Tim Forster

We chose Stratford because of the people, the distinct heritage buildings, and the fact it was a complete community. We invested in Stratford to make it our home and much of Stratford watched our home transform on Church Street just down form the library.

What makes me unique amongst candidates is I come with political experience. I was the supportive husband behind a municipal and regional councillor. I know Councillors can impact policy by sharing community concerns with staff. Residents want a councillor who listens, values community involvement and takes your concerns seriously.

Last Council Term saw many groups challenge Council decisions. I understand that frustration as we personally took one of the largest developers in Ontario to the OMB/OLT over a “secret meetings” land deal. The Xinyi Glass plant; Chancery Development; the MAT tax. We need to end the secret meetings, back room deals, absence of meaningful consultation that have defined the way Stratford council currently behaves. Respect for the public needs to be restored.

I talk to everybody. Residents tell me they do not get calls or emails returned. My commitment is that I will be your in-person councillor. I will meet people and community groups, face to face, your place or mine. I return calls and emails within 24 hrs. I will be accountable. We need to do more to communicate with Stratford residents. I propose a one number system whereby questions from residents will be distributed to the councillors who sit on committees that apply to the question, responses will be monitored, and I would suggest published for all to see.

Back in Caledon, I lived a life of community service. I was Charter President of a Rotary Club, Vice President of the Agricultural Society, board member of the Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Hospice Foundation, and recipient of multiple awards.

This year I am celebrating 30 years as a life insurance agent. I build long term relationships. I also have a part time position with the Stratford Festival in accommodations. I am fully aware of the lack of affordable housing in Stratford.

Chester and I walk through Shakespeare Gardens every day. I am happy to part of the Friends of the garden. People care and love the City of Stratford. My wife Barb and I have only felt welcome here. Given the opportunity, It would be an honour to serve you.

1. What will be your unique contribution to council?

I bring a fresh perspective to Council on checks and balances. Having assisted a former councillor in a region of 1.5 million people, I understand that the procedural bylaw is key to ensuring transparency and public engagement. Stratford deserves a council that visibly works for its residents. I do not tolerate bullies. It is important that Councillors have the ability to express themselves, represent their residents openly and honestly without fear. I love diversity of thought because it often results in better solutions. I will also be adamant that decisions are made in open council and contentious issues have a...[]

2. How will you tackle urban sprawl and protect prime agricultural land?

Greenfield development is profitable for developers and that is why they push for it. It’s lazy public policy not to focus growth on infill development. Stratford is known for its heritage architecture and we need to find ways to enhance this element in our urban renewal. Many of the large homes in the core have 1-2 people living in them. We need to create opportunities for these homes to be divided or enhanced to provide rental accommodations or condo opportunities. Properties like the Cooper site and Avon Crest offer a similar opportunity, so do many buildings is our core and...[]

3. How will you encourage businesses and individuals to respond to climate change?

The City has to learn from early adapters in conservation and renewable energy and become a leader. The city’s vehicle fleet needs to become greener with hybrid, electric, and other low emission technologies. Our building code must reflect effective energy solutions. Stratford owns its own electric company, Festival Hydro. We should be investing directly in solar and wind energy to cut out the middle man. By taking a leadership role and engaging the public, Stratford residents will respond.

4. What is your idea(s) to attract new industry to Stratford?

New industry requires obtainable housing and public transit geared to its needs. It is also attracted by an open for business approach that reduces red tape. Council needs to set priorities on how much/what kind of new industry Stratford needs to attract and what kind of housing needs to be matched up to it. We need to make that information public and market to the types of industries we would like in our community. New industry is valuable as it increases the commercial tax ratio reducing the residential tax burden.

5. How will you address wealth inequality, homelessness and poverty in Stratford?

We can always do better taking care of the chronic homeless but I understand teams from the city, county and community work diligently to monitor and care for these individuals. On social media, I did post the idea of creating a pod of container homes that can offer shelter and security for this group in the winter months. It’s an idea to be explored. People who are living in poverty, those under employed or out of work, suffering addictions or disabilities are struggling and growing in number. Accommodation and living expenses have soared. Council needs to listen to those with...[]

6. How will you engage and inform the public about current issues and legislation?

Opening up council and letting the light shine in would be a good first step in building trust and engagement with the public. Reducing closed meetings to the minimum, listening to residents who have spent hours creating a delegation to council on a matter important to them, asking questions of the public, sponsoring a section in local media to provide previews and summaries of council activities, updating the city’s website search engine so that it actually works. How does a resident voice a concern? Calling 10 councillors and expecting only a few to return the call does not work. When...[]

7. Would you support term limits? Why/why not?

The community benefits when good representatives stay longer but sometimes people stay past their due date. Council benefits from the infusion of fresh energy and new ideas. Personally I could support three terms as a limit. Many suggest two terms but I can see there are times when there might be unfinished business. Ultimately the voters should determine who sits on Council.

8. What is your plan to better engage youth in Stratford?

I met Sammie Orr out door knocking. I expressed to her that she and those in the Eco Club inspired me. Youth are going to inherit the earth and I like the idea there are young people willing to put old folks feet to the fire. I find it odd that Stratford does not have a Youth Advisory Committee nor a Seniors Advisory Committee. These are two segments of our community I believe feel ignored and a new Council needs to engage them both.