Cambridge city council votes against motion to build affordable housing above parking lots
Posted Dec 20, 2023 07:27:17 AM.
Last Updated Dec 20, 2023 07:27:21 AM.
Cambridge city councillors voted 5-4 on Tuesday night against a motion to investigate if affordable housing units should be build above parking lots.
The motion was brought forward by Ward 7 Councillor Scott Hamilton on November 28. Councillors Hamilton, Ward 4 Councillor Ross Earnshaw, Ward 3 Councillor Corey Kimpson and Ward 5 Councillor Sheri Robertson all voted in favour.
It would call on the Region of Waterloo to study if certain parking lots in the city could be used as a pilot project to build housing units above them. The motion would call on staff to contact the region to see if it would fall under their Affordable Housing Plan to develop 500 homes a year.
“I’m not saying turn every parking lot into housing,” said Hamilton. “There are some lots nearby which are empty for 70 per cent of their existence, especially at night when people drive in and leave.”
Some councillors voiced their concerns over damage being done to parking lots to hold up the units and taxpayers being given the bill to pay for the units.
“What’s it going to cost the taxpayers to do this,” asked Ward 1 Councillor Helen Shwery. “Somebody is paying for it and currently, it will be end up being the taxpayers. Nothing is free.”
Groups, such as the United Way and Habitat for Humanity, signaled their support for the motion.
