With city council voting to retain a portion of the steel structure on the Grand Trunk site, redevelopment of the downtown property has taken a step forward.
That’s according to Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma, who said the ad hoc advisory committee, staff and consultants can continue discussion with the private sector and work on a business case for the property.
The ad hoc advisory committee tasked with advising council on a master plan presented options this week for the massive structure on the 18-acre site: retain all, retain part, or take it all down.
Ritsma told MyStratfordNow economics play a big role in decisions.
“If we had a pocket book as deep as the Grand Canyon, there wouldn’t be any obstacles with regards to environmental remediation or building within that structure. But we know we have to be economic stewards as well.”
According to the city, the site is envisioned as a place for education, community, health, culture, entrepreneurship, and innovation with spaces, places and services for residents and visitors.
The city’s goal is to transform the site into a vibrant focal point of the community.
