TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION DAY PAGE
6
WRITERS FESTIVAL PAGE
STRATFORD VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 6
27 FREE
SEPTEMBER 19, 2025
A Passion for People
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Battle against homelessness depends on community cooperation LEE GRIFFI Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
In part two of our homelessness series, Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma weighs in on the future of the crisis and what steps the city may take next. “It was the number one conversation, I believe, across the 444 municipalities.” Ritsma gave that response when asked whether homelessness was a major topic at the recent Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in Ottawa, where many cities are struggling to address growing encampments and to develop the supports needed for mental health, addiction and housing. The city held three consultations on homelessness in August and launched an online survey to gather residents’ feedback on the issue. The outreach is part of the process involved as Stratford creates a new 10year housing and homelessness plan. “It provided an opportunity for people to listen and learn about what we have and share where they think we should be going. Whether it’s more co-operative housing or a shelter, we will present them to council.” Ritsma explained the information from the in-person meetings and surveys will be compiled into a CONTINUED TO PAGE 4
Paddlers powered their way to the finish line at the Stratford Rotary Dragon Boat Festival on Sept. 13, 2025.
(FRED GONDER PHOTO)
Grand Trunk Renewal Committee reflects on challenges, progress, and future opportunities
AMANDA MODARAGAMAGE Times Reporter
The final meeting of Stratford’s Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee took place Sept. 15, offering members a chance to reflect on both the challenges and the accomplishments of the group’s work over the past term. Though the committee’s term officially ends later this month, members emphasized the importance of pausing
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to celebrate what has been achieved and to recognize the foundation laid for future progress on redeveloping the historic Grand Trunk site. Trudy Jonkman, of the Stratford Lakeside Active Adults Association and a committee member, led an exercise where participants contributed notes on the committee’s accomplishments to a visual timeline. “We all recognize that there’s been challenges with this committee, the timeline, the amount of work we all enCONTINUED TO PAGE 3
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