Preston Springs development gets green light from OLT

The back-and-forth over the future of the former Preston Springs Hotel property is finally over.

The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) recently approved the proposed three-tower, 365-unit development at King and Fountain streets.

There was some compromise in the decision. The city had limited the number of towers to two with a capped height of 15 storeys. The original designs proposed the three towers be 22, 24 and 26 storeys.

The developer, Hasstown Holdings‘ appealed the cap with the OLT, which ruled in its favour. The final design will have three towers with heights of 22, 20 and 17 storeys. One floor less than an amended proposal to the city.

Cambridge, Ward 7 councillor, Scott Hamilton was a guest on The Mike Farwell Show, and Cambridge council’s decision to cap the heights and limit this development was at odds with what staff had been recommending.

“Notably, in March of 2024, city staff agreed with Hasstown. They said this is the best way to fit compatibility, density, protect heritage and allow for a revitalization of this essential gateway to the city. So, the OLT ended up siding (pretty much) with what city staff recommended, back in March 2024.”

Hamilton said it was other housing and transportation developments underway in the area that swayed the OLT’s decision in favour of the developer.

“So, in this case, the OLT stepped back and said, ‘Well, look, this is in a major transit station area. The proposed ION station will be less than a 10-minute walk. it’s a gateway to downtown Preston. Walkable to the core. The 401 is around the corner. So this larger, denser design is actually far more comparable with this area than other proposals we’ve seen.”

He went on to say he’s heard the concerns from residents in the area, and he took them seriously, but recognizes that change is often difficult for people.

“As a city councillor, you have to make those tough decisions to look at the future of the city. What’s best for residents and neighbours not just today but in the future,” Hamilton said. “But also as a city councillor, it’s a part-time job, but we are also essentially tools of the province. We are bound to follow the provincial policy statements, the Regional Official Plan, the city official plan and of course the advice of city staff. And in this case, the Hasstown proposal did tick all those boxes.”

In a response to a request for comment, the City of Cambridge issued a statement on behalf of Mayor Jan Liggett:

“The City received the Ontario Land Tribunal’s decision regarding the three-tower condominium project at Fountain Street and King Street in Preston. The OLT’s decision differs from the position taken by myself and Council . While I’m disappointed by the outcome, the OLT is the final authority under provincial legislation.

I along with Council remain committed to advocating for responsible growth in Cambridge, for community input, and planning decisions that reflect the best interest of residents and the city as a whole.“

With the approval from the OLT, the project can begin to ramp up. When that will happen, remains to be seen.