Cambridge to make decision on proposed 500-acre development in Hespeler
Posted May 26, 2026 01:34:35 AM.
Last Updated May 26, 2026 09:15:33 AM.
City staff in Cambridge have urged councillors to deny an application for development in the Hespeler area.
Northwest Hespeler Community Builders Inc. has applied to turn nearly 500 acres of rural land northwest of Cambridge into a subdivision that could accommodate approximately 11,000 new residents.
Delegates have signed on to comment on the report heading to city council on Tuesday evening.
The report from staff recommends council deny the application on the grounds that it hasn’t provided suitable direction to achieve a range and mix of land uses, hasn’t demonstrated appropriate transportation requirements, and hasn’t demonstrated that water and wastewater capacity requirements can be met amongst other complaints.
If completed, the development would have two entrances, one at Hespeler Road and the other at Chilligo Road.
Residents have also banded together in opposition to this development, including making their voices heard at a public meeting that was held on April 14. At that meeting, residents let council know that they weren’t in favour of the potential loss of farmland, they believe the application demonstrated need for these lands to be developed, and that it would cause a significant strain on the water supply.
The Region of Waterloo agreed with residents, noting in their communication to Cambridge staff that they would also oppose approving this development.
Both the Grand River Conservaiton Authority and Six Nations of the Grand River claimed that they weren’t consulted in the creation of this application, and opposed the development being brought to fruition.
If council decide to deny this development in chambers on Tuesday, the developers could appeal that decision at the Ontario Land Tribunal.
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