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STRATFORD VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 46
13 FREE
JULY 3, 2026
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Fire Chief Anderson says final goodbye AMANDA NELSON
Times Reporter
On June 26, Stratford Fire Chief Neil Anderson hung up his helmet for the last time and celebrated with local firefighters, whom he said are friends, not co-workers. “This has been an experience, and it’s impacted me considerably,” he said. “I see friends here, not co-workers. It’s been an experience. It’s been an honour and a pleasure.” Anderson, Stratford’s Director of Emergency Services and fire chief, joined Stratford Fire Services in 2017 after his military career. He is known for making a true impact and leading with his heart, as Mayor Martin Ritsma said at the fire station last Friday in his address to Anderson. “The sincerity of how you handle your job is one of a kind,” said Ritsma. “I know you look out, and you're seeing your guys that play that part of the team, but sometimes we don't have that balance. We have somebody who's pretty warm and emotional, or somebody who's really cold and professional, and, as I've said many times, you have an amazing combination of both the caring and the professional pieces that make you one of a kind.” The fire chief has been vocal about the mental health impact of the position, noting that this is a long-awaited mental health break and a time when he plans to catch up on caring for his physical and mental health. He also said that he’s looking forward to getting some rest and spending time with his family. CONTINUED TO PAGE 3
(CONNOR LUCZKA PHOTO)
Happy Canada Day! The SDSS Jazz Combo were on stage at Market Square July 1 to kick off this year’s festivities. For more, see next week’s edition on July 10.
Summer Company program launches 11 new entrepreneurs AMANDA NELSON
Times Reporter
Last week, 11 student start-ups launched in Stratford and Perth County through the annual Summer Company program, in partnership with investStratford and the Stratford Perth Centre for Business. This year's cohort of young, local entrepreneurs across Stratford, St. Marys and Perth County is backed by a powerful combination of intensive mentorship and $33,000 in provincial and regional partnership support.
Funded by the Province of Ontario and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, the Summer Company program provides participants with hands-on business training, expert mentorship and a $3,000 micro-grant. "I want to give all of you a shout-out because you have put your foot forward or decided to raise your hand to do this program and to put yourself out there and sell a business or a service," said Matthew Rae, MPP. "It's great to see the entrepreneurial spirit locally here in Stratford, St. CONTINUED TO PAGE 2