Declaration of Pecuniary Interest Registry

The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act requires Members of Council to declare any direct or indirect pecuniary interest in relation to a matter under consideration. A pecuniary interest in a matter is one where there is a reasonable likelihood or expectation of financial loss or gain of the Member or related persons as per the Act. The onus to declare a pecuniary interest rests with the member and time for this process is allocated on every meeting agenda.

Changes to the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act require municipalities to maintain a registry of all declarations made under this Act. The registry must include the original written declaration provided by the member of Council and must be available to the public. Effective December 2018, the City of Stratford has implemented this practice for Members of Council and where applicable, to Members of Committees and Boards.

A tabular version of the registry is available below. This table is updated online following a Council meeting.

To view a paper copy of the forms submitted by Members of Council visit the Clerk’s Office, City Hall, 1 Wellington Street, Stratford any time between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Additional details can be obtained from the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.M.50.

2026 Declarations of Pecuniary Interest
Member
of
Council
Meeting Date Item General Nature of Conflict
Councillor Hunter Regular Council

May 11, 2026

7.5 I was interested in purchasing the property as an investment.
Councillor Wordofa Regular Council 

April 27, 2026

7.2 The Multicultural Association is a member of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce. I had put my name forward to represent the City with the Chamber of Commerce, but then realized there could be a conflict of interest, as I am also president of the Multicultural Association. I refrained from voting on this issue. 
Councillor McCabe Regular Council

March 23, 2026

7.6 Patio License. I have a patio for my restaurant. 
Councillor McCabe Regular Council

March 9, 2026

7.2 Item 4 My wife is the Artistic Director for an organization receiving a grant. 
Councillor Burbach Regular Council

March 9, 2026

7.2 Items 4 and 6 I'm a Board Member of Here for Now Theatre and INNERChamber is a business client of mine.
Councillor Beatty Regular Council

March 9, 2026

7.5 I will be one of the Committee Members participating in the event taking place in Italy.
Councillor Hunter Regular Council

February 9, 2026

5.1 I am part of a group looking at buying the subject property.
Councillor Hunter Regular Council

January 12,
2026

5.1, 5.2 and 11.13 I am part of a group investigating purchasing all or part of the subject property. 

Member
of
Council
Meeting Date Item General Nature of Conflict
Councillor Wordofa Regular Council 

September 8, 2025

6.1 and 7.1

I opposed the creation of a DEI Department, and the prospective head of that department claimed that I had a conflict of interest since I am also President of Multicultural Association of Perth-Huron. The City's Ethics Commissioner investigated this claim, and after several month ruled that I was not in conflict of interest. To defend against this accusation, I incurred legal expenses that should be reimbursed by the City.

Councillor Hunter Regular Council

July 28, 2025

7.8 and 11.4

I own an interest in lands which may benefit from this item.

Councillor Hunter Regular Council

May 27, 2025

9.2.1 I own a beneficial interest in lands which may benefit financially from this item.
Councillor Hunter Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Standing Committee

May 12, 2025

5.1 I own a beneficial interest in lands which could potentially benefit from the extension of the sewer.
Councillor Hunter Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee

April 30, 2025

4.1 I own a beneficial interest in lands which may benefit from the sewer extension.
Councillor Burbach Regular Council

April 28, 2025

7.1 I am doing contract communication and design work for United Housing.
Councillor Burbach Regular Council

April 14, 2025

Report Items 4, 24 and 26, 7.4 Items 4 and 24, Here For Now Theatre, I am a Board Member and Item 24, Inner Chamber, they are a client of mine.
Councillor McCabe Regular Council

April 14, 2025

Report Items 4 and 26, 7.4 My spouse is the artistic Director.
Councillor Wordofa Regular Council

February 10,
2025

9.1.5 I do not believe I have a pecuniary interest in this matter but since the question has been raised previously, I declined to vote.

Member
of
Council
Meeting Date Item General Nature of Conflict
Councillor
Burbach

Finance and
Labour Relations
Standing
Committee

December
9, 2024
6.0 I am a Board
Member of the
Here for Now
Theatre.
Councillor
McCabe
Finance and
Labour Relations
Standing
Committee
December
9, 2024
6.0 The conversation
involves my wife's
theatre company.
Councillor
McCabe
Regular Council November
12, 2024
7.12 My niece was a
candidate.
Councillor
Hunter
Regular Council November
12, 2024
7.5 My company is the
primary sponsor for the
Stratford Hockey Club.
Councillor
Hunter
Regular Council September
24, 2024
7.5 I hold a beneficial
interest in land which
could benefit financially
from the sewer
extension.
Councillor
Beatty
Regular Council August 12,
2024
5.2, 11.2
and 11.3
Business associates
have an interest in the
properties
Councillor
Beatty
Regular Council July 22,
2024
5.2 - 4.1 Business associates
purchasing property.

Councillor
Beatty
In-Camera
meeting
July 22,
2024
4.1 Business associates
purchasing property.
Justine
Nigro,
Member
Committee of
Adjustment
July 17,
2024
A20-24 I am the agent/applicant
for this application.
Councillor
Beatty
Finance and
Labour Relations
Sub-committee
July 16,
2024
4.1 Business associates
have an interest in Lots
2 and 3 in the Crane
West Business Park.
Councillor
Burbach
Special Council June 3,
2024
Report
Item 17,
7.11

Board Member of Here
For Now Theatre, Item
#17.

Councillor
McCabe
Special Council

June 3,
2024

Report
Item 17,
7.11
My wife is the Artistic
Director of a Theatre
Company Here for Now
which is being
considered.
Councillor
Hunter
Regular Council April 8,
2024
Addendum
1, Item
9.1.1
I own abutting land. I
have no financial
interest, but there is a
history of conflict with
the party making the
request.
Councillor
Briscoe
Regular Council March 25,
2024
9.2.3 and
11.8
I am currently employed
by The Salvation Army
Territorial Headquarters
as the Associate
Director of Public Affairs
for Canada and
Bermuda. The Stratford
St. Mary's Ministry Unit
running the tax program
and receiving the
contract is a separate
entity under The
Salvation Army
umbrella, therefore it is
an indirect pecuniary
interest.
Councillor
Hunter

Infrastructure,
Transportation
and Safety
Standing
Committee

March 25,
2024
4.1 and 5.1 I own land abutting the
applicant's land. I have
no monetary interest but
have had conflict with the
applicant.
Councillor
Hunter
Infrastructure,
Transportation
and Safety Sub-
committee
February
28, 2024
4.1 I own property on Joffre
St., abutting 386 William
St. I have no pecuniary
interest, but I had a
dispute with the owner
of 386 William St. in
2019. I recuse myself
out of an abundance
of caution.
Councillor
Nijjar
Regular Council February
26, 2024
7.4 and
11.4

I am a Director of the
company that owns the
property.

Councillor
Briscoe
Regular Council February
12, 2024

7.8 and
11.6

Our family are members
of the YMCA and our
children participate in
their youth programming.

Councillor
Nijjar

Regular Council January 22,
2024
6.1

I am a Director for the
company that owns the
property at 607 & 609
Downie Street.

Councillor
Burbach
Regular Council January 22,
2024
7.1 and
11.1
This item is Zone
Change Application
Z04-23 for 24 St. Andrew
Street and 1 and 5
Huron Street in the City
of Stratford (COU24-
006). I am a Board
member of the theatre
company that is
planning to occupy the
space if the zone
change is granted.
Councillor
McCabe
Regular Council January 22,
2024
7.1 and
11.1
My wife's theatre
company is a possible
tenant

Charlene
Gordon,
Member

Committee of
Adjustment
January 17,
2024
B01-24 I own property within 60m
of the item under discussion.

Member of
Council
Meeting Date Item General Nature of Conflict
Councillor McCabe Regular Council Meeting December 11, 2023 6.2 A family member owns the theatre company.
Councillor McCabe Regular Council Meeting December 11, 2023 11.7 He owns a restaurant in Stratford which could benefit as a result.
Councillor Burbach Regular Council Meeting December 11, 2023 6.2 She is on the board of the theatre company proposing to rent the space.
Councillor Hunter Regular Council Meeting October 10, 2023 7.7 One of the Candidates, Franklin Famme, is a business partner of mine.
Councillor McCabe Regular Council Meeting August 14, 2023 7.6 and 11.2 One of the persons appointed is an employee.
Councillor Briscoe Regular Council Meeting June 26, 2023 Item 9.2.1 Currently volunteers with Stratford Perth Care for Kids whom is a tenant of the building and attends EarlyON classes at the address in question with a family member and she is a registered EarlyON participant; which is under Perth Care for Kids.
Councillor Wordofa Regular Council Meeting June 26, 2023 Item 9.2.1 Declare pecuniary interest for item 9.2.1. The reason is that I lead an organization who uses the space at the Falstaff Family Centre, and I could potentially benefit from the approval of the sign bylaw exception.
Councillor Bieh Regular Council Meeting June 26, 2023 Item 9.1.1 Indirect pecuniary interest due to my husband being the pastor of the church requesting the exemption.
Councillor Biehn Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee and restated at Reconvene Council June 12, 2023 Item 4.1 and 5.1 My husband is a pastor at the church requesting the by law exemption, I have an indirect pecuniary interest.
Councillor Briscoe Planning and Heritage Committee and restated at Reconvene Council June 12, 2023 Item 5.1 I currently volunteer with Stratford Perth Care for Kids whom is a tenant of the building and attend EarlyON classes at the address in question with a family member and am a registered EarlyON participant; which is under Perth Care for Kids.
Councillor McCabe Regular Council Meeting May 8, 2023 Item 7.11 Here For Now, a recipient of a grant, is run by a family member.
Councillor McCabe Regular Council Meeting May 8, 2023 Item 7.9 and 11.1.9 I have a patio under this definition.
Councillor Hunter Regular Council Meeting May 8, 2023 Item 5.1 and 11.1.8 Business relationship with someone being appointed.
Councillor Burbach Regular Council Meeting May 8, 2023 Item 7.11 I have a business relationship with InnerChamber, and I am on the Board of Here For Now Theatre. I have no pecuniary interest with any of the other community groups listed.
Councillor Hunter Regular Council Meeting April 24, 2023 Item 5.1 I had a pecuniary interest in Item 4.2 from the In-camera meeting.
Councillor Biehn Regular Council Meeting March 27, 2023 Items 6.5, 7.1 and 11.8 Due to a close family member owning a business affected by MAT tax and out of an abundance of caution I declared conflict of interest.
Councillor McCabe Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee and Reconvene Council March 27 and 30, 2023 Items 8.1 and 15.2.1 Businesses that I own are involved with the patio program.
Councillor
McCabe
Regular Council Meeting February 13, 2023 Items 7.8 and 11.3 A person on the list of candidates is employed in a business that I own.
Councillor Briscoe Social Services Sub-committee Meeting February 14, 2023 Items 5.2 I am an employee of The Governing Council of The Salvation Army, at Territorial Headquarters as the Ontario Division Manager of Public Affairs. The item in question recommends authorizing an agreement between the City and the Salvation Army, where funds would flow through the Governing Council to the local Ministry Unit to provide the income tax program in Stratford and North Perth. Therefore, my employer will receive financial benefit should the recommendation be accepted resulting in an indirect pecuniary interest.
Councillor McCabe Heritage Stratford February 14, 2023 Items 4.0 and 5.0

Sign By-law Exemption Request

My wife's theatre company is mentioned in the presentation and may use space in future

Member of
Council
Meeting Date Item General Nature of Conflict
Councillor
Gaffney
Special and Public Meeting March 21, 2022 Items Z17-21
and Z18-21
Shareholder interest in an abutting property
Councillor
Gaffney
Regular Council March 28, 2022 Item 7.4 Shareholder interest on an abutting property
Councillor
Gaffney
Regular Council March 28, 2022 Item 11.2 Shareholder interest in an abutting property
Councillor Burbach Finance and Labour Relations Committee and Reconvene Council April 11, 2022 Item 6.3

I have a business relationship with one of the applicants: #15, INNERchamber, and I'm a member of the Board of applicant #24, Here for Now Theatre

Councillor Beatty Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee and Reconvene Council April 11, 2022 Item 7.1

I am the owner/operator of a business that will be a vendor at this event.

Councillor Beatty Regular Council April 25, 2022 Item 9.1.4

I own a business that will be working at this event.

Councillor Burbach Regular Council April 25, 2022 Item 9.3.5

I have a business relationship with INNERchamber, and I am on the Board of Here for Now Theatre.

Councillor Gaffney Planning and Heritage Committee and Reconvene Council June 13, 2022 Item 5.2

A ownership interest in an abutting property.

Councillor Burbach Planning and Heritage Committee June 13, 2022 Item 6.2

The signs requested and given as an example are for Here For Now Theatre, and I am on the Board of Directors for Here For Now. I believe this qualifies as an indirect pecuniary interest.

Councillor Gaffney Regular Council June 27, 2022 Item 9.2.1

Ownership interest in an abutting property

Councillor Gaffney Regular Council June 27, 2022 Items 9.2.2, 11.7 and 11.8

Ownership interest in an abutting property

Councillor Burbach Planning and Heritage Committee July 11, 2022 Item 5.1

The signs requested and given as an example are for Here For Now Theatre, and I am on the Board of Directors for Here For Now. I believe this qualifies as an indirect pecuniary interest.

Councillor Vassilakos Finance and Labour Relations Committee August 8, 2022 Item 4.1

I am a member of the Capital Campaign Committee.

Councillor Burbach Regular Council August 8, 2022 Items 6.1 and 9.2.1

The signs requested and given as an example are for Here For Now Theatre (currently a tenant at 35 Waterloo St N), and I am on the Board of Directors for Here For Now. I believe this qualifies as an indirect pecuniary interest.

Councillor Vassilakos Special Council Meeting August 10, 2022 Items 3.1 and 5.1

I am a member of the Capital Campaign Committee and part of this role as a personal financial component.

Member of Council Meeting Date Item General Nature of Conflict
Councillor Sebben Regular and Reconvene Council January 11, 2021 Item 7.3 Friend of my family, father's spouse, is employed at The Barkery.
Councillor Burbach Finance and Labour Relations Committee and Reconvene Council March 22, 2021 item 4.1 and 15.2.1

I have a business or Board relationship with the following organizations:

Stratford Symphony Orchestra (12)

InnerChamber (14)

Here For Now Theatre Company (23)

Councillor Beatty

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee and Reconvene Council August 9, 2021 Item 5.2 I own a business that will be working at this event.

Mayor Mathieson

Special and Public Meeting August 16, 2021 Z08-21 With regard to the Public Meeting for the Zone Change Application for 100 Gordon Street, I declared a pecuniary interest. I am a shareholder of one of the corporations involved in the transaction.

Mayor Mathieson

Planning and Heritage Committee and Reconvene Council October 25, 2021 Item 4.1 I am a shareholder in one of the corporations involved in the transaction and is subject to the rezoning.

Councillor Vassilakos

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee October 27, 2021 Items 3.2 and 3.3 Husband sits on the Board of Cycle Stratford and I volunteer with the Perth County Cycle Tour

Mayor Mathieson

Regular Council November 8, 2021 Items 9.1.1 and 11.4 I am a shareholder in one of the corporations involved in the real estate transaction.

Councillor Gaffney

Planning and Heritage Committee and Reconvene Council November 8, 2021 Item 4.1 A ownership interest in an abutting property.

Councillor Gaffney

Regular Council November 22, 2021 Item 9.2.1 Shareholder interest in an abutting property

Councillor Bunting

Regular Council November 22, 2021 Item 13.5 I currently collect a pension from OMERS

Member of Council Meeting Date Item General Nature of Conflict
Mayor Matheson Planning and Heritage Committee and Reconvene Council January 27, 2020 Item 4.2 Due to my personal relationship and friendship with the principal of the development company requesting the zone change application
Councillor Burbach Finance and Labour Relations Committee February 10, 2020 Item 5.1 I have a business relationship with Stratford Symphony Orchestra, InnerChamber, Stratford & District Horticulture Society and Cycle Stratford.
Councillor Vassilakos Finance and Labour Relations Committee February 10, 2020 Item 5.1

Cycle Stratford - volunteer for event

Community Foundation - grant review committee member

Mayor Matheson Regular Council February 10, 2020 Item 9.1.3, 11.1, 11.2 Personal friendship with the principal/developer
Councillor Vassilakos Regular Council February 24, 2020 Item 9.2.2

Cycle Stratford volunteer for event

Community Foundation Advocation Committee

Councillor Ritsma Regular Council 
April 27, 2020
Items 7.5, 10.5 and 10.6

Orders of the day: 7.5 - resolution- Consent Agreement and Blanket Easement - 97 Kelly's Lane

By-laws 10.5 and 10.6

Reason - I am the owner of Kelly's Lane

Councillor Vassilakos Regular Council July 13, 2020 Item 7.1 Involved as a volunteer with Cycle Stratford with their annual cycle tour.
Councillor Ritsma Regular Council July 27, 2020 Items 7.8 and 10.3

7.8 - Removal of Holding Provision 95 Kelly's Lane

10.3 - Amend Zoning By-law to Remove Holding Provision from 95 Kelly's Lane

I am the owner of Kelly's Lane

Councillor Beatty Regular Council July 27, 2020 Item 7.4 I am a friend with an individual who has a vested interest in the development of these lands
Councillor Ritsma Regular Council August 10, 2020 Item 7.4 I am the owner of Kelly's Lane
Councillor Sebben Regular Council August 10, 2020 Item 7.3 A property I own, my home, is on the list of homes for potential designation.
Councillor Ritsma Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee October 13, 2020 Item 8.1 I am the owner of Kelly's Lane
Councillor Beatty Regular Council December 21, 2020 Item 7.7 Item 7.7 deals directly with my resignation from the InvestStratford board on Sept. 08th 2020

Member of Council Meeting Date Item General Nature of Conflict
Councillor Ingram Regular Council and Community Services Committee January 28, 2019 Items 7.6, 11.5 and 4.1

I live in the subdivision. 

#2 - my son plays for the U13 Rev Basketball team.

Councillor Burbach Regular Council and Community Services Committee January 28, 2019 Items 5.4, 11.3 and 4.1

Business relationship with Pamela Coneybeare and Anne Campion. 

Optimist Basketball - son is a team member

Councillor Bunting Community Services Committee January 28, 2019 Item 4.1 Re poultry X - As a Board member of Stratford Soccer Association, who have objected to Poultry X requested use of Agriplex on dates in Nov 2020.
Councillor Vassilakos Community Grants Evaluation Committee January 30, 2019 Item 21 I currently sit on the Grant Avocation Committee for the Community Foundation so refrained from discussion of that grant request. 
Councillor Beatty Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee February 11, 2019 Item 6.2 Owner/operator of a food truck
Mayor Matheson Regular Council  February 11, 2019 Item 6.3 I am a personal friend & business associate of one of the principals of the development company involved in the application. 
Councillor Beatty Regular Council February 25, 2019 Items 7.2 and 9.1.5 Owner/operator of a refreshment vehicle
Councillor Ritsma Planning and Heritage Committee February 25, 2019 Items 3.1 and 4.1 Owner of Kelly's Lane
Councillor Ritsma Regular Council March 4, 2019 Items 9.1.1, 9.1.2, 11.1 and 11.2 Owner of Kelly Lane
Councillor Ingram Community Services Committee and Reconvene Council March 25, 2019 Items 4.1, 4.2, 5.1 and 15.2.3 My son is a member of the U13 boys Revolution Basketball team
Councillor Burbach Community Services Committee March 25, 2019 Items 4.1, 4.2 and 5.1 A family member is a member of the Stratford Basketball Association. 
Councillor Vassilakos Finance and Labour Relations Committee and Reconvene Council April 8, 2019 Items 4.1 and 15.2.1 I sit on a committee of the Stratford Perth Community Foundation. 
Councillor Burbach Finance and Labour Relations Committee and Reconvene Council April 8, 2019 Items 4.1 and 15.2.1 I have business relationships with InnerChamber and the Stratford Symphony Orchestra, who are applicants for a community grant. 
Councillor Bunting Community Services Committee April 29, 2019 Item 6.2 I am a Board Member of the SSA (Stratford Soccer Association) and declared as such
Councillor Bunting Regular Council  May 13, 2019 Items 9.3.2 and 11.5 I am a Board Member of the Stratford Soccer Association
Mayor Matheson Community Services Committee June 10, 2019 Item 5.1 I sit on the Board of the Stratford Hockey Club Inc.
Councillor Beatty Infrastructure and Development Services Committee and Reconvene Council June 10, 2019 Item 5.3 Owner/operator of a food truck
Councillor Beatty Regular Council  June 24, 2019 Item 9.1.2 Owner/operator of a food truck
Councillor Gaffney Regular Council, Planning and Heritage Committee and Reconvene Council September 16, 2019 Item 4.1 Have a shareholder interest in an abutting property. 
Councillor Gaffney Regular Council  September 23, 2019 Item 9.2.1 and 11.1 Has a shareholder interest in an abutting property
Mayor Matheson Finance and Labour Relations Committee and Reconvene Council November 12, 2019 Item 5.1 I sit on the Board and will receive the remuneration.
Councillor Bunting Finance and Labour Relations Committee and Reconvene Council November 12, 2019 Item 5.1 As a Board member of FHI.

Member of Council Meeting Date Item General Nature of Conflict

Councillor Bunting

Community Services Committee and Reconvene Council September 24, 2018 Item 4.1 I am a member of the Board of the Stratford Soccer Association.

Councillor Ingram

Community Services Committee and Reconvene Council October 9, 2018 Items 9.2.3 and 11.5 My son was named to the U13 Stratford Revolution Basketball team on Sunday, September 30.

Councillor Henderson

Inaugural Meeting December 3, 2018 Item 3.2  I'm a cousin of Jayne Traschel.

Councillor Henderson

Inaugural Meeting December 3, 2018 Item 11.3 I'm a cousin of Jayne Traschel.

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