$150,000 went to Lights on Stratford and $150,000 to attainable housing from 2025 accommodation tax dollars. The next step is clear, published targets for that spending.
Simpler licensing
A licensing system that gets harder to comply with defeats its own purpose. For B&Bs and short-term rentals, I'd bring staff, operators and by-law enforcement back to the same table to simplify the process from application through enforcement. Predictable rules for operators trying to do it right.
Tourism touches every household
Stratford's downtown and festival economy touches nearly every resident's taxes and local business, whether they realize it or not. Reports have flagged this gap since 2005. I'd fold tourism education into the City's regular communication, not leave it to Destination Stratford alone.
Partner, not just regulator
For small businesses: incentives and cost-sharing, not unfunded mandates. Sustainability that pays for itself.
