Panel raising marks major milestone for apartment buildings across from Agriplex

Mike Goor, managing director of land development and facilities, Jason Stubbe, managing director of precast sales, Andy Stubbe, president, Mayor Martin Ritsma, Coun. Larry McCabe, Coun. Mark Hunter and Coun. Jo-Dee Burbach stand beside the newly installed Stubbe’s FastTrack panel at the construction site on McCarthy Road.

Construction at the Hawthorne apartment buildings, located across from the Stratford Rotary Complex on McCarthy Road, reached a new milestone this week as project partners, trades and community leaders gathered on site for a panel-raising event.

The panel raising showcased Stubbe’s FastTrack construction method – large, prefabricated wall panels placed via crane and pieced together. This approach is designed to significantly cut down on construction timelines and costs while maintaining high-quality standards.

“When we first stood on this site across from the Agriplex, across from the future Countryside Park, tucked into the north corner of Stratford, we didn't just see a building, we saw an opportunity – an opportunity to contribute to a city with such a strong identity and to create a place people would be proud to call home,” said Jason Stubbe, managing director.

“We believe in small-town Ontario, and we love to see small towns continue to thrive,” he continued.

The Hawthorne apartments plan to welcome new tenants as early as fall 2026. Current construction is on the first two buildings, which will include a total of 162 units. A third building will include an additional 103 units, with construction to begin at a later date.

“When we bought this property last year, we knew we wanted to build something more than just housing,” said Stubbe. “We wanted to build a community within a community, and by working together with our consultants and the City of Stratford staff, we are very happy to be able to do that.”

The apartment community intends to serve a wide range of residents, from downsizing seniors and empty nesters to young professionals and families. The spaces throughout the buildings are designed to support connection, wellness and everyday convenience.

“It's about creating a lifestyle, not just an apartment,” said Stubbe. “We're also eager to see Stratford's community improvement plan to better understand how it will allow for partnerships on some attainable living options in the city of Stratford.”

Residents will have access to a heated pool, hot tub, sauna and outdoor lounges, shared dining areas, community gardens and gathering spaces. Amenities will also include fitness facilities, pickleball and basketball courts, games rooms, coworking spaces, bike storage and pet-friendly features, including a dog park and wash station.

Although aimed at feeling like a resort-inspired community, Stubbe noted their commitment to allowing for attainable living within the development.

“We wanted to further drive down construction costs, making attainable housing in Ontario a reality,” he said. “So far, the trades that we've worked with have been amazing, and we look forward to continuing to work with them as the buildings take shape. Stratford, like everywhere else in Canada, needs housing, and they need it fast. The only way to do this is build, build, build.”

The event brought together representatives from Muirstone Living and Stubbe’s, members of Stratford city council, city staff, local trades and community members. Mayor Martin Ritsma spoke and offered his support for affordable options in Stratford.

“When I think about building in Stratford, I think about quality, speed and efficiency,” said Ritsma during the panel-raising event. “In the end, if done right and if there's a working relationship, it should be affordable for our residents as well.”

He continued to praise Stubbe’s for being a long-standing supporter in the community, including its commitment to the agricultural sector, noting that the new buildings will not encroach on Stratford’s agricultural land.

“Certainly, Stubbe’s is not new to Stratford,” he said. “I've known Stubbe’s on the agricultural side for many, many years. They have been part of our Pork Congress and our agricultural society in Stratford for many years.

“The one thing that I'll say on behalf of our council is we have really embraced the idea of density; the importance of having homes that are not spread across our agricultural land. What you see today is 162 homes that occupy a much smaller footprint than if we spread them out as single-detached homes or townhouses,” continued Ritsma.

To learn more or to register for updates, visit www.hawthornestratford.ca