Stratford-Perth South Boundary Adjustment Approved By Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

STRATFORD - The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) has implemented a boundary adjustment to open the door for the creation of much-needed industrial land for development in the City of Stratford.

The annexation of property along Highway 7 and Line 29 was approved by the Ministry on July 20, 2020, and was published in the Ontario Gazette on August 1, 2020. A Minister’s Zoning Order for one of the parcels will expedite the development of that land for industrial purposes and to prompt economic development in the area.

“This is an important stepping stone to new opportunities that will benefit the City of Stratford the Township of Perth South and Perth County,” said Stratford Mayor Dan Mathieson. “And it’s welcome economic news for all of the partners at a time when we desperately need it.”

“This Boundary Adjustment will provide great opportunities for new industries that will benefit the Township of Perth South, City of Stratford and County of Perth,” said Perth South Mayor Robert Wilhelm, “and will create much needed employment opportunities to offset employment losses from plant closures which have previously been announced.”

“We are pleased to receive the Ministry’s support and see this project move forward. This will be a positive economic impact for Perth South and the Perth County region as a whole,” added Perth County Warden Jim Aitcheson.

The annexation will allow the City of Stratford to extend its existing industrial park and Wright Business Park at the south end of the City, and help address the shortage of industrial lots – both large and small – in the municipality and surrounding area.

A number of manufacturers, including a float glass manufacturing company, have expressed an interest in locating in Stratford. The Minister’s Zoning Order, issued under the authority of the Planning Act, allows for a float glass manufacturing facility to be located on the larger annexed parcel of land (west of Highway 7).

The City of Stratford will be looking at rezoning the other lands subject to the annexation through a public planning process to bring them into the industrial zone.

The municipal councils of the City of Stratford, Township of Perth South and County of Perth approved the annexation proposal earlier this year before sending it to the Ministry for final approval. A separate agreement between the City and the Township was also approved by the area councils setting out in detail the compensation the Township of Perth South will receive for the annexed lands.

For more information, please contact:
Joan Thomson, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Stratford
519-271-0250, ext. 235
jthomson@stratford.ca