News

Retail Closings on Christmas Day and New Years Day

Shoppers and merchants are reminded that under the Retail Business Holidays Act, both Christmas Day – December 25, 2025 and New Year’s Day – January 1, 2026, are among the days annually when most stores must be closed. 

The Act, administered by the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services, exempts some retail operations, including but not limited to, gas stations, gardening centres and flower shops. 

There are fines for opening on prohibited days of retail operation. Retail outlets found guilty...

Recycling Update - 120-litre cart option

The City of Stratford has added another option for residents when it comes to the new recycling carts to be used after December 31.

Currently, Circular Materials – the organization responsible for the new province-wide Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) recycling program – is delivering 360-litre carts. Within the next week or so, an online form will be available to request a smaller 240-litre cart for those who find that too large.

We know that even the smaller cart may be too big for some...

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.