City Departments

Growth Management Strategy

Planning Services is currently undertaking a Growth Management Strategy (GMS). The GMS will provide policy direction for future development in a way that is appropriate for Cambridge in keeping with the Province's Places to Grow Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and the Region of Waterloo's Official Plan and Growth Management Strategy. This study will provide direction for future growth in the City until the year 2031.

The Growth Management Strategy is a key component of the ongoing Official Plan Review because it will help us understand the implications of growth and will assist us in the development of policies and strategies to implement Places to Grow at the municipal level. The goals of the strategy are:
  • To determine the capacity for future growth within the City of Cambridge.
  • To develop a balanced approach to growth where the focus for new development will be shifted from dependency on Greenfield areas to increased focus on infill and intensification.


Places to Grow - Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe

The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe was released by the Provincial Government in 2006. The Growth Plan:

  • Supports the creation of compact, mixed-use and transit supportive communities
  • Requires that a significant portion of future growth be accommodated through intensification
  • Delineates a Built Boundary
  • Sets a minimum density target of 50 people and jobs per hectare on lands outside the Built Boundary
  • Requires 40% of growth to be within the Built Boundary by the year 2015.


For further information about Places to Grow, click here to access Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure website.

Population and Employment Projections for Cambridge

Population in 2006 was 122,430
Jobs in 2006 were 72,259

Projected population for 2031 is 177,000, Increase of 54,570 (45%)
Projected jobs for 2031 is 99,100, Increase of 26,850 (37%)

Public Consultation

The Public is invited to submit comments and participate in upcoming consultation events (Fall 2008). Notice will be provided in advance of the consultation events in the Cambridge Times and on the City website.

Contact:

City of Cambridge Planning Services
Phone: 519.740.4650
Fax: 519.740.9545
50 Dickson Street, 3rd Floor