Stratford city council will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the principles that guide the renewal of the Grand Trunk site before the public does.
On Monday evening’s council meeting, the draft vision and guiding principles for the site, developed by the ad hoc committee and its working groups, will be presented.
Since the beginning of the year, when the committee began to meet regularly, they have been developing draft principles that will provide a framework for how the keystone project will be developed.
Together, over multiple meetings, they brainstormed ideas and filtered which were important, which could be grouped together, and revised and clarified them.
In the end, they came to seven draft principles.
They are asking council and the public if these principles establish a clear direction and if they prioritize the matters that are most important to the community.
After council provides input, they will be taken to the wider community, before all input is given to the committee for finalization.
Pop-up events, engagement through EngageStratford, and on-site signage and tours will be conducted, to reach as many residents as possible.
The draft principles, as included in the staff report included in the agenda, are:
Sustainable and Fiscally Responsible: Create a more sustainable and resilient community
- The Grand Trunk development will ensure environmental, social, and financial sustainability by:
- Adopting leading sustainability technologies to achieve net-zero carbon emissions
- Generating new revenue for the city
- Pursuing partnerships that serve the community
Celebrate Past and Future Forward: Design with a focus on the past, present, and future
- Our approach will encourage designs that honour the past, address current needs, and prepare for the future. The story of Stratford’s community, resilience and reinvention will be reflected by:
- Celebrating the site’s history and heritage, including new uses for the Grand Trunk building
- Responding to current needs with forward-looking solutions
- Creating benefits for the entire community, downtown, and Grand Trunk site
- Ensuring that buildings and spaces can adapt to changes in both our community and the climate
Inspiring and Exhilarating: Create a dynamic new place and experience in Stratford
- The transformation of the Grand Trunk site will harness the energy of this community to create a new place for all to explore and enjoy by:
- Fostering a sense of welcoming and belonging
- Promoting playfulness, curiosity, and gathering
- Celebrating and inspiring innovation, culture, and creativity
- Creating new energy, experiences, and opportunities
Distinct and Diverse: Design distinct urban spaces and places
- Utilize the site to offer a new and exciting urban environment by:
- Incorporating higher-density buildings to provide for diverse community needs, such as housing for all ages and abilities
- Celebrating the distinct attributes of the Grand Trunk site and its history
- Designing outdoor spaces to be enjoyable in all seasons and for all people
- Creating transit-friendly development that makes safe spaces for pedestrians and cyclists of all ages
Inclusive and Connected: Create a great place to live and support wellbeing
- Within the Grand Trunk site, create new urban housing options that foster community by:
- Offering suitable, attainable, and affordable housing options
- Including amenities for everyday life, such as vibrant public spaces, access to shopping, services, and multiple transportation options
- Building safe and inclusive environments that are welcoming to all
- Connecting the Grand Trunk site to the downtown and surrounding neighbourhoods
Integrated and Multi-Functional: Create integrated, multi-purpose spaces and places
- Optimize this public land with a vibrant mix of uses across the Grand Trunk site, within buildings, and in each phase of development, including:
- Residential, commercial, retail, and institutional spaces
- Community spaces for recreation, culture, health and wellness, and collaboration
- Public spaces that encourage community gathering and celebration
Thrive and Vibe: Create cohesive and vibrant spaces
- Ensure spaces are vital, vibrant, and active by:
- Offering options for living, learning, health, wellness, recreation, and entrepreneurship
- Creating spaces that support social connection and intergenerational relationships
- Facilitating communal gathering spaces
