Letter to Mayor and City Councillors

I have sent this letter to Mayor Dan Mathieson and our newly elected city council:

Dear Stratford City Council,

It would be a dangerous precedent for our city to give in to the recent disrespectful and bullying tactics of Wal-mart as represented by the Craft Development Corporation on the Stockie lands in the east end of the city.  We have the very real and strong support of the OMB decision by Mr. Colin Hefferon to protect our local planning rights and the interim control by-law wisely passed by the last city council. Our downtown is already fragile. Increasing sprawl to the level of this proposal is a very serious matter. And the consequences are now on your watch. If we give in now, we have lost the control of our planning rights. We would also lose the hope that the victory at the OMB gave not just to Stratford, but to many other communities who applauded the decision. Why should we allow an Arkansas based corporation to dominate our future development options? You must weigh the long-term well being of our city against narrow self-interests. What kind of Stratford will we pass on to the next generation? That is what hangs in the balance; a beautiful unique creative community with a real downtown or just another sterile strip city of sprawl.

Here is an interesting idea. OPA 10 requires first and foremost that new businesses locate downtown. Walmart has recently stated a new direction of trying smaller format stores. In the May 2005 Walmart flyer titled “Stratford Wal-Mart Update” this corporation stated: “Wal-Mart hopes to build a Store of The Community with each location. Merchandise is selected, people are hired, and buildings are designed to reflect customers, neighbours and the community on the whole.” I have seen no evidence of this promise only blatant disregard for the individuality of our community. But what if Walmart did build downtown? Their presence in this location could reverse the continuing trend of businesses leaving the downtown core as well as bringing a whole group of citizens back to shopping in the downtown. Imagine a Walmart building actually designed for Stratford. Perhaps on the Kalbfleish property on Erie St. There is parking with that property just across the street as well as the Erie St, parking lot. It could be a two-story building. And it could help our downtown recover instead of giving the core a potentially fatal blow if it located in the sprawl heavy east end. Walmart in the downtown could reverse the exit of businesses from the core and become an impetus for other businesses to start up downtown. If Walmart is determined to locate in Stratford, they could help our city instead of being a damaging force by building ‘a Store of Our Community’ downtown.

The character of our community (with our still real downtown) is attracting new, important and responsible companies. In a cover letter ‘A Message from the Mayor’ to Members of the Business Community and potential new businesses Mayor Dan Mathieson states: “Our thriving downtown is filled with intriguing shops and outstanding restaurants, giving Stratford a truly dynamic atmosphere.” What happens to this selling point if the downtown continues to lose businesses? It is already littered with empty storefronts. Walmart in the sprawl heavy east would accelerate an already dangerous and damaging trend. Our downtown needs hardware and food options to continue to serve our local neighborhood daily shopping needs.

We must not allow Walmart to divide us. If we give in now so much will be lost. United, we can protect our rights to guide our city with wise planning principles. The enlightened and wise OMB decision on OPA 10 and good planning is a strong protective precedence against this current challenge to the interim control by-law. We should not drop our resolve and give in to Walmart’s disregard for the well being of our city with the OMB victory backing our justified, legitimate and legal planning rights. Let Walmart earn our respect by following through on their May 2005 promise. We are an intelligent city but we must also be a wise community. Stand on guard for our Stratford.

Lesley Walker-Fitzpatrick

Dec. 12, 2010

Stratford

Walmart Continues to Disrespect Our City

Walmart through Craft Development Corporation is again disregarding the rights and well being of Stratford. Read this recent Beacon Herald article. Please encourage Stratford City Council to support the interim control by-law and OPA 10.

http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2886749

Dance Dance Dance

I started a dance workshop tour in the schools of Avon Maitland District School Board this week through the Foundation for Enriching Education Perth-Huron. Enjoying the grade 5 students as we create choreography and improv.

Letter: No Respect for Our City

Murray Scott's October 14th letter to the editor of the Gazette:

http://www.stratfordgazette.com/editorial/article/93322

At City Hall Election Night

Al Tucker, Kerry McManus and I waiting at City Hall for the results of the election waiting and waiting and waiting....

Not the quick computer results that we expected at 8:20. It was more like 10:30.

I was almost elected. There were only just over two hundred votes between Mr. Cuilliton and myself. The first three wards had elected me to council but the last ward bumped my name off the top 10.

The fact that I had a strong position on a very controversial issue was both an asset and a disadvantage. My supporters knew where I stood and agreed with me strongly. It is a hopeful thing that so many supported me because it shows how many other people have concerns about our future growth and development and protecting the character of our unique and special community. I will continue to speak out for wise growth and development in Stratford by advocating Smart Growth Ideas, Transition Towns Initiatives and Permaculture Principles to move forward in enlightened ways instead of continuing to be stuck in the dark age of increasing sprawl. We could be a leader in this important and crucial direction of wise community nurturance.

I want to thank my supporters for all the work and effort you made in support of my campaign.

Voting Problems / Beacon Herald Article

I have heard from a number of people about the problems they had with the computer and phone voting system.

I have had calls and emails from citizens who were not able to vote. They tried to vote at the traditional time between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on election day but were cut off in the middle, couldn't log on, didn't know the polls were extended an extra hour and were prevented from casting their vote (a number would have been for me). Many also felt that the sense of coming together as a community to vote at polling stations was lost. And re-counts? Accuracy? Voting online was easy before Monday late afternoon but lacking in a sense of occasion in my experience. I could not get onto the candidates web page Monday after 5 p.m. If you or any in your network have had any issues around the voting system this is the message from Joan Thomson, City Clerk:  

"If members of the Public wish to provide feedback on the InteliVote System, they can submit written comments to the attention of the City Clerks Office -  Corporate Services Department, City of Stratford, City Hall, P.O. Box 818, Stratford, Ontario  N5A 6W1 or election@city.stratford.on.ca" 

Sending a letter will be more effective and get more attention than an email. 


This is the link to the Beacon Article:

http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2817194

Best New Ideas For Stratford

Article in the Beacon Herald Saturday, Oct. 23rd. All the candidates had 75 words to give their new ideas for Stratford:

http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2814138

These are my ideas: 

*A clean Avon River with swimming area.
*Close Market Square to traffic on Saturdays (temporary barriers at minimal cost) and have the farmers' market downtown which would lead to increased income for farmers and great support for downtown. 

*A film production studio.
*A citizens' group to guide the review of our Official Plan using Smart Growth ideas, transition towns initiatives and permaculture principles (working with nature) to create practical solutions for Stratford beyond the current dependence on fossil fuels.

Sunday Afternoon Beauty in Stratford

 

Past citizens saved the river banks for us to enjoy. Now it is up to us to protect our special downtown and unique character of our community for future generations.

Stratford Gazette All Candidates Forum

This is the synopsis of my appearance at the Municipal Forum:

“I think Stratford is worth fighting for,” responded Lesley Walker-Fitzpatrick, when questioned whether she would support the city again spending taxpayers’ money to try to stop Wal-Mart from building in the east end. 

The big box retailer has a reputation for killing communities, she said. 

“Do we want to be another sprawl town or do we want to have quality of life?”

Stratford’s economy relies on the character of the community, she noted, adding it is already in good hands with its well established arts and culture scene and new industrial developments.

As well, she added, the university campus will present “amazing opportunities for spin-offs for creative, innovative, respectful jobs.”

Not just protecting the character of the city, but wise planning and fiscal responsibility are of the utmost importance for the city in these financial times, said Walker-Fitzpatrick. 

“You have to understand the difference between a need and a want,” she added. 

With her diverse background in early childhood education, the performing and visual arts and social justice and environmental research, she said she understands the issues and challenges many families without a guaranteed income, whether the parents are performers, entrepreneurs or factory workers who face periodical layoffs, encounter.

My Profile in the Stratford Citizen

Thank you Stratford Citizen for a very accurate article based on the interview with Adam.

http://www.citizennews.ca/?page_id=1798/

As a citizen participant in the OMB hearing over Walmart, Lesley Walker-Fitzpatrick spent days researching and hearing about planning issues relating to Stratford. If elected, she hopes to apply what she’s learned to the upcoming review of the City’s offical plan.

“I’d like to see it be a good road map so that we manage to keep the character of our city as we grow,” she says.

Among the issues she wants to explore are increasing local sustainability, resisting urban sprawl, pursuing creative retrofits, cleaning up brownfields, hosting open markets in Market Square and ensuring that future commercial developments in the west end blend with the surrounding neighboorhoods. She also wants to take an active role in the city’s accessibility committee, having “walked the walk” in caring for her late brother, John, a quadriplegic.

Walker-Fitzpatrick says her performing arts background has helped her understand the challenges faced by those without a guaranteed income. And in a nod to the City debt, she says more large capital expenditures shouldn’t be pursued without public consultation.

As for the environment, she says it’s a matter of getting the City’s many thriving aspects – like culture, industry, tourism and the new university – to work together.

“We have the right ingredients for us to be a leader in this direction – a responsible, sustainable, green direction.”

Thanks To All

A very big thank you to all who supported the issues I am running for with their important vote. We need a progressive new city council to guide Stratford into a beautiful, bright, sustainable future with a strong local economy. Say no to sprawl and yes to the unique character of our rare city.

VOTE ONLINE LINK

This is the link to the online voting website:

http://stratford.isivote.com/

Letter to the Beacon Herald by Phil Guest

I was a visitor to Stratford for many years and have recently become a resident of this fine com-munity. I have been following with interest the ongoing battle with Wal-Mart. If the residents of Stratford wish to see the effects Wal-Mart will have on a small city, look no further than Strathroy. It once had a thriving downtown similar to Stratford but slightly smaller. Once Wal-Mart moved into town, many small and long established businesses found they could not compete and were forced to close. The downtown area is now only a shell of what it once was.

Wal-Mart is not a Canadian company. It buys from the manufacturer that provides the lowest price.Little of their merchandise is Canadian and very little of their produce is local or even from Ontario. The quality of merchandise available in Wal-Mart cannot and will not match that of the current downtown merchants. Profits they make will not stay in the community or even the country. Wal-Mart will make money at the expense of the local community.A city the size of Stratford cannot afford that expense.The same is likely to happen here if Wal-Mart is allowed to build here. But businesses will not be the only ones to suffer. The job losses will exceed job positions at Wal-Mart. Positions at Wal-Mart will be mostly part time and low paying. Benefits will be nearly non-existent. Community involve-ment will be minimal in comparison to what it is now and that will result in the loss of many good community and sports groups that rely on local funding. The business tax base will be considerably reduced when small businesses close. The loss of jobs will mean less money to be spent in the com-munity, resulting in further closures.

For those members of the community who like living in Stratford, who enjoy the lifestyle of a vibrant community and wish to keep it that way, look carefully at the candidates in the upcoming election. There are candidates who want Stratford to remain a great place to live and visit, Lesley Walker-Fitzpatrick being the best choice.

I for one wish to see Stratford remain a vital and alive community with a healthy downtown core.

Phil Guest Stratford

http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2814133

VALUE

How do we measure what we value? I think we must look to future value and past value to really be able to estimate this illusive commodity. And not be trapped by the simple and blunt assessment of current dollars. That makes no sense. If we make these decisions only by dollars, one thing we will be guaranteed to lose is beauty.

St. Ambrose Election Project

I had the definite pleasure of meeting with a very bright young student from the grade 8 class at St. Ambrose. She was my voice in their classroom election project and gave a speech based on interviewing me as a candidate for City Council. I discussed some complex issues with her around the future growth and development of Stratford and the need to control sprawl. She came through with flying colors!

Smart Growth for Responsible Sustainable Communities

"Smart growth is an urban planning, land-use and transportation movement focused on building “urban villages” and stopping urban sprawl. “It’s about compact growth,” Prof. Tomalty says. “The goal is to have residential, commercial and recreational destinations within biking and walking distance so that people don’t need to drive. Smart growth means building liveable communities without hurting the environment; communities that are healthy socially and economically and environmentally.”
Read more: http://www.financialpost.com/executive/smart-shift/Imagine+smart+city/2146219/story.html#ixzz12k8y1Sxt
Good comment from Douglass St. Christian - "One warning: I don't think we need leaders, I think we need friends and collaborators. The interesting thing is "leader" is the FP's word, not Ray Tomalty's."

Ray Tomalty is Principal of Smart Cities Research Services and an Adjunct Professor in the School of Urban Planning at McGill University. He specializes in research on smart growth and urban sustainability, including related topics such as intensification, innovative approaches to development, regional planning, affordable housing, sustainable transportation, growth management, fiscal tools to promote community sustainability, and indicators as a means of measuring community sustainability

http://smartcities.ca/

What Do The Candidates Think About Stratford's Debt? Walmart?

‎"Stratford's debt is manageable with cautious, prudent decision-making and responsible long term financing; for example, the sanitary sewer project with low locked interest rates (3 -4%).

The Stratford Institute (education a new pillar in our diverse economy) and RBC are both crucial additions with future tax benefits. We have the right conditions to create innovative revenue streams.
There should be no new large capital investments without public consultation; use existing options with innovative re-designs." Lesley Walker-Fitzpatrick

http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2803991

"A vibrant, protected downtown gives Stratford a strong competitive advantage in the new and emerging economies and insures a quality of life that will continue to attract more companies with good jobs.

Increasing sprawl in the east end is regressive and dangerous to our local economy. Expert planners and the OMB agree.Respect for Stratford's autonomy and strong local planning rights are central to our city's bright future. Keep Stratford's tradition of preserving our best." Lesley Walker-Fitzpatrick

http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2794269

Canada's Walk of Fame - Doug Henning

Doug Henning was honoured by receiving a star on Canada's Walk of Fame on October 18th. Brian Lumley was Doug's Technical Director (the wizard behind the wizard) and I was Maya Doug's Goddess of Magic in Spellbound at the Royal Alex. Brian and I represented Doug and 'walked the walk' with Canada's beloved Luba Goy. An amazing event. I also met Eric McCormick of Will and Grace and the very lovely - in all ways - Sarah Polley.

Campaign Home Stretch

Voting begins Monday, October 18th at 10 a.m. and continues until 8 p.m. on Monday October 25th.

Voting this year is by computer or phone. Make sure you have your letter from the City Clerk's office with your voting pin #.

Here is the link to the city website and information on voting this year:

http://www.city.stratford.on.ca/documents/council/E-Voting_and_Common_Questions.pdf

Dropping Off Signs / Creative Conversations

I am hearing many perspectives and points of view as I am out and about campaigning. So many concerns about protecting farmland, about making sure Stratford grows with good development principles and fullfills our potential to be an enlightened community.

Signs Signs Signs of the Times....

Thank you to all the people who are asking me for lawn signs. I can not get any more because they take 2 weeks to order. Single signs can be ordered at Sun Signs but they are expensive - $34.00
However I have had the same graphics from the lawn sign printed on card stock in 2 sizes - 8" x 10" and 13" x 19". They work very well in windows. Let me know if you would like one.

I am enjoying getting out and meeting people, discussing crucial issues for Stratford. I also feel good with my sign protectively perched above Ontario St. I appreciate all your support.

And a very big thank you to Scott McKowen for his wonderful design.

Stratford and Beyond: A Community Vision for the 21st Century

This is a very interesting read.

Stratford Beyond - 5 goalposts:

Small Town Charm and Big City Amenities

World-Class excellence in the Arts

A 21^st Century Industrial Base 

An integrated Environment of Beauty and Balance

Tourism for All Seasons 

http://www.city.stratford.on.ca/documents/reports/Strategic_plan.pdf

Latest 'Eye Pie'

For those who saw my art piece 'Eye Pie' at Savour Stratford Photo Exhibit - this is my latest pie!

Stratford Urban Farming Experiment 10/10/10 Activity

Planning the community vegetable garden for next season in our backyard.

EAARTH by Bill McGibbon - Fighting for a Saner Planet

I am reading Bill McGibbon's crucial, scary and I hope (when I get to the actions we can take) - hopeful book about the state of Planet 'Eaarth'.... as an action on 10/10/10 to fight for responsible and sustainable action regarding climate change. Also: I am running for City Council for no other reason than protecting Stratford (think locally) to contribute to developing wise directions for a responsible, sustainable future.

To Celebrate 10/10/10

Starting to plan a community vegetable garden in our back yard for next season.

http://www.350.org/

Walmart: Be Sure To Read What the Candidates Think

http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2794269
Fighting the fight with Wal-mart...when is it time to say when?


"A vibrant, protected downtown gives Stratford a strong competitive advantage in the new and emerging economies and insures a quality of life that will continue to attract more companies with good jobs.

Increasing sprawl in the east end is regressive and dangerous to our local economy. Expert planners and the OMB agree.Respect for Stratford's autonomy and strong local planning rights are central to our city's bright future. Keep Stratford's tradition of preserving our best."

Lesley Walker-Fitzpatrick

A Bright Thanksgiving Weekend at The Farmers Market

I am thankful for a strong and growing local food movement.

Beauty in Our Downtown

Walking along Downie St. yesterday evening enjoying the flock of birds wheeling across the sky with wings lit by the clear late sun.

Quotes From Transition Towns Website

What a wise and wonderful direction. This gives me hope for the future.

Credit for introducing the Transition Towns Movement to Stratford goes to Marianne Brandis. Thank you Marianne for this great connection.

"A transition initiative (like TTP) is a community working together to look peak oil and climate change squarely in the eye and address the BIG question: for those aspects of life that the community needs in order to sustain itself (e.g. water, food, shelter, transportation), how do we significantly increase resilience while addressing fossil fuel decline and environmental degradation?

There are hundreds of cities and towns around the world – including close to 30 in Canada – working with the Transition Town model which is based on permaculture principles. We are all working together to learn and design our communities in ways that reflect the reality of our situation. We can no longer carry on with a business as usual attitude under the illusion that we are somehow separate from nature and not accountable to natural law.

* we used immense amounts of creativity, ingenuity and adaptability on the way up the energy slope; there’s no reason for us not to do the same on the downslope

* if we collectively plan and act early enough there’s a good chance we can create a way of living that’s significantly more" 
http://transitiontownpeterborough.ca/

Transition Towns

Peterborough is working towards being a responsible and sustainable community. This would be a great direction and initiative for Stratford too. Check the website: http://transitiontownpeterborough.ca/

Campaign Launch A Big Success: Factory 163 the Perfect Location

Campaign Launch Today

Hope you can come out and launch me! No breaking of champagne bottles on my stern side however...
5 p.m. at Factory 163
163 King St.
Discuss issues / support my campaign / pick-up flyers to distribute
Hope to see you there!

I Am Bereft Without My Voice

This Letter to the Editor could not be published because I am a candidate for city council. In running to have a voice, I have lost my voice. Oh democracy..... I publish it here. Please feel free to send it on. Thanks, Lesley

October 3, 2010

To The Editor

With questionable tactics, Craft, representing Wal-Mart is proposing a large new commercial development in the east end, which is extremely disrespectful towards our community. By imposing this development on the city in the east, the corporation negates our local planning rights. Expert City Planner Warren Sorenson has provided Stratford with a three zone commercial strategy to protect our downtown by insuring it remains central and relevant. The proposed east end development is also disrespectful to the wise decision of Ontario Municipal Board Chairman Colin Hefferon who unequivocally supported Stratford’s Official Plan and OPA 10. After a year of hearings, Wal-Mart certainly understands that the City of Stratford would welcome responsible commercial development in the west but it is obvious by it’s recent move that this corporation does not care about our community, in fact they are insulting our city.

I understand that there is a lot of concern within Stratford about the cost of protecting our right to self-determination against the will of this mega corporation. But there is a good chance that the money spent at the recent successful OMB hearings could be returned to the city, as the matter is currently under consideration at the OMB.

A strong local economy is especially important in difficult financial times. Richard Florida states in his book ‘The Flight of the Creative Class’: “the basic force for all economic growth comes from the clustering of creative people – talented, innovative, entrepreneurial people.” He argues this is where job opportunities are developed. He also writes: “ For the first time in history, the further development of the economy literally turns on the further development of our combined human creative capabilities.” We have in Stratford, the important ingredients to develop innovative revenue streams. Stratford is attracting new responsible institutions and companies precisely because of our rare, vibrant downtown and quality of life. We must protect this heart and core of our community.

David Johnston, our new Governor General in his inaugural speech states: "We want to be the smart and caring nation…a society that innovates, embraces its talent and uses the knowledge of each of its citizens to improve the human condition for all.“  He also says; "When we set our sights together, we can do better and inspire each other to achieve great things.” He could be speaking about Stratford. Service to community was also stressed by Mr. Johnston. Stratford could be a leader in wise and forward thinking development while holding on to what so many other cities have lost; a real downtown and high quality of life.

Imagine a future Stratford where businesses are forced to migrate to the car dominated east end of the city because it is the only viable shopping option left. Imagine our downtown reduced to a shell with many empty storefronts, no longer able to meet the needs of residents. This situation would have devastating effects on our economic health and future growth potential.

Stratford has fought to protect itself in the past. We have a rich heritage of holding on to what is important. The railroad wanted to build on the banks of the Avon River. Imagine what a destroyed landscape along the river would look like if CNR had had its way. Instead, by protecting the river, we have inherited natural beauty and precious parks.  The railroad did build in Stratford and contribute to the economy but it built on the city’s terms not the railroad’s terms.

Instead of accepting “a geography of nowhere”* streetscape and endangered downtown, we can defend our Official Plan and local planning rights. Together we can stand our ground. Together we can stand on guard for Stratford and develop as a well-planned, visionary, sustainable and innovative city.  It is precisely for our children and our bright future that we must insist that this corporation respects our city and our Official Plan.

Now imagine beauty in the east end on these newly opened lands to counter balance the car dominated streetscape - with ball and soccer fields and a lovely park.

Sincerely,

Lesley Walker-Fitzpatrick

*(‘The Geography of Nowhere’; James Howard Kunstler)

Inspirational Speech

Very inspired by our new Governor General David Johnston's speech - bringing into focus important ideas like: "envision a better world". We can start that here in Stratford! What about "enlightened country" and "smart and caring nation" or 'service to our communities and families". These are the kind of ideas and hopes that helped me make the decision to run for city council in Stratford.

We have the ingredients here - in Stratford- to be a light, to find the path, to be a leader in new visionary ways as we make the difficult transition to a more sustainable future. Start locally. I was just told about a movement called 'transition towns' and I am very interested to learn more.

All Candidates Forum

http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2780606

With Wal-Mart apparently looking to set up shop at the former Gary Stockie automobile dealership property on Ontario St., some pointed questions were aimed at Lesley Walker-Fitzpatrick asking whether she would be prepared to again keep the retailer out.

The candidate astutely replied that the city was "disrespected" by the company that knew well in advance about the city's desired commercial structure.

"I think Stratford is worth fighting for," she said, responding to one of the questions and asserting that the company "has a track record of killing many, many communities."

NEW PETITION COMING SOON

I am working towards getting a new petition on the anti-sprawl blog http://ifyoulovestratford.blogspot.com
We need to show our support for all initiatives to protect the character and vitality of our unique community.

A quote from a petition signer last spring:

"In a time when urban sprawl and suburban big box stores have left our formerly vibrant downtowns struggling to hold on to some vestige of retail business, Stratford stands alone as a beacon of hope. There is no model for a Wal-Mart that could accurately reflect the artistry and creativity that define downtown Stratford and its population. Don't even try to define it.

Living in Windsor, I know what urban sprawl can accomplish. Don't let big box banality ruin this unique example of Canadian urban success!" BPM

Thank you to all who signed the petition last spring.

STRATFORD IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR

New Walmart Threat in East End

Walmart is disregarding our Official Plan and the ruling of the Ontario Municipal Board. Lawyer Josie Matera and Planner Warren Sorenson recommend an interim control by-law to protect the city's planned future commercial structure. ONLY COUNCILOR FRANK MARK VOTED AGAINST THIS VITAL PROTECTION FOR STRATFORD

http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2776375

New Walmart Threat in East End

Wal-Mart intentions stun city council  Have sights set on Gary Stockie property on Ontario Street  Posted 30 minutes ago  Wal-Mart, it appears, has not given up on its idea of locating a department store in Stratford's east end commercial area.  In a startling revelation to city council last night, planning consultant Warren Sorensen informed council that CRAFT Development Corp. representatives have advised they are working with Wal-Mart and that the retailer "wants them to proceed with plans and building as they have submitted."  The city's planning consultant said that although no large commercial owner has been formally identified for a proposed 89,000 square foot building at Ontario St. and C.H. Meier Blvd., "Wal-Mart Project, Stratford, 892-920 Ontario Street" appears in the title block on landscape drawings submitted as part of a site plan application.  "The impression conveyed is that Wal-Mart is interested in locating on the site," said Sorensen in a written report to council that he presented in person.  "That would constitute a significant departure from the intent of the city policies so recently endorsed by the OMB (Ontario Municipal Board)," Sorensen said.  Following discussions that included a closed-door meeting with city solicitor Jose Matera, council accepted Sorensen's advice to bring in an interim control bylaw to prohibit use of a commercially zoned strip of land along the north side ofOntario Street for a department store.  As well, council accepted advice that a planning study be undertaken that would "at a minimum" examine all the lands along Ontario St. East between Romeo St. and the city limits that are designated commercial or zoned highway commercial.  The control bylaw, that would be in effect for up to a year, would ensure that the planning study can be carried out before any development occurs that would prejudice the results of the study or prejudice the achievement of the city's commercial structure policies, explained Sorensen.  As a story in Saturday's Beacon Herald indicated, the land assembled by CRAFT Development Corp. includes the former Gary Stockie automobile dealership property and a former Taco Bell restaurant.  Responding to a question from Coun. Dave Gaffney, Matera told council the proposed interim control bylaw could be appealed to the OMB by property owners and she expected there might be some appeals.  Lands proposed for inclusion in the study area extend from the east city limits to Romeo St. and are mostly, but not exclusively, on the north side of Ontario St. The proposed study area does not include industrial lands.  In his report Sorensen points out that the prospect of building demolition and redevelopment can increase the potential for developing significant retail facilities within developed areas of the Ontario St. East commercial corridor and there are other locations where that could also occur and "unanticipated retail developments" could come forward.  At 90,000 square feet, compared to the 135,000 square feet Wal-Mart/Avonwood Shopping Centres Ltd. had proposed for an earlier store, the new configuration doesn't reflect "conventional Wal-Mart footprints," Sorensen said.  But he advised the development proposal for the northwest corner of Ontario and C.H. Meier would prejudice the city's ability to achieve its long range commercial plans - plans supported by the OMB in its decision earlier this year.  Only Coun. Frank Mark voted against following the planner's advice. Copyright © 2010 The Beacon Herald

Human Books at the Library

Spent an enjoyable afternoon at the Stratford Public Library as a human book for Culture Days. Met some great people, made some nice connections. From my life chapters, most wanted to know more about my inspirational poet brother who was quadriplegic and mute. Precious memories - I  re-introduced him to myself.

Prepping now for my readings of 'A Faerie Cat Tale' Saturday. Perth Arts Connect tent at noon then Factory 163 upstairs in the Day Studio at 2 p.m. Hope to see you there.

Culture Days

What a wild and busy but exciting time...Culture Days is about to spin in our wonderfully creative community.

Check me out for a visit at the Stratford Public Library Friday Sept. 24th in the afternoon. I am a human book. "Advocate, Artist and Activist: Life Journey of a Devoted Sister,Magic Goddess and Nature Spirit".

Check out my artwork on the walls of Factory 163.

Come listen to selections from "A Faerie Cat Tale" as I read from this work in progress. First at the Perth Arts Connect tent near the bandshell at noon. Then Upstairs in the Day Studio at Factory 163 on King St. at 2 p.m.

And then there is the campaigning......

Campaign Launch

A Campaign Launch will be held on Tuesday, October 5 at 5 p.m. at Factory 163. Come and discuss issues and ideas. Pick up a lawn sign, campaign posters and flyers. I look forward to seeing you there.

Candidate for Stratford City Council

I decided to run as a candidate for City Council for several reasons the most important being that it is a natural continuation of my work as a citizen participant before the Ontario Municipal Board defending Stratford's Official Plan 10. As a community we were successful in protecting our local planning rights.

The experience, knowledge and awareness of planning issues I gained in that exercise will make me a strong contributor to the upcoming comprehensive official plan review during the next term of office.  It is vitally important to have a strong and visionary Official Plan.

As a cultural centre for Canada and with The Stratford Institute focus on culture and commerce, the perspective of an artist on council is important in guiding our way forward. I have years of experience in both the visual and performing arts.