The city will pay more than $3.2 million to annex three parcels of land along its border with the Township of North Dumfries to accommodate development plans, some of which are already in place.
The two councils will meet at the end of the month to discuss the annexation on the city's west and south boundaries with the hope of initiating a boundary adjustment agreement.
The three areas are the Blair and Esther Lands, a sliver of property adjacent to George Street, the "West Lands" in the new and growing Westwood Village neighbourhood, and the South Lands, which will accommodate the McQueen Shaver Boulevard extension beyond Branchton Road.
The Region of Waterloo is set to begin construction of the south boundary road extension next year, which will eventually take it to a roundabout planned for Dundas Street South.
It's expected new homes will be approved at some point along the north side of extension between Franklin Boulevard and Branchton Road.
The agreement will see the City of Cambridge pay the township $200 for every new residential unit being built in the South Lands parcel for a period of seven years after the annexation is complete and after the McQueen Shaver extension is complete.
All three areas being annexed by the city are so far lacking any development, but the West Lands, off Newman Drive will see the expansion of the Westwood Village Phase II development.
The city will pay a one-time fee of $3.2 million for that land.
Part of the land being annexed by the city near George Street North form portions of backyards of seven homes on Blair Road and Esther Avenue. The city wants to clean up the municipal boundary there by bringing those properties entirely within city limits flanking the George Street road allowance to the intersection of Blair Road.
The expansions will enlarge Wards 5, 6 and 7 respectively while Wards 3 and 4 will shrink commensurately.
Following the annexation taking effect, property taxes in the annexed areas that have been levied but remain uncollected will be deemed on and after the effective date to be taxes, charges and rates payable to the city and may be collected by the city.
Taxes will be levied by the city for any property within the annexed regions at an adjusted rate as part of a phase-in period and will be fully taxed the city's tax rate the following taxation year.
The city's official plan will apply in the annexed areas going forward.
