The City of Stratford says it has taken a major step forward on its long-awaited Grand Trunk revitalization plan. Council voted this week in favour of a $15 million dollar investment for the shared community hub. “That really lets us take our partners and move the project from a high-level thinking strategy to, now let’s… really look at design, really look at functionality and operational pieces of this project and move it along,” explained Andre Morin, the city’s CAO. The YMCA of Three Rivers and Stratford Public Library have teamed up to make the Grand Trunk revitalization possible. The city estimates the project will end up costing around $55 million, with the rest of the funding coming from partner organizations and upper levels of government, as well as development charges. This latest investment is expected to help the city’s pitch for additional money. “This allows us to start the capital campaign,” Morin confirmed. Mayor Martin Ritsma called it an important step forward, but just one of many. “The old saying, ‘How do you eat an elephant?’ ‘One small bite at a time,’” he joked. “That $15 million represents a commitment to another small step in that project.” Morin and Ritsma said it was unlikely the project would impact future plans for the Grand Trunk, with it likely taking the form of a new build or expansion on the YMCA property. As for the abandoned structure, the city has started a “market sounding” process by reaching out to developers and investors to gauge their interest in the site. Ritsma said that feedback will play a major role in the future of the site. “It sends a message to the feds and the province that we want a partner, and they’d like to see money in the game… but also, I think that overarching kind of plan sends a message to developers, this is our vision.” There is still no timeline for when construction will begin, but the city said they will be providing regular updates.
