Council candidates: Harj Nijjar

Introduce yourself to readers. Who are you?

… I am a lifelong Stratford resident, proud husband and father, local business owner and information technology professional. For more than 25 years, I have worked in business and technology, helping organizations grow through responsible financial management, strategic planning and strong leadership. Over the past four years, it has been a privilege to serve the residents of Stratford as your city councillor and deputy mayor. I remain inspired every day by the strength, generosity and spirit of our community, and I am committed to working with residents to keep Stratford affordable, safe and vibrant for future generations.

What are the core issues you are focused on this election?

My focus is on keeping taxes affordable, managing growth responsibly, supporting housing, local jobs and protecting the quality of life that makes Stratford such a great place to live. Over the last four years, I have supported projects like the Grand Trunk redevelopment, supportive housing on Erie Street and efforts to bring GO Train service back to Stratford. I want to build on that progress by supporting local businesses and manufacturing, creating more housing options, investing in infrastructure, improving public safety and ensuring Stratford remains a welcoming, vibrant community where families, seniors and young people can thrive.

Next year’s budget, like last year’s, will be presented and guided by the mayor. As a councillor, what will you do to keep the tax levy low?

Keeping taxes affordable starts with making tough choices and focusing on what matters most. I believe we need to prioritize core services, carefully review new spending and look for efficiencies before asking residents to pay more. As someone with a background in business and technology, I understand the importance of living within our means while still planning for the future. We cannot stop investing in roads, infrastructure, housing and economic growth, but we need to make sure every tax dollar is spent wisely. My goal is to keep Stratford affordable while continuing to move our community forward.

Housing and homelessness in Stratford continues to be a challenge. What, in your opinion, is the strategy the city should be taking in building more homes and/or improving affordability?

Housing and homelessness are some of the biggest challenges facing Stratford today. We need to keep creating more housing options, from starter homes and rentals to supportive housing for those who need additional help. No single project will solve the problem, but every new housing opportunity helps. I have supported projects like supportive housing on Erie Street because everyone deserves a safe place to call home. We also need to work closely with builders, non-profits and other levels of government to remove barriers, attract funding and get more homes built …

Are you in favour of the current council’s direction on the GTR? If not, what strategy would you be in favour of?

I support the direction council has taken with the Grand Trunk project. It is a once in a generation opportunity to transform an underused property into something that benefits Stratford for decades to come. Both the YMCA and Stratford Public Library have committed to the project, and council has approved a $15 million capital contribution to help move it forward. As the project progresses, we need to remain financially responsible, transparent and keep residents informed. My focus is on making sure we get good value for taxpayers while creating a community asset that supports housing, recreation, learning and economic growth …