The President of the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance says it’s very important that the site of Stratford’s first public hospital be developed in a way that supports the “health and wellness” of the community.
Andrew Williams says the tender to tear down the vacant building on John Street South that was once home to Avon Crest Hospital was issued last week and it will be closed in mid-February.
Once a company is chosen for the demolition, Williams says they will go to Stratford City Council for a permit and it will be removed over the summer.
The move to go to tender comes despite some in the community saying that the building should be saved.
Williams says the HPHA has been transparent throughout the process and adds it’s not practical to retain and develop the building based on cost estimates, and the condition of the building itself.
He says the plan is for the alliance to maintain ownership of the property and enter into a long-term lease arrangement with potential developers.
Avon Crest first opened in 1891.
