Cambridge council votes to move Ainslie Street development to staff for recommendation

After a lengthy discussion, Cambridge council have voted to amend the existing zoning bylaw for a development in the Downtown Galt Core. The proposed development for 61-69 Ainslie Street South is a mixed-use development – including a five to seven storey podium structure as well as two individual towers 15 and 20 storeys in height.

The proposed structure would be established on the 1.8-acre property and include 392 residential units, a ground floor commercial unit and 318 parking spaces. The project has drawn some criticism from members of council and the Cambridge community, with some arguing that the building’s height could create an eyesore for the skyline of the core area. Comparing the potential development to the apartment structure on 49 Queen Street, Councillor Mike Divine asked council to not “go about destroying the Galt core”, saying that the building would be totally out of proportion with a proposed height that is almost three times what’s allowed in the existing bylaw.

Another issue raised by council came in the developer’s lack of affordable housing units in the proposed plan. Councillor Ermeta thanked the property’s developer for their interest in the core and said that the area is in a prime location for affordable housing units. Ermeta said the developers owe it to the Cambridge community to include some affordable housing – a message echoed by Councillor Mike Mann.

“We have lots of developers that come into our community – and they have these great plans… but these great plans don’t include affordable housing… which is significant to our community.” Said Mann. “… we care about the people who live here, and affordable housing is a huge issue for us. I think there needs to be significant compensation for it if it’s not going to be included in the bill.

The existing 2012 City of Cambridge official plan designates the subject lands as ‘Galt Core Area’, permitting a maximum height of five storeys. For the development to proceed, council will be required to amend the zoning bylaw to increase the maximum permitted height to 15 storeys and 20 storeys for the two residential towers.

Staff will provide council with further comments and analysis regarding the project as part of a future recommendation report to the Planning & Development Committee – including a discussion about the conformity with the City of Cambridge Strategic Plan.