✅ City receives the "green light" for the next phase of GTR development work
On April 27, Councillors directed staff to proceed with the recommended next steps of the Grand Trunk Renewal Project. The recommendations were presented in a detailed report for their consideration, building on three earlier workshops and public feedback. It's a significant milestone met in the long-term revitalization of the site.
The next phase of planning and analysis has three key areas of work:
1. Shared Community Facility: Council approved a municipal capital contribution of up to $15 million toward a shared community facility estimated to cost approximately $55 million in total. The project is being advanced in partnership with the YMCA of Three Rivers and the Stratford Public Library, with the remaining costs anticipated to be funded through contributions from those partners, grants, fundraising, and development charges.
2. Market Sounding: Council directed staff to initiate a market sounding process to assess potential developer interest in the site. This process will help determine what types of mixed-use and residential development are viable and inform future development options, including considerations related to the existing above-ground structure on the site (the former CNR shops building).
3. Parking Strategy: Council directed that Grand Trunk parking be addressed through the upcoming Downtown Parking Study, ensuring a system-wide approach. Recommendations will be brought back to Council once that work is complete.
Moving forward, staff will continue working with project partners to determine the common principles for building and operating the shared recreation and learning space. Planning for the community facility and the market sounding process will happen over the next few months, with updates expected to return to Council later in 2026.
- This approach fits with the vision for the GTR. It falls in a budget that has a limited impact on property tax, while balancing other municipal priorities like roads and infrastructure.
- Updates will be shared publicly as key milestones are reached. Any future development opportunities will be subject to Council direction and appropriate procurement processes.
- These decisions build on earlier recommendations in the 2018 Master Plan, the 2025 Feasibility Report, and from the Grand Trunk Ad Hoc Committee.
During the workshops, Council explored the project needs, including development approaches, financial considerations, and long-term investment strategies. A Special Council meeting was held on April 20 to hear public feedback on the proposed directions. This input, along with the technical analysis and Council discussions, informed the decisions made on April 27.
Reference documents:
April 27 agenda package with:
-
Management Report: Details the project’s status, financial context, and the details of the recommendations [PDF]
- Consultant findings on building options and budget estimates:
“The Grand Trunk Costing Report: Community Facilities and Grand Trunk Building” [PDF]
See also the staff presentation from Workshop #3 for an overview of the project's considerations and budget.
🫱🏼🫲🏻 🏘️ 🚗
✅ City receives the "green light" for the next phase of GTR development work
On April 27, Councillors directed staff to proceed with the recommended next steps of the Grand Trunk Renewal Project. The recommendations were presented in a detailed report for their consideration, building on three earlier workshops and public feedback. It's a significant milestone met in the long-term revitalization of the site.
The next phase of planning and analysis has three key areas of work:
1. Shared Community Facility: Council approved a municipal capital contribution of up to $15 million toward a shared community facility estimated to cost approximately $55 million in total. The project is being advanced in partnership with the YMCA of Three Rivers and the Stratford Public Library, with the remaining costs anticipated to be funded through contributions from those partners, grants, fundraising, and development charges.
2. Market Sounding: Council directed staff to initiate a market sounding process to assess potential developer interest in the site. This process will help determine what types of mixed-use and residential development are viable and inform future development options, including considerations related to the existing above-ground structure on the site (the former CNR shops building).
3. Parking Strategy: Council directed that Grand Trunk parking be addressed through the upcoming Downtown Parking Study, ensuring a system-wide approach. Recommendations will be brought back to Council once that work is complete.
Moving forward, staff will continue working with project partners to determine the common principles for building and operating the shared recreation and learning space. Planning for the community facility and the market sounding process will happen over the next few months, with updates expected to return to Council later in 2026.
- This approach fits with the vision for the GTR. It falls in a budget that has a limited impact on property tax, while balancing other municipal priorities like roads and infrastructure.
- Updates will be shared publicly as key milestones are reached. Any future development opportunities will be subject to Council direction and appropriate procurement processes.
- These decisions build on earlier recommendations in the 2018 Master Plan, the 2025 Feasibility Report, and from the Grand Trunk Ad Hoc Committee.
During the workshops, Council explored the project needs, including development approaches, financial considerations, and long-term investment strategies. A Special Council meeting was held on April 20 to hear public feedback on the proposed directions. This input, along with the technical analysis and Council discussions, informed the decisions made on April 27.
Reference documents:
April 27 agenda package with:
-
Management Report: Details the project’s status, financial context, and the details of the recommendations [PDF]
- Consultant findings on building options and budget estimates:
“The Grand Trunk Costing Report: Community Facilities and Grand Trunk Building” [PDF]
See also the staff presentation from Workshop #3 for an overview of the project's considerations and budget.
🫱🏼🫲🏻 🏘️ 🚗
City Council and staff attend the first Grand Trunk workshop on January 27, 2006. In early 2026, Councillors attended three comprehensive, open workshops to deepen their understanding of municipally led development projects and explore options for advancing the Grand Trunk redevelopment. Topics covered included:
Destination Stratford's LED "heart" on the GTR structure.