Just the Facts:
● The updated proposal for 61-69 Ainslie Street South in Cambridge increases the density to 758.8 units per hectare with a Floor Space Index (FSI) of 5.23, accommodating 399 residential units across two towers of 21 and 18 storeys and a five-storey podium.
● The revised plan includes modified setbacks, reduced parking ratios, and increased building heights to 68 and 59 metres, adjustments made to optimize space within the Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) and in response to land requirements by the Region of Waterloo.
● Ground-floor commercial space, ranging from 300 to 430 square metres, is included in the plan, alongside 318 residential parking spaces and 15 shared spaces for commercial use and residential visitors.
CAMBRIDGE — GSP Group Inc., representing 2699380 Ontario Inc., has submitted a revised proposal for a mixed-use development at 61, 63, 65, 67, and 69 Ainslie Street South, increasing the scale of the original project to accommodate recent land requirements by the Region of Waterloo.
This updated proposal introduces significant changes in building height, density, and site-specific provisions.
The updated plan seeks to raise the Floor Space Index (FSI) from the permitted 2.5 to 5.23, surpassing the initial submission’s proposed 4.4 FSI.
As a result, the density will rise to 758.8 units per hectare, with an increased maximum building height of 68 metres for the tallest portion of the site. This revised height adjustment also includes a second tower reaching 59 metres, along with a five-storey podium.
The building height has increased from the original 65 and 55 metres proposed. The tower heights have increased from the original plan to adapt to the additional land-taking required by the region.
Yet, the overall development design remains consistent with the project’s original intent.
The development will offer 399 residential units, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, alongside 794 square metres of ground-floor commercial space.
No changes have been proposed for the unit count or commercial space since the original submission.
The site is currently zoned as Commercial Use Class One and Residential Use Class One (F)C1RM1 S.4.2.4 and seeks site-specific provisions to modify the current zoning permissions.
The development includes 305 residential parking spaces, a reduction from the original 318 spaces, at a reduced ratio of 0.77 spaces per unit, whereas 1.0 space per unit is required. Additionally, the proposal now includes 15 shared spaces for commercial use and visitors, whereas 13 spaces were previously proposed.
The revised plan also includes reduced setback requirements to maximize site utility and support the intended urban density.
The development’s site-specific provisions include:
● Increased maximum density to 758.8 units per hectare, whereas 601 units were originally proposed.
● Exterior side yard on Ainslie Street reduced to 1.0 metre.
● Exterior side yard on Wellington Street reduced to 1.5 metres.
● Interior side yard increased to 1.5 metres from the original proposal of 0 metres.
● Rear yard setback increased to 2.3 metres from the original 1.5 metres proposed.
● Maximum height of 59 and 68 metres for both towers, whereas 21 metres is the maximum currently permitted.
● Maximum height of 59 metres for other portions, whereas 21 metres is currently permitted.
● Reduced residential parking rate to 0.77 spaces per unit, whereas 0.78 spaces per unit were previously proposed.
The revised proposal now awaits further review and consideration by the city council as part of Cambridge’s ongoing development planning process.
To read more articles on this specific development, click here.
Comment Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in the comments section of this blog are solely those of the individuals who submit them and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the author or the website owner. We do not endorse or support any comments that may be offensive, discriminatory, or harmful in nature.
We encourage open and respectful discussions and welcome diverse perspectives. However, it is important to remember that comments are the personal opinions of the commenters and not official representations of our stance or values. We reserve the right to moderate or remove comments that violate our comment policy or that we deem inappropriate.
Please engage in discussions with courtesy and respect for one another, keeping in mind that differing opinions can coexist in a constructive manner. Thank you for being a part of our community and for helping to maintain a positive and inclusive environment.
