October record month of development in Stratford

Commercial and residential development in Stratford went through the roof in October.

Development totalled close to $30 million for the month, which is just $1 million and change less than the greatest level of development for an entire year in this rapidly-growing municipality.

That compares to $4,239,650 in development for October 2017.

Development for the first 10 months of 2018 is just under $67.5 million. Development for the first 10 months in 2017 was just over $25 million.

October’s record development is fueled, in large part, by the major redevelopment of the former Home Hardware building and the $18.6 million in row houses and apartments development.

“There is a lot going on in Stratford,’’ says Coun. Keith MacLean, who attended his final council meeting Wednesday as chairman of the planning, development and heritage committee.

“The last two census, we were the second fastest growing (municipality) in Atlantic Canada.’’

MacLean attributes the steady growth in Stratford, in part, to a strong influx of newcomers.

“Newcomers seem to tell other newcomers that it is a welcoming community,’’ he says.

“The motto is we are trying to build the best community possible…it’s paying off with people moving here.’’