After many years and much conversation, the next phase of the Grand Trunk project is moving forward. Council recently committed $15 million dollars to create a community facility somewhere on the site, in partnership with the YMCA and Stratford Public Library, who will also bring an equal amount of capital investment to the project. Together with these partners, we plan to create a facility with shared spaces, including a pool and a daycare centre. The proposed community facility is just one part of the future of this site. Parking, housing, retail and green space are also my priorities for this area. 

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This property in the heart of our City has had many lives and plays a vital role in our history as a railway town, and it continues to define the present and future of our community. During this term, Council brought together an ad-hoc committee of citizens to guide the development of the site, and here's the list of priorities they came up with:

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• Affordability

• Sustainability

• Functionality

• Accessibility

• Community Benefit for all residents

• Respect for the heritage of the GTR site

• Respect for the Indigenous heritage of this land

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These are the principles we'll keep in mind as we move forward with the planning the community facility on this property. This Community Facility will be an anchor piece for theGrand Trunk neighbourhood.

 

The next steps are:

• securing partnerships: MOUs have been signed with the YMCA and the Stratford Public Library

• determining the size and location of this facility within the GTR site

• creating a realistic budget

• pursuing funding opportunities

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Once we have that plan in place, the design of the building can commence!

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Seniors Centre

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Public Pool

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Childcare

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Environmental Excellence

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