Council workshop outlines path forward for Grand Trunk Renewal Project

Stratford City Council has completed the third and final workshop in a series focused on the Grand Trunk Renewal Project, bringing together key information to guide next steps for the redevelopment of the downtown site.

The April 9, 2026 workshop highlighted elements from earlier sessions, including site constraints, community priorities, and preliminary costs, and focused on the approach required to advance the project.

Chief Administrative Officer André Morin outlined a path forward centered on several areas: advancing a shared community facility in partnership with the Stratford Public Library and YMCA of Three Rivers, integrating the site into the City's downtown parking strategy, and undertaking a market sounding process to inform future development.

The session also included an overview of the City's long-term financial planning, including how projects of this scale are evaluated within Stratford's broader capital and debt capacity.

As with previous workshops, no decisions were made. The session was intended to support Council's understanding and prepare for formal consideration of next steps.

Next Steps and Public Input

Council will hear from the public at a Special Council meeting scheduled for April 20 at 6:00 p.m., where residents will have the opportunity to speak as delegations on the project. Details of the meeting, including the agenda and management report will posted on the April 20 Council Calendar page on the City's website as soon as they are available. Information about speaking at a Council meeting can be found on the Appearing as a Delegation page.

Following the delegation meeting, a staff report with recommendations, including a proposed municipal contribution toward a shared community facility, will come forward to the April 27 Regular Council meeting, where Council will consider the recommendations and provide direction on the next phase of the project.

The agenda, materials, video and minutes from the April 9 workshop will be available on the April 9 Council Calendar page on the City's website.