Stratford council eyes half-century plan

Some critics are calling the town of Stratford's new 50-year plan a bit too ambitious.

The recently drafted master plan includes a new downtown core and marina complex, for the town just east of Charlottetown.

The cornerstone of the plan is the CGI building. It's due to open in the New Year and bring 150 information technologyjobs to the community.

'It's not downtown Disney. People live here because of the low taxes.' -Developer Tim Banks

The town's mayor is hoping to use the building as a selling point to bring the community on board with council's plans.

"This will incur some expense, building sidewalks and things, but the area will be a good tax base.We see this as a self-financing expansion," said Kevin Jenkins.

Council's master plan identifies three key neighbourhoods for development:the highway retail strip, the land around Stratford Town Hall, and the jewel in the crown: Stratford waterfront.

Plans are ambitious and include a new marina, as well asnew roads, parks and pedestrian ways. Maybe even a new school.

"It's the result of a long consultation of what people have been telling us they want," said Stratford Coun. Sandy McMillan.

But not everyone is pleased with council's plans for Stratford.

"I don't know what they're thinking this is not a city.It's not downtown Disney. People live here because of the low taxes," said developer Tim Banks.

The plan would only add to Stratford's high vacancy rate in retail and business space, said Banks.

"We need to look 10 years down the road, 20 at the outside, and make our plans on the people who really live here," Banks said.

The province recently announcedit isn't planning to build a junior high school in the community, despite the urging of many parents to do so.

More cash for council

Stratford council voted Monday night to give itself a raise. Beginning in the New Year, councillors will be paid an honorarium of 50 cents per resident, the deputy mayor will receive 67 cents and the mayor $1.25.

Prince Edward Island's fastest growing communityhas 7,000 residents.

Councillors will also now be paid for attending meetings. The mayor will be paid $75 and councillors $50 for being at the open monthly meeting of council, and the one closed meeting held every month.

However, councillors also attend committee meetings, as well. In those cases, only the chair of the committee will receive the stipend.