Council split over height limit of massive Preston development
Posted Jul 22, 2026 09:58:35 AM.
Last Updated Jul 22, 2026 01:05:10 PM.
A controversial development in the heart of Preston is once again stirring up conversation about just how tall towers should be allowed to be built in an already congested neighbourhood.
It comes as Cambridge city staff work through the Preston Secondary Plan, mapping out the future of the area.
Proposed in the plan already, but not yet approved, limiting buildings to a height of 16-storeys.
That was the vision staff had for a developer pitching a 40-storey tower with nearly 500 units at 210, 218, 226 King St. E. and 229 Queenston Rd.
A recommendation to council Tuesday had looked to lower the height limit to 16 storeys, but some councillors said that was still too tall, and would set a dangerous precedent for future development.
The motion was just barely defeated with a vote of 5-4.
Ward 8 Councillor Nicholas Ermeta was one of the voices against the proposal.
“I’m still uncomfortable with the height, so I will not be supporting it. From my standpoint, it’s taking a stand. I think the traffic in that area is horrendous,” said Ermeta.
“We can still have more input on what heights we think are appropriate.”
The developer, ABS Space Investment Corps, was not at the Tuesday meeting to answer council questions. Something that didn’t sit right with many around the horseshoe.
Though frustrated by the lack of representation, Ward 7 Councillor Scott Hamilton supported the lower height. He noted that if that developer were to appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), the city would be stuck with whatever height limit the province set out, instead of what the municipality would prefer.
“Sixteen is better than 40, and who knows what you’ll get if the developer goes to the OLT,” said Hamilton.
The development of 40 storeys was brought before councillors on March 29. Council has until July 29 to make a decision on the plan before the developer can appeal.
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