stratford. It informs secondary planning and the Zoning Bylaw, guiding the town’s long-term growth and sustainability. Official Plans are mandated under the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and must align with the Planning Act.
The Official Plan will support Stratford’s growth and development by:
- Preparing for change: Addressing environmental challenges such as sea level rise, social changes like a growing population, physical changes like urban expansion, and economic shifts such as rising housing costs.
- Supporting community character and culture: Promoting quality urban design, enhancing public spaces, and ensuring development is consistent and complementary to Stratford’s unique identity.
- Protecting natural, special, and sensitive areas: Restricting or limiting development in ecologically important areas to safeguard the environment.
- Maintaining a healthy, sustainable economy: Balancing proximity between residential areas and places of work to promote economic vitality and accessibility.
This project presents an exciting opportunity to create a shared vision for the Town of Stratford, ensuring that planning and development processes are aligned with the best interests of residents and businesses.
The Zoning and Development Bylaw is the companion document to the Official Plan and lays out the rules and regulations for land use in Stratford. It determines the zoning for each property in the town and sets out the standards for development, such as setbacks, building heights and more.
We want to hear from you! Community engagement is a vital part of this project, and there will be multiple opportunities to get involved throughout its duration. We are currently in the initial phase of engagement, with the following engagement activities available for participation (see below).
Community Engagement
Project updates
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Who's listening
Scott Carnall
Long Range Planner
Town of Stratford
Email: scarnall@townofstratford.ca
Ryan MacLean
Engagement Manager
UPLAND Planning + Design
Email: consultation@townofstratford.ca
Community Hotline
Phone:
(902) 423-0649 ext. 103
Email: consultation@townofstratford.ca
Document Library
Timeline
done
Phase 1: Visioning
November 30, 2024
This phase focuses on the high level vision for the future of Stratford and learning more about the challenges, opportunities and priorities of residents.
done
Phase 2: Issues and Options
March 31, 2025
Building on the Visioning phase, we will dive deeper into the issues that matter most to Stratford residents and look at the options for addressing those issues in the new Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw.
done
Phase 3: Draft Engagement
September 26, 2025
This phase will focus on gathering feedback from residents on the draft planning documents.
Phase 4: Adoption
November 30, 2025
During this phase, the final drafts will move through the formal adoption process, with opportunity for final public input at a public meeting to be held in November 2025.