Stratford City Council will allocate $15 million to bring a new, shared community facility that would include both the YMCA and Stratford Public Library at the Grand Trunk site.
At Monday’s city council meeting, Chief Administrative Officer André Morin presented recommendations to advance the next phase of renewal at the 18-acre site.
Morin’s management report said the facility idea has been explored by city staff, YMCA and library staff, and they’ve identified a program scope of 70,000 to 110,000 square feet, with aquatics, fitness, childcare, library services, community rooms, an auditorium, cafe, and support spaces.
The Grand Trunk Master Plan identifies the site as an opportunity to deliver community, cultural, and civic uses in Stratford’s downtown core. The plan identifies the YMCA of Three Rivers (YMCA) as a driver of the site’s future.
The site includes the vacant former steam locomotive repair facility, the YMCA and the University of Waterloo’s School of Interaction Design and Business.
City councillors Bonnie Henderson and Jo-Dee Burbach asked about the environmental impact while Coun. Larry McCabe commented on the long-term future of the facility once it is fully developed.
Burbach asked how a consult with the Indigenous population in the area could take place.
Coun. Cody Sebben noted Stratford police services were not included in the proposal.
For the next 12 to 18 months, next steps will include forming partnerships with the YMCA and library through a memorandum of understanding instituted by the spring or summer of this year, advancing the design of the facility, and developing operating and financial models.
In a press release on Tuesday, city officials said council will direct staff to start a market sounding process to asses potential developer interest in the site.
The aim is to determine what types of development are viable and to inform future options.
For parking at the Grand Trunk, officials said it will be addressed through a downtown parking study to focus on building a sustainable model that addresses the needs of Stratford’s downtown.
Recommendations will be brought back to council following the study.
