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2026 FESTIVAL SEASON PAGE
STRATFORD VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 1
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AUGUST 15, 2025
Jennifer Anderson
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FIRST WEEKLY EDITION
North sluice gate at RT Orr Dam working as designed, says UTRCA AMANDA MODARAGAMAGE Times Reporter
Some questions have been raised, as Lake Victoria still appears more like a mud pit than a lake in some areas due to low rainfall since the RT Orr Dam became lodged with debris and drained over the course of multiple days. Some locals are taking to Facebook to discuss the ongoing concerns with the dam and the cause of the blockage; however, the recent draining of Lake Victoria was not caused by a broken gate, according to the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA). The north sluice gate – the one used during the July 24 rainstorm – functioned as designed, officials said. The problem occurred when debris became lodged beneath the gate, preventing it from closing completely and allowing water to continue draining from the lake. “This incident did not cause damage to the gate,” the UTRCA confirmed in an email. “The north sluice gate was already scheduled for refurbishment and maintenance.” According to UTRCA, the two gates were operating appropriately, and the debris was an unfortunate incident that CONTINUED TO PAGE 2
(LISA HERLICK PHOTO) Scarlett, a mute swan mother, and one of her cygnets glide on the Avon River, captured by wildlife photographer Lisa Herlick. For more on Herlick’s many adventures in the heart of Stratford, see our feature story on page 8.
City seeks public input on new 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan CONNOR LUCZKA Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
If the first public open house for the City of Stratford’s new 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan proved anything, its that solving the national housing crisis locally will take all heads working together. The open house was held in Stratford on Aug. 12 to elicit public feedback on the new plan. As Kim McElroy, social services director with the city, said at the meeting, the dialogue that occurred that afternoon will shape the region’s response to the homelessness and housing crisis. “Let's work collaboratively,” McElroy said. “Work to-
wards building a more inclusive future where every individual in our community has a place to call home.” The 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan for Stratford, Perth County and St. Marys was introduced in 2014. It provided a series of recommendations divided into five strategic priority areas: coordination and collaboration, data gathering and sharing, affordable housing options, eviction and homelessness prevention and homelessness reduction. This time around, there are four frameworks being targeted by the plan: ending homelessness through innovative strategies and sustained efforts, creating attainable CONTINUED TO PAGE 2
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