The City of Cambridge and the developer behind a proposed residential redevelopment on Grand Avenue have reached a settlement that would reduce the project’s height and introduce additional measures aimed at addressing heritage, streetscape and neighbourhood concerns.
The proposed development at 32, 36 and 38 Grand Avenue has been before the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) since September 2025. The City said the settlement, reached between the two parties involved in the hearing, replaces elements of the original 28-storey proposal with a revised 22-storey plan.
The OLT is scheduled to consider the settlement proposal on October 27, 2026. Even if the tribunal approves the agreement, the project would still face several regulatory and municipal approvals before construction could begin.
Revised Grand Avenue Proposal Cuts Building Height
Under the settlement, the proposed building would be reduced from 28 storeys to 22 storeys. The revised design also includes larger setbacks and stepbacks, stronger heritage protection measures and enhanced streetscape features.
According to the City, additional design changes are intended to reduce the development’s impact on neighbouring properties. These measures were not included in the developer’s original application.
The settlement provides an alternative to continuing with a contested OLT hearing over the initial proposal. Had the parties failed to reach an agreement, the tribunal would have been responsible for determining whether the original 28-storey development could proceed.
The City recently met with residents in the surrounding area to explain the revised proposal and outline the remaining stages of the review and approval process.
“We wanted to ensure residents had an opportunity to hear directly from us, ask questions, and better understand what this updated proposal means for the neighbourhood,” said Brynn Nheiley, Director of Planning. “Sharing this information helps keep the community informed about the changes that have been made and the steps that remain in the review process.”
OLT Hearing Scheduled for October 27
The Ontario Land Tribunal is expected to consider the settlement proposal on October 27. The tribunal handles disputes and appeals involving a range of land-use planning and municipal matters across Ontario.
Approval by the OLT would represent an important step for the Grand Avenue redevelopment, but it would not provide the developer with immediate authorization to begin construction.
Provincial and Municipal Approvals Still Required
The project would subsequently require approvals involving the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Grand River Conservation Authority.
At the municipal level, the developer would also need to obtain Site Plan Approval and the necessary building permits from the City of Cambridge.
Those processes are expected to address technical requirements and detailed design matters that are not resolved solely through the OLT settlement.
Updated technical reports and development plans will also have to be submitted as part of a future Site Plan application for the properties.
Cambridge Says Neighbourhood Compatibility Remains a Priority
The City said it remains committed to conducting a thorough review of the redevelopment and ensuring future construction is compatible with the surrounding neighbourhood while taking community concerns into account.
The changes negotiated through the settlement indicate that the project could look significantly different from the development initially proposed, particularly through the six-storey height reduction and changes to setbacks, stepbacks, heritage protection and streetscape design.
The October OLT proceeding will now determine whether the negotiated settlement can move forward. If approved, attention will shift to the provincial, conservation authority and municipal processes required before the developer can proceed toward construction.
For residents and other stakeholders following the Grand Avenue redevelopment, the next major milestone will be the Ontario Land Tribunal’s consideration of the settlement on October 27, followed by the additional technical and regulatory reviews required for the project.