Cambridge Main Station (LRT) MTSA Full Report

Main Station MTSA

PLAN 409 DESIGN PROPOSAL MAIN STATION MTSA

Land Acknowledgement The City of Cambridge acknowledges that it is are situated upon the land traditionally used by the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe and Neutral People.

We also acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge and philosophies of the Indigenous People with whom we share this land today.

In this MTSA, treaties include The Simcoe Patent – Treaty 4, 1793 and the Haldimand Treaty. The territories include the Mississauga of the Credit First Nation, the Haudenosaunee , the Attiwonderonk Neutral, and the Anishinabewaki.

Source: Native Land Digital, 2021

DESIGN TEAM 2 Nyan Dawan (20771805), Elizabeth D'Cruze (20763640), Chris Guo (20671701), Diane Kim (20779053)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 01 CONTEXT

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04 BUILT FORM & HOUSING

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1.1 Introduction and Key Information 1.2 Photographic Representation 1.3 Opportunities, Challenges, and Key Findings 1.4 Vision 1.5 Design Objectives 1.6 Key moves

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02 PUBLIC REALM

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2.1 Open Space Network 2.2 Public Access to Open Space 2.3 Habitat, Ecology, and Wildlife 2.4 Urban Forestry, Urban Agriculture, Urban Farming and Community Gardens 2.5 Social Spaces 2.6 Distinctive Places 2.7 Street Furniture and Furnishing, Lighting and Signage 2.8 Safety and Crime Prevention

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4.1 Density 4.2 Land Use 4.3 Landmarks, Vistas and Focal Points 4.4 Blocks, Parcels and Plots 4.5 Neighbourhood Configuration 4.6 Multi-use, Mixed-use, Adaptable, and Re-used buildings 4.7 Building Height, Depth and Width 4.8 Building Lines and Setback 4.9 Housing Type 4.10 Housing Tenure 4.11 Institutional Uses

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05 SUSTAINABILITY & INFRASTRUCTURE

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03 MOVEMENT & MOBILITY

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3.1 Street Network and Grid 3.2 Pedestrian Environment and Paths 3.3 Cycling Lanes 3.4 Public Transit Access 3.5 Street Types, Hierarchy and Design 3.6 Intersection Design 3.7 Parking Plan 3.8 Services and Loading Access 3.9 LRT Station Design

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5.1 Microclimate 5.2 Solar Design 5.3 Water Management 5.4 Wind, Ventilation, and Air Quality 5.5 Waste 5.6 Energy and Utilities Infrastructure

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06 CONCLUSION

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6.1 Phased Development Scheme 6.2 Addressing Justice 6.3 Implementation Challenges

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07 REFERENCES

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7.1 Citations 7.2 Image Citations

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01 CONTEXT 1.1 Introduction and Key Information 1.2 Photographic Representation 1.3 Opportunities, Challenges, and Key Findings 1.4 Vision 1.5 Design Objectives 1.6 Key Moves

1 CONTEXT

1.1 INTRODUCTION & KEY INFORMATION Introduction Main Station MTSA is part of historic Downtown Galt and is adjacent to the Grand River. The Grand River attracts tourists, affects the surrounding land use, and the neighbourhood acoustics. Based on-site analysis, the people that visit the Main Station MTSA are students, people that work in commercial or retail jobs, and visitors from outside the city.

However, there is also an unhoused and low-income population in the MTSA that visit the site due to access to a safe community hub. The Main Station MTSA is part of the Urban Growth Centre in the 2012 Approved City of Cambridge Official Plan. It is designated as a Community Core Area and Regeneration Area.

Key Information The size of the MTSA is 525 hectares, 1297.303 acres, 5.25 sq. km, or 5,250,000 sq. m. The existing site has a total of 780 properties and 908 buildings; 880 properties and 1032 buildings are proposed. The existing population and job density is 62 per hectare, and will increase to 165 people and jobs per hectare.

Existing public amenities include parks such as Centennial Park and Mill Race Park, the Grand River, libraries, a Community Hub, daycares, Conestoga College, Galt Arena Gardens, Cambridge City Hall, and 10 places of worship such as Rivercity Church.

Public amenities that will be proposed are public squares such as Main Station Square and Cambridge Square, Lincoln Avenue Public School, an outdoor expansion of Galt Arena Gardens, a pedestrian only pathway on Dickson St., and catwalks.

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1.2 PHOTOGRAHIC REPRESENTATION

1 CONTEXT

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1 CONTEXT

1.3 OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, & KEY FINDINGS

Opportunities

Key Findings

The long side of large residential blocks are parallel to collector and local streets, making it

Demographics show a low income population

convenient to add pedestrian oriented pathways such as catwalks

Lincoln Avenue Public School, a school for 7th and 8th graders has shut down due to being

Many vacant lots and parking lots that can be used for open space or to achieve population and job

landlocked and a lack of students

density

Three applications for the re-zoning of commercial areas for high-rise and mid-rise development

The terrain is generally levelled, making it ideal for various types of infrastructure and to create focal

Precipitation flow towards Grand River due to a lower elevation in that area

points

Underground parking is not viable on the site due to flood plan restrictions and presence of predominantly low income residents

Challenges Creating high-rise buildings for high density, while having regard for heritage buildings, desirable

Reviews from Trip Advisor indicate generally positive behaviour and emotions from the site, with some concerns around 150 Main St., where a CTS hub is located

views, and displacement Achieving high density where there are many existing low rise developments Adding low-income housing, while trying to achieve high density Connecting the East, residential edge of the site to Main Station which is located in the middle of the MTSA The variation in weather conditions makes it difficult to sustain outdoor development Creating spaces where users feel safe

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1.4 VISION

1 CONTEXT

The Main Station MTSA will serve as a destination point for local residents and visitors to live, work, gather, play and more. Mobility and movement, the public realm, the built environment, and sustainability in the MTSA will work as a single, interconnected network. The people of the area will be recognized by creating a sense of space with existing and new developments, and prioritizing highdensity development that is mixed-use and affordable.

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1.5 DESIGN OBJECTIVES

1 CONTEXT

Creating spaces based on the people of the community and their lived experiences Creating a sense of place, identity, and belonging by making open spaces available for a variety of uses and emphasizing landmarks as reference points Designing open spaces to increase the connectivity; allow ease of assembly, expression and demonstration, as well as relaxation and recreation Providing various choices for travel throughout the MTSA Making streets connected, convenient, convivial, comfortable, and conspicuous for people and cyclists Ensuring people on the edge are well connected to the centre, and transition zones have pepperpotting Maximizing density, while minimizing the perceived intensity Making new developments attractive, sustainable, and mixed use Making small scale changes such as adding community gardens and microspaces for urban agriculture where applicable Adding greenroofs and permeable surfaces to new developments where applicable

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1.6 KEY MOVES

1 CONTEXT

1. Create Main Station Square, a public square that will be the main centre of the MTSA, and surrounding Main Station. It will not only be a transit station, but a hub where a variety of activities can occur. It will become a focal point and a memorable reference point.

2. Create Cambridge Square at the centre of the MTSA's most prominent landmarks; Cambridge City Hall, Wesley United Church, Cambridge City Archives. This will open up entrances of civic assets to an open space, making them more accessible; and create a better view for the landmarks.

3. Dickson St. will become a pedestrian-only pathway. The streets will be lined with cobblestone, green spaces, and art; and a variety of activities can be hosted on the street. Also, it will have a direct path to Main Station Square.

4. To achieve density, some single-detached homes will be removed to create higher density housing.

Garden suites will be added to the backyard of some residential homes.

5. Lincoln Avenue Public School will be re-opened. This area will become accessible through more entrances and a catwalk, which is a revitalized alley way or a paved shortcut through an area. The new surrounding buildings will increase the student population. The school will have increased green space for more uses, and include community gardens and outdoor learning spaces.

6. Adding a gateway entrance to site with a hot spot of high rise buildings along Water St North by the Grand River. This will serve as corridor of waterfront views.

7. Residential and commercial buildings at Beverly St. and Kerr St. must be removed to create more density. A mid-rise building with a courtyard will take its place, and residents will be offered an equivalent unit at no cost. The courtyard will be a semi-private green space for residents.

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02 PUBLIC REALM 2.1 Open Space Network 2.2 Public Access to Open Space 2.3 Habitat, Ecology, and Wildlife 2.4 Urban Forestry, Urban Agriculture, Urban Farming and Community Gardens 2.5 Social Spaces 2.6 Distinctive Places 2.7 Street Furniture and Furnishing, Lighting and Signage 2.8 Safety and Crime Prevention

2 PUBLIC REALM

2.1 OPEN SPACE NETWORK Open space networks create linkages to sites across the MTSA. They join parks such as Centennial Park and Mill Race Park; public squares such as Civic Square, Cambridge Square, and Main Station Square; Galt Arena Gardens, Lincoln Avenue School, Cambridge Farmers Market, Dickson St., and catwalks on the site. Open spaces ensure that there is no isolation between developments and can allow more pleasant travel throughout the site.

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2 PUBLIC REALM

2.2 PUBLIC ACCESS TO OPEN SPACE Local parks, Centennial Park, Mill Race Park, and the proposed Galt Arena Park, are placed within a 5 minute walk (400m) to all residential buidlings in the MTSA. More entrance points and catwalks have been added to increase accessibility and walkability to the parks, respectively.

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2 PUBLIC REALM

2.3 HABITAT, ECOLOGY & WILDLIFE Main Station MTSA is part of the Carolinian life zone, which includes various flora and fauna. Based on the proposed design, there is an even distribution of trees and a network of patches that link all the habitats.

There are also places within the MTSA that pose environmental challenges which limit intensification in the core areas of Galt. Specifically, in Grand River adjacent properties there are floodplain restrictions that make underground parking too expensive and not a feasible option for intensification (Grand River Conservation Authority, n.d.).

Flora & Fauna

Adapted from: Google Maps, 2022

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Canada Goose

Coyotes

Racoons

Red Osier Dog Wood

Tufted Fleabane

Indian Grass

Source: Front Yard Restoration, 2020

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2 PUBLIC REALM

2.4 URBAN FORESTRY, URBAN AGRICULTURE, URBAN FARMING & COMMUNITY GARDENS To make it easier to access healthy locally grown food, bus stop agriculture will be added to expand community access to urban agriculture. This is micro-level intervention that was created in 2015 by the City of Thunder Bay, Ontario (Food Strategy, 2015). It is a wood planter box that is attached to new or existing bus stops that are used to grow fruits and vegetables so that any pedestrian can use it as a light snack or to take home and use in recipes (Food Strategy, 2015). There will also be community

Community Gardens

gardens added in the Galt Arena Expansion and in the reopened Lincoln Public School. Additionally, a rooftop urban agriculture and food producing trees will be added when Lincoln Public School is reopened. These 3 interventions will create access to healthy local food throughout the site.

Urban Agriculture & Farming in Reopened School

Urban Agriculture at Bus Stops

Adapted from: Google Maps, 2022

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2.5 SOCIAL SPACES

2 PUBLIC REALM

Dickson St.

Cambridge Square

Open spaces enable people to have views across spaces, and provides users with options to sit, linger, walk, gather, and more (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 99). Main Station Square will have lots of seating everywhere and receive sun from the South. There are places for children to play and parents and caretakers to meet; in public squares, parks, and in private courtyards in some housing complexes.

Open spaces in the MTSA encourage street performers, can transform into a theatre or church service, accommodate markets, etc. (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 99). Paths and catwalks have been designed to provide direct routes through and to open spaces.

Image from: David Franck, 2019

Image from: Caroline Picard, 2016.

Image from: jKT-C, 2011

Lincoln Avenue Public School

Image from: Olsen Lewis Architects, 2020

Image from: Rhys Thomas, 2019

Galt Arena Park

Image from: American Senior Communities, 2017

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Image from: Dream, 2022

Catwalks

Main Station Square

Image from: Squares, 2005

Image from: Tony Webster, 2017

Image from: The Bliss Project, 2012

Image from: Sustainable Calgary, 2019

Mill Race Park

Image from: City of Calgary, 2018

Centennial Park

Image from: City of Cambridge, n.d.b

Civic Square

Cambridge Farmers Market

Image from: City of Cambridge, n.d.a

Image from: Explore Waterloo Region, 2022

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2.5 SOCIAL SPACES

2 PUBLIC REALM

Touch Majority of the open spaces within the MTSA will include an abundance of green space providing users with luscious vegetation and pleasant views. When incorporating these spaces, they will be blended in with the existing buildings allowing for better protection against excessive wind, rain, and sun (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 100). The texture of paving such as cobblestone on Dickson St. and Main Station Square will provide a comfortable transition for users entering and exiting these areas (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 100).

Sound The downtown core and the public squares will have the noise of people conversing and music from street performers. Grand River will ensure to provide calming areas where users will be able to mute the background noise of Downtown Cambridge (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 100). Also, open spaces within the MTSA will have elements such as fountains and nature that will enhance these environments, by creating pleasant sounds of water flowing and birds chirping that will attract residents on a daily basis (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 100).

Image from: Westside Tile And Stone, n.d.

Smell Fresh aromas will fill the air of the open spaces with the MTSA. Users will be able to experience different scents that would very from fresh flowers being planted and various produce from farmers markets. The possibilities are endless as each area will be classified with a unique identity captured through the various aromatics that will be present

Image from: ColumbusGaNow, 2018

Image from: Patch, 2018

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2.6 DISTINCTIVE PLACES

2 PUBLIC REALM

The Founding of Galt Located within Centennial Park, the Founding of Galt overlooks almost the entire Western portion of the MTSA. With it being recognized as a prominent heritage site, this pergola serves as the founding point of where Galt was established and how the area has evolved over the past several decades.

Main Station Public Square Located beside Main Station, this open space will serve as a gathering area. It is a short distance from Dickson St., a pedestrian only pathway. It can also become a spillover space, as Rivercity Church is located beside this open space and outdoor services can occur.

Cambridge Public Square Situated behind Cambridge City Hall, this open space will serve as a focal point for users to interact and enjoy the pleasant views of the landmarks in the downtown core of the MTSA. Accompanied around this open space are several heritage buildings that provides a unique identity in comparison to other locations in the MTSA (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 101).

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2 PUBLIC REALM

2.8 SAFETY AND CRIME PREVENTION The Main Station MTSA will create a sense of place where safety and security will be seen through thoughtful and insightful design (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 106). Alongside the LRT, many mixed used developments will provide a sense of place as they will be integrated with Main Station Square.

Residents of these developments will have a clear view of this public square, allowing for more eyes on the street at different times of the day (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 106-107). An abundance of street lights will illuminate the proposed pathways giving both pedestrians and cyclists proper lighting to navigate the MTSA. Block interiors throughout the MTSA and courtyards will provide a sense of privacy for users in different locations (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p.106). With almost the entirety of the MTSA being composed of mixed-use, residents will feel safer as the area has had a history of drug addiction and vandalism near Main Street and Ainslie Street North. With the addition of the LRT and the various open spaces, walking will become the primary source of movement in the MTSA. To ensure residents feel safe near busy streets, a WOONERF will be added close to the LRT. This conceptualized design will help mitigate traffic through narrowing the street, changing movement patterns, and adding small pockets of green space.

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2 PUBLIC REALM

2.7 STREET FURNITURE & FURNISHING, LIGHTING & SIGNAGE

Benches

All street furnishing should adhere to the following guidelines: Benches should be without dividers so that people who use or rely on public space the most are not affected by hostile design elements. This decision was made because there is a significant low income population on the site and the site furnishing should reflect a welcoming environment for all people.

Tables & Chairs

Tables and chairs should be placed in public spaces to create a place of gathering and outdoor study area, as the site is in close proximity to the University of Waterloo School of Architecture.

Umbrella’s, pergolas, and outdoor lighting should be placed on the site to create a balance of light and shade during day and night.

Signage must be consistent, navy blue, and

Umbrellas, Pergolas, Outdoor Lighting, & Signage

reflect the heritage aspects of the sight.

Street furnishing should ideally have a wood elements and use neutral or soft tones.

Images from: Gökçen Firdevs Yücel, 2013.

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03 MOVEMENT & MOBILITY 3.1 Street Network and Grid 3.2 Pedestrian Environment and Paths 3.3 Cycling Lanes 3.4 Public Transit Access 3.5 Street Types, Hierarchy and Design 3.6 Intersection Design 3.7 Parking Plan 3.8 Services and Loading Access 3.9 LRT Station Design

3 MOBILITY AND MOVEMENT

3.1 STREET NETWORK AND GRID Street Network The MTSA will incorporate attractive connections that will adhere to the desires of the public in order to make more convenient and accessible spaces for movement (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p.36). Using the existing network, several pedestrian oriented pathways will be incorporated to create wider movement networks (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p.36).

Catwalks will be introduced within the northern and eastern parts of the MTSA, providing leniency to these residential areas that were previously segregated.

Grid The MTSA will provide a unique grid where connections between commercial and residential spaces are intertwined through various pedestrian oriented pathways. The network is spaced over 150 meters, as it will link the Main Station LRT to the highly densified areas located within the Eastern and North Western portions of the MTSA. In between that space, catwalks and transit lines will be used to facilitate the movement when traversing from one area to another, providing greater pedestrian linkage (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p.37).

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3 MOBILITY AND MOVEMENT

3.2 PEDESTRIAN ENVIRONMENT AND PATHS Pedestrian Pathways Through the incorporation of a distillery district and several catwalks, the Main Station MTSA will make walkability more attractive and accessible to all users (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 71-72). To ease traffic near the LRT, a WOONERF will be proposed to give residents the preferability of walking and provide them a shared space with cyclists and car users.

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3 MOBILITY AND MOVEMENT

3.3 CYCLING LANES Proposed Cycling Lanes The Main Station MTSA will incorporate more cyling routes closer to the LRT station. This will provide users with more accessible options of how they would like to travel within the MTSA. Cycling will also be able to safely traverse the downtown area as traffic will become more calm with car parking on collector roads. This will encourage more users to cycle as it will provide them with direct routes to their specific destinations (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p.73)

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3 MOBILITY AND MOVEMENT

3.4 PUBLIC TRANSIT Proposed Transit Routes The Main Station MTSA is composed of wellestablished transit routes with the Ainslie GRT Terminal situated below its boundary. To connect it with the LRT, two proposed bus routes will be placed on both sides of the station. These routes will connect the newly proposed pedestrian pathways, giving users the full experience of walkability in the MTSA. These routes will be very convenient as users will be able to gain more access to the LRT from farther locations (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 74).

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3.5 STREET TYPES, HIERARCHY & DESIGN

3 MOVEMENT & MOBILITY Street Types Arterial

Collector

Woonerf

LRT Station

Garden Suites

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Local

Pedestrian Only Street

Catwalk

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3 MOVEMENT & MOBILITY

3.5 STREET TYPES, HIERARCHY & DESIGN

Street Types - Key Map

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3.6 INTERSECTION DESIGN

The illustration is an example of an intersection on an collector street such Main St. It will have high pedestrian volumes, frequent parking turnover, access to transit routes, and cyclist activity.

The intersection design limits traffic speeds by adding stop lights at key intersections. In addition, narrower and more frequent pedestrian cross sections will improve the walkability of the intersection.

Adapted from: National Association of City Transportation Officials, Urban Design Street Guide (2015)

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3 MOBILITY AND MOVEMENT

3.7 PARKING PLAN Most parking lots within the Main Station MTSA will be redeveloped into developments to support the densification near the LRT. Since most of the MTSA will become more walkable for users, several implications will be used to ensure car parking is not as dominant in the area as before (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p.78) On street parking will be a primary destination for users to park their cars. With the Main Station MTSA scattered with various collector roads that can be utilized for parking. With these current layouts, it will provide a source of traffic calming for mobility and help enliven these areas for residents (LlewelynDavies, 2000, p. 79) Block interiors will also be utilized for parking as it can be incorporated in between these mixed use buildings, providing safe and accessible spaces for users (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p.66)

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3 MOBILITY AND MOVEMENT

3.8 SERVICES AND LOADING ACCESS Loading access in the Main Station MTSA will be located at the rear ends of most the buildings within the commercial area. With the area becoming more densified, services will be grouped between buildings to help ease traffic and remove the need for multiple freight trucks (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p.81)

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3 MOVEMENT & MOBILITY

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3.9 LRT STATION DESIGN

MAIN STATION MTSA

04 BUILT FORM & HOUSING 4.1 Density 4.2 Land Use 4.3 Landmarks, Vistas and Focal Points 4.4 Blocks, Parcels and Plots 4.5 Neighbourhood Configuration 4.6 Multi-use, Mixed-use, Adaptable, and Re-used buildings 4.7 Building Height, Depth and Width 4.8 Building Lines and Setback 4.9 Housing Type 4.10 Housing Tenure 4.11 Institutional Uses

4.1 DENSITY

4 BUILT FORM AND HOUSING

Density Areas

The current density of the Main Station MTSA is 64 people and jobs per hectare. Based on the proposed site design, the MTSA can reach a density of 165 people and jobs per hectare, which is above the goal of 160 people and jobs per hectare.

Based on the map, the density is centred around activity centres such as Grand River, the Ion Station, and the central park. This ensures that urban centres within the MTSA will have a lively environment (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 50).

There is a variety of housing types used to create density within the Main Station MTSA. A ‘density pyramid’ surrounding key areas of interest facilitates a gradient of housing types including highrises, midrises, lowrise, single family homes, social housing, and garden suites (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 50). There is also a hot spot of intensity in the north-east corner of the site by the Grand River, where there is a grouping of highrise apartments that are used to form a gateway entrance into the site.

Additional Density Building Types

Amount of Additional Density in Each Building Type

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Proposed Zoning Designations

4.2 LAND USE Provincial Urban Growth Centre

Adapted from: Province of Ontario, 2020

Existing Zoning Designations

Adapted from: City of Cambridge, n.d.c Adapted from: City of Cambridge, n.d.c

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4.3 FOCAL POINTS, VISTAS & LANDMARKS Focal Points Main Station is a gateway to the MTSA, located in the middle of the MTSA. The WOONERF road, the pedestrian walkway on Dickson St., Main St., and bus routes all serve as arrival points to the station. They are emphasized by an open public square which clarifies the centre. Rhythms in the urban structure are created with thematic quieter areas giving way to occasional focal points (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 62).

For example, when walking on Water St. N. by the Grand River, streets like Dickson St., can provide glimpses of key focal points such as Main Station.

Vistas There is a clear network of routes and paths that allow an easily useable series of connections between places in the MTSA. A favourable memory can be created for the users because the views and vistas are aligned with key buildings. Memorable routes are created with a varied sequence of long and short views, and terminated with landmarks (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 62). For example, Dickson St. is terminated by the Rivercity Church. Users can move around with confidence when they can remember the relative importance and use of these routes.

Landmarks The landmarks in the MTSA such as the Galt Arena Gardens, the Canada Post, the Cambridge City Hall, the Rivercity Church, and more, make it easy for users to orientate themselves and emphasize hierarchy, which is crucial with the additional new developments. The new developments will respect and maintain important views of the existing landmarks and create more views to see certain landmarks. The landmarks are located at the main centres of activity, where they can be a focus for people on the street. Mid-rise buildings are used to emphasize key locations, rising above areas with a more uniform profile, while attending to the human scale at the bottom (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 61).

The skyline created by the roofs of churches and civic centres in the MTSA not only adds visual interest, but also convey particular activities. The high elevation at Centennial Park offers special opportunities for the roofscape to emphasize natural forms and make a place of real distinction.

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4.4 BLOCKS, PARCELS, & PLOTS

4 BUILT FORM AND HOUSING

Size Most blocks on the site are 150m x 200m with the short side oriented towards arterial and collector streets. Larger blocks in residential areas have been split with a catwalk. This can help with connectivity by providing more crossings which also slow traffic and create a pedestrian friendly environment (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 65).

Shape The blocks in the MTSA are rectangular shaped, with some irregular shaped rectangles that fit the topography of the site. This offers the most flexible basis for accommodating a range of commercial and residential buildings (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 65).

Interior The development on blocks have been made to enclose each block, creating a block interior. These interiors can include a farmers market, garden suites, catwalks, private courtyards, parking, and green spaces. Some of these blocks can facilitate a range of uses of the interior that can change over time (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 66). Also, many of the blocks are defined and overlooked by buildings which provides privacy and promotes a level of safety and security in the interior (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 66).

Parcel Size Parcels have been sub-divided to apportion them to various developers (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 67).

This enables a range of developers to participate and is more desirable to generate a richer mix of building types, tenures, and uses (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 67).

Plot Size Adapted from: Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, Urban Design Compendium, Page 67.

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Many parcels have been subdivided into smaller and narrower plots to incorporate low-income housing which helps to achieve higher density and minimize leftover space (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 67).

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4.5 NEIGHBOURHOOD CONFIGURATION

Centres One of the highest concentrations of activity will emerge on Dickson St., a crossroad turned into a pedestrian only pathway. It is a mixed use centre with various residential and commercial development, and amenities that are in walking distance of homes. This centre flows right into another centre created by Main Station, allowing the LRT to be fully integrated. To meet the density requirements and to demonstrate a well connected site, residential/commercial buildings have been injected wherever possible, such as vacant lots and parking lots. This allows activity in the centres to be extended beyond the centre. Additionally, Main Station Square will emphasize the civic status of the surrounding civic assets such as Rivercity Church.

Edges As the MTSA is located majorily in the downtown core of Cambridge, the centre of the site is filled with many existing commercial buildings, heritage buildings, and landmarks; making high density achievable mostly on the edges of the MTSA. This has given an opportunity to provide mixed-use buildings with employment and commercial uses on the edges of town as well, linking the edges with nearby centres and providing access to various modes of transportation.

Transition Zones The transition zone between the centre and the edge has a lot of mixing occurring. For instance, from the river to Main Station, there is a dynamic mix of open spaces, workspaces, homes, and more; whereas the East residential area to Main Station has a mix of a school, shops, parks, and more. Pepper-potting in transition zones are crucial in ensuring a variety of housing types and tenures across the site. It allows people of all incomes to have equal access to transportation, public spaces, parks, and other amenities.

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4.6 MULTI-USE, MIXED-USE

4 BUILT FORM AND HOUSING

Mixed-use Development

Example 1 (two images)

As more populations will be introduced to the MTSA, considerations of supporting demands for services were integrated into our design through implementing mixed-use building types and built forms. Mixed-use design provides new ways of incorporating non-residential uses in residential areas as well as creating buffers in transition zones at the fringes of commercial districts into residential areas. The following images showcase the mix-used development proposed for the Main Station MTSA. Example 1: One of the largest designs proposed for the MTSA is the courtyard-style mix-used structure group. It will include retail and services available to surrounding neighbourhoods on the ground floor and potentially can be used for offices. The above six floors will be residential.

Example 2: Similar concepts have also been applied to other buildings on the site. Another example is this new apartment building; the first floor contains retail/service, and the remains floors with set back are residential units.

Example 3: Finally, this building is located north of Downtown Cambridge; in the first stage, three floors will contain retail and services, such as a supermarket, gym or restaurants.

Example 2

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Example 3

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4 BUILT FORM AND HOUSING

4.7 BUILDING HEIGHT, DEPTH AND WIDTH Building Height Tall buildings contribute significantly to locations of spatial or visual importance and focal points of urban activities. While low to mid-rise buildings spread over the lower density zones of the MTSA, such as in the residential areas, high-rise buildings are proposed in potential areas to boost population and employment density. In some cases, the building height for a few high-rises was alternatively reduced and extending the building width (lot coverage) instead because of reserving views in the best effort.

Building Depth Most of the proposed development on our site have a long narrow form with short building depth. To minimalize the need for artificial light and ventilation and ultimately reduce energy consumption to users. Nonetheless, there are a few cases where the building depth was extended limited by its lot size in accommodating additional population.

Building Width Building width has an impact on the overall flexibility of use and the ability to personalize spaces, as well as on the vertical rhythms and amount of active frontage when seen in elevation. In the downtown core, narrow building types were installed to provide overall flexibility of use and personalized spaces. The buildings aligned with other buildings create a vertical rhythm and contribute to active frontages that essentially attract pedestrian activities and movement in the downtown pedestrian-friendly zone.

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4 BUILT FORM AND HOUSING

Building Lines and Setback

4.8 BUILDING LINES AND SETBACK Examples in the Downtown Core

As indicated in the urban design compendium, the setback distance for a core commercial is adjacent to the pavement to direct the commercial frontage of buildings. The setback for inner urban areas is 1.5 to 3 meters between building fronts to a public pavement. The local setting is strictly followed for the proposed developments. Any renovation and new development attempted to align with their surrounding frontage to create continuity and rhythm.

Example in a Residential Area

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4 BUILT FORM AND HOUSING

4.9 HOUSING TYPE The sites for proposed high-rise development are based on the availability of land for potential development clustered in the northern and centraleastern sections of our site. Compacted affordable housing is provided in neighbourhood zones within the downtown and the East side of residential areas.

Garden suites are suggested in the vacant backyards of existing single-detached houses in an attempt to increase the population density. Mid- to high-rise buildings are proposed mixed-use development in urban areas, providing services and additional residential units for both ownership and rental.

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4 BUILT FORM AND HOUSING

4.10 HOUSING TENURE In terms of housing ownership, proposed developments were equally distributed within the boundary, having both privately owned mid to high rises and affordable and social housing projects in downtown, allowing densification while mitigating displacement pressure induced by gentrification simultaneously.

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4 BUILT FORM AND HOUSING

4.11 INSTITUTIONAL USES The MTSA includes one of Conestoga College's campuses, located at 150 Main St. Additionally, a middle school was located in the Northeast part of the MTSA, and was closed due to a lack of a student population and it being landlocked. It is proposed to re-open Lincoln Avenue Public School for grades kindergarten to grade eight.

The addition of various housing types and tenures that will be near the school and across the MTSA will help to increase the student population. The school will also have increased green space and topography to host a variety of activities for children such as playgrounds, a space for sports, community gardens, outdoor learning, and more. Catwalks, garden suites in the back of residential homes near the school, and new housing developments that have created entrances can increase the accessibility to the school.

Image from: Studio Gang Architects, 2016

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05 SUSTAINABILITY & INFRASTRUCTURE 5.1 Microclimate 5.2 Solar Design 5.3 Water Management 5.4 Wind, Ventilation, and Air Quality 5.5 Waste Management 5.6 Energy and Utilities Infrastructure

5 SUSTAINABILITY & INFRASTRUCTURE

Microclimate Guidelines

5.1 MICROCLIMATE Solar Design To ensure that problems such as frost-pockets are avoided within the Main Station MTSA, the following landscape guidelines should be followed: Use deciduous trees in areas with buildings above 4 storeys Trees should be placed away from southerly elevations Ensure that trees close to buildings will not grow to block out sunlight at their mature height

Adapted from: Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, Urban Design Compendium, Page 60.

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5.2 SOLAR DESIGN

5 SUSTAINABILITY & INFRASTRUCTURE

Shadow Analysis

Annual Solar Gain

Solar Design Solar design within the site will reduce the need for artificial lighting and will create passive solar gain to reduce the need for space heating (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 50). A pyramid of building heights with the lowest point being at the centre will allow for maximum solar output.

Based on the design of buildings within the Main Station MTSA, sufficient solar access can be provided to all building types. In some cases where there is low solar access on the ground floor, such as in buildings above 6 storeys, it can be compensated for by adding larger windows (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 50).

Adapted from: Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, Urban Design Compendium, Page 50.

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5 SUSTAINABILITY & INFRASTRUCTURE

5.3 WATER MANAGEMENT The Main Station MTSA has a very well established water management system that utilizes the neighbouring Grand River to retain water and provide attractive views. Additional fountains and bioswales will be incorporated within the site near the open space areas to provide extra drainage to prevent flooding, and eliminate extra management costs in the various open space areas of the MTSA (LlewelynDavies, 2000, p. 51). For example, bioswales can be added along Water St N., as the lower elevation in this area causes water to flow towards Grand River. The illustration on the side highlights how bioswales will be implemented within the open space.

Adapted from: National Association of City Transportation Officials, Urban Design Street Guide (2015)

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5 SUSTAINABILITY & INFRASTRUCTURE

5.4 WIND, VENTILATION, & AIR QUALITY

Wind Direction

Adapted from: Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, Urban Design Compendium, Page 52.

Air Quality

Wind Rose

Within the Main Station MTSA the air quality is moderate and the main pollutant is PM 2.5 (IQ Air,

Summer - May to October

Winter - November to April

n.d.). PM 2.5 are pollutant particles in the air that reduce visibility and can cause health issues (IQ Air, n.d.). Based on the types of activities within the Main Station MTSA, the source of PM 2.5 is automotive emissions. The proposed site design addresses this issue by creating incentives to use alternate forms of transportation including LRT, buses, cycling, and walking.

Source: Bacon & Kriksic, 2021, 410 queen street west - Pedestrian Wind Assessment, Page 4.

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5 SUSTAINABILITY & INFRASTRUCTURE

5.5 WASTE MANAGEMENT The Main Station MTSA will receive a tremendous amount of densification in the upcoming years, with additional buildings being incorporated throughout the entire site. Although waste demands are projected to increase, many of the additions will be resource efficient (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 52). The residential areas that include garden suites and social housing will incorporate the use of a District Heating System to ensure most energy given off will be renewable for other uses (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p. 52). Several proposed buildings located on the Eastern portion will re-use excavated materials from the pre-existing site to limit extra resource consumption and reduce construction costs and waste (Llewelyn-Davies, 2000, p.52).

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5.6 ENERGY & UTILITIES

5 SUSTAINABILITY & INFRASTRUCTURE

Power

Sanitary

The Main Station MTSA infrastructure network will largely remain the same as they are capable of sustaining the projected population density. Only a small variation was made based on the addition of new developments on site.

Stormwater

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06 CONCLUSION 6.1 Phased Development Scheme 6.2 Addressing Justice 6.3 Implementation Challenges

6.1 PHASED DEVELOPMENT SCHEME

CONCLUSION

Merge components together to design open spaces that

Sustainability integrated at each step.

Step 4:

increase connectivity to the Main Station LRT

Densified Development

Maximize density while maintaining the desirable views of the MTSA

10 Years Identify where development can be pepper-potted

Step 3:

Connect the centre to the transition zones and edges

Built Environment

To address the rising housing prices caused by the new densified developments, activate affordable housing programs

2 Years

Subdivide parcels for development

Identify different roads, proposed pedestrian pathways,

Step 2:

and potential WOONERF roads

Mobility and Movement

Implement new transit and cycling lanes, creating more access to open space for pedestrians

3 Years Step 1:

Address proposed open spaces for Main Station MTSA Identify public access to open space

Public Realm

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6.2 ADDRESSING JUSTICE

CONCLUSION

Social Justice Having healthy development without displacement Adding various housing tenures and types - including social housing

Environmental Justice Having equitable access to locally grown food Equal amount of tree canopy coverage All housing types will have maximum sunlight access

Economic Justice Many new residential developments have commercial and retail units on the first floor. These developments are spread throughout the MTSA, giving residents at any area to be in close proximity to potential employment Dickson St., a pedestrian only pathway with multiple commercial and retail stores will have three new social housing developments

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6.3 IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES

CONCLUSION

Policy Need for new zoning policies that address: Allowing urban agriculture grown on private land to be sold so that community gardens can succeed Enforcing a pedestrian only street Creating a WOONERF Adding in design objectives to the official plan

Public Support Some existing residents may have a negative attitude towards development - especially social housing or residents that are being displaced for higher density development The garden suites are installed utilizing private properties from homeowners, challenges potentially arise in establishing a cooperation

Funding The large amount of social and affordable housing Funding for public realm - Galt Arena Gardens expansion, pedestrian only street, Main Station Square, and Cambridge Square Reopening Lincoln Avenue Public School Turning a section of Wellington St. into a WOONERF road

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07 REFERENCES 7.1 Citations 7.2 Image Citations

REFERENCES

7.1 CITATIONS

Food Strategy. (2015, July 24). Thunder Bay's first edible bus stop! Food Strategy: Thunder Bay's First Edible Bus Stop! Retrieved froM http://tbfoodstrategy.ca/news/thunder-bays-first-edible-bus-stop/.

Gökçen Firdevs Yücel (2013). Street Furniture and Amenities: Designing the User-Oriented Urban Landscape. In (Ed.), Advances in Landscape Architecture. IntechOpen. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.5772/55770.

Front Yard Restoration. (2020, April 8). Ontario’s Native Plant Catalogue. Front Yard Restoration. Retrieved from https://frontyardrestoration.com/uploads/3/5/5/3/35532620/plantsonintro.pdf.

Grand River Conservation Authority. (n.d.). Policies and guidelines. Grand River Conservation Authority. Retrieved from https://www.grandriver.ca/en/Planning-Development/Policies-and-guidelines.aspx .

IQ Air. (n.d.). Cambridge Air Quality Index (AQI) and Canada Air Pollution. IQ Air. Retrieved from https://www.iqair.com/ca/canada/ontario/cambridge Llewelyn-Davies (Firm), Alan Baxter & Associates., English Partnerships., & Housing Corporation. (2000). Urban design compendium: English Partnerships, the Housing Corporation. London: English Partnerships.

Retrieved from LEARN. Native Land Digital. (2021, October 8). Native Land Digital. Native. Retrieved March 4, 2022, from https://native-land.ca/

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REFERENCES

7.2 IMAGE CITATIONS

American Senior Communities (2017). 5 Reasons to Visit White River State Park in Indianapolis this Spring. [Digital Image]. City of Indianapolis. https://www.asccare.com/5-reasons-visit-white-river-state-parkindianapolis-spring/ Bacon, D., & Kriksic, F. (2021, September 30). 410 queen street west - Pedestrian Wind Assessment . City of Cambridge. Retrieved from https://www.cambridge.ca/en/build-invest-grow/resources/193-Water-StreetSouth-and-62-Highman-Avenue/410-Queen-St-W/410-Queen-St-W_Functional-Servicing-and-SWM-Report_Nov-24-2021-1.pdf.

Caroline Picard (2016). 20 Beautiful Town Squares That Will Make You Feel Right at Home. [Digital Image]. City of Bentonville. https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/g3865/town-squares/?slide=3 City of Calgary (2018). Catwalks: Why their change goes so much deeper than design. [Digital Image]. City of Calgary. http://www.sustainablecalgary.org/the-blog/2018/11/28/catwalks-why-their-change-goes-somuch-deeper-than-design City of Cambridge (n.d.a). Cambridge City Hall. [Digital Image]. City of Cambridge. https://facilities.cambridge.ca/home/detail?

CategoryIds=&FacilityTypeIds=74%2C40%2C31&Keywords=&ScrollMap=true&CloseMap=false&id=957df1d2-911b-4337-96ad-bf4333e54868 City of Cambridge (n.d.b). Mill Race Amphitheatre. [Digital Image]. City of Cambridge. https://facilities.cambridge.ca/Home/Detail?Id=e3e0fb41-e3b9-4a72-8eb5a9055d3c715c&Page=3&ScrollTo=facilityResultsContainer City of Cambridge. (n.d.c). Zoning. OnPoint Map Viewer. Retrieved from https://maps.cambridge.ca/Maps/RMap/Default.aspx#.

ColumbusGaNow. (2018). Why is Columbus called the Fountain City? [Digital Image]. City of Columbus. https://chattvoice.com/why-is-columbus-called-the-fountain-city-heres-a-few-reasons-why-p1071-178.htm David Franck (2019). pavilion on europaplatz. [Digital Image]. City of Freiburg. https://www.designboom.com/architecture/pavilion-on-europaplatz-j-mayer-h-freiburg-germany-11-21-2019/ Dream (2022). Distillery District. [Digital Image]. City of Toronto. https://dream.ca/signature-properties/distillery-district/ Explore Waterloo Region (2022). Cambridge Farmers' market. [Digital Image]. Region of Waterloo. https://facilities.cambridge.ca/Home/Detail?Id=e3e0fb41-e3b9-4a72-8eb5a9055d3c715c&Page=3&ScrollTo=facilityResultsContainer European street signs: Street signs, Munich, bayern. Pinterest. (2018, January 3). Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/778982066769739307/.

Google Maps (2022). 21 Wellington St. [Digital Image]. City of Cambridge. https://www.google.com/maps/@43.3599573,-80.3113805,3a,89.7y,73.64h,99.06t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sif9gdGqmUeBE2WAR5JLeEA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192 Ink, S. (2015). Bioswales . National Association of City Transportation Officials. Retrieved from https://nacto.org/publication/urban-street-design-guide/street-design-elements/stormwater-management/bioswales/

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REFERENCES

7.2 IMAGE CITATIONS

Ink, S. (2015). Neighborhood Main Street. National Association of City Transportation Officials. Retrieved from https://nacto.org/publication/urban-street-design-guide/streets/neighborhood-main-street. jewellimaging (2019). Picture perfect. [Digital Image]. City of Brantford. https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g154985-d8046902-r653061904-Mill_Race_Park-Cambridge_Region_of_Waterloo_Ontario.html jKT-C (2011). Kyushu Railway - Hakata Station - Hakata Side Station Square. [Digital Image]. City of Fukuoka. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kyushu_Railway_-_Hakata_Station__Hakata_Side_Station_Square_-_01.JPG Laura Cook (2022). Galt Arena Gardens. [Digital Image]. City of Cambridge. https://www.vision-photography.ca/products/galt-arena-gardens-photography-print Llewelyn-Davies (Firm), Alan Baxter & Associates., English Partnerships., & Housing Corporation. (2000). Urban design compendium: English Partnerships, the Housing Corporation. London: English Partnerships.

Retrieved from LEARN. Milwaukee Public Schools Facilities Planning (n.d.). 1817 W LINCOLN AVE. [Digital Image]. City of Cambridge. https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Property/HI116684 Moran, T (2018). Patch [Digital Image] Homewood. https://patch.com/illinois/homewood-flossmoor/homewood-farmers-market-opens-soon-will-run-through-october Olsen Lewis Architects (2020). OUTDOOR CLASSROOMS IN THE TIME OF A PANDEMIC. [Digital Image]. City of Manchester. https://olsonlewis.com/news/outdoor-classrooms-in-the-time-of-a-pandemic/ Rhys Thomas (2019). Community garden comes to life at school. [Digital Image]. Queensland. https://www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au/latest-news/community-garden-comes-to-life-at-school Squares (2005). Old Town Square, PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. [Digital Image]. City of Prague. https://www.pps.org/article/internationalsquares Studio Gang Architects (2016). Cultivate Schools into Innovation Campuses. City of Philadelphia. https://civiccommons.us/app/uploads/2018/01/Civic-Commons-Reimagining-Our-Cities-Public-Assets.pdf Sustainable Calgary (2019). REIMAGINE CATWALKS. [Digital Image]. City of Calgary. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5ab716b9ee1759b04ca2703e/t/5d66ddc5343150000189a4e1/1567022554651/PLAYBOOK+Bleed+Version.pdf The Bliss Project (2012). Parliament Hill Yoga. [Digital Image]. City of Ottawa. https://theblissprojectblog.wordpress.com/2012/07/04/parliament-hill-yoga/ Tony Webster (2017). City embarks on fresh effort to revitalize Ottawa’s Sparks Street. [Digital Image]. City of Ottawa. https://obj.ca/article/city-embarks-fresh-effort-revitalize-ottawas-sparks-street Visual Advantage. (n.d.). 170 Water Street North Unit 110, Cambridge, ON N1R 3B6. VISUAL ADVANTAGE - PORTFOLIO. {Digital Image} City of Cambridge, https://tours.visualadvantage.ca/520ad0a0/ Westside Tile And Stone (n.d). Commercial flooring and tiles [Digital Image]. Beverly Hills. https://www.westsidetile.com/commercial-tiles/

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