Bylaws & Policies | Town of Stratford

Bylaws are laws enacted by Council through two readings at meetings held on different days. Below is the complete list of Stratford's bylaws and policies — each links to the current consolidated PDF.

Bylaws

#13Emergency Measures Bylaw
The Emergency Measures Bylaw establishes the Stratford Emergency Measures Organization and prescribes the duties and powers of the organization and the duties of the officials involved in the organization.
#21Water and Sewer Customer Service Regulations Bylaw
The Water and Sewer Customer Service Regulations Bylaw sets the terms and conditions of service to customers of the Stratford Utility Corporation.
#21B #21C #21D #21E #21F #21G
#21(Tariff – 2026)
#22Dangerous and Unsightly Premises Bylaw
The Dangerous and Unsightly Premises Bylaw defines and regulates “unsightly property” and what a “dangerous buildings” in Stratford.
#22A
#26Animal Control Bylaw
The Animal Control Bylaw regulates animals in the Town of Stratford and, in particular, prescribes for the provision of needs, the licensing and control of dogs and the prohibition of classes of animals in residential areas or in all areas of the Town.
#26A #26B
#28Water and Sewer Mandatory Connection Bylaw
The Water and Sewer Mandatory Connection Bylaw establishes the requirement for properties to be connected to the municipal water and sewer system where service is provided unless specifically exempted in the bylaw.
#29Reserve Bylaw
A bylaw required to allow Council the ability to set aside money for a specific purpose.
#29A
#30Noise and Nuisance Bylaw
The Noise and Nuisance Bylaw defines and prohibits activities that would be a nuisance, bans open burning and sets curfews in the Town.
#30A #30B #30C
#35Cosmetic Pesticide Bylaw
The Cosmetic Pesticide Bylaw works within the authority provided by the provincial government to municipalities to regulate the application of Non-Domestic Pesticides for the control of landscape pests.
#35A
#36Council Remuneration Bylaw
A bylaw relating to remuneration and expenses of the Mayor and members of the Council of the Town of Stratford.
#36B
#37Tax Rate Group Bylaw
A bylaw to enable the application of different tax rates for different properties (ie: commercial vs. non-commercial rates).
#37A
#38Grants and Donations Bylaw
A bylaw which enables the Town of Stratford to provide grants, donations, municipal property tax rebates or in-kind contributions to organizations or individuals.
#38A
#39Fees Bylaw
A bylaw required for the Town to charge fees for licenses, permits, programs, facility rentals and other matters, and applies to any person or organization upon whom a fee is imposed under this bylaw.
DOCSchedule A (Revised Fees)
#40Borrowing Bylaw
A bylaw required by the new Municipal Government Act to enable short and long term borrowing by the Town of Stratford.
#42Smoke Free Bylaw
A bylaw on smoking restrictions for the health, safety, and welfare of residents.
#43Election Bylaw (and Amendment #43A)
The majority of the provisions for the conduct of municipal elections are now contained within the new Municipal Government Act however municipalities have discretion to set their own rules around items including advance polling, alternative voting methods and campaign spending and donation limits. The Election Bylaw was drafted in partnership with Charlottetown, Summerside, Cornwall and Elections PEI, who administers the elections in the four large municipalities, to establish the discretionary rules and procedures for municipal elections in the Town of Stratford.
#44Open Government Bylaw
This bylaw sees the Town of Stratford adopt an open by default approach and assists the Town in meeting its requirements under the Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act which is effective as of April 1, 2019.
#45Zoning and Development Bylaw
The Zoning and Development Bylaw stipulates which uses are allowed on parcels of land within the town and also sets out the rules governing the subdivision and development of property in the town.
#45A #45B #45C #45E #45F #45G #45H #45H #45I #45J #45K #45L #45M #45N
#46Code of Conduct Bylaw
The Code of Conduct Bylaw sets the minimum expectations for the behaviour of members of Council in carrying out their functions and making decisions that benefit the Town of Stratford.
#47Council Procedural Bylaw
This bylaw regulates the proceedings of Council in accordance with the Municipal Government Act.
#47A #47B #47C
#48Conflict of Interest Bylaw
This bylaw governs the conflict of interest for Members of Council.
#49Enforcement and Summary Proceedings Bylaw
The Enforcement and Summary Proceedings Bylaw allows the Town of Stratford to issue tickets for summary offences against the the Noise and Nuisance Bylaw; the Dangerous and Unsightly Premises Bylaw; the Animal Control Bylaw; the Smoke Free Bylaw; the Zoning and Development Bylaw; the Building Bylaw; and the Cosmetic Pesticide Bylaw.
#50Building Bylaw
This bylaw regulates the construction and renovation of buildings in the Town of Stratford.
#50A #50B
#51Records Management Bylaw
This bylaw establishes a corporate file classification and records management system for the Town of Stratford.
#52Switch Program Bylaw
This bylaw establishes a program to enable eligible property owners to finance energy efficiency, renewable energy, electric car charging, water use and water conservation installations in the Town of Stratford.
#52A
#53Chief Administrative Officer Bylaw
This bylaw is regarding the appointment, authority, and accountability of the Chief Administrative Officer.
#54Code of Conduct Bylaw
This bylaw relates to the minimum expectations for the behaviour and conduct of the Town of Stratford’s council members, committee members, and the directors, in carrying out their functions and decision-making for the Town.
#55Mobile Vendors Bylaw
This bylaw regulates the operations of Mobile Vendors in the Town of Stratford.

Policies

DOCPolicy # 2009-RC-01 – Parks, Playing Fields and Facilities Use Policy
The Parks, Playing Fields and Facilities Use Policy sets the conditions and rates for booking Town parks, playing fields and facilities.
DOCPolicy # 3 – Achievement Awards
The Achievement Awards Policy establishes a process to recognize teams and individuals whose achievements have brought the Town widespread recognition.
DOCPolicy # 4 – Proclamations
The Proclamations Policy sets out responsibilities and procedures for the issuance of Proclamations.
DOCPolicy # 5 – Access to Information
The Access to Information policy sets out which items shall be disclosed and which items shall not be disclosed upon request by members of the public.
DOCPolicy # 2010-FA-01 – Travel and Meal Allowance
The purpose of this policy is to establish acceptable measures to reimburse Town officials and employees for travel and meal expenses.
DOCPolicy # 7 – Inspection of Town Owned Property
The Inspection of Town Owned Property Policy mandates regular inspections of Town owned property to help ensure the safety of property users.
DOCPolicy # 2004-SUC-01 – Utility Collections
The Utility Collections Policy sets out the process for the collection of overdue utility customer accounts.
DOCPolicy # 2006-ED-01 – Newsletter and Annual Report
The Newsletter and Annual Report Policy sets the publication time and distribution methods for Town newsletters, the annual report, and Town publications.
DOCPolicy # 10 – Sexual Harassment
The Sexual Harassment Policy is intended to educate employees about sexual harassment to prevent any from occurring in the workplace and, if necessary, to address any reported cases.
DOCPolicy # 2006-SS-01 – Street Light
The Street Light Policy sets standards for the number and intensity of street lights in the Town depending on the type of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and outlines the process for new installations.
DOCPolicy # 2011-RC-01 – Arts and Acquisition
The intent of the Arts Acquisition Policy is to ensure the Town maintains a high-quality art collection for the benefit and enjoyment of citizens.
DOCPolicy # 14 – Issuing of Keys to Town Facilities
The Issuing of Keys to Town Facilities Policy establishes a system to manage the issuance of keys for Town facilities.
DOCPolicy # 15 – Take Over of Existing Water Systems
The Take Over of Existing Water Systems Policy establishes the criteria under which the Stratford Utility Corporation will accept ownership of private water systems.
DOCPolicy # 2016-FT-01 – Sustainable Procurement
The Procurement Policy establishes guidelines to help ensure fair, cost-effective, and efficient purchasing for the Town.
DOCPolicy # 2007-FA-01 – Segregation of Duties
The Segregation of Duties Policy distributes functions of staff who deal with the Town’s finances and who handle cash to help ensure the integrity of the Town’s finances.
DOCPolicy # 2009-SU-01 – Customer Capital Contribution
The Stratford Utility Corporation initiated a policy of charging customers a portion of the cost of extending water and sewer services to areas of the Town presently served by on-site servicing.
DOCPolicy # 19 – Water Valve Service Box
The policy sets incentives to move water valve service boxes where they conflict with the proposed location of a driveway.
DOCPolicy # 20 – Ultra Violet Light
The policy provides residents who experience water quality problems in their on-site wells with monetary compensation toward the installation of ultra violet disinfection lights.
DOCPolicy # 2007-HR-01 – Employee Wellness Fund
The Employee Wellness Fund Policy establishes a fund to pay for 50% of staff wellness activities to a maximum of $200 per year per employee in recognition of the value of increased employee health and wellness.
DOCPolicy # 2012-PH-01 – Parkland and Open Space
This policy sets the principles for consistency in how parkland and acquisition tools are applied within the community and ensures openness, transparency, and mutual respect in the development process.
DOCPolicy # 23 – Authorization and Permitted Use of Town Credit Cards
This policy establishes procedures to ensure all Town credit cards are properly authorized and used in accordance with the guidelines contained within the policy.
DOCPolicy # 2000-HR-01 – Personnel Policy
The Personnel Policy establishes employment terms and conditions such as hours of work, retirement benefits, vacation leave, paid holidays, and sick leave.
DOCPolicy # 25 – Street Naming and Numbering
The Street Naming and Numbering Policy provides guidance on the selection of street names and establishes how civic numbers are to be assigned.
DOCPolicy # 2015-AE-01 – Commemorative Naming
The Commemorative Naming Policy outlines the process by which Stratford Town Council considers commemorating persons, groups, or events through naming of parks, places, or infrastructure within the Town.
DOCPolicy # 27 – Operating and Capital Budget Process
The policy establishes the process for developing and adopting the annual operating budget and five-year capital budget.
DOCPolicy # 28 – Capital Project Fund
The policy stipulates Council shall allocate an amount annually to the Capital Project Fund and any operating surplus.
DOCPolicy # 29 – Disposition of Assets
The policy establishes guidelines for the disposition of surplus Town assets.
DOCPolicy # 30 – Town Crest
The policy sets the process for approval of the Town’s Crest by individuals or organizations.
DOCPolicy # 2002-HR-01 – Storm Closure
The Storm Closure Policy establishes procedures for closure or delayed opening of Town offices during severe storms.
DOCPolicy # 2001-HR-02 – Employee Service Awards
The policy provides recognition for employees with long service to the Town.
DOCPolicy # 2002-PH-01 – National Building Code
The policy requires buildings under Part 3 of the National Building Code to be designed by registered professionals.
DOCPolicy # 2000-RC-01 – Coaching Code of Conduct
The policy guides coaches and team leadership staff to achieve appropriate behaviour standards.
DOCPolicy # 2004-RC-01 – Town Centre Wall Themes
The policy designates public areas in the Town Centre to celebrate Heritage, Recreation, Sport, Community, Culture, and Awards of Distinction.
DOCPolicy # 2004-HR-01 – Employee Computer Purchase Plan
The policy allows employees and Council members to purchase a computer for home use with cost deducted over three years.
DOCPolicy # 2004-FA-02 – Fixed Asset Capitalization and Depreciation
The policy establishes a standard for recording, tracking, and depreciating the Town’s fixed assets.
DOCPolicy # 40 – Distribution of Council and Committee Agendas and Materials
The Distribution of Council and Committee Agendas and Materials Policy sets out time lines and recipients for the distribution of Council and Committee agenda packages.
DOCPolicy # 2010-PH-01 – Heritage Policy
The Town of Stratford has identified a cooperative vision for heritage protection based on property owner buy-in.
DOCPolicy # 42 – Council Laptop
The policy establishes the terms and conditions guiding the provision of laptops to Town Councillors.
DOCPolicy # 2004-FA-01 – Recording of Meetings
The policy provides guidance for preparation of agendas and recording minutes of various Town meetings.
DOCPolicy # 44 – Scent Free
The Scent Free Policy designates Town-owned facilities as scent-free locations for the safety of staff and users sensitive to scented products.
DOCPolicy # 2023-CW-01 – Correspondence Policy
The Correspondence Policy provides guidance on the receipt and distribution of incoming and outgoing correspondence.
DOCPolicy # 2013-FT-01 – Municipal Tax Rate Policy
The Municipal Tax Rate Policy is part of the Town of Stratford Results Matter Strategic initiatives, it was determined that a priority for the Town of Stratford would be to provide the lowest residential tax rate to our residents based on other comparable Town’s on PEI that provide the same type of services as the Town of Stratford.
DOCPolicy # 2004-FA-02 – Operational Plan
The Operational Plan Policy is designed to ensure that the full impact of capital projects and major new initiatives is considered before they are approved and that appropriate adjustments are made to operational budgets and staffing levels to accommodate the projects or new initiatives.
DOCPolicy # 2004-SU-01 – Stratford Utility Corporation Un-Serviced Area Capital Contribution
The Un-serviced Area Capital Contribution Policy refers to the water and sewer lines installed by the Stratford Utility Corporation through areas, which do not presently have onsite services and are not developed.
DOCPolicy # 2005-HR-01 – Employee Background Check
The Employee Background Check Policy establishes a requirement to conduct criminal record checks for all permanent employees and for seasonal employees who work with youth or seniors or who handle money to protect the youth, seniors and integrity of the Town’s finances.
DOCPolicy # 2007-RC-01 – Tobacco Free
The Tobacco Free Policy protects the health of all, with an emphasis on children.
DOCPolicy # 2007-PH-01 – Notice of Decision
The policy sets out the process for notifying the public about planning-related decisions.
DOCPolicy # 2007-FA-02 – Sick Leave Accrual
The Sick Leave Accrual Policy sets out the method of accrual of employee sick leave for the Town’s financial statements because employees may accumulate sick leave and be paid for up to 75 days of unused sick time if they have accumulated at least 150 days of sick leave upon retirement which is a financial liability that must be reported.
DOCPolicy # 2008-PH-01 – Wind Energy
The policy encourages and regulates installation of wind energy systems on properties in Stratford.
DOCPolicy # 2009-SSE-01 – Sustainability Decision Making Framework Application Checklist
The policy sets guidelines for applying the Sustainability Decision Making Framework to ensure continuous sustainable development.
DOCPolicy # 2008-ED-01 – Sustainable Building Design Tax Incentive
The policy establishes a tax incentive to encourage sustainable building design for commercial, industrial, high-density residential, and institutional buildings.
DOCPolicy # 2009-FA-01 – Computer Network Acceptable Use
The Computer Network Acceptable Use Policy establishes acceptable use of the Town’s computing, email, internet and network facilities to help ensure the integrity of the Town’s computer network facilities.
DOCPolicy # 2009-FA-02 – Tangible Capital Asset
The objective of the Tangible Capital Asset Policy is to prescribe the accounting treatment for tangible capital assets so that users of the financial report can discern information about the investment in property, plant and equipment, and the changes in such investment.
DOCPolicy # 2010-HR-01 – Occupational Health and Safety
The implementation of this Occupational Health and Safety Policy, based on the concepts of internal responsibility, will enable management and employees to work together to prevent workplace accidents and illnesses.
DOCPolicy # 2012-RC-02 – Subsidy Policy
The policy states that the Town will not offer a subsidy for sporting programs offered inside or outside the Town.
DOCPolicy # 2015-CW-01 – Sub-Committee Terms of Reference
The Sub-Committee Terms of Reference Policy outlines the establishment and participation guidelines for all Town sub-committees.
DOCPolicy # 2018-FT-01 – Grants and Donations Policy
The Grants and Donations Policy establishes the criteria, application and reporting requirements for grants, in-kind contributions to community groups, donations to organizations and individuals, and property tax rebates for resident bona-fide farmers.
DOCPolicy # 2018-AE-01 – Veterans Monument Names Policy
The Veterans Monument Names Policy is required to help staff determine eligibility of persons requesting a name be placed on the monument.
DOCPolicy # 66 – Public Art Policy (Resolution RCE-002-2019)
The Public Art Policy (Resolution RCE-002-2019) will ensure the Town of Stratford has a sustainable funding mechanism to initiate, develop, acquire, manage and maintain public art. This mechanism will also be used as an incentive to leverage funds from the private sector and other community stakeholders towards investment in public art projects.
DOCPolicy # 2019-HR-01 – Personnel Policy – Non Permanent Employees
The Personnel Policy – Non Permanent Employees establishes clear terms and conditions of employment for its staff, including non-permanent staff. Policy # 2020-HR-01 – Working Alone Policy (.pdf) *missing source documentThe Working Alone Policy has been adopted to provide a consistent approach to employees who must work alone or in isolation.
DOCPolicy # 2020-FT-01 – Asset Management Policy
This Asset Management Policy provides the Town of Stratford a consistent framework for service delivery and infrastructure planning. It also provides for a transparent and accountable process to demonstrate the legitimacy of decision-making.
DOCPolicy # 2021-SC-01 – Town Owned Tree Policy
The Town Owned Tree Policy has been adopted to provide a consistent approach to making decisions about Town-owned trees and to prevent their indiscriminate removal.
DOCPolicy #2022-SS-01 – Temporary Speed Hump Installation
To ensure objective and consistent application of speed humps as a means of traffic calming, the Temporary Speed Hump Installation Policy provides a means for residents to make a request and for it to be evaluated by the Town of Stratford upon doing so.
DOCPolicy # 2024-IAA-01 – Social Media Policy with amendments
The purpose of this Social Media Policy is to set rules regarding the advertisement of non-municipal information, event, and activities on the Town’s social media platforms. Policy # 2024-IAA-02 – Digital Sign Policy with amendments (.pdf)*missing source documentThe purpose of the Digital Sign Policy is to set rules regarding the advertisement of non-municipal events and activities on the Town’s digital sign.
DOCPolicy # 2021-RCE-01 – Community Campus Land Lease Request
The purpose of this Community Campus Land Lease Request Policy is to provide a vehicle through which Council can assess requests from outside organizations to locate on the Community Campus.
DOCPolicy # 2025-HR-01 – Respectful Workplace Policy
The purpose of this Respectful Workplace Policy is to ensure that all employees of the Town of Stratford are provided with a respectful workplace that is free from all types of harassment and discrimination.