Placemaking pilot project a priority for the City of Cambridge

A new, visually appealing urban area could be coming to the downtown Galt core in the near future.

An investment of $150,000 from the Core Areas Transformation Fund for a placemaking study and eventual pilot project is in the works.

Placemaking is an approach to planning, designing and managing public spaces by utilizing community assets. These spaces are meant to promote physical health, mental well-being and a sense of community.

Ward 5 councillor Sheri Roberts is leading the Placemaking Working Group that features city staff and volunteers that will help with the project.

“The whole idea is to create spaces in the downtown core with a focus on a place to live, work and play where people want to spend time,” Roberts said.

“I love our community so much. We have such a beautiful downtown and an opportunity to make something special out of something that might be normal or neglected. We can focus positive attention and get people down there.”

Roberts points to the recent urban alleyways project done by the Downtown Cambridge BIA as an example of placemaking. The Galtway arch and wall art that connects the alley between Main and Water streets makes the space more inviting to residents and visitors.

Roberts is the only member of council currently on the committee and the city staff have also been selected, but volunteers are still needed to round out the group.

The recruitment process is underway for up to eight members of the public. Volunteers will work as part of the group and with an external consultant to complete the study to identify areas that are appropriate for development.

Volunteers will begin an eight month commitment in April, culminating in the completion of the project in the fall of 2023.

All recommendations made by the group will be presented to city council for input and final approval.

While Roberts has some ideas for a potential project, she remains tight lipped until the working group can get together and share their ideas with each other.

As the committee works through the study and development aspects of the pilot, Roberts wants to bring a strong focus to accessibility and making sure the needs of the community are being met.

“We need to be cognizant of the inclusion piece,” she said.

“We want to make sure we're consulting with people about heritage, those with disabilities and people who need accessibility.”

Residents who are interested in joining the Placemaking Working Group can visit cambridge.ca.

Applications will remain open until March 24 at 4:30 p.m.