Stratford city council paid out $470K last year

CONNOR LUCZKA, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The City of Stratford has released its annual report on the remuneration and expenses of its councillors. Over $470,000 was paid in 2025 to its 11-member council.

The base remuneration for most councillors was $23,229, along with $4,000 in lieu of benefits. As deputy mayor, Coun. Harjinder Nijjar received $25,250 and Mayor Martin Ritsma received $90,066 – a total of $324,380.

$10,086 was paid in per diems, $44,001 was paid in lieu of benefits, $44,942 was paid for conferences and meetings, $21,976 was paid from local boards, $35,148 was paid for employer remittances. A total of $470,533 was paid.

That amount is slightly more than 2024 (6.5 per cent greater). The year prior, the city paid a total of $441,796. Ritsma received $84,231 as his base pay, Nijjar $23,617, and the other councillors received $21,724.

Per the Municipal Act, the treasurer of a municipality is required to release the remuneration report before March 31. Council approved the report at its March 23 meeting.

Find the full report and amounts, including for members of local boards and committees, in the agenda package at https://tinyurl.com/4458n3fb.