Insight: The City of Stratford has made significant investments in digital infrastructure. Stratford offers a citywide wireless network that includes 60 kilometers of buried fiber optic high speed internet cable and 400 communications towers. The presence of digital infrastructure has made Stratford the ideal real-life location to test new technology in a “living lab” environment. For example, Stratford has partnered with the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association (APMA) to position itself as Ontario’s first real life testing ground for autonomous vehicles. Stratford has also attracted a data center for one of Canada’s largest financial institutions, and has partnered with the University of Waterloo to open a satellite campus that offers a renowned digital media program. Stratford’s success demonstrates the importance of local innovation, and illustrates the economic development opportunities available to municipalities that invest in digital infrastructure.

Bio: Dan Mathieson is in his fifth term as Mayor of the City of Stratford and during his tenure, he has been a member of numerous boards and committees.   He is currently the Chair of the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), Past Chair of Kings University College at Western University, Chair of the Stratford Police Services Board, Board Member of Hampton Financial Corporation and serves on many local boards and organizations.  

Dan was awarded the Alumni Award of Excellence from the Master of Public Administration at Western University and he was the 2016 Western University, Public Administration Distinguished Lecturer in Residence. He has received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, as well as the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal. Dan holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Guelph and a Masters of Public Administration Degree from the University of Western Ontario. He is a graduate of the ICD.D Certification Program from the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto.