Some Stratford residents 'dreading' changes to town's waterfront 

Stratford has some big plans for its waterfront, and on Monday night, people in the town had a chance to have their say.

The town is proposing a series of changes to its official plan as it tries to create a more vibrant waterfront and downtown.

Marie O'Hanley of Stratford said she's concerned about plans to rezone areas next to long-established homes in that part of town, and is "dreading" some of the proposed changes. 

"That's people's backyards. It's vacant land, yes, but it's people's backyards. It's not my backyard, so it's not NIMBY," O'Hanley said, referring to the popular acronym for "not-in-my-back-yard" reactions to developments.

"But that's just not right that that will become this mixed-used zone. I don't really actually understand what mixed-use zone is, other than it sounds like you can do whatever you want there."

'Not very efficient'

As part of its official plan, Stratford is proposing to rezone 28 parcels of land along Stratford and Hopeton roads, near the waterfront.

Town officials say the current zoning is "not very efficient for the type of development we would like to see in a key commercial area."

They would like to see a mixed-use neighbourhood that would include a range of retail, restaurant and commercial properties on the ground floors with residential units above.

The town also wants to "encourage vibrant, pedestrian-focused streetscapes." It's proposing buildings up to six storeys tall in that area, with the top two floors set back so they don't dominate the skyline.

Part of the proposed amendments would also ban drive-thrus in that waterfront zone. although those already established would be allowed to stay. 

'We have to pay attention to these borders'

Jeff MacDonald, chair of Stratford's planning, development and heritage committee, said there can be tension between different planning zones. He hopes the town can take steps to reduce those tensions.

"There's some significant concerns about the people who live in and around this area now," MacDonald said. 

"We have to pay attention to these borders between zones… and what we're going to really work on is making sure that whatever this ultimately looks like is that border is absolutely respected, and that it's protected, and to make sure that the experience that people have in that neighbouring area is preserved."

Part of the reason why Stratford is proceeding with these changes now is because the federal Housing Accelerator Fund requires the town to create about 4,000 new housing units over the next few years. MacDonald said the proposed changes would help meet that target.

'I don't think you're being upfront'

Richard Furlong of Stratford said he's concerned about what impact the proposal may have on people's view of the waterfront.

"I just think to just put up a whole bunch of houses and block off basically the view for the entire town and to have it only for a few people — I don't know if that's such a great idea," Furlong said. 

He encouraged town officials to monitor developers to ensure compliance with the rules.

"I don't think you're being upfront with us about what you are planning on doing and what you have done to make sure that these things are addressed," he said.

Another resident, Dieter Friesen, said he supports increased density but wants public transit and walkability to be priorities.

"I think you need to look at parking minimums. If you are going to have good density, and you want to create a walkable downtown, you want it so people don't need a car at all," Friesen said.

'Their concerns are noted'

The planning board will meet in early August to discuss the proposed changes and make a recommendation to council. A council vote is expected next month.

MacDonald said he rejects the term NIMBY. He said these are residents, and it's important that councillors hear what they have to say.

"We have a responsibility to listen to them and we have to make sure that their concerns are noted."