A future subdivision at the historic Forbes Estate property in Hespeler is seeking approvals to allow for 114 units to be built at the site.
The owners of the property, Fusion Homes and Polocorp, have applied for a minor variance to shrink the required size of a common amenity area to below the minimum required under its current zoning.
In 2022, the Ontario Land Tribunal approved a plan of subdivision for the former estate at 155 and 171 Guelph Ave. that divided the land into 16 blocks that would be registered in two phases for a maximum of 185 units.
The original development proposal suggested a total of 210 units including a 12-storey apartment building.
A site plan included on a committee of adjustment agenda shows a site plan for the 114-unit portion consisting of seven three-storey buildings ranging in unit size from 12, 15 and 24.
In May 2024, the city came to an agreement with the owner to protect the 1912 home at the property once owned by the Forbes family, operators of the largest mill in Hespeler.
A stone tower on site, built prior to 1880 and believed to be a barn designed to house pigeons, doves and other poultry for human consumption called a dovecote, is set to be relocated in collaboration with the City of Cambridge and the developers.
Originally slated to come before the committee of adjustment on March 12, a recommendation from staff said the applicant has deferred the application to the next available hearing for further revisions.
