Stratford City Council recently decided to move forward with exploring visions for the Grand Trunk site in the city.
Mayor Martin Ritsma says the site is part of a significant historical aspect of Stratford. At one time, railway maintenance occurred in the old steel structure on railway cars from Montreal to Winnipeg, but the site is now being looked at for a number of revitalization projects across its vast property.
"It sits on 18-acres of land that you really never hear of in a downtown core anymore, so, it has a great historical connection but also a great opportunity for the city moving into our future," Ritsma said proudly.
The City of Stratford and investStratford announced on February 24 that council moved to go forward with finding a vision for the site. Ritsma says that could involve many different things, with many different potential partners.
"Partnerships possibly with the YMCA, partnerships with other cultural entities within our community. But then going beyond that is partnerships with all three levels of government, and there's amazing opportunities for partnerships there," added Ritsma.
Among a number of revitalization projects being considered across the vast property, housing, as Ritsma points out, is a pretty obvious one given where housing supply is all over the city and beyond. He says ideally there would be an opportunity to develop some much needed housing options somewhere on the property.
"Especially, I'm hoping, in the rental housing market, where it's close to a transit hub. We know that we are lacking that. Some of our biggest employers, some have 60 or 70 percent (of workers) that are commuting from Kitchener, and some even further," said Ritsma.
Ritsma says there is also potential for more recreational spaces and much more in the site's future. An Ad Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee was established in 2023, and Ritsma says the next steps will involve detailed studies and planning to guide future decision-making.
"I think the biggest piece is us engaging private enterprises through an RFP or an ROI, maybe, and saying 'Hey, this is what we're looking for in Stratford, are you interested?'" Ritsma shared. "We have one shot to get this right, which is why it’s crucial to take a thoughtful, well-informed approach. This project has the potential to transform our city for generations, and that means doing the necessary work—conducting analysis, research, and planning based on solid information. Most importantly, we need clear direction from Council so we can continue moving this impactful project forward with confidence and purpose."
"The Grand Trunk site is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Stratford, and we are committed to making real progress. This project is the result of strong collaboration between City staff, community stakeholders, and Council, and together, we are taking the necessary steps to bring this vision to life," added Dan Mathieson, Chair of the Ad Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee. "Now is the time to seize this opportunity and lay the foundation for a vibrant, sustainable future that benefits all residents. We are moving forward, and momentum is building."
The Master Plan presented to Stratford City Council in 2018 is available here: Grand Trunk Master Plan 2018.
You can sign up for notifications and updates by subscribing here: https://engagestratford.ca/grand-trunk-renewal
For more information about the project visit https://www.stratford.ca/en/inside-city-hall/cooper-block.aspx