Council Connects - April 30, 2024

COMMUNITY GRANTS APPROVALS

The City of Cambridge has allotted $414,800 in the 2024 Operating Budget to support and enable the work of local non-profit agencies, groups and organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents. The 2024 funding season is the third year the City has received applications for the Community Grant Program and the Community Grants The Committee reviewed a total of 46 applications under $25,000, requesting a total of $540,054 and are recommending grant allocations to 31 groups totaling $186,599.

Applicant had to meet eligibility criteria set out in the Community Grants Policy which encompasses a number of evaluation criteria including: Alignment with the City of Cambridge Strategic Plan, Community Impact, Merits of the funding request, Organizational profile, Organizations finances and Benefit to the community.

HERITAGE DESIGNATION: 201 WATER ST S, CAMBRIDGE

City staff have determined that a stone residence located at 201 Water Street South   contains sufficient cultural heritage value and warrants designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. The stone cottage has a significant historical background, features, and design that are becoming increasingly rare. The property has contextual value because it is important in defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area. Even though the stone residence is not visible from Water Street South because of the high banks off the road, the stone residents is a vital link in maintaining and supporting the rural character of the area. This area of Cambridge has remained rural in context since before the post-contact era.

HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION: 79 OLD MILL RD, BLAIR

Heritage Planning staff support the Heritage Permit application to construct a new detached structure within Blair Village. The proposal includes a two-storey structure designed in a traditional style built with a white composite material intended to mimic original clapboard or shiplap wood siding. The proposed design includes front gables inset with modern Gothic-styled lancet windows and traditional windowpane divisions. The design is appropriate for the HCD and sympathetic to the heritage character of the area. Heritage Planning staff support the Heritage Permit application, as submitted.

DEVELOPMENT CHARGES BACKGROUND STUDY

A comprehensive review of the anticipated development in the City and the capital infrastructure required to maintain service levels as a result of the development has been completed. Development charges collected for new development and redevelopment in the City of Cambridge represent the fundamental funding source used to pay for and recover growth-related net capital costs associated with construction of new infrastructure to ensure service levels throughout the City are maintained as a result of increased population.

‘TOYOTA FIELDHOUSE’ SPONSORSHIP NAMING AGREEMENT

Cambridge City Council approved the agreement outlining Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada’s (TMMC) $250,000 sponsorship for the naming rights of the Cambridge Soccer Complex main building, now known as the “TOYOTA Fieldhouse” located at 880 Linden Drive. Toyota’s funding will support capital costs associated with the main building of the recreation facility, a 7,250-square-foot service building that incorporates washrooms, changerooms, a community room, staff room and equipment storage. The sponsorship provided toward TOYOTA Fieldhouse is part of a larger campaign to fundraise up to $2 million to support the capital costs for the Cambridge Soccer Complex.

WATER AND WASTEWATER LONG RANGE FINANCIAL PLANNING

The goal of the Financial Plan is to provide the City with a realistic and informed view of the water and wastewater operating and capital expenditures needed over time to maintain the integrity and health of its physical infrastructure and to accommodate growth and new environmental standards. This Long-Range Financial Plan supports the sustainable and responsible management of the City’s drinking water distribution system and its wastewater collection system to ensure: Sustainable financial planning for the management, repair, and capital replacement of the systems.  Sustainable support for reserve contributions in accordance with City’s funding policies.

WATER BILLING MOTION

Council discussed the current water billing model for the City of Cambridge whether the current model of requiring the Landlord/Owner of a property to pay unpaid water or sewage bills, a new model, requiring the tenant to be responsible for unpaid water or sewage bills would be preferred. In the end, Council directed staff to explore options and to report back to Council by July of 2024 on pros and cons relating to changing the current Landlord and Tenant Water account to require tenants to be financially responsible as the end user for unpaid water and sewage bills.