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STRATFORD VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 21
20 FREE
JUNE 28, 2024
A Passion for People
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Taxi fares set to rise in September CONNOR LUCZKA Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Inflation and rising costs are to blame for the most recent request to raise the taxi fare in Stratford, a request that was approved at the Stratford police services board meeting June 19. As Gail Cossey of Aunt Gail’s Taxi pointed out, it’s not just the startling rise of the price of gas in the country. “Insurance, repairs, oil, tires, licensing, cleaning supplies, washing, vacuuming, all of these items have increased in price due to inflation,” Cossey told the board. “And especially the costs of repairs are through the roof. … We really need a taxi-fare increase immediately.” Cossey petitioned the board with Brad Rickert of Radio Cab, both requesting that the flat fee all Stratford taxis charge increase from $14 to $16 with the senior rate increasing from $13 to $15. The taxi fares previously increased in 2023, going from $13 to $14 and the senior fare rising from $12 to $13. Though they were a united front in their request, Rickert also took the time to say he does not agree with the system as a whole, saying the board shouldn’t be allowed to inhibit free enterprise. “Johnny wants to sell pizzas in Stratford,” Rickert said. “Johnny comes to town. The city tells him where he can set up shop, how big his washrooms need to be, how many handicap spots are out the front – everything. Except the city does not tell Johnny how much to charge for a slice of pizza. No other business is regulated within the city as to how it operates from the business aspect.
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BEST OF SHOW
(SARA BRADFORD PHOTO)
The 2024 Dog Days of Summer dog show winners. See the story on page 5.
City ban fiasco continues; two more meetings cancelled moments after starting
CONNOR LUCZKA
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The three Stratford citizens suspended from city property will soon be allowed back in council chambers as the suspensions lift on July 2, but that hasn’t stopped a few of them from protesting the suspensions and showing up to meetings regardless. Just recently, their arrivals in council chambers have upturned two public meetings on top of the council meeting that was cancelled May 28. At the June 24 council meeting, Barb Shaughnessy came to the meeting late with husband Tim Forster as a motion to
approve a sewer tender hit the floor. Shaughnessy and company were noticed by Mayor Martin Ritsma as they entered, who looked frustrated, but did not immediately end the meeting. After the motion to approve the recommended tender passed, Ritsma acknowledged Shaughnessy’s coming and asked her to leave. Shaughnessy started to speak before Ritsma spoke over her, saying he won’t entertain a conversation and then asked council to take a recess. The room promptly emptied other than Coun. Cody Sebben, who stayed in chambers throughout the recess.
2 MEDIUM PIZZAS 2 TOPPING
1 LARGE 3 TOPPING PIZZA AND GARLIC KNOTS FOR
$21.99
$19.99
PROMO CODE M2199
PROMO CODE L1999
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1060 Ontario St., Stratford 226-779-4235 www.papajohns.ca