Development of Stratford’s Grand Trunk Site Faces Delays

Plans for the development of the Grand Trunk site in downtown Stratford are moving forward, but significant hurdles remain before construction can begin. A report scheduled for presentation to the city council on Monday outlines the necessary steps and studies required to advance the project, which aims to transform the area into a community hub.

The anticipated timeline indicates that expressions of interest for the site will be released in June 2026. This timeline suggests that actual construction may not commence until after that date, despite earlier statements from Mayor Martin Ritsma expressing optimism that preliminary work could begin by late 2025 or early 2026.

Next Steps for Development

The report, prepared by Emily Robson, the city’s corporate initiatives lead, and CAO André Morin, details several studies that must be completed before the city can issue requests for proposals for the residential and mobility parcels of the site. Among these, two key studies are expected to be released early next year. The community facility study will define the vision for the community space, while the feasibility study will provide crucial insights into the project’s scope, sequence, and budget.

Cost estimates for the entire development project range from $46 million to $126 million, depending on the final plan’s specifications. The report emphasizes that these studies are vital to answering foundational questions that will facilitate progress on this significant undertaking.

In addition to the community facility and feasibility studies, three other assessments are required. These include a superstructure reuse analysis, an update to technical and market studies that will address servicing and access, and a market-sounding summary that will capture developer engagement outcomes.

Challenges and Future Considerations

In September, following a final meeting of the ad hoc renewal committee, Ritsma noted that the committee’s efforts have brought the city closer to initiating construction than it was two years ago. He expressed anticipation for visible changes to the site’s superstructure within the next year.

Robson acknowledged the urgency surrounding the project but cautioned that delays could still occur. “We’ve seen projects, once they’re tendered, move really quickly, and then we’ve also seen instances where it takes longer for the developer to get the project going,” she stated. She highlighted that the site presents several complications, particularly regarding environmental remediation, which might prolong the timeline further.

Even if development starts later than expected, preliminary work will incur costs. The city forecasts expenses of $322,000 for the Grand Trunk project in the upcoming year, which will be funded through reserves.

As the Stratford community looks forward to the potential revitalization of the Grand Trunk site, the city remains committed to ensuring that all necessary studies are completed thoroughly and accurately.