Is Stratford getting too dense? Residents express concern with new builds in four public meetings

CONNOR LUCZKA, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Last month, four public meetings were held on proposed builds in the City of Stratford. While many residents praised the creation of much-needed housing, many others expressed concern over one crucial aspect: density.

The four properties, located at 156 Albert St., 576 O’Loane Ave., 1296 O’Loane Ave., and 963 O’Loane Ave. are all of varying densities. The Albert Street proposal would convert an old funeral parlour into 12 apartment units, 576 O’Loane would create 141 street townhouse units, 1296 O’Loane would create 56 single-detached houses and 109 street townhouse units, and 963 O’Loane would create 38 apartment units spread out over three buildings.

Over the course of these public meetings, held on March 20 and 24, many neighbours expressed concern over what these builds will bring to their neighbourhoods, the lack of parkland, the small size of townhouses with even smaller yards, the traffic on the streets closest to them, and the safety of their children as they cross roads that are yet to have sidewalks installed, for instance.

Speaking on 1296 O’Loane, one resident put it simply when he asked why the proposed subdivision has to be so heavily populated.

“It’s not Toronto,” Moe Biasin said. “It’s not Kitchener. You have developers coming from these cities creating a city density to create those cities. And it's not a necessary thing. It seems a little excessive. … The people that are developing these areas; they don't live here. They don't have investment in Stratford. It's hurtful.”

Adam Betteridge, director of building and planning with the city, said although the city’s official plan (OP), a broad guiding document for city staff, has density targets within, it does not reflect the current need for housing.

“Our official plan was adopted in 2016, it’s different now,” Betteridge said. “It’s going on 10 years ago. There’s talk about children playing in parks but we’re also talking about children struggling with their parents to find places to live and rest their head at night.”

The OP is currently undergoing a lengthy review process, and until it is approved by council and codified for planning staff, the department will have to balance provincial expectations set out by the Provincial Planning Statement (PPS) and the outdated OP.

While city councillors did not comment on the density of these projects, as the meetings were held to hear from the public, many have expressed that density is needed in Stratford as the region grows and the tax levy continues to expand.

Councillors will have a chance to debate these proposals, and the greater question of density in Stratford, when each project comes to council at a later date.

Comments made during the public meetings were noted by staff. Any comments received before or after will be included in the staff report provided to council when they make decisions on each of the four zone change applications.