Instagram - Stratford's City Centre Business Improvement Area

Instagram

#Tour

Instagram

#Stratford

All week long we're talking about ways to enjoy th

All week long we're talking about ways to enjoy the harvest (and celebrate by eating it this coming long weekend), where to find more pumpkin spice treasures, places to pick grub up for the weekend, and fun ways to decorate. ⁠
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What are you cooking up this weekend? Are you a feast creator? Or do you prefer to be a guest, and show up with wine or dessert?⁠
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📷 REPOST @tlGreenGrocery⁠
A fab spot to pick up ingredients like these ones for the weekend.

Heather Martin sits on our current Downtown Stratf

Heather Martin sits on our current Downtown Stratford BIA Board and is Manager, Sponsorship & Advertising Sales at Stratford Festival - and also acts as our @stratfest board representative. We asked her why she joined the BIA Board of Directors:⁠
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"I chose to live, work and raise a family in Stratford 15 years ago because this city is like no other. Stratford is a mix of small-town charm infused with cosmopolitan arts, culture and amenities. Our vibrant downtown core provides a one-of-a-kind experience for both tourists and locals alike. I joined the Downtown Stratford BIA Board 4 years ago with the hopes of being an active stakeholder in this community. This board has provided me with so much more; I have developed my leadership and business skill set. I’ve been witness to how the most successful downtown businesses operate and navigate an ever-changing landscape. The most compelling benefit has been the lifelong connections I have built with the most creative, tenacious and resilient members of this extraordinary city!"⁠
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Wow Heather. Amazing. Heather chose the gorgeous nook on York Street, outside Union and Buzz Stop to have her portrait done.⁠
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Did you know... our BIA consists of a Board of Directors that's comprised of eight small business owners/employees and one City Councillor? ⁠
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The positions are a four-year term that runs concurrently with city council terms and this fall we have some positions opening up. Do you know anyone who is passionate about our downtown and would like to get involved? ⁠
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Check out our bio link on our NEW WEBSITE for more information on being part of our Board of Directors.⁠

September 30th is National Day for Truth & Reconci

September 30th is National Day for Truth & Reconciliation Day.⁠
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The BIA Board and Advocacy and Education subcommittee have chosen to observe September 30th as one to learn more about our collective history, support the Indigenous community here and across Turtle Island, which we call Canada, and take time for reflection. ⁠
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As such we will be closing our offices on this day, not posting to social media, and all staff will have the day off for reflection and learning. ⁠
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How do you intend to honour this day? Here are some suggestions:⁠
🧡 City of Stratford invites you to join their staff and representatives to their ceremony with a land acknowledgement and representatives from Indigenous communities will offer words and music from 1:30-2:30pm⁠
🧡 Spend the day in reflection and conversation ⁠
🧡 Wear Orange t-shirts in support of the day (purchased from and made by Indigenous artists and businesses)⁠
🧡 Read the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission⁠
🧡 Purchase or borrow a book by an Indigenous writer⁠
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May we continue to grow as a learning city, acknowledging that the path to reconciliation and anti-racism is ongoing and requires the commitment and best of us all. ⁠

"Emergence!" This immersive experience has been ma

"Emergence!" This immersive experience has been making its rounds around Downtown and this week it has made its way to The Livery Yard. Check it out - and find more info in our bio link (just click this photo at our bio link).⁠
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REPOST @theliveryyard ⁠
Come for a coffee but PLEASE stay to experience Emergence, a Stratford-based arts collab🖌️🖋️🎶⁠
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The Livery Yard is thrilled to be hosting Emergence, an arts-focused collaboration of visual art, poetry & music. ⁠
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👉View the art.⁠
👉Read the poem.⁠
👉Follow the QR code to enjoy the music.⁠
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Artist: Kim McCarthy @Kimmccarthystudio⁠
Poet: Heidi Sander @heidisanderwriter⁠
Music: Paul Shilton @shilton.paul⁠

🚀 WE'RE LAUNCHED 🚀 - it's official! Our new

🚀 WE'RE LAUNCHED 🚀 - it's official! Our new website is live. ⁠
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Learn more about your downtown than you ever could before with the new and very improved Downtown Stratford website. ⁠
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Navigate easily everywhere. Be in the know. Peruse our beautiful Gallery that represents all that downtown has to offer. ⁠
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**Please excuse any small errors in the directory as we are catching them slowly but surely, and updating. ⁠
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And enjoy!! Let us know what you think in the comments below. We are very proud of what we have created. And can't wait for you to see it. Head to our bio link or https://downtownstratford.ca/

We are just DELIGHTED at how well this is coming a

We are just DELIGHTED at how well this is coming along. Makes us want to burst. We are awfully excited to show you the final reveal.

📸 REPOST @septembersphere

Artist @KellenHatanaka

BMI Group @investinbetter (owners of the wall) is a friendly neighbour/community participant in this project.

Dulux Paints, Full Paint Sponsorship

This project is supported by @STEPSPublicArt as part of I Heart Main Street.

In partnership with @rbc and generously supported by @canada.council for the Arts and @ontarioartscouncil and funding provided by the @ONgov

🎃 🍂 The first of our many PUMPKIN FEATURES f

🎃 🍂 The first of our many PUMPKIN FEATURES for Fall. We're starting with @BrchSocial Pumpkin Spice goodness!⁠
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- Pumpkin Spice Bubble Tea with brown sugar molasses boba, pumpkin syrup and black milky tea⁠
- Pumpkin Spice Latte⁠
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Nothing screams fall like... 🎃

**MEET THE ARTIST** Kellen Hatanaka⁠ It’s fina

**MEET THE ARTIST** Kellen Hatanaka⁠
It’s finally happening! More public art is coming to Downtown Stratford. The BIA’s vision for this public mural project was to enhance Stratford’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination and to create a welcoming environment for both residents and visitors in our beautiful downtown. In 2021 a jury selected internationally acclaimed artist and Stratford resident Kellen Hatanaka to create a large, site-specific mural for our community. Since then, we have been working very hard behind the scenes to realize this project and bring more public art to Downtown Stratford.⁠
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Kellen Hatanaka (b. 1987, Toronto, Canada) is a multidisciplinary artist who makes vibrant, figurative paintings and drawings that celebrate sport, design, history, and culture. His work considers race, tradition, and heritage as he explores the constructs of the sporting body and the nuances of the Japanese Canadian experience. Hatanaka’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and has been featured in publications including Victory Journal, ArtMaze Magazine, and Graphite Journal. Hatanaka and collaborator Jon-Erik Lappano received the Governor General's Award for their book Tokyo Digs a Garden (2016). He is currently based in Stratford, Ontario, Canada.⁠
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He is looking forward to the opportunity to share his art and distinct perspective as a professional artist and BIPOC person in a way that will have an impact and encourage community engagement in Stratford.⁠
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“As a member of the community it is important to me to have a positive and active impact on the city and using my work is one of the most effective ways for me to contribute.” - Kellen Hatanaka⁠
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We don’t want to give too much away just yet, you’ll have to follow along to see the progress and wait for the final reveal this fall!⁠
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IG Follow @kellenhatanaka⁠ ⁠
http://www.kellenhatanaka.com/⁠ (at bio link)
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This project is supported by @STEPSPublicArt as part of I Heart Main Street. Thank you for the support!⁠
In partnership with @rbc and generously supported by @canada.council for the Arts and @ontarioartscouncil and funding provided by the @ONgov ⁠

🍂 🍃 And here we are! Fall is officially here

🍂 🍃 And here we are! Fall is officially here. Happy Fall Equinox!⁠
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Today we will have equal amounts of daylight and darkness!⁠
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Today we have an excuse to pull out your favourite sweater (or go find a new one in a local shop) and stop by your favourite downtown cafe for a warm drink.⁠
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Who is ready? #FirstDayOfFall⁠
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📷 Fred Gonder

🍬**NEW BIZ ALERT** 🍭 York Street (or “Swee

🍬**NEW BIZ ALERT** 🍭
York Street (or “Sweet Street”) just got a LOT sweeter, with the newly open Corner St. Candy Co.
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Kelly Lindsay understands a sweet tooth. She’s had one her whole life. “I’ve just always loved candy!”
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And now she’s bringing you the latest and greatest from her cute-as-a-button candy shop. Specializing in “hard to get” candy from Canada and imported from as far away as Japan and the UK. And her personal favourite: “Under the Sea” blend from her curated-by-Kelly bulk candy mixes.
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But her super speciality is Freeze-Dried Candy. Everything from cheesecake to skittles and snickers bars. Crunchy, crispy and delicious. So weird and cool. She also makes candy charcuterie boards.
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Open at 27 York Street
Tuesday/Wednesday 11-5, Thursday/Friday 11-7, Saturday 11-4, Sunday 12-4
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Follow on IG @cornerstorecandyco

This weekend saw lots of action in our Downtown. H

This weekend saw lots of action in our Downtown. How exciting. We're thrilled to welcome so many events after such big pauses through the pandemic. ⁠
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Did you have an opportunity to attend anything this weekend?⁠
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🏍 Perth County Moto's 5-year anniversary brought a SLEW of action to our downtown Market Square⁠
📷 Images by KRanJonesImages⁠
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🐉 🛶🐲 Stratford Rotary Dragon Boat Festival marked its 25th year (wow)!!⁠
📸 Images by Fred Gonder⁠
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🌡 United-Way Perth-Huron launched its Campaign Kickoff Celebration in Market Square with a BBQ Fundraiser⁠
📷 Images by Kim Griffith

Rob Wigan sits on our current Downtown Stratford B

Rob Wigan sits on our current Downtown Stratford BIA Board and is the owner of Revival House We asked him why he joined the BIA Board of Directors:⁠
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"I joined the BIA seven years ago to contribute to the growth of downtown. We’ve done a lot in this time, and I’ve sat with a couple of incredible board groups. I've really enjoyed it. "⁠
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We are impressed by the commitment of all those years. It really is a special board to be a part of.⁠
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Rob decided to have his photo captured on the @revivalhouse_on patio surrounded by his absolutely stunning gardens.⁠
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Did you know... our BIA consists of a Board of Directors that's comprised of eight small business owners/employees and one City Councillor? ⁠
⁠
The positions are a four-year term that runs concurrently with city council terms and this fall we have some positions opening up. Do you know anyone who is passionate about our downtown and would like to get involved? ⁠

We're SO EXCITED to offer you the tiniest sneak pe

We're SO EXCITED to offer you the tiniest sneak peek into our very robust, super beautiful new website that we're launching very soon (along with a contest). So stay tuned!! ⁠
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In the meantime, starting this Tuesday, we are officially changing our name to Downtown Stratford BIA.⁠
Starting that morning you can find us on Instagram (and the rest of our socials) under @DowntownStratford

For some, this is a blank wall. For us, it is a CA

For some, this is a blank wall. For us, it is a CANVAS! We are thrilled to announce the future mural in this public art space. More to come as we document what we know will be a masterpiece. ⁠
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More to come on the internationally-acclaimed artist, Kellen Hatanaka (a Stratford local). @kellenhatanaka⁠
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Thanks to Fred Gonder for capturing this wall before it is transformed! ⁠
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I HeART Main Street is presented in partnership with @rbc and generously supported by @canada.council for the Arts and @ontarioartscouncil and funding provided by the @ONgov ⁠
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Thank you @stepspublicart

We're very excited to share with you a sneak peek

*Scavenger Hunt WINNERS* Thanks to our helper at @

*Scavenger Hunt WINNERS* Thanks to our helper at @WuerthShoes 😁😁 we have drawn names for our Little Women Scavenger Hunt.
Congrats to Grand Prize winner Maddie Hoffer-Bodrog for winning Festival tickets and swag - and August winner Lorabeth Barrett for winning $50 Downtown Dollars.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the fun!

BRING YOUR OWN MUG today (or use takeaway cups) fo

BRING YOUR OWN MUG today (or use takeaway cups) for Car Free Friday. We’re giving away coffee from @brchsocial and encouraging all forms of active transportation.

We have cool giveaways and a draw.

James Hough sits on our current Downtown Stratford

James Hough sits on our current Downtown Stratford BIA Board and is the owner of The Pulp Fresh Bar. We asked him why he joined the BIA Board of Directors:⁠
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"Simple, I love our downtown and will do anything to help keep it the vibrant place it is. I grew up on Falstaff Street, went to Central Highschool, and worked for a decade at NA Engineering, so downtown has been part of my life for a long time and I love it."⁠
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We are delighted to have you, James. And what a rich history you have with our downtown. How wonderful. ⁠
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James chose to have his photo taken in front of his newly renovated @thepulpfreshbar space, where they moved in the spring from their old location. ⁠
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Did you know... our BIA consists of a Board of Directors that's comprised of eight small business owners/employees and one City Councillor? ⁠
⁠
The positions are a four-year term that runs concurrently with city council terms and this fall we have some positions opening up. Do you know anyone who is passionate about our downtown and would like to get involved? ⁠

Look at this beautiful donation from @OneOffShakes

Look at this beautiful donation from @OneOffShakespeare ⁠
The winner of this Friday, September 9th's Car Free Friday giveaway will receive this. ⁠
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From 8-10am we're returning to Memorial Gardens to give away free coffee from @BrchSocial and juice. BRING YOUR OWN MUG to receive a double entry into our draw.⁠
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This time we're encouraging all forms of active transportation to get to work: ⁠cycling, scootering, e-biking, skateboarding, rollerskating, walking, skipping... ⁠

Happy BACK-TO-SCHOOL everyone!⁠
📚 🏫 🍎 ⁠
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🍦How is everyone celebrating the end of the summer holidays? ⁠
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REPOST @ScoopersIceCream

Our last Car Free Friday of the year is THIS FRIDA

Our last Car Free Friday of the year is THIS FRIDAY! We're returning to Memorial Gardens and this time we're encouraging all forms of active transportation to get to work. ⁠
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Cycling, scootering, e-biking, skateboarding, rollerskating, walking, and any other way you enjoy moving around without a car. ⁠
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See you there from 8-10am. And BRING YOUR OWN MUG to receive a double entry into our draw. Free coffee and juice available.

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