Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee

In 2023, Stratford City Council established the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee to provide support and a forum for input and exchange of ideas on the renewal of the Grand Trunk building. Following a two-term term, the Ad-Hoc Committee concluded its work with a summary report to Council on October 14, 2025 containing a number of recommendations.

Planning for the redevelopment of this property is ongoing. More information can be found on the Cooper Block page.

Purpose of the Committee

To support the Grand Trunk Master Plan adopted by City Council.
To act as a sounding board to the City on matters dealing with the renewal of the Grand Trunk building, including building designs and architectural plans.
To identify fundraising opportunities and support fundraising initiatives.
To advise and assist with the development of a public engagement program and promote the activities of the Grand Trunk renewal.
To liaise with other committees or organizations with overlapping roles and responsibilities.

Composition of the Committee

The Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee was appointed by Stratford City Council and composed of the following members:

Council:

Mayor and/or designate of the Mayor

Public:

One (1) Citizen-at-Large
One (1) Economic Development – e.g. BIA member, Chamber of Commerce representative, business owner, manufacturing
One (1) Development – e.g., construction or building industry
One (1) Accounting – accountant, financial planning
One (1) Stratford Lakeside Active Adults Association member
Two (2) Youth – e.g. aged 13-25
One (1) Education – e.g. Teacher, principal, professor, director
One (1) Theatre – community or professional theatre
One (1) Design – e.g. architect, engineer
One (1) Legal – e.g. lawyer, insurance
One (1) Land use planning – e.g. planner

Staff (non-voting members):

One (1) Chief Administrative Officer
One (1) Corporate Initiatives Lead
One (1) Director of Community Services and/or designate
One (1) Recording Secretary

Appointments

At the July 24, 2023, Regular Council meeting, Council adopted the following resolution:

THAT Dan Mathieson be appointed as the Chair of the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee for a two-year term to September 30, 2025.

At the meeting, By-law 93-2023 was also adopted to give effect to the above noted appointment.

The following citizens served on the committee and are thanked for their contributions:

Citizen-at-Large - Barb Cottle
Economic Development - Franklin Famme
Development - Vacant
Accounting – Stephen Mitchell
Stratford Lakeside Active Adults Association Member - Trudy Jonkman
Youth – Ryen Ropp-Robinson and Zach Schultz
Education – Mark Vandenbosch
Theatre – Ron Dodson
Design – Nic Flanagan
Legal – Paul Parlee
Land Use Planning - Melanie Hare

Partnership Working Group

Co-Chair - Karen Haslam
Co-Chair - Herb Klassen

Vision, Planning, and Architecture Working Group

Chair - Melanie Hare

Real Estate, Legal and Finance Working Group

Chair - Franklin Famme

Communications, Advocacy, and Civic Engagement Working Group

Co-Chair - John Kastner
Co-Chair - Andrew Hilton

Infrastructure and Environmental Working Group

Chair - Steve Cooper

Working Group Coordinator - Ray Harsant

Working Group Coordinator - Alan Kasperski

Meetings, Agendas, and Minutes

Meeting dates, times, agendas, and minutes are located on the Council Calendar page.

January 15, 2024 - Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee Meeting (stratford.ca)

February 20, 2024 - Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee Meeting (stratford.ca)

March 18, 2024 - Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee Meeting (stratford.ca)

April 15, 2024 - Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee Meeting (stratford.ca)

May 21, 2024 - Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee Meeting (stratford.ca)

June 17, 2024 - Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee Meeting (stratford.ca)

July 15, 2024 - Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee Meeting (stratford.ca)

August 19, 2024 - Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee Meeting (stratford.ca)

September 16, 2024 - Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee Meeting (stratford.ca)

October 21, 2024 - Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee Meeting (stratford.ca)

November 18, 2024 - Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee Meeting (stratford.ca)

December 16, 2024 - Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee Meeting (stratford.ca)

January 20, 2025 - Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee Meeting (stratford.ca)

February 11, 2025 - Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee Meeting (stratford.ca)

March 17, 2025 - Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee Meeting (stratford.ca)

April 22, 2025 - Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee Meeting (stratford.ca)

May 20, 2025 - Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee Meeting (stratford.ca)

June 16, 2025 - Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee Meeting (stratford.ca)

July 21, 2025 - Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee Meeting (stratford.ca)

August 25, 2025 - Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee Meeting (stratford.ca)

September 15, 2025 - Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee Meeting (stratford.ca)

Terms of Reference

Additional information about the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee is available in their Terms of Reference.

Stay Informed and Get Involved

You are encouraged to get informed and join in the public discussion and engagement activities around the future of the GTR site. 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