City of Stratford Holds Successful Emergency Management Exercise

The City of Stratford held a successful tabletop emergency exercise on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, that brought together municipal employees, emergency services and community partners for a mock disaster.

This year’s tabletop exercise, “Operation Critical Crossing,” simulated a tanker truck carrying gasoline colliding with a locomotive with rail cars carrying anhydrous ammonia. The simulated crash occurred at the Erie Street crossing near Monteith Avenue, resulting in a leak of gasoline, release of ammonia, injuries, and power outages.

“This was a positive test of our Emergency Response Plan, and a great way to hone those skills needed in a crisis situation,” said Stratford Deputy Fire Chief Richard Anderson, who serves as the City’s Community Emergency Management Co-ordinator (CEMC).

The response to the mock collision was driven by members of Stratford’s Emergency Control Group, which includes the Mayor, the Chief Administrative Officer, the chiefs of Fire, Police and Paramedic services, and the Communications specialist, as well as many support and advisory staff responsible for helping to manage an emergency situation.