General Suburban Updates and Rumours

[westwardloo]

New subdivision development proposed by Activa in Waterloo next to Rim Park/Carriage Crossing:

“The developer, Activa, is proposing to build a mixed-use development that would consist of new residential and commercial buildings with recreation and conservation lands at 400 Millennium Boulevard. The plan of subdivision consists of single detached buildings, townhouse buildings, mixed-use medium density residential buildings, commercial buildings, a public park and stormwater management pond.”

https://www.engagewr.ca/400-millennium-b...gcljdJ2rsE

Another poorly planned subdivision on the edge of town. Not sure why the city is so adamant that no access from Country squire Rd for this subdivision. There are 2 houses on that road. There should be consideration for future the inevitable future subdivision to the east. Why are private road townhouse developments so popular in our region?

[danbrotherston]

New subdivision development proposed by Activa in Waterloo next to Rim Park/Carriage Crossing:

“The developer, Activa, is proposing to build a mixed-use development that would consist of new residential and commercial buildings with recreation and conservation lands at 400 Millennium Boulevard. The plan of subdivision consists of single detached buildings, townhouse buildings, mixed-use medium density residential buildings, commercial buildings, a public park and stormwater management pond.”

https://www.engagewr.ca/400-millennium-b...gcljdJ2rsE

Another poorly planned subdivision on the edge of town. Not sure why the city is so adamant that no access from Country squire Rd for this subdivision. There are 2 houses on that road. There should be consideration for future the inevitable future subdivision to the east. Why are private road townhouse developments so popular in our region?

JFC that's a lot of parking! Mediocre is right...I mean, I imagine the map is just concept, but it's telling that even in the concept the retail is completely cut off from the development...because god forbid anyone should walk anywhere...

[neonjoe]

My only assumption about excluding access from Country Squire Rd is that Woolwich Township would need to be engaged as it straddles the border with Waterloo. (Or Woolwich had an objection to it)

[nms]

Some of the residents on Country Squire Road don't like anyone else using their road. Back when RIM Park was opened, they absolutely refused to allow any street parking at the end of the cul-de-sac for parking by park users to access the trail (eg and in particular accessible parking). For the same reason, the Walter Bean Trail doesn't technically run along there.

[bravado]

https://www.cambridgetoday.ca/local-news...al-8433724

I am pleased to announce that another frivolous NIMBY appeal against the truly awful and evil organization known as “Habitat for Humanity” has failed at the OLT.

I really hope that the current losing streak means that any Cambridge project that gets to the OLT is immediately approved and allowed to build. It’s been a long losing streak for the council and angry neighbour demographic lately.

[ijmorlan]

https://www.cambridgetoday.ca/local-news...al-8433724

I am pleased to announce that another frivolous NIMBY appeal against the truly awful and evil organization known as “Habitat for Humanity” has failed at the OLT.

I really hope that the current losing streak means that any Cambridge project that gets to the OLT is immediately approved and allowed to build. It’s been a long losing streak for the council and angry neighbour demographic lately.

Maybe Council is getting the point already. The article says the OLT sided with Council in allowing this project. Anyway, good news for people trying to supply badly needed housing in this area.

[bravado]

https://www.cambridgetoday.ca/local-news...al-8433724

I am pleased to announce that another frivolous NIMBY appeal against the truly awful and evil organization known as “Habitat for Humanity” has failed at the OLT.

I really hope that the current losing streak means that any Cambridge project that gets to the OLT is immediately approved and allowed to build. It’s been a long losing streak for the council and angry neighbour demographic lately.

Maybe Council is getting the point already. The article says the OLT sided with Council in allowing this project. Anyway, good news for people trying to supply badly needed housing in this area.

It was council from a few years ago at this point… 2024 council just rejected a very similar project on another 4-lane road for traffic reasons. (Hi to the OLT in a few months, yet again)

[Acitta]

Council approved the project for 26 single detached dwellings on a private road at 980 and 1018 Hidden Valley Road.

[CP42]

Kitchener unveils proposal to build a new premier multi-purpose indoor recreation facility

https://www.kitchener.ca/en/news/kitchen...ility.aspx

[KevinL]

Funded entirely by grants and development fees - excellent.

[westwardloo]

Funded entirely by grants and development fees - excellent.

Agreed this is awesome to see. I think it will be a well used facility. I do question which part of the city the development fees have come from? I know there are large swaths of suburban development being built in South Kitchener and the city needs to provide services to these residents, but it does seem like the only place new community/ recreation centres are talked about are in the the suburbs. With the 1000's of new units being built in the Downtown core, the city really should be looking at providing services to these residents as well. Potentially start the early planning for an updated or new facility within walking distance to the core. possibly Bramn st yard?

[SF22]

Funded entirely by grants and development fees - excellent.

Agreed this is awesome to see. I think it will be a well used facility. I do question which part of the city the development fees have come from? I know there are large swaths of suburban development being built in South Kitchener and the city needs to provide services to these residents, but it does seem like the only place new community/ recreation centres are talked about are in the the suburbs. With the 1000's of new units being built in the Downtown core, the city really should be looking at providing services to these residents as well. Potentially start the early planning for an updated or new facility within walking distance to the core. possibly Bramn st yard?

We could expand the existing Downtown Community Centre with more facilities, if we ripped out its existing surface parking at Ontario/Duke. The Duke St parking garage is literally across the street, or they could build an underground lot like the one under City Hall, if really deemed necessary. A rough estimate on Google Maps says there's about 3300 square metres of surface lot; you could do something decent with that, and create a street-front entrance to Duke that catches your attention. Right now, the DCC feels so hidden and is weirdly unsigned, for a community space.

[tomh009]

Agreed this is awesome to see. I think it will be a well used facility. I do question which part of the city the development fees have come from? I know there are large swaths of suburban development being built in South Kitchener and the city needs to provide services to these residents, but it does seem like the only place new community/ recreation centres are talked about are in the the suburbs. With the 1000's of new units being built in the Downtown core, the city really should be looking at providing services to these residents as well. Potentially start the early planning for an updated or new facility within walking distance to the core. possibly Bramn st yard?

We could expand the existing Downtown Community Centre with more facilities, if we ripped out its existing surface parking at Ontario/Duke. The Duke St parking garage is literally across the street, or they could build an underground lot like the one under City Hall, if really deemed necessary. A rough estimate on Google Maps says there's about 3300 square metres of surface lot; you could do something decent with that, and create a street-front entrance to Duke that catches your attention. Right now, the DCC feels so hidden and is weirdly unsigned, for a community space.

I agree 100% this is the right answer.

[westwardloo]

Agreed this is awesome to see. I think it will be a well used facility. I do question which part of the city the development fees have come from? I know there are large swaths of suburban development being built in South Kitchener and the city needs to provide services to these residents, but it does seem like the only place new community/ recreation centres are talked about are in the the suburbs. With the 1000's of new units being built in the Downtown core, the city really should be looking at providing services to these residents as well. Potentially start the early planning for an updated or new facility within walking distance to the core. possibly Bramn st yard?

We could expand the existing Downtown Community Centre with more facilities, if we ripped out its existing surface parking at Ontario/Duke. The Duke St parking garage is literally across the street, or they could build an underground lot like the one under City Hall, if really deemed necessary. A rough estimate on Google Maps says there's about 3300 square metres of surface lot; you could do something decent with that, and create a street-front entrance to Duke that catches your attention. Right now, the DCC feels so hidden and is weirdly unsigned, for a community space.

I do agree that the City could transform the site into something with a little more street presents. Correct me if I am wrong, but the current DCC was part of St. Mary's Highschool at one point?  Does the city even own the site or do they lease it from the church?

[tomh009]

We could expand the existing Downtown Community Centre with more facilities, if we ripped out its existing surface parking at Ontario/Duke. The Duke St parking garage is literally across the street, or they could build an underground lot like the one under City Hall, if really deemed necessary. A rough estimate on Google Maps says there's about 3300 square metres of surface lot; you could do something decent with that, and create a street-front entrance to Duke that catches your attention. Right now, the DCC feels so hidden and is weirdly unsigned, for a community space.

I do agree that the City could transform the site into something with a little more street presents. Correct me if I am wrong, but the current DCC was part of St. Mary's Highschool at one point?  Does the city even own the site or do they lease it from the church?

The church (and/or the RC school board) owns almost the entire city block. The city is only a tenant in the building.