Former City of Stratford Mayor Dan Mathieson is the pick to steer the Grand Trunk renewal committee.
Mathieson was appointed at Monday night's regular city council meeting, where he was approved by city council.
The redevelopment of the Grand Trunk block is a keystone project for the City with numerous stakeholders. Over the years the vision of the site has varied, though now it is being eyed as the site of potential YMCA and University of Waterloo expansion, affordable housing, and housing for seniors, to name just a few of the ideas.
As chair, Mathieson will assist the committee in meeting its mandate, to support the Grand Trunk Master Plan adopted by city council, identify fundraising opportunities, assist with the development of a public engagement program, and liaise with other committees.
Coun. Bonnie Henderson was one of the supporters of Mathieson’s approval, reiterating just how important the project is, and how with Mathieson guiding the committee, such a task can be accomplished.
“We’ve got seniors that are waiting a long time to get to this Grand Trunk place,” Henderson said. “We've got people that are needing homes to live in … we have people that want to go to the Y and have a bigger pool and more access. And so we can get that done.
“I ran again this term because I’m just darned determined that we get this before I retire,” Henderson exclaimed. “And I just think that it’s a real asset to have somebody that already has gone to the public meetings, has been part of the process.”
Mathieson was one of five applicants for the chair position, after city council decided at an earlier meeting to open up the process and allow for applications.
Mathieson was appointed over Paul Brown, Robert Lemon, Paul Parlee, and Robert Ritz.
Although unsuccessful, multiple councillors encouraged the other applicants to apply to the committee when membership applications are being accepted.
Before council made a decision, they heard from delegate Jane Marie Mitchell, who spoke on the selection of the chair and the requirements that should be considered.
Mitchell referenced the Xinyi Glass factory, a proposed plant for Stratford that ultimately never came to fruition due to community resistance related to a perceived lack of transparency, among other concerns.
Mitchell eluded to Mathieson, though did not say his name, saying that there has been a loss of trust in Stratford.
Mayor Martin Ritsma interjected, cautioning Mitchell on keeping to the delegation topic and not saying anything specific to one individual.
Later, Ritsma clarified with StratfordToday that his interruption was to avoid the possibility of defamatory comments and any potential litigation resulting from such comments.
Mitchell went on to point out that since a previous motion to appoint Mathieson as chair failed, under the City’s current bylaw, reconsidering a failed motion requires two-thirds of council support.
City Clerk Tatiana Dafoe later stated that in her opinion a reconsideration vote was not necessary.
“The direction was to solicit applications generally for the position … Therefore if Dan Mathieson were to have an interest in submitting an application, the applicant could have done so and it would have been considered.”
In a recorded vote, council approved Mathieson's appointment with overwhelming support. Only Coun. Cody Sebben opposed, who indicated that he would like someone with “fresh eyes” leading the committee.
The committee will be made up of 12 individuals, after a motion by Coun. Jo-Dee Burbach was voted in, adding a seat for an individual with a background in land use planning.
The committees members will include people with a background in economic development, property development, accounting, education, theatre, design, and law. Additionally, the committee will have a spot for someone aged 13-25, a member of the Stratford Lakeside Active Adults Association, a ‘citizen-at-large,’ and the chair.
Mathieson will serve as chair of the committee until Sept. 30, 2025.
Mathieson later told StratfordToday that he is honoured and excited to serve as chair for this committee. He believes that the committee will provide a pivotal role in advising council on the future of the Grand Trunk block.
Mathieson is waiting to hear direction from Chief Administrative Officer Joan Thomson on next steps in filling out the other seats. He is hopeful that the first meeting of the committee will be held mid to late September.
