Stratford police services board names new chair, vice-chair

By Amanda Nelson

A busy start to the new year for the Stratford police services board included welcomes and affirmations for new appointees, followed by the election of a new chair and vice chair for 2026.

The meeting marked a period of transition for the board following the recent removal of former chair Steve Cousins as a member by the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Newly appointed board members Lisa Wilde and Travis Blum formally affirmed their oaths of office, each committing to uphold the Canadian Constitution, recognize and respect Aboriginal and treaty rights, and maintain confidentiality in matters brought before the board.

The Stratford police services board is responsible for providing civilian oversight of local policing, including setting priorities, monitoring performance and ensuring the Stratford Police Service (SPS) operates in the best interest of the community.

Following the affirmations, an election was held for the position of chair. Mayor Martin Ritsma was nominated by former mayor Dan Matheson and elected unanimously.

Ritsma said he was humbled by the nomination to continue serving the community as chair.

“It’s always humbling when you’re selected by your peers to take on a role like this,” Ritsma said. “It’s an opportunity for me to continue the good work that we have done in the last three years and that I have been part of as a police services board member.

“This position gives me a chance to represent our residents and continue to help keep them safe, whether they’re in a place of work, driving a car or riding a bicycle to school. I’m pleased to be the chair promoting and recognizing the importance of safety in our community.”

Coun. Harjinder Nijjar was then nominated by Ritsma and elected to serve as vice chair for the 2026 term.

Nijjar said he plans to continue moving forward with optimism and build on goals set out in the board’s strategic plan.

“The board has been making strong progress in supporting both the police service and the community,” he said. “I’m going to encourage that we continue the collaborative approach we’ve taken so far. I’m focused on maintaining momentum and looking ahead.

“Our priority is to continue advancing the board’s strategic plan with a clear focus on the future. This includes working closely with the service, improving frontline service delivery, identifying efficiencies to help manage costs and continuing important discussions around securing a new police station that meets our long-term needs within our own community.

“I’m very optimistic about the direction we’re headed and committed to ensuring the board remains accountable and forward-thinking,” he said.