News

Carbon Monoxide Alarms Required on Every Floor, Starting Jan. 1, 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, changes to the Ontario Fire Code will require carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to be installed on every floor of the home.

Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless, tasteless gas that can be deadly if undetected. It's often called the silent killer.

The Stratford Fire Department encourages all homeowners to protect themselves by ensuring that CO alarms are located on every floor, not just outside of sleeping areas.

This applies to any residential property that has a...

Recycling Update - Smaller Cart Option

At its November 24 meeting, Stratford City Council approved a resolution asking Circular Materials – the organization responsible for the new recycling program – to provide Stratford residents with the option of a smaller recycling cart.

Circular Materials received that request from Council, and has now confirmed that a smaller cart will be provided as an option here for those who find the 360-litre cart too large.

An online Recycling Cart Exchange Request Form is expected to be available on the...

Remaining 2026 Budget Meetings Cancelled

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee meetings scheduled for December 1, 2 and 15 to consider the Mayor’s Budget have been cancelled, as the 2026 budget deliberations are now complete.

For questions about the budget please call 519-271-0250 extension 5202 or email stfdbudget@stratford.ca.

Santa's Parade of Lights Set for Dec. 7

Santa Claus is coming to town.

Stratford’s annual Parade of Lights will be held on Sunday, Dec. 7, starting at 5 p.m.

The parade will take a scenic route around the Avon River, beginning at Hillcrest Drive and William Street, moving east along William Street to Lakeside Drive North, across the Festival bridge, then west along Lakeside Drive to the area in front of the Tom Patterson Theatre. Santa will be in the last float.

New this year, the parade will offer a sensory-friendly area on William...

City Hall Steps Temporarily Closed

Please note that the front steps at City Hall will be temporarily unavailable, starting Friday, November 21, while the City of Stratford moves forward with plans to repair and rehabilitate the steps.

The accessible ground-floor entrance from Market Square will be the primary entrance and exit for City Hall until further notice, but the Downie Street entrance/exit is also available.

Signage and barriers will be in place at the front steps to indicate the temporary closure.