Cambridge councillor proposing affordable housing above parking lots

A new idea is on the table that could help build more affordable housing for the region.

The region is currently facing a housing crisis, according to a 2023 Vital Signs report for Waterloo Region that states this area’s housing market is among the worst in the province. The report was released in October from the Waterloo Region Community Foundation.

Ward 7 Councillor in Cambridge Scott Hamilton is proposing the city look into creating affordable housing above municipal parking lots.

The idea came from United Way’s recently released ‘Action Plan for Housing Stability in Ontario’ that recommends different levels of government make surplus lands and assets available to non-profit and co-operative housing providers.

On December 19, a motion will be tabled by Hamilton to build the first prototype for the project, which he said, is still in its early stages.

“We’re in the midst of a crisis, so I think we need to pull out all the stops and think in creative new innovative ways to try and get ourselves out,” said Hamilton in an interview with CityNews 570.

Hamilton added that it would be a significant transition for parking lots that haven’t changed in decades.

“I don’t want anyone out there to panic,” said Hamilton. “I’m not saying turn every single parking lot in every city into housing. But there’s no doubt that a lot of those open, urban spaces could be a variety of different units and the benefits of that are incredible.”

Parking lots are considered a municipal asset, which Hamilton said is what makes it appealing for a non-profit developer who wants to build there because the city would retain ownership of the land, which can save the developer a lot of money.

“There’s just no more land and the land that’s for sale is crazy expensive,” said Hamilton.

“There are some parking lots in the City of Cambridge where I think this would be fantastic and some where it might not work, it might be too full or the neighborhood might not be the right fit. I asked for it to stay owned by Cambridge and the taxpayers,” added Hamilton.

If approved by council, city staff will start looking for an affordable housing provider to work with and the best place for the pilot project to launch.

Listen to the full interview with Councillor Scott Hamilton here.