Stratford, Ontario, a city nestled on the Avon River within Perth County, is a gem in southwestern Ontario, Canada. With a population of 33,232 in 2021, this city spans a land area of 30.02 square kilometres. Known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and stunning natural beauty, Stratford is a must-visit destination for any traveller.
Stratford, the seat of Perth County, was settled by English, Irish, Scottish, and German immigrants in the 1820s. The city was named after Stratford-upon-Avon, England, and was incorporated as a town in 1859 and as a city in 1886. The swan has become a symbol of the city, with twenty-four white swans released into the Avon River each year.
The city's development began in 1832, with the establishment of a market centre for the eastern Huron Tract. By 1835, Stratford had a post office, a tavern, a sawmill, and a grist mill. The arrival of the railway in the early 1850s spurred the city's growth, with furniture manufacturing and railway locomotive repairs becoming key parts of the local economy by the twentieth century.
Stratford's history is marked by significant events and milestones. From its early settlement in 1828 to the establishment of the Stratford Festival in 1953, the city's history is rich and diverse. Some notable events include:
Stratford has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and long, cold, snowy winters. The city's highest recorded temperature was 38.9 °C in July 1936, and the coldest was −35 °C in January 1882.
In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Stratford had a population of 33,232 living in 14,743 of its 15,388 total private dwellings, a change of 5.6% from its 2016 population of 31,470.
Stratford is renowned for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The city is home to the Stratford Festival, which performs Shakespearean plays and other genres from May to October. The festival draws hundreds of thousands of theatre-goers and tourists to the area each year.
The Stratford Shakespeare Festival began in 1953 and has since become a major cultural event. The festival stages everything from Shakespeare to Sondheim to new Canadian plays, attracting acclaimed actors such as Alec Guinness, Christopher Plummer, Dame Maggie Smith, and William Shatner.
The Stratford Summer Music Festival features performances by international, classical, and world music artists. The Stratford Concert Band, a local wind ensemble, also performs free outdoor concerts in the summer.
Stratford is home to year-round 2SLGBTQIA+ programming and events, including pride festivities during June's Pride Month. The city also hosts the Stratford Pride Community Centre, which offers social events and resources for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Stratford offers a range of attractions for visitors, from its renowned theatres to its annual events like Stratford Summer Music. The city is also home to the Stratford Perth Museum, which features an exhibit documenting the early career of Stratford-born musician Justin Bieber.
Stratford is served by the Canadian National Railway, the Goderich-Exeter Railway, and Via Rail Canada. The city is also connected to Highway 401 by expressways from Kitchener, and Stratford Transit provides local bus service.
Stratford is a member of the Stratford Sister Cities program, which promotes friendship and cultural exchange between participating countries. The city's five principal sister cities are Stratford upon Avon, England, United Kingdom; Stratford, Victoria, Australia; Stratford, New Zealand; Stratford, Connecticut, United States; and Stratford, Prince Edward Island, Canada.
