- Stratford’s historic Grand Trunk Railroad shops building– a mainstay of the Stratford economy and livelihoods from the 1860s through the 1940s– has been standing derelict for decades, an eyesore in a location that has the potential to offer:
- an exciting new destination based on a historic focal point, right in the centre of the city
- a mix of attractive, affordable and ecologically sound housing solutions in a welcoming community environment
- a meeting place for youth, seniors, citizens and visitors alike, with commercial, cultural, educational and immersive offerings
- new and expanded facilities for the U of Waterloo and the Y
We are a group of Stratford citizens who are keen to support the City of Stratford in ensuring a rapid mobilization of actions to re-develop this important site.
- Our goals are the following:
- To inform Stratford’s citizens, through public engagement and discussion, of the generational opportunity the Grand Trunk/Cooper site represents to build upon the vitality of the City’s downtown and add much needed housing.
- To urge the new council and mayor to take action within in appointing an expert advisory committee to redefine the vision and find a development partner with a successful redevelopment background.
- To conclude an agreement with a master developer partner or project management consultant within 6 to 12 months to have a ‘shovel in the ground’ within two years thereafter.
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