A local high school student and member of Stratford’s ad hoc Grand Trunk renewal committee wowed attendees at a recent event focused around the redevelopment of the former Grand Trunk Railway locomotive repair shop in the city’s downtown.
The first of many Grand Trunk community dialogue events to come was held on March 26 at the Stratford Rotary Complex, where more than 100 people listened to discussions about the 2018 Grand Trunk community hub master plan, the history of the Grand Trunk site, green initiatives for redevelopment, positive changes for retired adults and the economic opportunity of future building.
Though all speakers were well received, one notable presenter stood out against the rest.
Georgia Neely, a Grade 12 student at Stratford District Secondary School (SDSS), is the Grand Trunk renewal committee’s youth representative. She spoke about the importance of youth engagement for the future of the Grand Trunk site.
“As the youth representative of this group, I'm therefore the youngest,” she said. “My age does not come with a lack of responsibility or sense of perspective. This project affects each and every one of us regardless of generation.”
Neely spoke on the importance of all community members, young and old, being involved and having their say on what they see as crucial in the coming years. She also discussed how being the youngest on the committee has given her space to reflect on youth needs within the community.
“My job is to make sure the young voices of tomorrow are heard. Thus far, our discussions and meetings have given me hope for our future. This project will try to encapsulate new gym spaces with the YMCA, new educational spaces with the University of Waterloo and a middle school, potentially library spaces and much more. It makes me excited for the kids to come, and honestly a little jealous,” she joked.
“I mean, the idea of a central community hub designed for all ages; a safe space for all ethnicities, beliefs and backgrounds. Where was this when I was growing up?”
Neely's involvement in the Sustainability Club at SDSS ensures the significance of green space at the Grand Trunk site remains a constant priority. She emphasized the importance of environmental consciousness, stressing the need to create a space that can withstand time and benefit future generations.
“Ensuring the spaces are as green as possible means ensuring it will be sustainable for many lifetimes and not another burden for our children to carry.
“We must maintain some elements of our history because we are nothing without those who came before us. A location like this for teens and kids can change lives. It could be the birthplace of lifelong friendships and necessary support.”
Neely noted a citywide renovation of this magnitude will impact all generations to come. She went on to discuss the impact youth have and why she takes her position as youth representative seriously.
“My goal as youth representative is to aid in this project in any way I can to give the future kids and people of Stratford the resources they need to live a happy, healthier and more supportive life so they never have to ask, ‘Where was this when I was younger?’ ”
The next Grand Trunk community dialogue event will be at city hall on Saturday, April 13 from 2-4 p.m.
Amanda Modaragamage, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for the Stratford Times. The LJI is a federally-funded program.
