This year’s International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD)’s theme was “one big family, driven by hope.” As Holly Smith, director of clinical programs at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Huron Perth, told a crowd that gathered on the front steps of Stratford City Hall on Aug. 29, that highlights the huge impact overdose has on individuals and on families and communities.

Mayor Martin Ritsma joined local families outside Stratford City Hall on Sept. 2 to raise the Childhood Cancer Awareness flag and proclaim September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the city.

Stratford’s first official cricket pitch opened Monday, Aug. 25, and while the day began with light rain, by the time the first ball was bowled, the sun was shining on spectators.

Over the next few days, Stratford residents will notice a sharp increase in Lake Victoria’s water-levels – just in time for the city’s 28th Rotary Dragon Boat Festival on Sept. 13.

Stratford city council approved the tentative 2026 budget deliberation schedule, after a special council meeting on Aug. 13.

For the entirety of what will be his 40-year career at the Stratford Festival, and even before that as a young actor who chose to dedicate his life to the stage, Antoni Cimolino has been enraptured by the magic of theatre.