Refreshment, accessibility the focus of Cambridge’s McIntyre Square revamp

Some new changes are on the way for McIntyre Square in Cambridge, with refreshment and accessibility at the forefront for the area.

The revitalization will mainly centre around a new water fountain that is set to be installed, but will also feature various accessible options to widen the potential use for the popular stretch.

“Because it’s now being combined with a paver stone project, the entire area between the Old Galt City Hall and the Cambridge Farmers’ Market will all be redone,” said Cambridge Councillor Scott Hamilton, speaking on the Mike Farwell Show. “New trees, new paver stones, new bike repair facilities, new accessible parking spots, and of course, a new water fountain.”

Hamilton has been at the forefront of the recommendations for years, with his initial suggestions now being pooled together into a larger change for McIntyre Square.

“I’m really happy that it is now included in what is called the City Hall Campus Redevelopment Project. It’s kind of been linked up with another large-scale project the City is planning, and hopefully it will come forward in the budget in 2026.”

He said the entirety of the project has received plenty of support from the local community and from city committees alike, saying it’s clearly a project that plenty of people can get behind.

“The Farmers’ Market Committee was in favour, the Environmental Committee was in favour because it reduces plastics. The Cycling and Trails Committee are in favour because it would be placed in a core strategically, so it’s close to a bike trail, people can hop off and get a drink. The Arts Committee was in favour because there are artistic installations that are going to be planned to be put around it. Now, the Accessibility Committee is also in favour.”

As of now, there is no fixed timeline for when the project will start since it needs the official approval through the capital budget before it can fully become a reality. Hamilton stressed that, while it’s important for the project to hit the ground running, the additional time it’s taken has allowed a more complete picture to be formed.

“I think all of the committees and the residents and all the positive words we’ve heard about it, I’m really confident and hopeful that we will see this as part of the 2026 budget.”