Comments from Mayor in the Beacon Herald

Mayor Dan Mathieson said he was "very pleased" with the outcome.
"I think it speaks volumes to the many years of hard work and to the sound planning of city staff, our lawyers and our experts through public consultations. And I think it speaks well of Stratford's future development."
Mathieson said he felt it was significant for the decision that the city did not rush through the OPA 10 policy adopted by council and that the city went through a public consultation process and had professional studies done to come to "a very sound decision."
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The cost to the municipality in defending its planning policies before the OMB is about $800,000, but Mathieson said the city can ask for its costs to be reimbursed by Avonwood if, after a review of the board's decision, there is justifiable merit in law or precedent.
"I'm very proud of not only our staff but our legal team and their experts. They represent some of the best minds in planning, commercial needs and transportation development," he said. "They gave good, solid advice that will put the city on strong footing for future development."
Mathieson said if the developer and Wal-Mart decide to appeal the decision they will first have to seek leave to appeal before the Ontario Divisional Court and will have to convince the judge there was a significant error made at the OMB hearing.