Stratford residents and business owners can share their thoughts on the future of downtown parking at an open house today at City Hall. The city is hosting the event from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium to present early findings and gather public feedback on a new parking study.
The study, conducted by Orangeville-based R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited, was approved by council on May 12, 2026, at a cost of $72,807. It is the first comprehensive review of downtown parking since 2016. The city currently manages 1,246 municipal spaces across 10 lots, plus about 447 on-street spots. The Cooper lot, with 312 spaces, is the largest, while Erie Street has 148.
Parking demand has been climbing. Occupancy rates rose from a peak of nearly 58 percent in 2024 to over 62 percent in August 2025. The Erie Street lot, in particular, has seen a sharp increase tied to the opening of Conestoga College’s new campus on Erie Street in September 2025, which can serve up to 800 students. Local health organizations downtown have also added pressure, leaving 30 people on a waitlist for monthly permits at that lot.
The study will also help plan for the Grand Trunk Renewal Project, an 18-acre redevelopment next to downtown. In April, council directed that parking for that site be addressed through this study to ensure a coordinated approach. The Grand Trunk plan includes a shared community facility with the YMCA of Three Rivers and Stratford Public Library, with a total cost of about $55 million.
The parking study is now wrapping up its first phase, focusing on background information and best practices. Later phases will dive into discovery, idea generation, and developing final recommendations by November. Today’s open house is a chance for residents to weigh in early. For those who cannot attend, online surveys are available for business owners, residents, and visitors on the city’s engagement site.
