Destination Stratford is pleased to once again support the Winter Music Pop-ups that will keep residents entertained throughout the winter season from December to March. With 14 venues planning events there will be something for everyone’s tastes and styles.

The U18 Stratford Warriors have endured a tough stretch to start the season. During the past week, the Warriors hosted the London Jr. Knights at the Rotary Complex on Nov. 26 and were outmatched in a 5-1 blowout loss. On Nov. 29, the Warriors squandered the lead in the third period to lose 5-3 to the Woodstock Jr. Navy Vets.

After the shortest budget deliberations in recent memory, the 2026 City of Stratford budget was approved with a projected tax increase of 3.19 per cent – the lowest in recent years. That figure translates to an approximate rise of $172 annually ($14 monthly) on an average home valued by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) at $317,000.

When Logan Johnson walked into the November Willi-Brawl Cocktail Competition, he wasn’t expecting to win – mostly because he’d never competed before. But by the end of the night, the Stratford bartender walked away with first place and a big moment for the Relic Lobby Bar.

Although at this time of year there is no shortage of performances featuring portrayals of Ebenezer Scrooge and his epiphanous, midnight meetings with three ghosts who help him discover the true meaning of Christmas, there is one such performance in Stratford unlike all others.

The aroma of pancakes, sausages and warm conversation filled the Community of Christ Church hall last weekend, as neighbours and friends gathered for the church’s monthly community breakfast.