Parks & Forestry

A main section of Stratford's park system is Upper Queen's Park. Overlooking Lake Victoria, it is approximately 6 acres in size and has many facility amenities to enjoy including playground equipment, a covered bandshell pavilion/stage, shaded green space and picnic areas. Washrooms are on-site.

The formal picnic area of Upper Queen's Park can be reserved for family reunions, corporate picnics and other celebrations. Groups up to 200 persons can be accommodated.

• Pavilion: $41.20/hour, $103/day (charitable event rate) or $206/day (commercial event rate for 6 hours or more)
• Permanent Picnic Tables: $87.55/4-hour period or $128.75/4-hour period or more
• Bandshell (Upper Queens & Veteran's Drive): $12.90/hour (non-profit/fundraising), $25.75/hour, $103/day for multi-day events
• No charge for Community Events of Remembrance (i.e.: Day of Mourning, Remembrance Day, Vigils)

Not-for-Profit and Charitable organizations will receive a 50% discount on commercial rates.

Applicable taxes are extra on all rental fees.

Use of the above noted facilities requires the completion of a Special Events Application Permit and proof of $5 million liability insurance.

To reserve the amenities please email meidt@stratford.ca or call 519-271-0250 extension 252.

A regular and popular feature along Lake Victoria is Art in the Park. It is hosted in the summer months on Lakeside Drive between North Street and Front Street.

Artisans showcase their wares for leisurely viewing and purchase.

Our parkland is a public space. We do not accept bookings or reservations for use of public parkland and therefore, cannot issue a permit for its use.

While we allow informal celebrations to take place in our parks, any person may use the park at any time. The following rules are to be followed when using the park:

• Celebrations must not separate or isolate others from using the park
• Decorations must not be attached to any part of the park system
• Confetti or like material must not be cast or thrown into the park
• Parking spots cannot be reserved or roped off for celebration attendees
• Wedding receptions are not permitted in the park

Indoor event rental space is offered at the Stratford Rotary Complex.

If you have questions or concerns about city trees, please email us.

For emergencies during regular business hours (Monday – Friday), such as fallen trees, please call us directly at 519-271-0250 extension 244. For emergencies after hours, call Stratford Police.

At the June 8, 2020 Regular Stratford City Council meeting, Council adopted the following resolution:

THAT Council adopt the proposed Private Tree Preservation By-law;

AND THAT By-law 60-2003 be amended to appoint the Parks, Forestry & Cemetery Manager, the Parks & Forestry Supervisor and the City Arborist as By-law Officers for the enforcement of the Private Tree Preservation By-law.

The Private Tree Preservation By-law 86-2020 is intended to preserve trees on private property that are 30cm in diameter or more as measured at 1.37m above ground level. The by-law regulates the destruction or injury of trees and protects and enhances Stratford’s existing tree canopy, all while respecting a landowner’s right to make changes to the landscape of their property in an environmentally responsible way.

Read the by-law.

In 2001, an Ad Hoc committee was established to assist the Community Services Department in the creation of an Urban Tree Management Plan. This plan was adopted by Council October 9, 2001, and was updated in 2007, 2018 and 2023.

The Urban Forestry Plan is a tool which outlines the operational and long-term forestry procedures for the municipality. Management follows and updates regularly to ensure consistency and accuracy in the maintenance of the city’s urban forest. Many resident questions can be answered by referencing this plan. The overarching objective of the plan is continually working towards a diverse, multi-aged, safe and healthy urban tree canopy.

Updates to this plan are made by department staff on an as needed basis.

For residents requesting to remove a tree 30cm in diameter or more, the following is required:

1. Complete and submit a permit application to the Parks, Forestry & Cemetery Manager for approval. See below. At this time, the permit application must be printed and submitted in paper format, as other documents (Arborist report and residential consents) are required as part of the file;
2. Pay a non-refundable permit application fee;
3. Obtain an Arborist report identifying the location, species, size and condition of the tree in question;
4. Obtain written consent of every adjacent private property owner upon whose adjacent land the base of the tree is partially located;
5. If the person who is applying for the permit is not the registered owner, written consent of the Owner of the land where the subject tree must be submitted.

Download the Application to Permit the Injury or Destruction of Trees

For further information please contact the Parks, Forestry and Cemetery Division at 519-271-0250 extension 244.

On an annual basis, the City of Stratford’s Community Services Forestry Division plants trees in new sub-divisions, parks and established neighbourhoods. Residents are welcome to make a request to have a tree planted by the City on the front of properties.

Many factors about the requested planting site are taken into account. These considerations determine;

1. the possibility of a tree being planted on the property
2. the type of tree species best suited for the location

Currently, there are no charges to have a tree planted.

Submit a Tree Planting Request