SmartCentres’ applying for ‘MZO’ with Cambridge council’s support
Posted Sep 23, 2020 01:00:00 PM.
SmartCentres is getting the support of Cambridge council in its application for a Minister's Zoning Order (MZO) from the province.
The company is looking at redeveloping its land at Hespeler and Pinebush Road, from a commercial space into a mixed used community with housing, parks and amenities.
On September 22 during a virtual meeting, council voted 7-1 in favour of supporting SmartCentres. Councillor Mike Devine was the lone dissenting vote.
During the meeting, SmartCentres Vice President of Development Christine Cote laid out their general plans for the space, and the need for the MZO.
“With potential set-backs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to be proactive in our planning for the future, both short and long-term, she said.
The MZO would allow them to bypass much of the application and consultation process that could delay the project from two to three years. That's not to say there won't be any consults on the matter, but Cote says they want to begin the project immediately.
“This is a long-term redevelopment, possibly upwards of 20 to 30 years, and will take place in numerous phases. It's our hope that we can proceed with initial phase in 2021,” she said.
“We currently have a vacancy rate of approximately 27 per cent across the property, and that includes the RONA building. It is our intention to use the opportunity that the vacancies have created to start planning our initial phases in the areas with the highest amount of vacancies first.”
Much of the plans around the development are still being worked out, but Cote says they planned on taking advantage of the location's potential, like its proximity to Highway 401 and the site of future LRT stops.
Housing is also expected to be a mix of affordable housing, townhouses, mid-rise apartments( up to 15 storeys), and high-rise apartments (up to 35 storeys).
“This is the time to start planning for the development and the population that will use and support these initiatives,” she said.
