Heritage is under siege. New Ford government legislation  (the proposed affordable Housing Act) threatens heritage protection.

Only a strong municipal government can protect us.

The Good Governance Group - Clean Slate Stratford



Ist Meeting: May 11 at 7-9pm. RSVP Link: https://partner-wellingtonwaterwatchers.nationbuilder.com/goodgovernancestratford

Who are we and why have we come together?



The Good Governance Group (3G) represents Stratford citizens who are deeply concerned about protecting and enhancing democratic process in municipal government. Our passion for democracy brings us all together. Our experience with city council decision-making with the glass plant and with Chancery development prompted us to become concerned about the way our city government operates.  


Recently Stratford Council won the dubious recognition as the 'most secretive council in Canada.' This is not acceptable.


We are committed to protecting the core values of participatory democracy: openness, transparency, trust, accountability, and responsiveness to the wishes of the electorate. 

We believe that you will tell us what kind of vision you want to achieve for Stratford‘s future.



How do we achieve this end?



We select a slate of candidates who commit to (1) finding out what Stratfordites want for their city and (2) acting on the public’s agenda rather than pursuing their own. This idea was developed in England and is called “flatpack” democracy. Citizen vision comes first.

-We trust the collective wisdom of the public to direct and inform us about decisions they want city councillors to make



-Public consultation must come first to inform council decision-making rather than following it



-Reduce and, where possible, eliminate in-camera (secret) decision making and the use of non-disclosure agreements



-Disclose pressure that interest groups outside the community may bring to bear on us



-Set up informal council meetings that jettison awkward, procedural language



-Pay people the respect of responding to them when they make submissions to council



-Set up mechanisms, like townhall meetings and a public website, that informs citizens in good time of important issues the city has to deal with – no surprises!



-Ensure that city staff act in concert with the wishes of the public, not in opposition to them

-Honor Freedom of Information requests promptly and without imposition of undue cost

How do I join the Good Governance Group?


We need supporters and we need candidates. If you find our approach to municipal government invigorating and promising, please contact us at: rwoodn618@rogers.com. Please write Good Governance Group in the subject line of your email.

Please let us know if you plan to attend our meeting by clicking the RSVP link. Please also let us know in your email that you’ll be at the meeting and/or if you think you might like to be a candidate.

If you decide you would like to be a candidate as part of a clean slate of municipal councillors who commit to our principles, please be assured that our Good Governance Group will provide you with substantial assistance during your campaign.

A clean slate of municipal councilors ensures city government will be responsive to us – to our vision for our city.