The annual State of the City breakfast hosted by the Stratford & District Chamber of Commerce has officially sold out ahead of its April 8, 2026, gathering at the Stratford Country Club. The event will bring together local business owners and residents to hear directly from Mayor Martin Ritsma regarding the city’s current direction and future priorities.
This yearly event, which can accommodate up to 220 guests, continues to be a major draw for the community, having also reached capacity in previous years. Mayor Ritsma, who was elected in 2022 following a career as a teacher and school principal and three terms as a city councillor, will use the platform to address municipal updates. This year’s address follows his time serving as both a city councillor and deputy mayor.
The breakfast comes as the city operates under updated municipal rules introduced on May 1, 2025. These changes granted the mayor expanded authority, including the power to propose the city budget, subject to potential amendments by the council and the use of a mayoral veto. The 2026 budget, which was developed under this new process, was recently finalized with a 3.19% tax rate increase. This adjustment equates to an approximate increase of $172 annually, or $14 per month, for an average home valued at $317,000.
As the city looks toward the next municipal election on October 26, 2026, the high interest in this event highlights the community’s engagement with local governance and economic development. The Chamber of Commerce, which represents approximately 300 members, continues to host such gatherings to keep residents informed on the policies and decisions shaping Stratford.
