Just the Facts:
●The Ontario Land Tribunal has approved a 32-unit, 3-storey stacked townhouse development at 220 and 222 Blair Road in Cambridge, resulting in a net increase of 27 residential units.
● The project involves amendments to increase density from 40 to 83 units per hectare, reduce common amenity space requirements from 30 to 18 square metres per unit, and establish a 30-metre setback from the CN Rail line.
● The development will provide 40 surface parking spaces, a reduction from the required 1.25 spaces to 1.18 spaces per unit.
CAMBRIDGE — The Ontario Land Tribunal has approved a development project at 220 and 222 Blair Road proposed by 1000165428 Ontario Inc. and issued on September 17, 2024.
The project involves replacing the existing structures, which include a four-plex and a single-detached dwelling, with two 3-storey stacked townhouse buildings, providing a total of 32 residential units.
This development will result in a net increase of 27 units, contributing to the much-needed housing supply in the area. The subject property covers approximately 3,885 square metres, with a lot frontage of 37.9 metres.
It is currently zoned RM4, with an Official Plan designation of Low/Medium Density Residential.
The developer sought amendments to both the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to facilitate the increase in density, requesting a change in maximum density from 40 to 83 units per hectare.
Additionally, the Zoning By-law Amendment sought to reduce the required common amenity space from 30 square metres per unit to 18 square metres per unit, establish a 30-metre setback from the adjacent CN Rail line, and prohibit the use of geothermal wells.
The proposal includes a surface parking lot with 40 spaces, including barrier-free parking, to accommodate the new residents.
Despite this, there were concerns about the removal of existing rental housing units and potential displacement of tenants.
While the city of Cambridge does not have a by-law mandating the retention or replacement of rental units in redevelopment projects, the developer has agreed to a settlement with the city addressing compensation for displaced tenants.
City Council initially refused the applications due to concerns about tenant displacement and the perceived high density of the development.
However, after negotiations and the submission of a detailed planning justification report, the Tribunal found that the proposed development aligns with provincial, regional, and municipal policies, encouraging intensification in built-up areas.
The Tribunal approved the amendments, finding the development to be appropriate and in the public interest, contributing to a more efficient use of land and infrastructure.
The development also aligns with the Provincial Policy Statement and the Growth Plan, which promote compact, transit-supportive development and the provision of a range of housing options.
As part of the Tribunal’s decision, it acknowledged that the proposed project meets the goal of increasing density in urban areas while addressing housing supply challenges.
To read more articles on this specific development, click here.
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