Some councillors push back on affordable housing designs proposed in Cambridge

Affordable housing was front and centre at a workshop between Cambridge council and city staff on Thursday evening.

The presentation listed four properties owned by the city that could be future sites for affordable housing development. The sites include 10 Ethel St., 1580 Queenston Rd., 0 Grand Ridge Dr. and 25 Chalmers St. S.

Two of the sites, 0 Grand Ridge Dr. and 10 Ethel St., are vacant lots, while, the site at 1580 Queenston Rd. is the former Preston Scout House — a designated heritage property — and 25 Chalmers St. S. is the now-closed St. Ambrose Catholic School.

The presentation made to councillors also outlines recommended housing concepts for each property to help the city achieve its housing target of 19,000 units over 10 years.

The recommended concept for 10 Ethel St. includes 14 stacked townhouse units at four storeys and 14 parking spots. Ward 2 Councillor Mike Devine noted there were some expensive estate houses just recently built in the area and would want to see a development with reduced density.

“I’m not against low cost housing, don’t misunderstand that,” he said. “If we can keep the density a little lower…Down to seven as opposed to 14 (stacked units), but I’m more concerned with the height if we can keep it at three storeys.”

The concept for 25 Chalmers St. S. would have towers ranging from seven to nine storeys and accommodate between 242 and 315 units. Ward 6 councillor Adam Cooper said he would not be in favour of it.

“I’m not big on towers… in residential areas,” said Cooper. “Anything close to this will not come with any support from me.”

Other recommended designs include a four storey apartment building with 48 to 50 units on 0 Grand Ridge Dr. and a three storey apartment building with 24 units on 1580 Queenston Rd.

The next step is for staff to come back with a formal report to council at a later date.