Is increased density a boon or detriment to Galts riverfront?
CAMBRIDGE  The promise of improved economic prospects was pit against environmental and heritage concerns at a public meeting for a proposal to build two tall towers along the Grand River in Galt. The owners of the Cambridge Mill want to build a 37-storey residential tower and a 28-storey hotel tower at 130 Water St. N. next to the former mill turned restaurant. If approved, the two towers will be the tallest in the city and will join historic church spires and heritage buildings that line either side of the Grand River in downtown Cambridge. The community clashed at Tuesdays public meeting with some speaking in favour of intensification along the riverfront and others vehemently opposed to it. Our downtown desperately needs a growing population, Brian Kennedy, executive director of the Downtown Cambridge Business Improvement Area told council at Tuesdays public meeting. He said more living space in the Galt core will help support local businesses, and the hotel component will bring tourists to the city as well. The proposal, also known Cambridge Mill Hotel and Residence, will consist of a 37-storey tower with 253 units, and a 28-storey tower with 146 hotel suites connected through a three-storey shared podium. The developer, Pearle Hospitality, requires zoning bylaw and official plan amendments to allow a mixed-use development with increased density and highrise towers. The allowed height in the area is 54 metres and the proposed 37-storey tower will be 143 metres tall. Pearle Hospitality has also proposed improved waterfront access to the river as well as an overflow parking structure across the street. The residential tower was described as attainable housing and will not include affordable housing units. Neighbours in a residential building at 150 Water St. N. have mixed views. Some have organized against the proposal while others have banded together in support of it. Concerned Citizens of Cambridge expressed their concern with the proposals height and the potential impacts to the ecosystem of the Grand River. There are many environmental issues, said Cory Hambleton, who said high rises can pose risks to air quality, water quality and city infrastructure due to the increased density. Coun. Pam Wolf pointed out that Hambleton also resides in a highrise on the Grand River. Hambleton said she acknowledges that, and pointed out that the proposed development is three times the size of the building she lives in. Other residents from 150 Water St. N. applauded the development as an improvement to a plan Pearle Hospitality presented to council in 2015 for a structure that was short, wide and blocked views of the river. Dan Clements, who represented a group of his neighbours in support of the proposal, said this development proposal is a big opportunity for Galts downtown core that desperately needs a more vibrant and bigger population.  Cambridge council will not make a decision on this development proposal until staff have reviewed the application and made a recommendation to council, but some around the table had strong views already. Im very, very concerned about the height of these buildings, Coun. Mike Devine said. It will open up the floodgates. I dont want to see these types of buildings up and down our rivers.  Others, like Coun. Wolf, said she was happy to see how much thought the developer put into the proposal. I know change is difficult for most people but we have to look to the future, she said. Tuesdays public meeting was an opportunity for city staff to introduce the proposed development to councillors and the public. City staff will return to council with a recommendation for the proposed development at a later date. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...  McGarry said this proposal ticks the boxes of what Waterloo Region needs to thrive: Density in urban areas to protect the countryside, support for expanded light rail transit service into the city, and creating a walkable downtown. She said she appreciated hearing from the many people who spoke at Tuesdays meeting. Often when were able to take all those comments back to staff reports and see what can be developed, often its a better plan overall, McGarry said. Other comments made at the meeting:  Karen Scott Booth from the Architectural Conservancy of Ontarios Cambridge and North Dumfries branch told council the local heritage conservation community opposed the proposal. We encourage good planning and design with respect to our significant heritage resources, she said. She said the city is currently working on a height guideline study for Galt, as well as a heritage district conservation study and the city should respect its own process and wait for those studies to be completed before any decision is made on this proposal. Robin Thomas reminded council of a moratorium on development along the Haldimand Tract by the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council. This development proposal is right along the Grand River, and the developer and council should obtain consent from the Haudenosaunee before proceeding, Thomas said. Former Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig told council he didnt want the city to miss out on an opportunity to build something great for the citys downtown. He pointed out to several controversial proposals such as the pedestrian bridge in Galt now named after him, and the city hall building. There is always controversy to everything you do that is daring and exciting. I think we have a quality development. Reflect on where this community wants to go, Craig said. Scott Higgins of Hip Developments also spoke in favour of the proposal. He acknowledged controversy around the towers height and said building heights continue to be a sticking point as developers struggle to balance density and height limits. When we limit the height we basically fatten up the building, Higgins said. Michael Bean moved to Galt four years ago and was drawn to its quaint, picturesque atmosphere. He told council he doesnt support the proposal. I believe strongly that the placement of the two high rises ... would be inconsistent with the historic character and charm of Galt.