‘You didn’t make any friends around here’: Chilligo Road subdivision turned down
Posted May 27, 2026 06:11:45 AM.
Last Updated May 27, 2026 06:46:01 AM.
A controversial subdivision development has been ground to a halt by Cambridge Council.
Northwest Hespeler Community Builders Inc. was looking to turn 500 acres of rural land in the Hespeler area into a subdivision that could accommodate around 11,000 new residents.
The development would have had two entrances, one at Hespeler Road and the other at Chilligo Road.
Tuesday night, councillors were presented with a recommendation from staff to refuse the plans due to a number of reasons.
Issues include the potential impact on farmland, transportation concerns, water capacity in the area, and a lack of the required studies needed to build in that area.
The report from staff also noted both the Grand River Conservation Authority and Six Nations of the Grand River claimed they were not consulted, and even the Region of Waterloo said it would also oppose approving this development.
Matthew Cory spoke on behalf of Northwest Hespeler Community Builders Inc., and stirred up some frustration from the mayor, when he claimed staff we not cooperative.
“We were just told, they were going to refuse it, and they didn’t have time to properly go through everything with us prior to the deadline.”
City officials refuted that statement, something Mayor Jan Liggett stood by.
“You didn’t make any friends around here tonight, sir,” said Liggett to Cory. “You did not do good for your clients.”
Councillors had until June 3 to make a decision or risk an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).
Cory said the developer had no intent of rushing into an appeal, as long as there was still an opportunity to work with staff and the public.
The rushed nature of the decision for such a major project didn’t sit well with Councillor Mike Devine.
“Turn it down then. June 3? That’s a week from now. This is borderline insane. Just turn it down. We’ll fight in court.”
Council did turn down the plan, with a 7-2 vote. Councillors Scott Hamilton and Helen Shwery the only two to vote for the discussion on the development to continue.
Northwest Hespeler Community Builders Inc. now has the option to appeal the decision to the OLT.
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