Grand Trunk Site Update - July 2025

Here is a brief update on the City of Stratford's Grand Trunk Renewal Project, which aims to revitalize the 18-acre former industrial property just outside of the downtown core (also known as the Cooper site) that once housed locomotive repair shops.

1. Council’s Recent Decision and Why It Matters

• On July 14, 2025, Stratford City Council endorsed Scenario Two – “Keep Part” for the Grand Trunk Renewal Project.

• This approach retains a meaningful portion of the former Shops building as open-air space, preserving its heritage character while allowing flexibility for future development

• The decision aligns with the recommendation made by the Ad Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee, which has been meeting regularly since early 2023 to provide advice and recommendations to Council on key components of the project

• You can find the report here: https://pub-stratford.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=beb89c33-5c5a-46c1-9d38-2819a6849f51&lang=English&Agenda=Agenda&Item=31&Tab=attachments
  
  

• The Committee, made up of community representatives, experts, and partner organizations, serves as an advisory body to City Council

• Its role is to wade through technical details, weigh options, and provide clear recommendations on the site’s development potential

• Through its working groups (e.g., Vision, Planning and Architecture), the Committee has reviewed high-level development scenarios, analyzed trade-offs, and helped shape the guiding principles for the project

• Council’s recent decision reflects the Committee’s June recommendation, showing the important role the group plays in informing Council’s direction

• The decision is also in line with recommendations in the 2018 Grand Trunk Master Plan
  
  

• Since 2023, the City and the Ad Hoc Committee have explored potential uses for the Grand Trunk site, including housing, a shared community facility, parking solutions, and public spaces

• Technical studies have evaluated the condition, costs, and potential adaptive reuse of the superstructure

• Community and stakeholder engagement—through workshops, surveys, and working groups—has been a key part of shaping the project vision

• Partnerships with the YMCA and Stratford Public Library have informed planning for a shared community facility, a central feature of the redevelopment vision
  
  

• Staff and consultants will now conduct detailed costing and feasibility studies for a shared community facility, evaluating:

  • A potential renovation of the existing YMCA, and
  • A new build on the Grand Trunk site

• The Vision, Planning, and Architecture (VPA) Working Group, in collaboration with other working groups, will lead the next phase of work to update the 2018 Grand Trunk Master Plan, including:

  • Reviewing the site plan based on Council’s direction and partner contributions
  • Identifying “early works” and studies needed to unlock redevelopment
  • Proposing phasing and timelines for the Grand Trunk site
• Key upcoming milestones:
  • August 25, 2025: Ad Hoc Committee meeting – Discussion on Master Plan revisions
  • September 15, 2025: Ad Hoc Committee meeting – Finalize Master Plan recommendations
  • October 14, 2025: City Council meeting – Review and consider Master Plan updates
    
    

• The Grand Trunk Renewal is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform 18 acres of downtown Stratford into a vibrant mix of housing, community amenities, and public spaces

• The advisory work of the Ad Hoc Committee, combined with technical studies and Council’s oversight, ensures this project balances heritage preservation, community needs, and benefits

• Council’s decision on Scenario Two provides the foundation for progress, with phased development and ongoing community input as the project advances

• The retention of a part of the structure allows for early work to begin, while still allowing for possible creative future planning and uses